Chad James Vilushis

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.

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District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

Since 1999

Florida

Since 1998

Pennsylvania

Since 1997

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

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

2005 - 2005

Taught Intro to Criminal Justice for Spring Semester 2005

Deputy District Attorney/Assistant District Attorney

Erie County District Attorney's Office

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.

1998 - 1999

Stetson University College of Law

J.D. (1997)

1994 - 1997

Allegheny College

B.A. (1994) | Political Science

1990 - 1994

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

Erie County's Civil Arbitration Panel

Member

Current

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Current

Pennsylvania Bar Association  # 80117

Member

Current

Erie County Bar Association

Chair for Criminal Law Practice Committee

2016 - Current

Protection From Abuse Coordinated Services Advisory Board

Member

2010 - Current

Activities: Advises on how their mission of helping individuals seek Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders can be best accomplished.