Justice Max Baer spent his career in the Pennsylvania Court System advocating for the most vulnerable population of our community, particularly the children and youth of Allegheny County and all of Pennsylvania, where he was proud to call home.
During his time as Judge on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Justice Baer was well known for his efforts to overhaul the Family Division of the court including creating a program which required parents to attend parenting classes while involved in custody cases. His efforts to streamline Pennsylvania's adoption process through improved screening and oversight of caseworkers received national recognition.
While overseeing a particular case involving a young man who was accused of stealing a neighbor's bicycle, the young man explained to the court that he took the bike everyday to get to work, but returned the bike when he got home every night. This case and story of this young man in the Child Youth & Family system made an instant impact on then Judge Baer as he realized with all of the power of the court system there was no mechanism to help this young man get the bike he needed to support himself.
Because of this and other stories like it, Justice Baer helped found the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund. Started in 2000, the fund has sponsored concerts in Allegheny County parks and collected donations to support thousands of young men and women in Allegheny County. The fund has been used to send children to camps, pay for music lessons, mental health services, allowed kids to attend college tours, and countless other life-changing benefits thanks to the vision and tireless efforts of Justice Baer and the many County employees and volunteers who have made it possible.
The Justice Max Baer Memorial Fund will continue to support his efforts and let his legacy live on for many years to come with your support!
The annual Justice Max Baer Memorial Fund Golf Outing will be held on Friday, September 5th 2025 at Lindenwood Golf Club in Canonsburg PA. The proceeds from the outing make it possible for the Justice Max Baer Memorial Fund to support the causes that were important to Justice Baer like the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund. Our goal is to provide resources to children in the PA court system that enrich their lives. Click below to find out how you can support the golf outing by participating in it or sponsoring it.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.