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Proclamation thanking Mr. Stephen P. Swem, Esquire for his more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office.
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WHEREAS, after having graduated in 1968 from The George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Stephen P. Swem pursued his law degree from the Duquesne University School of Law; after graduating in 1972 with his Juris Doctorate, he was subsequently licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on October 2, 1972; and
WHEREAS, while pursuing his law degree, Steve spent his summers working for the Public Defender’s Office; on January 17, 1973, he joined the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender as an Assistant Public Defender/Trial Defender where he has worked ever since; and
WHEREAS, Steve is known among his colleagues and members of the Court of Common Pleas as an advocate whose success is based upon his wit and charm, just as much as his legal acumen; he is fluent in three different languages due to his love of history and culture; and
WHEREAS, Steve’s understanding of human nature and amusing storytelling capabilities both inspired and entertained hundreds of college students at the Community College of Allegheny County and Point Park University where he has taught for decades as part of the Humanities and Human Sciences faculty; and
WHEREAS, during his 44-year career at the Office of the Public Defender, he has successfully represented thousands of indigent clients with zeal, compassion and humor; even as his eye sight deteriorated over the years, Steve refused to let his condition force him to leave the courtroom, office and clients that he loved so much;
WHEREAS, Stephen P. Swem has announced his retirement effective May 10, 2017; throughout his career with the Public Defender’s Office, he has embodied the mission of providing competent and effective legal counsel and has done so with his entire being. His dedication to this office is unparalleled and his commitment to his craft and career has earned both the esteem and the respect of his co-workers, fellow employees and the residents of Allegheny County.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the Council of Allegheny County, do hereby congratulate Stephen P. Swem on the occasion of his upcoming retirement and his 44 years of dedicated service to the Public Defender’s Office and its clients. We wish him all the best as he enjoys the fruits of his labors as he begins retirement.