Ms. Payne received a B.S. Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976 and J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 1981. She was in private practice for 25 years before joining the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County where she served as the Pro Se Coordinator from 2001 to 2008. She is currently a Support Hearing Officer for the Adult Section.

Ms. Payne is an active member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and has served on the Family Law Council, Guidelines Committee, Mentoring Committee, Professionalism Committee, Social Committee, Bench-Bar Committee, Nominating Committee; and is past Chair of the Public Service Committee; a Fellow of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation and past Co-President and Secretary of the Women’s Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania.

Ms. Payne has also served on the Board of Directors of Lydia’s Place; is past President of Ridgewood Manor, CSA, and current President of the Village of Courtside Lake II, HOA; non-profit corporations. She has prepared and presented various CLE programs on Pro Se Motions, Divorce, Support, Custody, Ethics and Professionalism. She is also the recipient of the PBA 2009 Civil Legal Aid Attorney of the year.