Domenic Pietropaolo

 

I’m a Pittsburgh man born and bred with a love of all things black and gold, though the Penguins are closest to my heart. I’ve lived in the city my whole life and received my bachelors degree in history with a minor in Italian language at the University of Pittsburgh while competing as a division I wrestler for the university. After graduating from Pitt, I attended and completed law school at Duquesne University. I’ve been passionate about practicing in criminal defense since I was in law school and I worked as an intern for a local criminal defense attorney. I also interned in a personal injury firm all while working through law school for Duquesne. Duquesne University imparts in all of its students a desire to aid the poor and to take part in public service, and those qualities have helped to make me both the attorney and man I am today. The time I spent in school juggling academics, wrestling, and then working through law school has taught me discipline and an unbending work ethic, which I have carried with me at the start of my own firm.

After law school I began working for the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office where I honed my style and approach to advocating for my clients. I worked my way through the preliminary hearing division of the office where I handled thousands of cases, and handled hundreds of preliminary hearings. After that, I moved on into the trial division of the office where I gained rapid experience in a short time by taking part in both non-jury trials and jury trials, earning positive results for a multitude of clients charged with offenses ranging from lower level assaults, to first degree felony sexual assaults, as well as homicide. The invaluable experience I received representing clients at so many trials taught me valuable lessons in advocacy both in the courtroom and outside it. I believe I combine a fierce, yet persuasive approach to courtroom advocacy, while also maintaining excellent communication with my clients, allowing for a very “team” oriented approach to defense.

I am confident that my experience as a public defender, representing large numbers of severely disadvantaged clients, my work ethic and discipline that I gained at Pitt and Duquesne, and my talent and will to win make me a unique attorney suited to helping those facing the worst times of their lives. At Duquesne, the law school’s motto “the welfare of the people is the highest law,” is something I’ve taken to heart; I promise you, the welfare of my clients is my highest priority.