Jejna appointed to Scottsdale City Court (07/29/01)

Jejna appointed to Scottsdale City Court

PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Scottsdale City Council on April 16 approved the nomination of attorney Orest A. Jejna to fill a judicial vacancy on the City Court. The swearing in ceremony took place on April 30 before the full City Council.

Judge Jejna, a former native of Rochester, N.Y., began his legal career upon graduating from Seattle University in 1979. After spending two years clerking in a private firm in Rochester, Judge Jejna and his wife, Lynne, moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he continued his practice.

Eventually Judge Jejna went on to practice criminal law as a deputy public defender for Maricopa County in the early 1980s. In 1985 Judge Jejna continued in private practice until his appointment in April.

Judge Jejna was recognized for his efforts, along with fellow attorneys Andrew Fylypovych (Philadelphia) and Julian Kulas (Chicago), to assist Myroslav Medvid in his quest for freedom in New Orleans, La., in 1985. Judge Jejna also became involved in the successful efforts to abrogate an agreement between the American Bar Association and the Association of Soviet Lawyers.

Judge Jejna became a member of the Ukrainian American Bar Association in 1985. He served as a member of the board of governors, vice-president and president of the organization.

As a result of the political changes in Ukraine, in 1993 Judge Jejna established a joint venture for the first American-style pizza restaurant in Lviv. The restaurant exists to this day, serving pizza and pasta with a Ukrainian twist.

Along with his judicial duties, Judge Jejna continues his passion for the game of soccer. As a former player and nationally licensed (USSF) coach, he trains and coaches youth soccer players for the Sereno Soccer Club. As assistant coach of the under-14 age group, on which his son Michael plays forward, the team has won the state championship for the past three years and has competed on the national level at the Region IV United States Youth Soccer Association championships. Judge Jejna also coaches his younger son, Matthew, whose team won the nationally recognized La Jolla Nomads Tournament in San Diego.

In March 2000 Judge Jejna created the Soccer Recycling Foundation (www.soccerrecycling.com) to recycle new or used soccer items for underprivileged youth soccer players. The program has been a tremendous success and has outfitted hundreds of players in Ukraine. The foundation continues its recycling efforts with the support of the Ukrainian community throughout the United States.

Judge Jejna has been appointed to the bench for a two-year term subject to renewal by the City Council. The Scottsdale City Court is of limited jurisdiction and handles primarily criminal matters.

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