The Honorable Ann M. Butchart
March 2022 Justinian Member of the Month

The Honorable Ann M. Butchart was elected to a ten-year term as a Trial Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia in 2005 and was retained for a second term in 2015. She has presided in Family Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court. She is a Board member of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers/Judges Concerned for Judges, PA.

Judge Butchart graduated from Rosemont College and completed her law studies at Temple University, Beasley School of Law in 1993. Following law school, she completed a Certificate in Employee Benefits through the Graduate Tax Program of Beasley School of Law.

Judge Defino-Nastasi began her legal career working as an Assistant Defender for The Defender's Association of Philadelphia. She then joined her family's law firm in South Philadelphia working alongside her brothers, Michael and Vincent Defino. Judge Defino- Nastasi has presided in the Criminal Trial Division for over twenty years.

Judge Butchart maintained a general law practice in Philadelphia before her election to the bench and was actively involved in community organizations. Off the bench, she enjoys cooking, biking, gardening, rowing and spending time in Cape May.

Una Piccola Conversazione

1. How long have you been a member of the Justinian Society?

Since 2006

2. Why did you join the Justinian Society, and what do you hope to gain from membership?

A wise friend told me the food was always great, the atmosphere cordial, and the programs excellent. She was right!

3. What do you love or enjoy most about your job?

The opportunity to participate in and facilitate the resolution of conflict.

4. How would you define success?

Engaging in whatever you do to the fullest of your ability.

5. Who or what inspires you?

My mother, who was accepted to the University of Michigan Law School the same day she learned she was pregnant with her sixth child. BTW, I am the first attorney in my family.

6. If you could choose anyone in history as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement. She was so fierce in her commitment to social justice and a visionary in how to lead a life that mirrored her values. And she was so human!

7. Name one valuable lesson you've learned in your life and that you would advise other members to follow?

Know who you are, your limitations and strengths, and remember that. But I also have to mention: keep your sense of humor.

8. What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Growing up, I had no organized sports experience. To make up for that, I took up rowing in my 50s and continue to enjoy sculling on the Schuylkill a few days each week.

9. What's the last book you read?

W.E.B. Griffin's By Order of the President, so now I'm hooked on another of his series!

10. What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia, i.e., sports team, restaurant, museum, history, music etc.?

There are so many things – the Schuylkill River, Penn Treaty Park, Michael Solomonov... but hands down, probably the Reading Terminal Market. I've been shopping there forever, and love the combination of favorite places, like Old City Coffee and Bassett's Ice Cream, with new vendors.