Candidate: Deborah Ryan

Court: Chester County Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat and Republican

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal Intelligencer: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Deborah Ryan: I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1998. I served as a prosecutor at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office from 1998-2002 and the Chester County District Attorney's Office from 2006-2016. I was appointed to serve as the deputy district attorney in charge of the Child Abuse Unit from 2013-2016 and supervised our Children's Advocacy Center.

I worked at the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County from 2017-2019 as the county coordinator for the Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative responsible for the implementation of the first comprehensive child sexual abuse prevention program.

In 2019, I was elected to serve as the district attorney of Chester County. I am the first woman and Democrat to hold that position in the county. As the lead law enforcement officer I am responsible for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of crime. I manage a $12-plus million budget and an office of approximately 100 employees. I oversee the investigations and prosecutions of 7,000-plus criminal and juvenile cases annually and work with over 50 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

Ryan: I have handled thousands of cases in a courtroom during my career including homicides, sexual assaults, child abuse, and domestic violence. I have tried more than 450 bench and jury trials and understand the rules of court. It is vital to have courtroom experience in order to be an effective judge.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

Ryan: I have dedicated my entire career to public service. My maternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors who came to this country with nothing, but because of the generosity of others they were able to find shelter, jobs, and a community. They never took that help for granted and always instilled in me the importance of serving others.

I chose to become a prosecutor to serve as an advocate for justice. I have helped thousands of victims who have suffered life-altering tragedies because I wanted to make a difference in my community.

As district attorney I am fully committed to the mission of keeping our communities safe and pursuing justice fairly. I have implemented criminal justice reforms that have helped reduce crime by over 10%. Working with the Office of the Attorney General we began the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) to provide free treatment to those who suffer from substance use disorders. We created the Chester County Law Enforcement Task Force on Race & Justice to help improve relationships between law enforcement and communities of color. We expanded our Youth Aid Panels to provide second chances to juveniles so they are diverted out of the juvenile justice system.

We have increased our efforts to target child predators by expanding our Child Abuse Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In addition, we have dismantled major drug trafficking organizations and taken dozens of guns off the streets.

I have lived in Chester County for over 20 years and raised my family here. I care deeply about my community and want to continue my service as a judge. If elected, I will be dedicated to the integrity of the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the due process of law.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system?

Ryan: I will clearly communicate expectations to all parties to ensure efficiency. Meeting with attorneys for pretrial conferences will also help to expedite matters. I will be prompt, respectful, and hardworking.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

Ryan: I have spent my entire legal career advocating for justice for all people equally. I have also seen the ravages of our drug epidemic, trauma, and other issues concerning mental health. By expanding our treatment courts and implementing LETI we have been able to provide more help to those who suffer from substance use disorders and mental health concerns.

I also serve on our Criminal Justice Advisory Board Trauma-Informed Committee where we work to ensure trauma-informed best practices in the criminal justice system. Through our Race & Justice Task Force we have delivered workshops to hundreds of adults and students on issues concerning systemic racism to improve relationships between law enforcement and communities of color.

I know how important it is to evaluate each case and each person individually, and to consider all aspects. I also understand how critical it is to provide treatment to those who need help. I will bring compassion and integrity to each case.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

Ryan: www.debryan4judge.com