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President’s Message
Reflecting on the past year, I’m filled with pride and gratitude. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable things for the Bucks County Bar Association, with so many judges and attorneys volunteering their time and doing extraordinary work.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Judge McHugh and the entire bench for their unwavering support. Your presence at Bench Bar, active participation in CLEs, and positive attitude have truly set the tone for our Association.
A special thank you to Justice Daniel McCaffery for gracing us with your presence as our plenary speaker at Bench Bar. Your willingness to join our community as the first Supreme Court Justice to have chambers in Bucks County is a testament to our growing legal landscape, and we are honored that you were our 1,000th member.
Our Executive Board and Board of Directors have been instrumental in our success. Your dedication and hard work have made a significant impact. I’d like to particularly acknowledge Jeremy Puglia, Mel Wender, Stephanie Shortall, Larry Scheetz, and Bob Repko for their invaluable support.
The Bar Foundation, led by the visionary Jeff Liebmann, has taken our Foundation to new heights. The Gala, our most successful event in 141 years, along with the golf outing, Trivia Night, and other initiatives, has solidified the Foundation’s role as the future of our Association.
All 14 of our President Club Sponsors have been incredibly generous, providing the financial support necessary to deliver exceptional events and CLEs. By pledging at least $10,000, this group has made up almost 20% of our budget — quite a difference from just two years ago, when we had only one President Club Sponsor. Their commitment allows us to thrive and grow.
The dedicated Bar Staff, led by Heather Cevasco, has tirelessly worked to ensure the smooth operation of our Association. Their efforts in supporting over 1,000 members are truly commendable.
A special shoutout to Member Services, led by Gabe Montemuro and Adam Tanker, for their instrumental role in surpassing the 1,000-member milestone. This
achievement is a testament to our collective hard work and dedication — particularly as most Bar Associations across the Commonwealth are seeing a steady decline in members.
The Writs, under the creative direction of Travis Nelson, has produced some of the most engaging and informative issues in our history. From “New Leaders in Bucks County” and “Famous Fathers” to “Magnificent Moms” and now “Three Retiring Judges,” The Writs has kept us informed and entertained.
Elaine Yandrisevits and the Bench Bar Committee deserve immense credit for organizing the best Bench Bar ever! A record 156 people were in attendance. This event was also strongly supported by our terrific sponsors. The Bench Bar has solidified its position as a cornerstone event for us. The best thing I did this year was asking Elaine Y. to be our Chair. She crushed it.
The Women Lawyers’ Division, led by Mindy Snyder, continues to inspire and empower our female members. Their engaging events, from golf lessons to insightful CLEs, have created a vibrant and supportive community. I believe the event with Constitutional Law speaker Dahlia Lithwick was one of the best CLEs we have had. Thank you Judge Bowman and Judge Liller for always supporting this division.
Pennsylvania Bar Association, led by Matt Holiday, thank you for attending our events, especially Bench Bar, and for supporting our Bar Association. The quarterly meetings that you hold across the state are important in helping our leaders do a better job.
Our Zone 9 Governor, Carol Shelly, has brought a renewed energy and vision to our region. Since beginning her three-year term in May, she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties within the PBA.
The Civil Litigation Section, led by the dynamic trio of Joe Cullen, Tom Donnelly, and Tim Duffy, consistently delivered engaging and informative CLEs. Their efforts in bringing in esteemed speakers like Judge McHugh, Judge Trauger, Judge Corr, and Judge Mellon have elevated the quality of our programming.
Hillary Moonay and Liz Fineman have transformed the Family Law Section into one of the most active and popular groups within our Association. Their ability to consistently attract large crowds, including a recordbreaking 70 attorneys at one event, is a testament to their exceptional leadership and the relevance of the topics they
Tyler Tomlinson Bucks County Bar Association President
cover. Thank you Judge McMaster, Judge Weintraub, Judge Bowman, Judge Liller, Judge Yeager, and Judge McGuffin for supporting this section and serving on panels.
Georgios Patsalosavvis and his team have done an outstanding job in fostering a strong and active Orphans’ Court Section. Their well-attended events and CLEs have provided valuable insights and networking opportunities. Judge Fritsch and Judge Gilman thank you for serving on CLE panels with this section.
Tiffany Thomas-Smith has led the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee with passion and purpose. Her efforts in recognizing Judge Waite and organizing important CLEs have contributed to a more inclusive and equitable legal community.
Grace Deon’s strong connections within the federal judiciary have enabled her and the Federal Courts Section to organize a series of successful events and CLEs. The tribute to Judge Rufe at the annual softball game was a fitting honor for a distinguished jurist.
Jen Pierce and the Young Lawyers’ Division have a bright future ahead. The dedication and enthusiasm of our young lawyers, exemplified by Abby Bukowski’s successful Mock Trial Competiton and the tasty event at LULA organized by Lisa Bothwell, is truly inspiring.
Jeff DiAmico has consistently delivered high-quality programming for the Business Law Section. His ability to attract knowledgeable speakers has kept our members informed and engaged.
Dina Brilliant, Karen Ulmer, and Jill McComsey have created a supportive and vibrant community for Solo and Small Practice attorneys. Their well-organized events and happy hours have fostered valuable connections.
Adrian Meyer’s leadership of the Lawyer Referral & Information Service Committee (LRIS) has been invaluable. His dedication to helping people throughout Bucks County access legal services and his commitment to the Bar Association make him a true role model.
Amir Stark and Shari Gelfont-Williams have spearheaded the Pro Bono Committee’s efforts to provide legal assistance to those in need. Their dedication to helping others is truly inspiring. We are fortunate to have so many skilled lawyers who are willing to volunteer their valuable time to help those who need it most.
