by Jonathan Weaver
A local attorney announced her candidacy for the 4th District Magisterial District Judge judgeship in Rural Valley.
Stephanie Jones McFadden is advocating for votes to become the next Magisterial District Judge in Cowanshannock Township. (submitted photo)
Stephanie Jones McFadden (known as “Taffy” to friends and family) was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar Association November 28, 1994. Jones McFadden, of NuMine, began private practice in January 1995 and currently has her law office on North McKean Street in Kittanning.
“I’ve been in practice over 23 years,” Jones McFadden said. “I really think that I can help the community. I have a lot of experience in all sort of legal roles. With the knowledge and experience that I have, I have a lot to bring to the bench in Rural Valley.”
As well as representing local residents in the courtroom, Stephanie was appointed Armstrong County’s mental health review officer last March by current Common Pleas Senior Judge (and former President Judge) Kenneth Valasek.
“I’ve worked with people all my life to help them, and helping them doesn’t always necessarily mean in the courtroom. People go to the magistrate with their life problems all the time – (Judge) Sam Goldstrohm was really good for that. He would let people come in and talk to him and he would try to help them with all types of matters they might be experiencing, and I want to help the community in that same sort of way,” Jones McFadden said.
The primary concentration in her practice has been family law, juvenile law, and criminal law. She also does wills and estate as well as deed preparation.
Jones McFadden, who believes fighting the drug epidemic is of utmost importance, is also currently the secretary of the Armstrong County Bar Association.
Stephanie received the National Leadership Award in 2006, was recognized by Stanford Who’s Who in 2009-1010, and as “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Professional Women in 2011-2012.
Her parents were the late Roy E. Jones and Harriet W. Jones, who founded the Roy E. Jones Oil Company in Kittanning.
Stephanie graduated from Kittanning Senior High School, earned collegiate degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and later her law degree from University of Dayton, Ohio School of Law months before being admitted to the bar association.
Stephanie will run on both the Republican and Democratic ballots during the May Primary.