Attorney Leslie Uncapher Zellers announces bid in race for district judge

Leslie Uncapher Zellers, a longtime lawyer in the Alle-Kiski Valley, is running for district judge.

“It is time for change in this office,” she said. “It’s time for the justice we need now. It is important for magisterial district judges to have a solid foundation in all areas of the law.”

The judge for Magisterial District 10-1-04 covers Allegheny Township, East Vandergrift, Vandergrift, Hyde Park, Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell, Oklahoma Borough and West Leechburg.

Magisterial district judges earn about $106,250 a year.

Uncapher Zellers has been an attorney for 30 years and practiced law with the Vandergrift firm of Uncapher, Uncapher and Fox for the past 23 years.

She is running against incumbent District Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec, 70, of Lower Burrell.

Before going into private practice, Uncapher Zellers, 56, of Allegheny Township served as a prosecutor for the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office. She also has worked as a judicial law clerk in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County.

In addition to a private law practice, Uncapher Zellers serves as a court-appointed attorney representing the interests of children.

The children she serves are involved in the child-welfare system, orphans court and juvenile matters, she said.

A graduate of Bucknell University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Uncapher Zellers said her legal career has provided her with the experience and judicial temperament to serve the community.

“I understand the pressures and challenges our community is facing in today’s society; the impact of drugs and crime is overwhelming,” she said. “It is important that every citizen be confident that they will be treated fairly and impartially no matter what brings them before the court, and the office of the magisterial district judge is often the first contact individuals have with the judicial system.”

Uncapher Zellers’ community service includes serving as secretary for the Officer Brian Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund, and she is co-founder of the Fallen Officers Food Drive in Lower Burrell.

“I have been so fortunate to have been a part of community organizations and efforts that support law enforcement, military veterans and children in our area,” she said. “I believe in the importance of being involved in the community where you live and serve.”