John Hart and Brendan Flynn have successfully grown the Veterans Affairs Committee, attracting a significant number of retired military and JAG members. Their
commitment to supporting veterans is commendable. We thank all of you for your service.
Through the Mandatory CLE Committee, Rick Howard has been instrumental in ensuring that our members have access to high-quality CLE programs. His collaboration with various sections has resulted in a diverse and engaging CLE calendar.
The Bench Bar Relations Committee’s Chris Brill and Sean Gresh have fostered strong relationships between the bench and the bar. Their efforts in organizing events like the State of the Bench with President Judge McHugh have enhanced communication and collaboration. Hopefully, the Honorable Robert Baldi will join their team next month.
David Truelove’s leadership of the Legislative Committee has allowed us to effectively advocate for the interests of our members. His strong connections with elected officials have been invaluable in addressing legislative issues.
Steve Jones, Keith Bidlingmaier, and the Criminal Law Section have kept our members informed about the latest developments in criminal law. Their CLEs, featuring esteemed judges, have provided practical insights and legal updates. Judge Finley, Judge Bateman, Judge Corr, and Judge Weintraub – thank you for participating in CLEs with this section.
Joe Murphy has revitalized the Intellectual Property Section, bringing together a group of talented attorneys. While the complexities of IP law may be beyond the understanding of many, the dedication of this section’s members is undeniable.
The In-House & General Counsel Section led by Susan Dardes, has recognized the growing importance of in-house counsel and created a valuable platform for them to connect and share best practices.
Cassie Martin, Glen Neiman, and the Workers’ Compensation Section have successfully engaged Work Comp judges in the section’s activities, leading to increased attendance and participation.
I am incredibly grateful for the support of my partners at Stark & Stark, especially Michael Donahue, Stark’s managing partner, and Sarah Ryan, Stark’s marketing director. I truly appreciate your support and friendship. Now, I promise that I won’t ask you for anything else — at least for the rest of this year. Sarah Ryan, next year, I look forward to supporting you as Vice President of our Foundation.
To my partners, Joe Cullen, Nicole Durso, and Ian Abovitz, thank you for stepping up this year to give me
extra time to fulfill my duties at BCBA. Jenn Walker, my secretary, you were my unsung hero.
Jessica Pritchard and Joe Cullen — many years ago, you both got me involved in the Bar Association and then took me under your wings. Your friendship has been such a blessing. My wife, Sarah, and I are fortunate to have you in our lives. You always give the best advice. Everyone, if you want something done, just ask Jessica or Joe.
A special thank you to my wife, Sarah, and our children for their love and understanding. Their sacrifices have made this year possible.
To the Past Presidents — I am incredibly grateful for your guidance and support. Your willingness to share your wisdom and experience has been invaluable. In particular, Frank Sullivan, Dave Truelove, and Chris Brill’s unwavering support and monthly check-ins have been a source of inspiration. I aspire to follow in your footsteps and continue the legacy of excellence.
Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of our 1,000+ members. Your support and active participation in our events have made this year a resounding success. It has truly been the honor of my life to serve as your president.
A Final Thought — Doylestown’s own Margaret Mead wisely observed, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This year has been a testament to the power of collective action.
As we look to the future, I am confident that the Bucks County Bar Association will continue to thrive. Together, we can shape the future of our legal community and make a lasting impact.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you all for an incredible year.
– Tyler Tomlinson, Esquire Bucks County Bar Association President
Tyler Tomlinson is a shareholder at Stark & Stark, PC and specializes in personal injury law. Tyler is the President of the Bucks County Bar Association.
MEET THE NEW BCBA PRESIDENT
Jeremy Puglia
The Writs: Tell us about Jeremy. My dad was a Philadelphia kid who went to Lincoln High School and then served in the Navy. My mom was born in Italy. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was young. She then moved to the United States after she and my dad got married in 1980. That’s the short version of an interesting story I’ll leave for another day.
I was born at Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia in 1983. I have an older sister (1982) and a younger brother (1985). So, yes, I’m the middle child. Perhaps that explains a lot about my personality for many of you reading this. For a time, our family lived in an old farmhouse in Bristol - 1307 Newport Road, to be exact. If anyone is familiar with Bristol (I’m looking at you Judge McGuffin), we lived across the street from Georgine’s. When I was 10, our family moved “up” in the world to Warminster. I graduated from William Tennent High School in 2001, followed by Shippensburg University in 2005. I received my law degree from Regent University School of Law (Virginia Beach) in 2008.
When it comes to my family, I am truly blessed. I tell my wife, Katharina, that I could not have created a more perfect woman if I tried. She was and still is the “girl of my dreams.” Those of you who have had the opportunity to meet her understand what I’m saying here. Her smile and personality light up a room when she enters. (Sorry for embarrassing you, Babe, but the people need to know!). Katharina was born in Germany and came over here after we got married in 2010. She proudly became a U.S. Citizen in 2022. We have three inimitable children: Wesley (10), Larissa (8), and Ella (6). I really do love being a dad to these kids. They challenge me daily. I’ve said it so many times: I’ve never had higher highs, or lower
lows, than with my kids. However, as they continue to get older, I’m starting to forget all the lows and just remember the highs. Looking through some of these old photos helps…
The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney?
Actually, when I went to law school I had no intentions of becoming an attorney. I wanted to be an FBI Agent. I had heard that the best way to do that was to either be an accountant with an MBA, or to have a law degree. I chose the law. For the first two years, I still wanted to join the FBI, and even flirted with the idea of joining the Army JAG.
In my 3rd year, I actually applied to be in the Army JAG and had an interview with them. However, shortly after that interview, and before I had heard back, I had a chance meeting with Len Davis, Esq., from Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC, that changed the direction of my career. More on this below.
