News

Chief Justice Cappy to Join Law Firm after Leaving Court

December 04, 2007

PITTSBURGH, December 5, 2007 - Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ralph J. Cappy announced today that he will join the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in the firm's Pittsburgh office next year after he leaves the Supreme Court. “I have reached an agreement in principle with the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, the details of which will be worked out after I leave judicial service,” Chief Justice Cappy said. “For now, we have a handshake, and I am looking forward to being a part of this very fine law firm.” Cappy, who is 64, announced in September that he would retire from the Supreme Court at the end of 2007 to cut down on a heavy work schedule which he has maintained for years, to spend more time with his family and to pursue private interests. His official retirement date is Jan. 6. Justice Ronald D. Castille will succeed him as chief justice. Chief Justice Cappy said he avoided formal discussions or negotiations with all prospective employers after he announced his retirement. He said he reached an agreement in principle with Buchanan only last weekend after Justice Castille assumed administrative responsibility for the Supreme Court on December 1. He said his title at the law firm, the date he will begin working there and other details will be determined after he leaves the bench.