Candidates for Philadelphia Judge

David Conroy

Campaign Cycle: 2017

Office: Common Pleas Court

Details

First Name: David
Last Name: Conroy
Status: Defeated
Campaign Cycle: 2017
Office: Common Pleas Court
Sitting Judge: No
Party: Democrat
Phone: 215-644-7170
Email Address: conroyforjudge@gmail.com
Website: ---
Ballot Position (CP): 31
Ballot Position (MC): 0
Button #: 36

Endorsements

Bar Association Rating: Recommended
Party/Wards: Democratic City Committee, 5th Ward, 8th Ward
Unions: Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Philadelphia Building Trades, AFSCME DC 33, AFSCME DC 47, AFSCME District 1199C, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Firefighters Local 22, IBEW Local 98, Steamfitters Local 420, Operating Engineers Local 542, Painters DC 21, Philadelph
Progressive Groups: Americans for Democratic Action (ADA)
Clergy: ---
Public Officials: ---
News Papers: ---

Questionnaire

What has been the general nature of your practice?: Criminal Law and Personal Injury
Why do you consider yourself qualified to be judge?: The qualities that I possess which I believe make me uniquely qualified for the position of judge in the Court of Common Pleas is first and foremost my twenty plus years as a member of the PA Bar and the diversified experiences I have had. I began my legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the City of Philadelphia in 1995 where I prosecuted 100s of misdemeanor trials and felony matters, which many were tried by jury. After five years at the District Attorney's office, I worked at a civil defense firm, a small personal injury law firm and eventually to a small general litigation firm where I rose to a level of a named partner. In 2015, I left the firm and I am now a solo-practitioner. I believe that these experiences in a variety of settings and areas of the law have led to me becoming not only a well rounded practitioner but more importantly sensitive to the needs of a wide, diversified client base. Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not mention my background and life experiences and how they have ultimately shaped me as a an attorney but more importantly as a person. The product of a working class family from South Philadelphia, I was blessed to have two wonderful parents who afforded me and my siblings opportunities that they themselves never had and a value system that has stayed with me to this day, the foundation of which is to treat all as equals and most importantly with respect.
What is it about our criminal justice system that inspires you?: I would say what has inspired me most about the criminal justice system is the vast number of young men and women that I have come in contact with and have had the privilege of representing who have taken advantage of the so-called "second chance" that the criminal justice system has afforded them and allowed them to turn their lives around to the point of being productive, law abiding citizens.
What about our current criminal justice system do you believe needs to be reformed?: While I would not go so far as to say "reform" as I would say "tinkering". I think our current system needs continued development and improvement in the area of affording offenders, whether they be juveniles, first time or low level drug offenders diversionary programs that would afford them the opportunity to turn their lives around.
As a judge, what would your sentencing philosophy be?: My sentence philosophy would be one that includes considering to a variety of degrees as follows: 1. the safety of the community, 2. the rehabilitative needs of the individual defendant and 3. the deterrent effect on the community at large. I say to a varying degree only to emphasize the individualized nature of the sentences.
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night thinking about a case and wishing you had handled something differently? If so, please describe one situation.: Always my own worst critic, I have often woken up in the middle of the night thinking of an argument that could have been made or an additional case cited that may have swayed the court in my favor on behalf of my client. I think ultimately it is what has kept me on "my game" as it were in terms of effectively representing my clients.
Who are your role models and why?: I need to go no further then my home for my role models. My father, Joseph was a bus mechanic for SEPTA for 43 years and my mother, Dorothy was a thirty year employee of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Both made tremendous sacrifices to send me and my two old brothers and sister to parochial school and instill in us all the values that remain with me to this day; namely, to treat others as they would treat you. I would neither be nor have little of my life if not for my parents and the love and guidance they have provided and continue to provide to me throughout my life.
What is your favorite book, movie, or tv show of all time and why did it speak to you so much?: "A. Lincoln: A Biography" by Ronald C. White Jr.

Other than Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln is the most written about person in the history of the world. That in and of itself speaks volumes of the impact that he has had on history. Abraham Lincoln came from humble beginnings and ultimately changed the course of the world during turbulent times. His dedication, fierce loyalty and courage enabled him to abolish slavery and preserve the United States of America.
Name a song that you were obsessed with as a teenager.: "We Are the Champions" by Queen
What is you favorite number?: 1 (Daughter's birthday)