The Writs: What made you want to establish your practice in Bucks County?
In October 2007, I was at a Christian Legal Society (“CLS”) conference in Destin, Florida. At one of the dinners, I learned that there was an attorney from Doylestown in attendance. I quickly grabbed a few of my law school friends and even some of the CLS staff to try and find this “Len Davis.” Picture a grand ballroom with 50 round tables and 10 people at each table. Everyone minding their own business, eating dinner. Then picture 7 people going table to table asking: “Is anyone here named Len Davis?” Suddenly, I see my friend excitedly waving to me from the other side of the room. He had found Len. I raced between the tables, dodging waiters and conference attendees, and made it to Len’s table. He was there with his wife and family. I quickly shook his hand and began to tell my life story. I told him who I was, where I grew up, and what I wanted to be when I grew up. I began asking him questions about his practice and his law firm, still shaking his hand. Len, still seated, very kindly looked up and with a half-smirk said “Could we talk after dinner?”
Long story short, I’ve been a Civil Trial Attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis (DHD) for more than 16 years now.
The Writs: When did you join the BCBA, and what roles or positions have you held in the BCBA?
DHD encouraged me to join the BCBA right away, so my first year as a member would have been 2008. However, it was not until some time in 2016 that I would get more involved. There’s much credit to go around for my growth in the Bar Association, and so I want to take some time to give it out. Let’s drop some names: First, I want to thank Tyler Tomlinson and Bob Repko. When I first began to attend meetings, and didn’t know anyone, these two always made a point to come over, say hi, and introduce me to others.
I got involved in the Young Lawyers Division, where Jess VanderKam, Larry Scheetz, Breandan Nemec and Mike Martin led the way for me to become Vice-Chair in 2018 and Chair in 2019.
As Vice-Chair in 2018, I ran the Mock Trial competition - a rite of passage to those desiring to be the YLD Chair. It was during this time that I first met and got to know the one, the only, the original – Jessica Pritchard. Jessica was President of the BCBA in 2018, and I’ll never forget the gist of something she said during her incoming President speech. I’ll paraphrase: “As President, I going to be asking a lot from all of you this year. I’m going to need your help, and I’m going to ask you for it, and I expect you to say yes.” Of course, Jessica said this with the perfect combination of firmness, grace and humor. I very much appreciated watching her style of leadership that year. To her word, when she needed something, she asked. However, in the same manner, whenever I needed anything from her, like an additional team of jurors for a Mock Trial, Jessica got one together without hesitation.
Dan Keane kept me involved in 2020 when he asked me to be the Chair of the Best Bench Bar Conference in Hershey. While we planned for months our Return to Skytop, COVID led us to Northampton Country Club (Bucks County’s version of Augusta National) instead. Although truly warranted for planning not one, but two Bench Bar Conferences, Dan decided not to give me the President’s Award that year. Don’t worry - I’m not bitter.
In 2021, Sean Gresh was President and asked me to Chair the Long Term Planning Committee. I did win the President’s Award that year. Great pick, G.
In 2022 and 2023, I had the honor of being the Association’s Treasurer under Presidents Julie Goldstein and Larry Scheetz, respectively. And, as I write this in November 2024, I currently sit in the easiest role I’ve held so far: Vice-President / President-Elect.
The Writs: What type of leader do you want to be in the Bar Association?
This is a loaded question. I suppose I could write about who I want to be for quite a while. I’ll try to boil it down to a couple goals.
I’ve had a front row seat to 7 Presidents of the BCBA now: Jess Pritchard, Bob Repko, Dan Keane, Sean Gresh, Julie Goldstein, Larry Scheetz, and now Tyler Tomlinson. Each of these women and men has had her/his own style of leadership. However, something common in each of them is that they were themselves during their tenure. Perhaps it is merely a byproduct of being Type-A personalities. Or maybe we lawyers are just wired this way. But all of the above Presidents led with their chin, by being who they really are. I’d like to do the same. At the end of the year, I hope two things: First, that my fellow members agree that I was myself this year. Second, that they still want to be friends with me. Crossing my fingers!
Additionally, in general leaders have two options with how they want to lead. They can either try to do everything themselves, or they can use a team and lead together. When I first got out of law school, I was the former. I had to have an answer to every question. I had to solve every problem. I had to do things my way. And everything was a hill to die on. This type of “leadership”, if you want to call it that, creates more problems than it solves. It alienates. It makes people feel unheard. It is exhausting. I have to credit my partner here at DHD, Jonathan Russell, for pointing out this blind spot in me that I had overlooked for years, and for helping me correct it.
I’m still not perfect, though. And I write this to my fellow BCBA Members, the 2025 executive board, our board members next year, and the BCBA Staff: If you see me reverting back to the “old me,” to someone who tries to do everything himself, who is not delegating, who seems to be ignoring you or not listening to you, please don’t internalize it. Text me or call me, and tell me what you’re seeing. A good leader, which I hope to be, is one who can take criticism and make changes in himself. I’ll strive to do that next year. That’s the type of leader I want to be.
From the Editor…
“Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation’s promise through civility, courage, compassion and character. America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility. A civil society demands from each of us good will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness.” - President George W. Bush, First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 2001
While the recent campaign season and election have stirred a variety of emotions in our society generally, it has also stirred varying emotions in our professional spaces, among our colleagues and friends. On the morning after the election, the atmosphere around my law office was more reminiscent of a funeral than a large law firm. At our regular Wednesday all-office meeting, my office managing partner stressed that, notwithstanding the divided political environment within the office, we must be mindful of each other’s honest and reasonable differing viewpoints, and the need to treat each other with tolerance and respect.
