Chad James Vilushis
McCormick & Vilushis, LLC
- 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
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Credit Cards Accepted
Our office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
- Since 1999
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- Languages
- English:
Spoken, Written
- Professional Experience
- Partner
- McCormick and Vilushis, LLC
-
2017 –
Current
- – 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
- Conflict Counsel
- Federal Public Defender’s Office
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2009 –
Current
- Appointed to serve as Conflict Counsel for the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Associate
- The Travis Law Firm
-
2005 –
2017
- Practiced Personal Injury and Criminal Defense (focusing on DUI Defense)
- Adjunct Professor
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
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2005 –
2005
- Taught Intro to Criminal Justice for Spring Semester 2005
- Deputy District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney
- Erie County District Attorney’s Office
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1999 –
2005
- – 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
- Law Clerk
- Honorable Judge Ernest J. DiSantis, Jr.
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1998 –
1999
- Education
- Stetson University College of Law
- J.D. (1997)
-
1994
–
1997 -
- Allegheny College
- B.A. (1994) | Political Science
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1990
–
1994 -
- Awards
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Criminal Defense
- The National Trial Lawyers
- 2015
- Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers
- 2012
- Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers
- 2011
- Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers
- 2008
- Professional Associations
- Erie County’s Civil Arbitration Panel
- Member
- Current
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- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Current
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Pennsylvania Bar Association
 # 80117
- Member
- Current
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- Erie County Bar Association
- Chair for Criminal Law Practice Committee
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2016 –
Current -
- Protection From Abuse Coordinated Services Advisory Board
- Member
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2010 –
Current - Activities: Advises on how their mission of helping individuals seek Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders can be best accomplished.
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Florida State Bar
 # 151173
- Member
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1998 –
Current -
- Erie County VOCA Funding Committee
- Member
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2004 –
2015 - Activities: Previously Erie County Victim Assistance Policy Board – Recommends and votes on how state and federal dollars should be distributed to various local victim service agencies.
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- Websites & Blogs
- Website
- McCormick & Vilushis Website
- Contact & Address
- Rate This Lawyer