About William R.
William R. Pelger earned his Juris Doctor at Cleveland State University in 1984. He completed his legal education during a period of practical change in Ohio law schools and entered the profession at a time when courtroom experience often shaped a lawyer’s early career. His academic credentials laid the groundwork for work that would span public service and private practice.
Early in his career Pelger served as an Allegheny County public defender in 1991. That role put him in front of judges and juries and involved the day-to-day demands of criminal defense work in a busy county system. The public defender position is one of the more exacting posts for a young lawyer. It exposed him to trial practice, client counseling, and the pressures of a court calendar.
Over the years Pelger has combined courtroom work with community involvement. Since 2011 he has held the post of president of the Homestead Lions Club. That long-term civic role reflects an interest in local affairs beyond the office. It also points to steady ties to the Homestead area and to civic networks in Allegheny County.
Pelger is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and is authorized to appear before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Those credentials mean he handles matters at both the state and federal appellate levels. He leads Pelger Law, a practice that reflects his years of courtroom experience and his familiarity with Western Pennsylvania’s legal landscape.
Colleagues and clients describe Pelger as direct in court and thorough in preparation. He has balanced trial work with client representation across a range of matters suited to his admitted jurisdictions. His career path — from a public defender’s office to running a private practice and serving in local civic roles — shows a sustained connection to the communities where he works.
He maintains a private practice at Pelger Law, handling matters in Pennsylvania and appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
