Maura Palumbi

Maura Palumbi doesn’t have to wait until the general election to start work as a judge in Butler County Court of Common Pleas.

The assistant public defender, who is running for the court seat in November, has been appointed to the role by Gov. Josh Shapiro as of Monday, July 3. She is filling the unexpired term of Judge William Shaffer, which was left vacant following his retirement in January 2022, and will expire in 2024. Shaffer now serves as a senior judge.

Palumbi received both the Republican and Democratic nominations in the primary election, and her name will appear on the ballot in the general election in November for the new judicial term to begin January 2024.

“I look forward to continuing my career in public service and providing access to the judicial system to all litigants,” Palumbi said, “and doing so in a dignified and respectful manner for all parties involved.”

Following a state Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Palumbi received a unanimous vote in favor of the nomination. Subsequently, the state Senate also unanimously approved the nomination.

Prior to Palumbi’s appointment, the vacancy was temporarily filled by two senior judges appointed by the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts.

Palumbi was hired as an assistant public defender in 2016. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and her law degree from Duquesne University. After law school, she served as a law clerk for Common Pleas Judge Kelley Streib, who, at the time, was presiding over the court's family division.

Palumbi then owned and operated her own law practice as a general practitioner with a focus on family law.

Outside of the courtroom, Palumbi serves on the Lighthouse Foundation board of directors and recently served on the Butler YMCA board of managers.

She and her husband, Bobby, a local attorney, have two daughters.

State Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47th, who supported the nomination, gave introductory remarks to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Palumbi’s behalf.

“Maura has actively contributed to making Butler County a better place both inside and outside the courtroom through her service on several nonprofit boards and her work as an assistant public defender,” Vogel said. “Attorney Palumbi undoubtedly brings to the bench a wealth of knowledge and experience that will make her an incredible asset to the court.”

Palumbi also received support from state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, whose legislative district also comprises parts of Butler County.