Stephanie Lauderbaugh
Hermitage,PA
Summary
Results-driven attorney skilled in trial preparation and case management. Known for effective evidence presentation and negotiation skills, with a history of advocating for clients in major cases.
The trial I am most pleased with as a defense attorney is Commonwealth v. Billy Phillips.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
First Assistant Public Defender
Public Defender's Office Mercer County
Mercer, PA
06.2026 - Current
- Advise and mentor assistant Public Defenders on trial preparation, trial strategy, and case management
- Supervise assistant Public Defenders
- Supervise office administration
- Participated in jury trials to present evidence and arguments on behalf of clients.
- Conduct legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Draft correspondence and filed documents with the court as required.
- Communicate with clients to provide updates on case status and gather information.
- Explain court proceedings and discuss potential outcomes with clients.
- Develop defense strategies and file motions in court proceedings.
- Negotiate plea agreements with the Commonwealth
Assistant Public Defender
Public Defender's Office Mercer County
Mercer, PA
01.2022 - 06.2026
- Participated in jury trials to advocate to a jury the client's position
- Participated in non-jury trials to present cases before a judge.
- Conducted jury selection to identify impartial jurors for trials.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and defense strategies.
- Drafted motions, briefs, and other legal documents for court proceedings.
- Collaborated with clients to gather information and discuss case details.
- Attended court hearings to represent clients.
- Reviewed evidence and case files to identify relevant legal issues.
- Reviewed discovery to ensure client's rights were not violated and if so filing the appropriate motions, attend the suppression hearing, cross examine the police officers, argue the client's position to the court.
- Negotiated plea agreements with prosecutors on behalf of defendants.
- Conducted legal research and drafted motions, briefs, and memoranda of law.
- Evaluated potential witnesses prior to trial.
- Provided advice to clients on their rights and options for resolving their cases.
- Advocated for clients in court proceedings by making oral arguments before judges.
Attorney
Self
Hermitage, PA
06.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed the law office as a solo attorney
- Represented clients in court hearings and negotiations for favorable outcomes.
- Researched case law and legal precedents to support client cases effectively.
- Managed client communications to ensure clarity on legal processes and updates.
- Drafted and reviewed pleadings, motions, briefs and other legal documents for court filings.
- Represented clients at trial proceedings before judges or juries.
- Advised clients on their legal rights, obligations and liabilities under applicable laws.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts, agreements, and legal documents for accuracy.
- Represented court appointed clients in criminal cases.
- Advocated for clients during court hearings
- Billed clients and managed accounting of the office
Assistant District Attorney
Mercer County District Attorney's Office
Mercer, PA
06.2014 - 05.2020
- The last 4 years I primarily prosecuted child sex assault and domestic violence cases
- Represented the Commonwealth in jury trials and advocated the Commonwealth's position to jurors
- Managed and advised police officers
- Directed police officers and detectives on obtaining material evidence and witness statements
- Evaluated allegations and advised police on whether criminal charges should be filed
- Negotiated plea agreements on behalf of the commonwealth
- Communicated case updates, potential outcomes, and trial evaluation to victims
- Argued and presented evidence for the Commonwealth in hearings
- Prioritized case management
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies on case investigations.
- Drafted and filed motions and briefs for cases
- Conducted legal research of material issues involved in cases
Education
J.D. - Law
University of Akron School of Law
Akron, OH01-2013
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA05-2007
Skills
- Legal research
- Case management
- Trial preparation
- Evidence presentation
- Document drafting
- Client relations
Timeline
First Assistant Public Defender
Public Defender's Office Mercer County
06.2026 - Current
Assistant Public Defender
Public Defender's Office Mercer County
01.2022 - 06.2026
Attorney
Self
06.2020 - 01.2022
Assistant District Attorney
Mercer County District Attorney's Office
06.2014 - 05.2020
J.D. - Law
University of Akron School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Clarion University of Pennsylvania