Biography of Phillip P. DiLucente: A Tenacious Criminal Defense Attorney from Pittsburgh

Phillip P. DiLucente is a prominent criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, known for his work at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC.
He has nearly two decades of experience, handling cases from DUIs to first-degree murder, in both state and federal courts.
DiLucente has received multiple awards, including being selected to Super Lawyers from 2013 to 2025 and voted Pittsburgh’s Best Attorney in 2019.

Background and Career

Early Life and Education
Phillip P. DiLucente earned his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, and his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2001, he also practices in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. His early career included serving as Special Counsel to the Allegheny County Controller, giving him a strong foundation in public service and legal advocacy.

Professional Achievements
DiLucente’s career is marked by numerous accolades. He has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2013 to 2025, a recognition given to the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. He was also named a Rising Star in 2008 and 2010, and is a member of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. In 2019, he was voted Pittsburgh’s Best Attorney by the Pittsburgh City Paper, reflecting his strong local reputation.

Practice Areas and Expertise
At Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC, DiLucente focuses on criminal defense, covering DUIs, drug offenses, assaults, thefts, white-collar crimes like tax fraud and embezzlement, and federal charges. He also handles bail bond reductions, Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, pardons, and expungements. His firm, with over 90 years of combined experience, is located at 310 Grant Street, Suite 1801, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Media and Community Involvement
DiLucente has appeared as a legal analyst on local channels like PCNC and WPXI, with his cases covered by national networks such as Fox, CNN, ABC, Headline News, CBS, and NBC. He is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Allegheny County Bar Association, and National Italian American Bar Association, showcasing his commitment to the legal community.

Comprehensive Biography of Phillip P. DiLucente: A Detailed Examination

Phillip P. DiLucente stands as a towering figure in the realm of criminal defense law, particularly within Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he has built a reputation as a relentless advocate for justice. As a partner at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC, his career spans nearly two decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to defending clients facing a spectrum of legal challenges, from minor misdemeanors to high-stakes felonies. This biography delves into his educational background, professional achievements, practice areas, and community involvement, offering a holistic view of his contributions to the legal field.

Educational Foundation and Early Career

Phillip P. DiLucente’s journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, where he developed a keen interest in law and justice. He furthered his education at Duquesne University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor and setting the stage for a distinguished legal career. Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2001, DiLucente also holds admissions to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, enabling him to practice in both state and federal jurisdictions.

Before establishing his private practice, DiLucente served as Special Counsel to the Allegheny County Controller. This role provided him with invaluable experience in public service, honing his skills in legal advocacy and preparing him for the complexities of criminal defense work. His early career laid a solid foundation for his later success, blending public service with a deep understanding of legal systems.

Professional Achievements and Recognitions

DiLucente’s career is punctuated by numerous accolades that highlight his excellence in the legal field. He has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2013 to 2025, a prestigious recognition awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania based on peer nominations and independent research. This consistent acknowledgment underscores his standing among his peers and his commitment to high-quality legal representation.

Early in his career, DiLucente was named a Rising Star in 2008 and 2010, a testament to his potential and early achievements. His inclusion in America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 further cements his reputation as a trial lawyer of exceptional skill. In 2019, he was voted Pittsburgh’s Best Attorney by the Pittsburgh City Paper, a reflection of his strong local reputation and client satisfaction. These honors collectively illustrate DiLucente’s dedication to justice and his ability to deliver results for his clients.

Practice Areas and Legal Expertise

At Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC, DiLucente’s practice is comprehensive, covering a wide array of criminal defense matters. His expertise spans:

Criminal Defense: Including DUIs, drug offenses, assaults, thefts, and more, with a particular focus on both misdemeanors and felonies.
White-Collar Crimes: Handling complex cases such as tax fraud and embezzlement, often involving intricate financial and legal details.
Federal and State Charges: Representing clients in both state courts and federal jurisdictions, working with agencies like the FBI, IRS, and Homeland Security.
Specialized Services: Securing bail bond reductions, managing Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, and assisting with pardons and expungements to help clients move forward after legal challenges.

DiLucente’s trial experience is extensive, with a track record of representing clients in jury trials for serious offenses, including first-degree murder. His willingness to take cases to trial, when necessary, demonstrates his commitment to fighting for his clients’ rights, ensuring they receive fair treatment under the law. The firm itself boasts over 90 years of combined experience, reinforcing its capability to handle diverse legal matters.

Client-Centric Approach and Advocacy

One of DiLucente’s defining characteristics is his client-centric approach. He understands that facing criminal charges can be an emotionally taxing experience, and he works tirelessly to ensure his clients feel heard and supported. His hands-on approach involves direct communication, advocating on behalf of his clients, and leveraging his extensive experience to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Whether negotiating plea deals or fighting for acquittals in court, DiLucente’s dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes is evident in every case he handles.

Media Presence and Public Influence

DiLucente’s work extends beyond the courtroom, with a significant media presence that highlights his expertise and the impact of his cases. He has appeared as a legal analyst on local channels like PCNC and WPXI, providing insights into legal matters and offering commentary on high-profile cases. His cases have also garnered national attention, with coverage on networks such as Fox, CNN, ABC, Headline News, CBS, and NBC. This media exposure not only underscores the significance of the cases he handles but also positions him as a trusted voice in the legal community, enhancing his influence and reach.

Community and Professional Involvement

DiLucente is deeply committed to the legal profession and his community, actively participating in several professional organizations. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Allegheny County Bar Association, The National Bar Association, and the National Italian American Bar Association. His involvement in these groups reflects his dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal practice and contributing to the broader legal community, fostering collaboration and growth within the profession.

Detailed Breakdown of Practice Areas and Recognitions

To provide a clearer picture of DiLucente’s practice, the following table outlines his key practice areas and their distribution, based on available data:

Practice Area	Percentage
Criminal Defense	20%
Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI	30%
Criminal Defense: White Collar	30%
Food and Drugs	10%
Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff	10%

Additionally, his recognitions are detailed below, showcasing his standing in the legal community:

Award/Recognition	Years
Super Lawyers	2013 – 2025
Rising Stars	2008, 2010
America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers	Ongoing
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100	Ongoing
Pittsburgh’s Best Attorney	2019

This table highlights the breadth of his practice and the consistency of his professional accolades, reinforcing his reputation as a leading attorney in Pittsburgh.

Legacy and Impact

Phillip P. DiLucente’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. From his early days as a young attorney to his current role as a leading criminal defense lawyer, he has consistently demonstrated integrity, skill, and compassion. His clients trust him not only for his legal expertise but also for his ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system with empathy and determination. As he continues to advocate for those in need, DiLucente remains a beacon of hope for individuals facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives, leaving a lasting legacy in the legal community.