Chad James Vilushis
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Chad James Vilushis
Biography
Attorney Vilushis knows that a run-in with the law is often one of the worst days anyone could experience. That’s why he brings great understanding to his clients facing DUI or other criminal charges.
Vilushis cites his time as a law clerk with the Honorable Ernest J. DiSantis Jr. as a catalyst for his passion for law. He worked tirelessly as both an Assistant District Attorney and a First Deputy District Attorney, and is no stranger to the courtroom having personally tried over 60 jury trials.
Attorney Vilushis was honored as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers organization, a group of attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications as civil plaintiff or criminal defense trial lawyers. Vilushis is currently a civil arbitrator and was an adjunct professor during the 2005 academic year at Edinboro University.
He graduated from Allegheny College and Stetson College of Law, where he received his juris doctorate. He is admitted to practice in all Pennsylvania courts, federally in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the state of Florida, and the District of Columbia. He is a member of the Erie County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations as well as the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Fees
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted - Our office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Languages
Professional Experience
Law Clerk Honorable Judge Ernest J. DiSantis, Jr.
Year: 1998 - 1999
Description:
Deputy District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney Erie County District Attorney's Office
Year: 1999 - 2005
Description: - As Deputy, had management responsibilities including hiring, firing of staff and assignment of cases - Served approximately two (2) years as the designated Domestic Violence Prosecutor - Handled various appellate work including a Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Pennsylvania's original "Megan's Law" (Commonwealth of PA v. Donald Williams), as well as oral arguments before the Superior Court and Federal Habeas Petitions - First Chair on two (2) successful murder prosecutions
Adjunct Professor Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Year: 2005 - 2005
Description: Taught Intro to Criminal Justice for Spring Semester 2005
Associate The Travis Law Firm
Year: 2005 - 2017
Description: Practiced Personal Injury and Criminal Defense (focusing on DUI Defense)
Conflict Counsel Federal Public Defender's Office
Year: 2009 - Current
Description: Appointed to serve as Conflict Counsel for the Federal Public Defender's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Partner McCormick and Vilushis, LLC
Year: 2017 - Current
Description: - Practiced in all aspects of Adult/Juvenile Criminal Defense in twelve (12) counties of PA - Appointed by the Court to serve as Conflict Counsel for the Federal Public Defender's office for the Western District of PA (2009 to present) - Member of Erie County's Civil Arbitration Panel
Professional Associations
Pennsylvania Bar Association  # 80117 Member (Current)
Erie County's Civil Arbitration Panel Member (Current)
Erie County VOCA Funding Committee Member (2004 - 2015)
Florida State Bar  # 151173 Member (1998 - Current)
Protection From Abuse Coordinated Services Advisory Board Member (2010 - Current)
Erie County Bar Association Chair for Criminal Law Practice Committee (2016 - Current)
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Current)
Awards
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Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Criminal Defense
The National Trial Lawyers 2015.0
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Rising Stars
Super Lawyers 2011.0
-
Rising Stars
Super Lawyers 2008.0
-
Rising Stars
Super Lawyers 2012.0
Education
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Stetson University College of Law J.D. (1997)
Year: 1994 - 1997
-
Allegheny College B.A. (1994) | Political Science
Year: 1990 - 1994
Websites
http://www.mccormickandvilushis.com/
McCormick & Vilushis Website
McCormick & Vilushis, LLC
1514 Liberty Street, Erie, PA 16502
(814) 455-5150