Nina Martinelli, Esq.

Nina believes all people are entitled to basic human rights and the protections provided by the Constitution. That is why, upon graduation, Nina focused her career on criminal defense. As the firm’s Senior Trial Counsel, Nina's tried and tested courtroom skill, vast legal knowledge, and results-driven approach make her a fierce advocate in defense of her clients. She further serves as an invaluable source of insight and counsel for our team on all firm matters that ultimately make their way to trial. 

After law school, Nina joined the Allegheny County Public Defender's Office as an Assistant Public Defender. There, Nina gained experience in all areas of criminal law including juvenile delinquency matters. In 2020, Nina left the Public Defender's Office and joined a private Pittsburgh law firm as an Associate. Nina is experienced in handling matters ranging from traffic tickets to homicides in both bench and jury trials. When criminal charges arise, Nina also advocates for clients in collateral matters including PFA's and CYF abuse indication appeals. Nina has provided criminal defense to clients all across Western Pennsylvania including Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Mercer, Erie, Somerset and Cambria counties.

Nina was born and raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville. Nina earned degrees in Political Science and Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice at Duquesne University. A proud Duquesne alum, Nina enrolled in Duquesne University School of Law after earning her Bachelor's Degrees. During her studies in law school, Nina received a CALI award in Appellate Practice and Procedure taught by former Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Maureen Lally-Green, clerked for Family Court Judge Kim D. Eaton, and interned with Nicola Henry-Taylor, Esq., now Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor, at her law practice, handling both state and federal criminal matters. Nina also traveled abroad to Ireland for a summer semester studying the European Union, International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution and Human Rights Law.

When she’s not in the courtroom, Nina likes to unwind by baking, spending time with her beloved pup, Bella, traveling, and assistant teaching Trial Advocacy for University Pittsburgh School of Law students with Judge Beth A. Lazzara, Criminal Division, during the fall semesters. 

Criminal Defense, State and Federal

Juvenile Defense

PFA Defense

Duquesne University School Of Law - Pittsburgh, PA

Juris Doctor  |  Concentration in Criminal Justice

Duquesne University - Pittsburgh, PA

B.A. Political Science

B.A. Sociology

United States District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts

Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas

Pennsylvania Superior Court

Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court

Pennsylvania Supreme Court