Appeals for reconciliation and putting aside differences for the sake of the country were made by both sides. During President-Elect Donald Trump’s victory speech on election night, he noted: “It’s time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us. It’s time to unite, and we’re gonna try. We’re gonna try. We have to try.” President Biden similarly called for reconciliation and unity in his speech in the White House Rose Garden on November 7, 2024: “I’ve said many times you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree.” Vice President Harris also pledged to “help [President-Elect Trump] and his team with their transition.”
In hearing the concession speeches made in the days following the most recent election, I was reminded of prior concession speeches that provided equally stirring calls for unity and civility. Following his loss to Abraham Lincoln, Sen. Stephen Douglas said: “Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. I’m with you, Mr. President, and God bless you.” Similarly, on December 13, 2000, in another loss by a sitting vice president, then Vice President Albert
Gore graciously remarked: “I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship of this country.” Also under similar circumstances, Hillary Clinton pledged following the election of 2016: “I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.”
These remarks reflect the ideal tone and tenor to which our nation and neighborhoods must return. This past election strained firms, friendships, and even families. But we must now commit to return to the civility demanded of
We should be civil to each other at the supermarket, at restaurants, and on the roadways, not just in court where we face being held in contempt.
our profession. The Pennsylvania Code of Civility provides: “A lawyer should act in a manner consistent with the fair, efficient and humane system of justice and treat all participants in the legal process in a civil, professional and courteous manner at all times.” 204 Pa. Code § 99.3(1). This commitment to civility should extend to our non-professional lives as well. We should be civil to each other at the supermarket, at restaurants, and on the roadways, not just in court where we face being held in contempt.
In this edition of The Writs, we will hear very candid and heart-warming stories in tribute to three of Buck County’s finest jurists – Judges Mellon, Gilman, and Baldi. While three jurists of different backgrounds, the tributes to each of these men reflect exemplary character, tireless devotion to family, and unflinching dedication to doing justice, tempered with mercy, and a focus on improving the lives of the ordinary Pennsylvanians who found themselves in their courts. In these articles we learn of the refreshingly human sides of these three men. While our judges are always worthy of the respect that their service and office demand, there is something to be said for appreciating their humanity, that behind the bench and the black robes are everyday men and women who make decisions based on the law, but also informed by their own life experiences. The Bucks County bench is made up of men and women who are (or where) our colleagues,
Travis P. Nelson Editor, Bucks Writs
adversaries, friends, but most importantly, are people who travel the same roads and endure the same struggles as their fellow citizens. Our judges are not adorned in long-flowing scarlet robes (like they are in England, or the Supreme Court of Maryland). They are not beholden to some faraway monarch, or chief executive for their positions. Our judges are chosen by the people, from among the learned lawyers of the land, to serve the cause of justice. Chief Justice John Roberts once commented: “Judges and Justices are servants of the law, not the other way around. Judges are like umpires. Umpires don’t make the rules; they apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules, but it is a limited role. Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire.” Indeed, nobody ever went to a ball game to see an umpire, but we are glad they are there, as the game would not be the same without them. The same goes for judges.
In reflecting on the humanity of judges, I had the pleasure of meeting several at the recent Bench Bar Conference at Camelback. Some I had heard of, and admittedly some I had not (I do not regularly practice in Bucks County courts – something I hope to remedy through pro bono service). I listened to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice talk about appellate advocacy. On Thursday night during the conference, I had the pleasure of sitting across from one of our newest jurists, as he and his friends and former colleagues regaled the table with stories of the “old days.” The informality and easy-going nature of the judge made me admire him even more – a true man-of-the-people. On Friday night I found myself in a setting that I had never imagined I would be in – playing Skee-ball and water gun games in the Camelback arcade with a different judge and a few fellow practitioners. One of the Skee-ball challengers was a conference attendee who was not wearing his name tag. In an effort to be more engaging, I asked: “What firm are you with?” To this he responded that he was a judge. Oops! A soon as I apologized for not recognizing him, a family law lawyer who was also playing picked-up on my ignorance of the members of our judiciary and said sarcastically “he’s not a judge, don’t let him fool you.” This left me even more bewildered. Luckily, I erred on the side of caution, assumed that he wears the robes, and I stopped winning at the arcade games. I would later confirm that he was indeed a judge.
The humanity of judges and the civility with which we are all called to approach our profession also reminds
me of the legendary relationship between U.S. Supreme Court justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Perhaps no two recent Supreme Court justices have been so diametrically opposed in their interpretive philosophies than these two. In a 2015 joint appearance at George Washington University, Justice Scalia commented as to their relationship: “Call us the odd couple. She likes opera, and she’s a very nice person. What’s not to like? Except her views on the law.” I am still learning the dynamics among our Bucks County bench, but I suspect there may be a Scalia and Ginsburg friendship somewhere in there. This is not to suggest that we cannot have honest and reasonable disagreements with people about fundamental issues. The key is to make our disagreements about ideas and policies, and not resort to personal attacks. As Justice Scalia further reminds us: “I attack ideas. I don’t attack people. And some very good people have some very bad ideas.” See 60 Minutes: Justice Scalia on the Record (CBS television broadcast Apr. 27, 2008), available at: http:// www.cbsnews.com/news/justice-scalia-on-the-record.
The civility that I saw at Bench Bar, and in numerous Bar Association events, will hopefully return to our offices and to our broader civil life. The directive in the Code of Civility to treat others in a “civil, professional and courteous manner” need not be restricted to the courtrooms and corridors of the Justice Center in Doylestown. We can carry those qualities and characteristics into our offices, into our communities, and into our families. So, as we wind-down the year, and prepare to celebrate the holidays, let us all strive to turn toward greater civility, embrace hope, and recommit ourselves to, as another great former politician (Jerry Springer) often reminded us to “Take care of yourself and each other,” and leave the politics of the past in the past . . . Unless you’re looking for ways to avoid getting invited to the same holiday party next year, in which case liven-up your holiday dinners by wearing you best MAGA hat or “I’m Ridin’ With Biden” t-shirt to a house with the wrong audience, in which case your dance card for 2025 will be decidedly more open!
