Julia Rater Runs for Centre County Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Julia Rater

Court: Centre County Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat and Republican

The following has been edited lightly for length and style. 

The Legal: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Julia Rater: I attended St. Vincent College, graduating with highest honors in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and minor in psychology. I attended the Dickinson School of Law, graduating in 1995 with the Order of Barristers Award. I worked with Meyer Darragh law firm (Altoona) from 1995 to 2001. From 2001 to 2010, I worked with Miller, Kistler, Campbell in Bellefonte and State College (Centre County) where I became a partner. From 2010 to the present, I have worked with McQuaide Blasko in State College, where I am a shareholder.

Over the course of my 27 years as a practicing attorney, I have represented clients in general civil litigation (motor vehicle accidents, premise liability, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, contract actions, debt collections, real property disputes, mortgage foreclosure, partition of real property, and quiet title actions), landlord-tenant, and real estate proceedings. During the last 20 years, my practice has heavily focused on family law (custody, divorce, equitable distribution, support, protection from abuse, and child dependency proceedings). Through my work as a family law attorney, I have handled cases involving criminal matters such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, drug and alcohol related offenses, corruption of minors, theft, assault, and intimidation of witnesses.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

Rater: One major thing about my career experience that most qualifies me to be judge is that I have worked in a broad array of practice areas in Centre County for over two decades. I have firsthand experience in the types of cases that our judges see on a regular basis, having been in the courtroom almost weekly during my entire 27-year career. Because of this, I know our county caseload, I know how the court currently works, and I know the challenges and needs of those who come before the court. I am ready to hit the ground running on day one.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

Rater: Centre County voters should pick me as their judge because I understand that a person’s time in court is one of the most significant (and sometimes frightening) times of their life. I will treat everyone with dignity and respect while listening carefully to their testimony and rendering an unbiased decision consistent with the law. Applying my level-headed nature, I will give thoughtful consideration to every case that comes before me. Not only do I have an understanding of the law, but I have a profound understanding of the human aspect of the cases that will come before me. This understanding comes from my legal work, and also from my deep involvement in our community by my service on many charitable boards and by volunteering for many civic causes. As I have demonstrated in my personal life, I will treat all who come before me as a judge with equality and fairness. I believe in equity for all.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system? 

Rater: I have extensive training and experience as a mediator and collaborative law practitioner. By these processes, parties can resolve their disputes on mutually agreeable terms, thereby avoiding court and saving the financial and emotional expense of litigation. I will bring my skills as a mediator and collaborator to the court in hope that we can move cases to resolution more quickly, freeing the courtroom for the cases that need to be decided by a judge. I will use pretrial conferences to encourage resolution and to efficiently plan for the cases I will decide. After hearing a matter, I will be decisive in my decision making, as I believe that no one should have to wait long for decisions, especially those that affect their freedom, finances and families.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

Rater: I will ensure the equal administration of justice for all by treating everyone respectfully and fairly, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual preference, wealth or disability. This is evident through my charitable work for people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. It is evident through my work to create a local program whereby individuals can obtain legal representation for low or no cost. It is evident through the cases I have handled representing same-sex partners and ensuring that children have healthy relationships with both parents. It is evident in the free legal services that I have provided to people in need of a helping hand and a good heart.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

Rater: Website: Juliaforjudge.com Facebook: @juliaforjudgepa