Paul Titus Comments on the Selection of New U.S. Attorneys for Pennsylvania

Paul Titus, counsel in the Firm’s Pittsburgh office, was quoted in an article titled “State’s New U.S. Attorneys Selection Process Starting,” published on July 13 in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. More than 40 candidates for the position of U.S. Attorney in each of the three Pennsylvania districts were interviewed July 17 at the Harrisburg Hilton. The interviews were conducted by a panel of 16 people chosen by the state’s two U.S. Senators. Following the interviews, the panel gave their recommendations to Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter. Senators Casey and Specter will work with the White House to select the nominees and the appointment will ultimately be made by President Barack Obama. Mr. Titus, who has served on state committees to name both federal prosecutors and judges, said typical questions for U.S. attorney applicants deal with qualifications, legal ability and attitudes toward public service. While having some prosecutorial experience is valuable, Mr. Titus explained, he doesn’t believe that career prosecutors necessarily have a leg up. “I think some prosecutorial experience is helpful. A good candidate is also someone who has gone into private practice.”