NEXT SPEAKER — Jeanine Pirro, famed judge, district attorney and legal analyst, will appear at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 when the Herald-Star Speaker Series resumes. Tickets go on sale Tuesday. -- Contributed

NEXT SPEAKER — Jeanine Pirro, famed judge, district attorney and legal analyst, will appear at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 when the Herald-Star Speaker Series resumes. Tickets go on sale Tuesday. — Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Jeanine Pirro has made a career of fighting for others.

Through her work as a lawyer, a judge, a district attorney, an author, legal analyst and host of her own television show, she has stood to ensure the justice system works fairly.

Pirro will share her message with residents of the Tri-State Area when the Herald-Star Speaker Series continues at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Steubenville High School auditorium.

“We are thrilled that Pirro will be a part of our series,” said Ross Gallabrese, executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. “She’s a top legal expert and author who will be able to share her thoughts about the state of the legal system. Her commitment to helping and protecting others, especially those who might have been ignored by society, has never wavered.”

While many people will recognize Pirro as the host of “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” which airs at 9 p.m. Saturdays on the Fox News Channel, she has a had a long career in the legal system, one that has included many firsts.

In 1975, she became an assistant district attorney in Westchester County, N.Y., and became the first female to prosecute a murder case there. She had a 100 percent conviction rate while prosecuting murder, rape, domestic violence and other violent felonies. Recognized for her work as an advocate for victims of domestic violence, she established one of the first domestic violence units in the nation.

In 1990, she became the first female elected judge on the Westchester County Court bench, and in 1993 became the first female elected district attorney in Westchester County, a county of approximately 1 million people. She was re-elected to the post in 1997 and 2001, when she become the first female president of the New York State District Attorney Association.

While serving as district attorney, she worked to help the vulnerable, creating specialized units to investigate and prosecute crimes involving hate and bias, elder abuse, environmental crime, youth and gang violence, sex crimes, animal abuse, child abuse and pedophiles on the Internet. An Internet sting operation that she directed netted a 100 percent conviction rate and served as a model for other local, state and federal initiatives.

Pirro was appointed by three governors to investigate and draft legislation for crime victims. She chaired the New York State Commission on Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

In 2006, the Republican Party chose her as its candidate for New York attorney general.

She has received numerous awards during her career and was named one of the world’s 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine.

A nationally recognized legal expert, Pirro has appeared on numerous television programs. She received an Emmy for her work on her syndicated show “Judge Pirro.” Since joining Fox News Channel in 2006, Pirro has covered numerous stories. On her Saturday night show, Pirro offers insights into the news of the week, current high-profile cases and trends in the world of crime and justice.

She is the author of four books, including “To Punish and Protect: One DA’s Fight Against a System that Coddles Criminals” and “He Killed Them All: Robert Durst and My Quest for Justice,” the story of her tireless, 15-year investigation into the role Durst had in the disappearance of his wife, Kathleen, and the deaths of two other people. Durst was the subject of the HBO documentary series “The Jinx.” She also has written two novels, “Sly Fox” and “Clever Fox.”

Pirro’s appearance will be the seventh in the series, which began on Nov. 12, 2012.

Reserved seat tickets cost $20 each and will be available beginning Tuesday at the Herald-Star office, 401 Herald Square, Steubenville, or by phone at (740) 283-4711 during regular business hours.

All tickets will cost $25 if purchased at the door the night of the presentation.

Copies of Pirro’s nonfiction books are available for purchase at the Herald-Star. “He Killed Them All” can be purchased for $25, while “To Punish and Protect” can be purchased for $15. Attendees who have books will have the opportunity to have them signed after the presentation.­

“Jeanine Pirro is a perfect fit for our series,” Gallabrese explained. “Each presentation has been in keeping with the simple goal we set in 2012 — and that was to bring top-tier speakers to town at a very affordable cost. We’re positive her presentation will be thought-provoking and entertaining.”

Past speakers in the series have included Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin; Antonio and Jonna Mendez; Capt. Richard Phillips; retired Lt. Col. Mark Tillman; Rebekah Gregory; and Mark Geist (see sidebar for details.)

A limited number of VIP ticket packages for Pirro’s presentation are available at a cost of $150 per couple or $100 for a single ticket. The package includes a private reception with Pirro that will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the YWCA, 320 N. Fourth St.; hors d’oeuvres and beverages; the opportunity to meet Pirro and have a photograph taken with her; the choice for each ticket holder to receive his or her copy of “He Killed Them All” or “To Punish and Protect;” a pass for reserved parking at Tri-State Financial Services Inc.; and preferred seating for the presentation.

Contact Cindy Kotsch at the Herald-Star at (740) 283-4711 for details.

“We’re grateful that we’re able to hold the VIP reception at the YWCA,” Gallabrese said. “It’s a great facility and within easy walking distance of the high school. We can’t thank the board at the YWCA and Executive Director Sophie Spencer enough for their cooperation in making this event happen.”

Local high school and college students will have the opportunity to get a free ticket to the presentation, thanks to the support of Eastern Gateway Community College. Officials from area schools can contact Diana Brown at the Herald-Star for information.

Sponsoring the event along with the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times are Franciscan University of Steubenville; Trinity Health System; Cattrell Cos. Inc., Eastern Gateway Community College; the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; and WTRF-TV. Special support is being provided by Best Western Plus University Inn, Piergallini Catering, Steubenville City Schools, Hertz-Thrifty Car Rental, Tri-State Financial Services Inc., Legal Hair and Day Spa and the YWCA of Steubenville.