Chris G. Copetas, Of Counsel, 1933-2015

Chris G. Copetas joined the law firm of Martin E. Lazzaro & Associates after serving for more than a quarter of a century as Chief Trial Deputy and First Assistant District Attorney of Allegheny County. As First Assistant District Attorney of Allegheny County, he supervised a staff of 86 attorneys, the Investigative Branch and about 100 support personnel. Chris was also a partner in the firm of Kachulis, Copetas, Adams and Hillen, where he was a trial attorney in civil and criminal matters.

Mr. Copetas earned his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, the first-ever given by the Law School. He was the past President of the Law Alumni Association, and was a frequent lecturer and guest speaker.

Mr. Copetas was honorably discharged as a major from the United States Air Force. He was also an Air Force Instructor, and served for more than a decade as a reservist. During his time with the Air Force, Mr. Copetas was a member of the All Star football team, a judo finalist, a Security and Police Specialist and an unarmed self-defense instructor. Mr. Copetas' memberships also included the Western PA Air Force Reserve Association, the American Legion, and the American Hellenic Educational Association. Mr. Copetas was fluent in Greek, and was a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. He was well-recognized in the community, and served as a Treasurer of the High Technology Crime Investigation Association. Mr. Copetas also served as Vice Chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority for nine years, during which time the city of Pittsburgh was named the U.S.'s most livable city.

Chris served the firm of Ciao, Torisky and O'Connor, LLC in an Of Counsel capacity and shared his vast experience for the benefit of the firm and its clients.

Chris generously gave of his time and talents and he shaped the careers of countless attorneys in the Western Pennsylvania region during his years in the Allegheny County District Attorney's office. Chris was an enormous influence on the members of this firm and he will always be dearly missed and fondly remembered for his wisdom, wit, heart, and skill.