Candidate: Judge John Padova

Court: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat

Philadelphia Bar Association rating: Highly Recommended

Ballot position: 16

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.

Judge John Padova: After graduating from Temple Law School in 1988, I started practicing with a general litigation firm, Padova & Hinman as an associate attorney. The firm evolved to Padova & Lisi when Nicholas Lisi formed a partnership with John R. Padova Sr., where I worked as an associate attorney handling general litigation. In 1992, after Padova Sr. was appointed to serve as a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, I became partner with Lisi. Subsequently, Padova & Lisi became Padova, Lisi & Della Guardia. Joseph Della Guardia relocated to Florida, and the firm continued as Padova & Lisi up until the passing of Lisi in 2009. A new entity, The Padova Firm, was established with me being the president of the firm. The firm's focus was general civil litigation, primarily in personal injury, workers' compensation and, to a lesser degree, discrimination cases and commercial litigation.

I have litigated motor vehicle crashes, construction/premises injury cases and medical malpractice cases. I have litigated worker's compensation cases, Social Security disability cases and insurance bad faith matters. I have also served as an arbitrator for personal injury matters and uninsured and underinsured matters in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. On Dec. 18, 2019, I was appointed by Gov. Thomas Wolf and approved by the Senate to fill a vacancy as a judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. On Jan. 20, 2020, I was sworn in and assigned to the criminal trial division in Philadelphia County. In January of 2022 my judicial term ended and I resumed the practice of law where I was of counsel at the firm of Messa & Associates. I was appointed again by Wolf as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas and sworn in at the end of July 2022 where I am presently serving.

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

Padova: Since my appointment to the Court of Common Pleas, I have proven himself as a fair jurist on the Court of Common Pleas. In numerous cases, I have demonstrated my commitment to promoting diversionary programs for nonviolent criminals with underlying issues such as drug addiction and mental health, so that they can get the treatment they need and are not just relegated to prison. I've supported re-entry programs for individuals to give them the ability to find jobs, housing and education opportunities. As a trial attorney for over 30 years, I know the nuances and difficulties in litigating cases along with the risks and expenses.

I am the oldest of six children born to U.S. District Judge John R. Padova, Sr. of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Ann M. Padova, a retired nurse. I am married to Lua Thi Kim who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1987 and is a licensed esthetician. From an early age, my parents instilled a strong sense of responsibility and growing up in a large family has helped me prepare for a future in the courtroom. I am equally inspired by my father's legal and judicial career and my mother's commitment to caring for others while raising a family of six and see my upbringing as a natural precursor to running for judicial office.

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

Padova: My trial experience as an attorney over a 30-year period and recent Judicial endeavors enable me to understand the problems of everyday people, laborers and attorneys. I recognize that the law in the courthouse belongs to all people alike. It is my philosophy to administer the law fairly and mannerly to all parties. When parties leave the courthouse, it is my goal that they feel they were sufficiently heard in a respectful manner. My philosophy is to offer the willingness to listen, the desire to understand and to give respect and consideration to everyone who comes before me.

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

Padova: I have proven myself capable of doing so already on the bench and I will continue to do so.

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

Padova: Everyone in Philadelphia, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender identity, ethnicity or sex, deserves equal access and dignity in the courtroom. Anyone who participates in the justice system should be given respect and treated fairly. If I am given the honor of continuing to serve as a jurist, I will continue to practice this philosophy. When appropriate, I would make defendants and victims active participants in the justice system and ensure that all parties see me as a fair arbiter of the law and the system as fair as a whole. I've learned the importance of our system's demonstrating legitimacy and fairness in order to ensure the public's trust. In my courtroom, I would do everything in my control to ensure that those who come before me believe in the fairness and impartiality of the process.

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

Padova: padovaforjudge.org