As the 2019 field of judicial candidates begins to take shape, the Pennsylvania Bar Association's judicial evaluation commission has issued its first round of ratings for potential Superior Court contenders.

The five hopefuls who have been announced so far include a former state legislator, a former county councilwoman, and two Common Pleas judges, one of whom is the brother of former Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery. Only one of the candidates was rated as “highly recommended,” and three received “recommended.” One of the candidates a “not recommended” rating.

The five are vying for two open seats on the court.

Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Daniel McCaffery was the only candidate to be rated as “highly recommended.” McCaffery is a well-known figure in Philadelphia, having served on the bench for the past five years. Before being elected as judge, he was also a candidate in the 2011 Pennsylvania attorney general race, and in 2009, he was the second-highest vote-getter in the race to become Philadelphia's district attorney.

McCaffery served in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office before spending 16 years in private practice.

McCaffery is also the brother of former Justice Seamus McCaffery, who stepped down from the high court in 2014 amid several ethics investigations, including for circulating pornographic emails.

In explaining its “highly recommended” rating, the PBA said McCaffery is an “experienced jurist known for his high degree of professionalism and good temperament.”

“Because of his broad experience as a practicing attorney, proven record of judicial leadership, high ethical standards and dedication to the legal profession, the commission is confident that the candidate would serve with distinction[,]” the PBA said.

Former state Rep. Catherine “ Kate” Harper, who had represented portions of Montgomery County for 18 years until losing her seat in the 2018 election, is also running for a spot on the statewide appellate court.

Harper received a “recommended” rating by the PBA's judicial commission. While in the General Assembly, she was chair of the local government committee and sat on the House Judicial Committee. She also drafted legislation to raise the mandatory judicial retirement age to 75.

Harper has been a Timoney Knox attorney for more than 20 years, focusing on municipal law.

In rating Harper as “recommended” the commission noted that she has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, and has a reputation for “being well prepared, even tempered, industrious and compassionate[.]”

Megan Lee King was also rated as “ recommended.” King, who in 2015 became the deputy district attorney in the child abuse center in Chester County, has spent most of her career as a prosecutor, although she also spent a stint from 1999 to 2001 clerking for Chief Justice Thomas Saylor.

The commission said King is described by attorneys and judges as “intelligent, articulate, fair, well-prepared and diligent.”

Cumberland County Judge Christylee Peck is also hoping to fill a spot on the Superior Court. Peck has worked on both the civil and criminal side of the law, having served as a state prosecutor focusing on sex crimes and child abuse from 2005 through 2011, when she was elected to the Cumberland County bench.

“She is recognized as a hard worker, articulate and accomplished, as well as thoughtful, approachable and fair[,]” the commission said.

The only candidate to receive a “ not recommended” rating is Amanda Green-Hawkins of Allegheny County.

Green-Hawkins has been an attorney for the United Steel Workers since 2002, and previously clerked for New Jersey Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson. According to her bio on the Women's Law Project board of trustees website, she also previously served as a council member on the Allegheny County Council.

The PBA's judicial commission said Green-Hawkins has been successful in state and federal court, and that she is known for having a “strong work ethic.” However, the commission said she lacked the “experience and preparation to take on the role of judge on the Pennsylvania Superior Court[.]“