– Travis P. Nelson, Esquire
Travis P. Nelson is a partner with Polsinelli, P.C., where he practices financial services regulatory and enforcement law, and is a resident of Doylestown, PA. Travis is the Editor of the Writs
events
A Historical Year
NEW BUCKS COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
The Bucks County Bar Foundation added two additional invaluable members to its Board of Trustees in 2024: Robert D. “Boe” Shiffler, Senior Vice President and Wealth Director of PNC Private Bank in Doylestown, and Lawrence R. Scheetz, Jr., Esquire, of Williams & Scheetz in Richboro and Past President of the Bucks County Bar Association.
THE BUCKS COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA - “A CELEBRATION OF GIVING”
The Bucks County Bar Foundation celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a Gala titled “A Celebration of Giving,” held at The Buck Hotel in Feasterville on April 18, 2024. The Gala drew 290 guests and was the largest event in the 140-year history of the Bucks County Bar Association. The night was truly unforgettable, with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick presenting the Foundation Veterans Award to Ryan Manion of the Travis Manion Foundation, Curtin & Heefner Managing Partner Frank S. Guarrieri presenting the Foundation Service Award to Paul Muller of Team Toyota, and President Judge of Philadelphia Municipal Court, the Honorable Patrick F. Dugan, presenting the Foundation Veterans Award to Janet Brennan, owner and founder of Shamrock Reins. Other award recipients that evening including Josh Fields of The Next Step Programs, The Peace Center, the Hon. Patrick Murphy, and Barbara Kaner, Esq.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2024
The Foundation’s first event in 2024 was the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser on March 7, 2024 at the Station Tap House in Doylestown. The St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser raises fund for the Bucks County Bar Foundation’s scholarship efforts and, again, was bigger and better than any other St. Patrick’s Day event.
2024 BUCKS COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING AT JERICHO NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
The Bucks County Bar Foundation’s Annual Golf Outing benefitting the Foundation’s veterans programs was held on June 10, 2024, at Jericho National Golf Club. This event was by far the most successful golf outing ever held by the Foundation. The Foundation grossed over $91,000 and netted over $53,000. The Foundation netted more in 2024 than the gross amount raised in every prior golf outing from 2017 to 2022.
2025 AND BEYOND
2024 BUCKS COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION THOMAS E. MELLON, JR., SCHOLARSHIPS AND WILLIAM PENN SCHOLARSHIPS
The Bucks County Bar Foundation continued its tradition of promoting the youth of Bucks County by awarding its Thomas E. Mellon, Jr., Scholarship, and its William Penn Scholarship at its Scholarship Ceremony on May 24, 2024. The Foundation awarded ten additional scholarships bringing the total number of scholarships awarded by the Foundation since 2023 to 87!
The Bucks County Bar Foundation looks forward to a very successful 2025 with bigger and better events. The entire Foundation Board of Trustees will continue to work toward the primary goal of the Foundation: To support programs and raise money to increase the access to justice for residents of Bucks County. We look forward to your continued support of the Bucks County Bar Foundation and your continued participation in fabulous Foundation events.
Jeffrey A. Liebmann is a partner at Curtin & Heefner LLP, in its Yardley, PA office, where he practices family law. Jeff is also the president of the Bucks County Bar Foundation.
Hon. Gary B. Gilman
FROM JONATHAN GILMAN:
Growing up in Bucks County, it was a surreal experience seeing my father’s name on yard signs and bumper stickers. At sixteen years old, I initially was not sure how to process that—my last name being displayed all over the county. It did not take long, however, for me to embrace it.
When my father put his hat in the ring as a judicial candidate in 2009 for the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, so many people would approach me, eager to share their admiration for him—not just in terms of his dedication to the legal profession but also as a person. Hearing heartfelt stories from former clients of his as a practitioner, and from fellow lawyers and even adversaries, brought to life the deep impact he was having on the community. It made me so proud of him, but also illuminated how others truly understood the values I knew him to have represented both in and out of the courtroom—that is, someone who approached any decision or problem with a balanced level of empathy and an unfettered determination to be as fair as possible. As I have grown and followed my own journey into the legal profession, I have realized over time just how important these attributes are for judicial temperament and therefore made being a judge the perfect role for my father.
Once elected to the bench in 2010, and for the last fifteen years, my father has practiced what he preached by continuing to dedicate himself to upholding justice, listening with empathy, and offering respect to anyone who entered his courtroom. I know this because throughout my father’s judicial tenure, spanning from criminal, civil, orphan’s court, and family law cases, I have continued to hear nothing but the same unsolicited stories from lawyers and others who have been present in his courtroom (as well as telling me how lucky I am to have him as my father—not that I needed others to remind me how I already feel). And whenever my father discusses with me the types of cases he has tackled throughout his workweek, I always hear and appreciate the passion he feels about the decisions he makes, while never forgetting to address how he has carefully balanced the various perspectives at issue—all in furtherance of him trying to contribute to a more just society. His impact has been immense, not only for those he has served in the courtroom, but also for me, and continues to shape the way I choose to practice and carry myself as an attorney. I am so immensely proud of all that he has accomplished, and deeply grateful for the lessons he has imparted - lessons not only about the law but about kindness, about hope, and the difference one person can make in the lives of others.
