Colleen McIntyre Osborne Seeks Seat on Philadelphia Municipal Court

Editor’s note: Colleen Osborne is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Use of her military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Candidate: Colleen McIntyre Osborne

Court: Philadelphia Municipal Court

Party: Democrat

Philadelphia Bar Association rating: Recommended

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

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

Colleen McIntyre Osborne: I plan to listen to all the facts and apply the law fairly. I will show respect and empathy for every person who walks in the courtroom.

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

Osborne: I was a prosecutor for 13 years, with a focus on crimes against women and children. I am also a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where I previously served as a defense attorney for soldiers. As someone who has been on both sides, I know that a prompt resolution is important to both a complainant and the accused. I will lead my courtroom by example, by being prepared, working hard, and always striving to resolve cases.

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

Osborne: As stewards of our profession, I think we do a great job of being experts in our field and advocating for our clients. I think where we need to work harder is fostering trust that the justice system works. I believe building trust starts with the judge in the room. Not everyone is going to be happy with the outcome, but if each side believes they were given a fair shake, trust is built.

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

Osborne: Neither my legal outlook nor my character is determined by my party membership. I am proud to be a Democrat. I am also proud to be a former prosecutor, former defense attorney, veteran, wife, mother, and Philadelphian.

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?

Osborne: As a practitioner, I have to say, none of my complaints or satisfaction with a particular judge had to do with that person’s party affiliation. I wanted a fair judge who worked, and that’s what I intend to be and do.

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?

Osborne: Judges should respond by doing their job fairly and efficiently. Philadelphians are not known for being shy—if a judge is being unfair, I am confident they will let us know.

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?

Osborne: Code of Judicial Conduct, Rule 2.11 governs. Recusal is important even if there is an appearance of impropriety, so the community has trust in the courts. Most of the contributions from individuals to my campaign came from family and friends, so yes, if any campaign contributor were involved in litigation as a party, I would recuse myself because chances are I am related to them or they are a friend of mine. There were a few attorneys from both sides that donated to my campaign. I think that is a testament to my reputation—that both sides believe I will be fair. If an attorney who donated to my campaign comes before me as an attorney, I will certainly let both sides know, and address it appropriately at the time pursuant Rule 2.11. In doing so, I will consider the public perception regarding such contributions and their effect on my ability to be fair and impartial.

The Legal: Who are your role models and mentors?

Osborne: My mother Joan McIntyre is my role model. She has unconditional love for her family, is resilient, and extremely driven. She always told me I could be anything I wanted to be. She also told me quite a few times growing up that, “life’s not fair.” Being the budding lawyer at a young age she claims I was, my mother jokes that I would reply, “Well, I am going make it fair.” If I win in November, I plan to remind her I was right!