General Election: Judge John Padova Runs for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Judge John Padova Jr.

Court: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat

Philadelphia Bar Association rating: Highly recommended

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal Intelligencer: How would you describe your judicial philosophy?

Judge John Padova: The law must be applied impartially, equally and in a respectful manner to all, no matter where a person comes from, what a person looks like or what beliefs an individual holds. When an individual leaves my courtroom, it is my goal that they feel they were sufficiently heard in a prepared and conscientious manner no matter what the outcome.

The Legal: What makes you the best candidate for the role?

Padova: I was born, raised and educated in Philadelphia. I have worked as a dishwasher, busboy, landscaper, painter and bartender up through law school. I practiced law and litigated cases for over 30 years. I have represented individuals, children, the disabled and the indigent in all stations in life. I represented those who were discriminated upon, laborers, the elderly and corporations. I have experienced the problems that the parties and their attorneys encounter in all aspects of litigation including the expense and risk in litigating cases.

I received the “highly recommended” rating, the highest rating, from the Judicial Evaluation Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association. I have been endorsed by many labor unions, public officials and numerous other groups.

As a judge I have strived to be fair, impartial, prepared and respectful to all parities and their attorneys. My experience as an All American Athlete, coach, mentor of young men and women provides me with ability to relate to all types of personalities in resolving problems as a jurist.

The Legal: What is the greatest threat to the practice of law or problem the profession faces?

Padova: Artificial intelligencer technology has the potential to perform legal tasks such as document review, drafting of briefs, contracts and legal research which could diminish jobs or demand for attorneys. Ethical concerns arise with the implementation of AI such as protecting client confidentiality, securing AI from hacking and assuring the accuracy of the AI technology used.

The Legal: What does your party membership say about you and your legal outlook?

Padova: I believe that Judges must be fair and impartial irrespective of their political party affiliation and apply the law equally. The courthouse belongs to all people alike no matter their party membership, race, gender, or beliefs they espouse.

The Legal: Do you think courts in Pennsylvania have a perception problem when it comes to appearing partisan or polarized? If so, what would you do to combat this?

Padova: There appears to be a perception problem since judges have to campaign as a member of a political party in order to be elected. There should be more outreach and education programs between the judiciary and the community addressing the safeguards and training judges go through to effectuate impartiality.

The Legal: Several CLEs and bench-bar panels have recently addressed the growing phenomenon of distrust in the courts. In your view, how has distrust in the judiciary created challenges for the bench, and how should judges respond?

Padova: In many instances cases, evidence and Judges’ decisions are not accurately and impartially reported by the media. A judge does not have the opportunity to respond. The bar associations should provide a voice for the judiciary. There should be educational outreach programs with judges and the community.

The Legal: What factors matter in deciding when recusal is necessary, and would you recuse yourself if a campaign contributor were involved in litigation as a party or attorney before you?

Padova: Personal bias, conflicts of interest including those arising from contributions which would reasonably effect a judge’s opinion or the outcome of a case require recusal. The appearance of impropriety must be avoided. Disclosure of potential conflicts to the parties is necessary. Referring to the Judicial Code of Ethics is necessary regarding these issues.

The Legal: Who are your role models and mentors?

Padova: My father, Judge John R. Padova Sr., and my mother, Ann Marie Padova, who recently passed, who instilled in us family values, a strong work ethic and treating others the way you want to be treated.