FROM SARAH GILMAN:
“Life is a game of baseball: you can’t hit a home run if you don’t swing the bat and if you don’t swing you can’t hit the ball,” said Babe Ruth. This quote resonates with me regarding my father’s campaign in 2009 to become a judge of Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. It resonates with me not only because my father loves the game of baseball (specifically the Phillies), but more importantly it highlights my father’s perseverance, passion, resilience, and determination to influence justice.
My mother was a licensed clinical social worker, and I followed in her footsteps, as my brother followed my father in being an attorney. The overlap with these professions has become more profound through the years. Both professions embrace advocacy, patience, problem solving, compassion, integrity, equality, and empathy - just to name a few characteristics. Giving back to the community is a primary value that was instilled growing up in my household. My mother passed away five years after my father took the bench, and her love and support was immense. She is so proud of who he is both inside and outside of the courtroom, as we all are.
My father’s curiosity and inquiry about behavioral health and addiction, the field in which I work, is admirable. He is constantly educating himself, reading, researching, and asking questions in order to best serve individuals and the community. His involvement in drug court was impactful, as he was devoted to bettering people’s lives and empowering them to seek help and continue with their recovery process. He went the “extra mile” and sought-out guest speakers for the graduation ceremony which occurred every quarter to continue to inspire and motivate those who are recovered and/or struggling.
I certainly “hit the ball out of the park” with who my father is as a person. He is my hero and role model. The game of baseball teaches you how to work well as an individual and within a team, as both are imperative abilities for a person to navigate. My father
encompasses the meaning of a selfless individual and team player. His impact on others continues to be remarkable.
FROM MARC FURBER:
Sometimes in life, new challenges and experiences are found in the most familiar of places. The Honorable Judge Gary B. Gilman was not new to the judiciary in 2023 when the Court of Common Pleas began operating on an individual calendar system for criminal cases. He had been on the bench for more than a decade and had handled civil, criminal, family and orphan’s court cases. One could say that he did a little bit of everything. As a veteran Deputy DA, our paths had crossed only occasionally in the context of a short criminal guilty plea or bail matter. But we were both new to the individual calendar system in January of 2023 when I was assigned to lead the DA trial team in Courtroom 550 before Judge Gilman.
Even though I had experience with handling a large volume of criminal matters, I must admit that I initially approached this task with some trepidation. How would Judge Gilman run his Courtroom? What were his expectations? I cast aside my fears after Judge Gilman called an initial meeting with his staff, from the District Attorneys and Public Defenders to his Court Stenographer, Minute Clerk, Tip Staff, Judicial Assistant and Law Clerk. It didn’t escape me that the Judge referred to this group as a team. This was his word for this group, and it summed up his expectations and attitude perfectly. In more than twenty years as a prosecutor, I had never heard of a group comprised of both prosecutors, defense attorneys and the judiciary referred to as a team. But Judge Gilman’s strongly held belief became clear and guided this team over the next two years. His point was, even though some members of the team were adversaries by nature and design, we had much that we could agree upon. If we could narrow down the disagreements to a few areas, the system would work much more efficiently, and justice would prevail.
I have been a part of the Judge Gilman team now for the better part of two years. I have seen his system work incredibly well for both sides. Both the prosecution and defense learned that Judge Gilman was a pleasure to work for. He meted out justice with precision. But there were challenges along the way, too.
I won’t forget one case that I assigned myself to handle before Judge Gilman. It involved the systematic theft from disabled older adults by a caregiver that had been hired to provide in-home services. During the pendency of the case, the Defendant forged a letter purporting to be from a physician. The fake letter was in support of the Defendant’s claim that she suffered from cancer and was supplied to delay the case as long as possible. It would also have been used to convince the Court to let her off with a slap on the wrist. This deception struck at the very heart of the judicial system and the very heart of Judge Gilman’s team concept. While our team contained adversaries, Judge Gilman knew that he could always rely on the integrity of the team itself. Here, the Defendant posed a clear threat to the integrity of the team and the integrity of the judicial system. The Defendant’s false information was a poison that threatened to harm what we took for granted.
Judge Gilman didn’t hesitate to act when the Defendant, thinking that she would continue to deceive the Court and parties, came to Court in a wheelchair wearing a head scarf, feigning cancer. She was unaware that her deception had been discovered. Judge Gilman, somewhat shocked at the depth of the Defendant’s deception, revoked her bail and took her into custody to await further proceedings. Miraculously, the Defendant was able to walk, without the aid of the wheelchair, and was escorted by the Sheriffs into the holding cell area. She had been revealed, the cancer was a ruse designed to fool our team, and our judicial system.
Judge Gilman’s courage and integrity was apparent to everyone in the Courtroom during this case. It was a highlight of my prosecutorial career to be involved in striving to uphold the integrity of our judicial system in Bucks County. Likewise, it was a personal highlight for me to watch the Judge in action, protecting not just the older adult victims, but the judicial system and the team that worked with him to uphold its principles. Judge Gilman’s keen observational skills were on full display at the sentencing. The Defendant wailed loudly throughout the entire proceeding, however, as Judge Gilman commented while sentencing the Defendant, not a single tear was shed. Her deception carried through to the end.
I think Judge Gilman would be proud to know that, in my opinion, the adversarial parties on the team, namely the district attorney and public defenders, worked together better than I had ever seen before in my career. This was not a coincidence but rather a direct result of the message that Judge Gilman sent in our first team meeting almost two years ago. Judge Gilman’s concept worked. One of the most difficult things about Judge Gilman’s retirement is the loss of the team. I will miss working collaboratively with Judge Gilman, defense counsel and the staff in Courtroom 550. I look forward to appearing before Judge Gilman when he becomes a senior judge, but I will carry my memories of the team experience for the rest of my career. We worked hard, achieved justice and had some fun along the way too. Thank you, Judge Gilman, and best of luck to you in retirement.
