Moon School Director Named Allegheny Co. Chief Public Defender

MOON TOWNSHIP, PA - Moon Area School District board member Matthew Dugan has been named Allegheny County's new chief public defender. Dugan had been serving as acting director since last May.

“We’re proud of the work that has been done in the Public Defender’s Office under this administration to ensure that our residents have effective and vigorous representation,”
said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Under Matt’s leadership, the improvements to the office will continue to be transformational for the clients that are served, with an increased focus on connecting clients with services and resources that they need to take better control of their lives.”

Dugan began his career with the Public Defender’s Office in February 2007 as a trial attorney. In 2013, he was promoted to the position of trial manager and became deputy of the pre-trial division in March 2016. Beginning in September 2018, he assumed the role of Chief Deputy Director. A graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law, Dugan earned his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.

He is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh.