Meet Judge Quita Bridges

Before joining the Office of Attorney General in 2014, Quita worked 16 years for the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as Deputy District Attorney.  In this role, she supervised approximately 18 Assistant District Attorneys in trial preparation, evaluating plea offers, and ensuring high quality case presentation.  She also supervised the operation of the  Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program and she managed Miscellaneous Motions Court - all while maintaining her own homicide trial calendar.  Quita’s prosecutorial experience spans a broad range of offenses, including child abuse cases, firearms violations, drug crimes and domestic violence cases.

Her passion for legal education and mentorship extends to her role as a moderator for a course in Jury Selection where she shared insights on best practices and fair trial strategies.   Additionally, Simquita served as faculty for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute CLE courses, providing instruction on DUI litigation and suppression motions.

Beyond her legal career, Quita is engaged in community service.  She serves as a Board Member and Secretary for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and previously held a board position with the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania. Quita was the recipient of the Onyx Woman Leadership Award, the New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence Award and the Allegheny County’s Top Public Servant Award.

Quita is married with two adult children and she resides in Sewickley, PA.

Judge Quita R. Bridges currently serves on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. She is a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years of experience in criminal prosecution, legal supervision, and public service prior to taking the bench.  As the Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG), Quita played a pivotal role in overseeing attorneys in the day to day operation of the criminal prosecution section in Western Pennsylvania.  She was responsible for  leading high-stakes prosecutions involving homicide, sexual assault, child abuse and public corruption cases.  Her expertise extends to managing complex investigations and making critical charging determinations.  She recently completed 10 years of service with the OAG.

A graduate of Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Simquita earned her Juris Doctor in 1996.  She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Central Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Austin Peay State University. She began her legal career as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Cynthia A. Baldwin, where she honed her research and writing skills by drafting judicial opinions and orders and analyzing complex family law issues.

Throughout her career, Quita has been an active member of the legal community.  She has contributed as a past member of the Criminal Rules Committee for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and she holds membership in the Allegheny County Bar Association, where she previously served on the Judiciary, Membership and Nomination Committees. 

Michael, Ashley, Quita, and Reggie Bridges

  • Upon earning her Juris Doctorate from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University, Quita’s career-long commitment in public service began. Over the next 30 years, Quita served as a law clerk and continued to excel in and out of the court room. Most recently, Quita has served the Commonwealth as the Assistant Chief Deputy to the Attorney General. From litigating high-profile and complex legal cases to cases that involve the most vulnerable, Quita’s leadership is tested and proven.

  • Quita is committed to community engagement and has volunteered with the Urban League and the Boys and Girls Club. Not only is Quita committed to upholding justice in the courtroom, but also is committed to serving the community. Outside of work, Quita’s volunteer work focuses on social welfare community development, and social justice — all aligning with her vision for a fairer, more equitable justice system.

  • Quita believes that justice is not just about applying the law, — it's about ensuring fairness, dignity, and compassion for all people. She also believes that the legal system must evolve to address systemic issues and create a process that reflects the core values of equity and humanity for all.

  • In her work representing victims of child abuse, victims of sexual assault, and other vulnerable populations, Quita is dedicated to protecting civil rights and ensuring justice for those who are often marginalized. As a Judge, Quita would bring this unwavering commitment to justice and equality to the bench. She will ensure that vulnerable individuals are protected so that the legal system truly serves all.

Bridges to Justice:

Quita’s Values