FROM KATHY NOURSE:
I started working for Gary B. Gilman, Esquire (“GBG”) in 1999 as his secretary/paralegal in his law firm in Newtown, and then as his judicial assistant until 2021, when I retired.
When you work with a person for that amount of time, you get to know the person’s routines, habits, likes, and dislikes. Here are a few things that you may or may not know about Gary B. Gilman as a person and as a Judge.
1. He uses lists: GBG often has small pieces of paper beside his phone. One with very important matters that have a deadlines. As those matters are completed, a line is drawn through them, but the list never goes away, until all those matters are completed. The second list is telephone calls that he will return. GBG will always return your telephone call. Either same day, or a day or two later, but again, your name will remain on that list until he crosses it off with a return call to you.
2. Old school at-a-glance monthly calendar: This calendar will be directly in front of him at the head of his desk, so he can update it daily and check off to make sure he has completed the tasks and reminders that he puts on it. It contained deadlines, along with social events such as birthdays, tennis dates, meetings, weddings he must officiate, etc. The computer calendar has nothing over this desk calendar.
3. Working lunch: Lunch is usually eaten at his desk, while he is catching up on his daily reading of the legal news. Tuna is his go-to, dry, no onions, with sweet peppers. Most importantly, his drink of choice is a 20 oz. Coke. He will drink water on the bench, but for lunch, it is Coke. One a day is what he allows himself. Such discipline.
4. He also has a weak spot for dark chocolate and cake, all chocolate. Pepperidge Farm makes a cookie which has double dark chocolate filling. I used to bring in a package and he would allow himself one cookie per day after lunch until they were gone.
GBG is a man of habit and discipline. He is also one of the kindest people I have ever had the privilege of calling a friend. He’s always fair, always does the right thing, making sure to take into consideration the feelings of the people he is dealing with. He’s honest, hardworking, intelligent, and kind, with a great sense of humor. I’m so fortunate to have had the privilege of 22 years of working with Judge Gilman and knowing him for 25. I know that we will remain friends, as all his friendships are for life. Best wishes to the Honorable Gary B. Gilman for a well-deserved happy and healthy retirement.
FROM LAURA RIBA:
Of all the things on my public defender bingo card, having a client plead guilty with his pet ferret concealed in his pocket was not one of them. I’m sure that was also not on Judge Gilman’s judicial bingo card and so that’s why I waited to tell him until my client and his rodent friend had safely deferred the execution of his jail sentence and left the building. While some other judges might have been angry, especially when I told him the reason why my client had to leave abruptly mid-plea was because the ferret had an accident, Judge Gilman just laughed and said I should have let him know because he would have liked to have met the ferret.
The wonderful thing about being assigned to Judge Gilman’s courtroom for the last two years of my criminal defense career was that no matter how long our court list was, no matter how many people showed up late, and no matter how ridiculous my opening statements were during a trial, I knew I was going to be treated with respect. The staff would be treated with respect. And most importantly, my clients would be treated with respect.
As a public defender, a great number of my clients were suspicious of the legal system. In some cases, rightfully so. Judge Gilman would listen to them and actually hear their struggles. He would appreciate what they had been through and how they ended up standing before him. Most importantly, he was able to recognize
that a person is more than just the worst thing they have ever done. Judge Gilman would choose hope for my clients- clients who had never felt that hope was possible.
Judge Gilman recognized the impact a jurist could have on a criminal defendant’s life. His sentences were always thoughtful and fair. That is not to say that his sentences were lenient – they weren’t. But they were fashioned in a way that would not only serve as a deterrent but would hopefully provide the structure for the client to find his way out of the criminal justice system instead of further into it.
Judge Gilman has made the judicial system better in Bucks County because he has hope that the system can be better. Judge Gilman has made the attorneys in his courtroom better attorneys because of his optimism. Judge Gilman has made my clients better citizens because they were given the tools to make their lives better and see themselves as something more than criminal defendants.
After one of my clients was sentenced to the state correctional facility when he had been hoping to remain in the county, I asked him if he wanted to file a reconsideration. “You know,” he said “that judge was alright. He listened to me, and I could tell he cared.” The client chose not to file a reconsideration and decided to try to get into as many programs as possible to help himself. He told me he’s choosing hope.
FROM CHRIS BRILL:
Gary Gilman - could an aspiring Judge ever possess better credentials and experience? Starting out with three degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, including his JD, Gary taught American History at West Catholic High School for Girls for one year before entering law school.
After graduating from Penn, Gary gained valuable criminal trial experience as an Assistant Public Defender in Bucks County for two years. He then switched to the civil side of the law when he was hired as a Senior Deputy Attorney General, Eastern Regional Chief, where he worked for 6 years, supervising a staff of 12 attorneys while personally conducting dozens of jury trials and carrying out responsibility for thousands of litigation cases. Gary then chose to enter private practice, by working at Stief, Gross, Sagoskin, Gilman, and Classetti for 21 years where he tried dozens of cases before ascending to the Bench.
His ascension was not without bumps in the road. Initially, Gary thought it would be a good idea for a lifelong Democrat, like himself, with Public Defender experience, to run in a contested election against the well-known Republican incumbent District Attorney Diane Gibbons. Despite advice from yours truly that this would be a suicide mission, Gary demonstrated his joie de vivre and sense of determination by rejecting my advice and plunging headlong into the race. Fortunately, he was spared the rigor and expense of a general election when he lost to Diane on both sides in the primary. Not to be discouraged, he renewed his judicial aspirations, and ultimately was elected in 2009, and retained by the electorate in 2019.
