[VT – Philadelphia] May, 2025 –IRINA EHRLICH [8] is running for a seat as Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. With nearly 25 years of legal experience—including 13 years as a prosecutor and 12 years as a criminal defense and immigration attorney—she is a prominent candidate in the 2025 Democratic primary.
Background and Education
Irina Ehrlich immigrated to the United States in 1994 as a political refugee, settling in Philadelphia. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2000.
Professional Career
Irina served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office for 13 years, focusing on complex criminal cases including attempted murder, drug trafficking, illegal firearms, and public corruption. She was promoted to the investigative division and appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, carrying out important prosecutorial duties at both state and federal levels.
In 2013, Irina established her own private law practice specializing in criminal defense, immigration law, and guardianship cases. She has represented clients in state and federal courts with over 50 jury trials under her belt and often serves as court-appointed counsel for indigent defendants. She also handles family law matters such as child abuse, custody disputes, and Protection From Abuse (PFA) cases.
Fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, Irina is committed to providing fair and equitable legal services to immigrant and multicultural communities. Her extensive experience and strong dedication to judicial fairness make her an advocate for justice and respect within the legal system.
Policy Positions
Irina believes judges must apply the law impartially, respect every individual, and ensure due process. She pledges to bring “experience, integrity, common sense, and empathy” to the bench. As an immigrant herself, she emphasizes her understanding of diverse community backgrounds and the importance of judicial equality.
Party Affiliation and Endorsements
Irina is a member of the Democratic Party and has earned key endorsements from:
- Philadelphia Democratic Party
- Working Families Party
- Philadelphia Bar Association (Recommended)
In an interview with VT, judicial candidate Irina Ehrlich shared her vision rooted in nearly 25 years of legal experience. Having served as a prosecutor for 13 years and as a defense and immigration attorney for 12 years, Ehrlich emphasized the importance of bringing balance, fairness, and respect to the bench. As an immigrant herself—arriving in the U.S. in 1994 from the former Soviet Union as a political refugee—she spoke passionately about protecting due process and treating everyone with dignity. She pledged to serve with experience, integrity, common sense, and compassion, and urged voters to support her on May 20th.
Ballot Information
Irina Ehrlich [20] will appear on the Democratic primary ballot on May 20, 2025. If voting by machine, her ballot number is 20.
