Maura Palumbi

Assistant public defender Maura Palumbi is running for judge of Butler County Common Pleas Court.

Palumbi, an assistant public defender since 2016, will cross file to seek the Republican Party and Democratic Party nominations in the May 16 primary. She is running to replace Judge William Shaffer, who retired in January 2022 and now serves as a senior judge.

Before joining the public defender’s office, Palumbi had her own law practice and served as a law clerk for Common Pleas Judge Kelley Streib.

“I have dedicated my career to helping others during some of the most difficult times in a person’s life,” Palumbi said. “I plan to use the skills gained throughout my career in my role as a judge — to apply the law fairly, consistently and impartially, with a focus on providing well-reasoned decisions rooted in the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions and the applicable rule of law.”

Palumbi is a longtime county resident who graduated from Mars High School. Her parents, Michael and Nancy Sippey, still reside in her childhood home in Middlesex Township. Palumbi earned her undergraduate and juris doctor degrees from Duquesne University.

“From my time spent in private practice and as an assistant public defender, I understand the complexities of the court system in Butler County,” Palumbi said. “I am in the courtroom nearly every day and my broad range of legal experience provides me with the foundation to be able to effectively manage a docket of cases, so that all parties can have timely access to the court system.”

In addition to her legal practice, Palumbi also serves on the Lighthouse Foundation’s board of directors and recently served on the Butler YMCA’s board of managers

“I have spent the majority of my legal career focused in public service and have dedicated my time outside the courthouse to serving my community in other various legal capacities,” Palumbi said. “Specifically, through my involvement as a member of the Butler County Drug Treatment Court team, I have an understanding of the struggles faced by citizens of Butler County, and I have seen firsthand the important role the judicial system plays within our community. If elected, I will carry out my judicial responsibilities dutifully and will approach all litigants and attorneys with the utmost dignity and respect.”

Palumbi and her husband, Bobby, a local attorney, reside in Adams Township with their two daughters, Alice and Victoria, both of whom attend Holy Sepulcher Catholic School.