Aspinwall resident, former Allegheny County assistant district attorney, seeking District Judge position

A former Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney is calling for increased diversity in the court system and will seek to fill the vacant magistrate office in Sharpsburg.

Jen Evashavik, an Aspinwall resident for more than 20 years, said she has worked tirelessly through both her professional and personal life to promote equality.

Evashavik said residents need to know that they are understood and represented in the courtroom.

Of the 46 county Magisterial District Judges, only nine are women and even fewer represent minorities.

“I am a Filipino-American woman and am proud of my heritage,” Evashavik said. “Our community needs diversity now more than ever.”

The Sharpsburg District Justice office was most recently held by Elissa Lang, who retired last year. Senior judges have been filling the interim role on a rotating basis.

The office along Main Street hears cases that originate in the Fox Chapel Area School District communities and include small claims, traffic violations and some felonies.

Judges are elected for a six-year term.

Throughout her career, Evashavik has handled more than 50,000 cases, the majority of them in magistrate offices, she said.

She cited her extensive legal experience and compassion for others in her decision to run for office.

“The love that I have for my community is what compelled me to run,” she said. “I am fiercely dedicated to everything I do and my unique and extensive legal experience practicing in many areas of law and my dedication to community service make me the most well-rounded, qualified candidate.”

A private practice attorney, Evashavik spent more than 13 years as a county ADA – six of which were as a prosecutor in Lang’s courtroom.

“I developed good working relationships with the police officers from all six (Lower Valley) municipalities, the court staff, court advocates and many of the attorneys who frequent the court,” she said. “I also learned hands-on how this office works and can identify and work to change areas that need to be improved upon.”

Evashavik earned her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2013, she opened a private practice representing people in criminal, civil, landlord-tenant, school, juvenile and traffic issues. She dedicates a portion of her practice to representing autistic clients, often pro bono, she said.

The mother of a special needs child, Evashavik has worked with first responders to address how best to handle encounters with special needs residents.

“I understand how courts need to be cognizant of people’s differences and what they may be struggling with,” she said.

Evashavik is a familiar face in the Aspinwall community, having served on council and hosting a fundraiser each year for nonprofits that benefit special needs children. The event has brought in more than $120,000 to provide therapeutic horseback riding for special needs people.

She also serves on the board of Open Up Pittsburgh, a group that teaches mindfulness and movement to people with disabilities.

“I have won awards for my work with victims of domestic violence and individuals living with autism,” she said. “I will be your full-time, experienced committed public servant.”

She has lived in the borough more than 20 years with her husband Nick; two teenage sons, Luke and Ben; and a dog named Stan.

“I am truly your neighbor,” she said.