Elected in November, 2003, Judge John P. Dohanich came to the bench with more than 30 years of legal experience, having practiced in the areas of municipal law, business and corporate law, real estate and criminal law as well as Orphan's court matters.

A graduate of Rochester High School, West Virginia University and Duquesne University School of Law, Judge Dohanich began his legal career in 1972 as a law clerk to the late Hon. H. Beryl Klein. Following his clerkship, Judge Dohanich worked as Assistant Public Defender for a number of years and was the Solicitor for Beaver County from 1988-1990.