Judge Beemer: A Distinguished Career in Law and Public Service
From the front lines of criminal prosecution to the highest levels of state government, Judge Beemer has built a multifaceted legal career defined by public service and a commitment to justice. With extensive experience spanning the district attorney's office, private practice, and the judiciary, Beemer has navigated the complexities of both state and federal law to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.
Key Facts
- Prosecutorial Experience: Served as Deputy District Attorney in Allegheny County, supervising 18 attorneys.
- Environmental Law: Led a landmark class action suit resulting in the largest mass tort environmental settlement in northeast Pennsylvania history.
- State Leadership: Served as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the Inspector General of Pennsylvania.
- Judicial Role: Currently serves on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in the Criminal Division.
Early Legal Career and Prosecution
Judge Beemer began his career at the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, where he worked across several specialized units, including the General Trial, Narcotics, and Crimes Against Persons units. His caseload was diverse, encompassing everything from DUIs and computer crimes to grave offenses such as homicide, rape, and child abuse.
By 2005, Beemer was promoted to deputy district attorney in charge of the General Trial Unit. In this leadership role, he supervised eighteen attorneys who managed approximately ten thousand cases annually. His responsibilities expanded in 2006 when he became the supervisor of the Extradition Unit and the Summary Appeals Unit.
Beyond administrative duties, Beemer remained active in the field, prosecuting homicides and collaborating with city, state, and federal law enforcement to dismantle gang activity in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. He also dedicated significant effort to investigating cold case homicides.
Transition to Private Practice and Environmental Advocacy
In 2010, Beemer transitioned to the private sector, joining his parents' law firm as a partner and establishing a new office in Pittsburgh. While the firm traditionally focused on medical malpractice, personal injury, and environmental law, Beemer expanded its scope by introducing federal and state criminal defense work.
He became a strong advocate for victims of environmental pollution. In 2011, in collaboration with two other firms, he represented hundreds of plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against Sandvik Steel and other companies regarding toxic contamination near Scranton. This effort culminated in the largest settlement for a mass tort environmental case in the history of northeast Pennsylvania.
Leadership in Pennsylvania State Government
Beemer's expertise led to several high-profile appointments within the Pennsylvania state government. In 2011, he was appointed Chief of Staff to Attorney General Linda L. Kelly. By 2013, he transitioned to the role of senior counsel and chief of the Criminal Prosecutions Section under Attorney General Kathleen Kane.
In July 2016, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Beemer as the Inspector General of Pennsylvania—a role responsible for oversight and auditing of state agencies. Shortly thereafter, following the resignation of Kathleen Kane, Governor Wolf nominated Beemer to serve as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. He was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate with a unanimous 44–0 vote. Following the election of Josh Shapiro as Attorney General, Beemer returned to his position as Inspector General.
Judicial Service at the Court of Common Pleas
In 2019, Beemer was appointed to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He currently serves within the Criminal Division, where he presides over a specialty docket in the Sex Offender Court (SOC), specifically handling cases involving crimes against minors.
| Period/Year | Role/Position | Key Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2010 | Deputy District Attorney | Supervised 18 attorneys; managed ~10,000 cases/year |
| 2010–2011 | Law Firm Partner | Record-breaking environmental mass tort settlement |
| 2011–2013 | Chief of Staff / Senior Counsel | State-level legal administration and criminal prosecution |
| 2016–2019 | Attorney General / Inspector General | Unanimous Senate confirmation as Attorney General |
| 2019–Present | Judge, Court of Common Pleas | Specialty docket in Sex Offender Court (SOC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Judge Beemer's role in the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office?
He served as an assistant district attorney in several units and was later promoted to deputy district attorney, where he supervised 18 attorneys and managed roughly 10,000 cases per year.
What is the significance of the Sandvik Steel case?
It was a class action lawsuit involving toxic contamination near Scranton that resulted in the largest settlement of a mass tort environmental case in the history of northeast Pennsylvania.
How was Judge Beemer's appointment as Attorney General received?
His nomination by Governor Tom Wolf was met with unanimous support, receiving a 44–0 confirmation vote from the Pennsylvania Senate.
What is Judge Beemer's current judicial focus?
He serves in the Criminal Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, specifically handling the Sex Offender Court (SOC) docket for crimes against minors.
Did Judge Beemer have experience with federal law?
Yes, he worked regularly with federal law enforcement agents to prosecute gang activity and brought federal criminal defense work to his private law practice.