Hermitage lawyer James Nevant II has announced his candidacy for Mercer County Common Pleas Court judge.

Nevant, 47, of Sharon, has a diverse private practice that has included an emphasis on employment and labor issues and school law.

He is solicitor of Farrell Area School District, Mercer County Regional Council of Governments, Sharon Zoning Hearing Board and the Utility Workers of America Local 258.

"Because I take very seriously the duties and responsibilities which a judge owes to the public, legal profession and the judiciary, I have spent 20 years serving in various positions which are well suited to preparation for undertaking such a challenge," he said.

Nevant has served as an assistant district attorney and assistant and chief public defender.

"The litigation experience as well as the management experience gained as a county department head are very important elements in functioning as a judge," he said.

Nevant has been solicitor for the Mercer County Revenue Department, Mercer County 911 and, since 1998, of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. He is vice president of the Pennsylvania State Sheriffs Solicitor's Association.

Nevant is a graduate of Farrell High School, Pennsylvania State University and Widener University School of Law.

He has taught at Pennsylvania State University -- Shenango Campus, Sharon, and Thiel College, Greenville.

Nevant lives with his wife, the former Deborah Jelinek, and children Gabrielle and Carmen.

"I look forward to an active campaign and an opportunity to meet the citizens of Mercer County on a personal basis," he said.