On November 13, 2008,Hugh Fitzpatrick McGough received the highest ranking, "Highly Recommended" from the Judiciary Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association.  

The Allegheny County Bar Association's Judiciary Committee is a group of 24 lawyers independently elected by the 6,500 members of the ACBA. The Judiciary Committee is charged  with evaluating all candidates for local, appellate, and federal courts who reside in Allegheny County.

The Judiciary Committee examines candidates strictly on their merit, without reference to political affiliation or activity. The Committee also adheres to a strict policy of confidentiality; only the final decision reflecting a candidate's rating is released.

A rating of HIGHLY RECOMMENDED is defined as follows:

The candidate:

1. Exibits preeminence in the law by way of outstanding legal ability and a wide range of experience, either in a specialized field of law or a more varied practice, and has a reputation in the legal community as standing at the top of his/her profession.

2. Possesses the highest reputation for integrity and temperament.

3. Exibits outstanding citizenship by way of community and professional contributions.

4. Is an exceptional individual who will enhance or has enhanced the competence, dignity, and public perception of the bench.