His service on the Bench has been remarkable, and has also been diversified: criminal, civil, orphans court, and family law. During his tenure on the Bench, he authored approximately 100 opinions, almost all of which were affirmed by the Pennsylvania Appellate Courts. He also administered and participated in Bucks County Treatment Courts for many years and has found this service to be extremely rewarding, and at times, inspiring.
In his last few years on the Bench, Gary handled criminal cases almost exclusively. Perhaps it was the emotional drain of making decisions in extremely difficult and horrific criminal cases that caused him to seek retirement before mandatory age compelled him to do so, or perhaps it is the allure of enhanced quality of life. Most likely, it is a combination of both.
Good news: Gary intends to continue to serve on the Bench as a Senior Judge, where he will continue to be a credit to the law, to the legal community, and to his family.
FROM SUSAN TOCCI:
When Judge Gilman was elected to the Bucks County Bench, I had the honor of being his first law clerk, a position I had the good fortune of holding for almost ten years!
Over the course of my clerkship, Judge Gilman presided in all facets of the Bucks County bench - family, civil, Orphans’ Court, and criminal. Daily, I observed Judge Gilman to be a jurist who exemplified honor, integrity, respect, hopefulness and so many other virtues. He leads by example in his preparedness for every case coming before him. He treats counsel with respect and appreciation for their efforts necessary to effectively represent a client; that respect being acknowledged and appreciated when mentioned to me by counsel on numerous occasions. He treats litigants with dignity and empathy for whatever the difficulties may be that resulted in their individual circumstances bringing them into the justice system. Judge Gilman actively participated in the County’s Drug and Mental Health Court Treatment Programs where his belief in second chances (and sometimes third and occasionally fourth, as he is known to comment) was inspiring.
Judge Gilman has a tremendous love of sports, which I suspect, at least in part, contributes to the value he places on the benefits of working as a team. He instills this in his staff, where it is evident that we become more efficient and effective when we work together.
Even with over fifteen years of varied professional experience prior to my joining Judge Gilman’s chambers, by virtue of his guidance and example I never gained more in my professional career than during my clerkship with him. To this day, it is not uncommon for me to rely on the professional (and sometimes personal) lessons learned.
I feel truly blessed for having worked with Judge Gilman and perhaps even more so for the opportunity to develop a friendship with such a decent and exemplary human! I wish you the best in your retirement Judge Gilman and thank you!
FROM BILL SCHAEFER:
I had the privilege of working for Judge Gilman in the early 2000’s at his firm in Newtown. Working for Judge Gilman was a profoundly rewarding experience and one that has significantly shaped my professional and personal growth. I was immediately impressed with his commitment to justice for each of our clients and recall the first time I met him in his office, seeing Deuteronomy 16:20 on his wall: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” He approached each case with a balance of both compassion and rigor, reminding our team at all points that at the heart of each file was a person. One of the most impactful aspects of my time working with Judge Gilman was observing his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to dissect complex legal arguments and articulate clear, and reasoned opinions. He was and is a mentor in the truest sense, investing time in guiding my development. I had the opportunity to try a number of cases to verdict with Judge Gilman and was always impressed by his easy manner with jurors of all backgrounds. As a trial lawyer, Judge Gilman spoke plainly to the jury, and from the heart, which I always thought resonated much more effectively than some of the bombast delivered by some plaintiffs’ counsel today. Not only is he a great mentor and colleague, but also a personal friend who welcomed my family into the many highlights and lowlights of his life with his family and late wife Deborah. Now, on the eve of his retirement, I am absolutely gob smacked by how fast the past twenty years have gone by and I wish him a long, healthy, and fruitful retirement.
FROM: MICHAEL KLIMPL:
I first met Gary (d/b/a “the Honorable Judge Gary G. Gilman”) when I was an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. I lived in the same apartment building as Gary’s older brother.
On weekends, young high school student Gary would often come to the Penn campus for an exciting night with his elders. Actually, not that exciting. The drinking age of 21 eliminated many social activities including fraternity parties. Instead, is it really possible that some of our entertainment may have included preparing for our respective SATs and LSATs?! I hope not. What I do recall is that our ambitious future judge was listed in a 1969 best seller entitled something like Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
Gary and I became better acquainted when he moved to Doylestown to assume a clerkship with the Honorable Edmund V. Ludwig. Following his tenure with the Judge, Gary took the well-trodden Ludwigian (sic) path to the Public Defender’s Office (see, for example, the Honorable Clyde W. Waite and the Honorable Robert O. Baldi).
As a more or less experienced assistant public defender, I was happy to help Gary learn the ways of this office. We were all impressed with his hard work, integrity, sense of humor, and compassionattributes that have served him well on the Bucks County Bench. I was proudest of the time when Gary and I served as co-counsel representing separate clients in a criminal matter before a Bucks County jury. Gary secured an acquittal for his client. (Well maybe I have to temper “proudest of the time” with the required disclosure that my client was convicted).
Gary’s election as Common Pleas Judge was a victory for the Bench, Bar, and equally important, the public. His prior experience in civil and criminal matters, particularly trial work, enabled him to perform his duties with distinction. Lawyers, as well as non-lawyers I know, praised his handling of court cases and his respectful treatment of the parties involved.
In conjunction with his duties sitting in Criminal Court, Gary has been for several years the administrative Judge for three courts operating under the umbrella of the Bucks County Treatment Court: Recovery Court, Wellness Court, and Veterans Court. In this capacity, he has been actively involved in the daily or weekly sessions for the participants in these court proceedings.
Among his many activities outside courthouse, Gary has been a member of the Bucks County American Inn of Court for more than 20 years (until he explained to me what an “Inn of Court” was, I wondered why he wanted to be a member of a hotel chain).
The Bucks County community will undoubtedly miss the justice administered by this outstanding jurist when he retires, and we must all wish him well. On a very personal note, I root for his dear Phillies to win another World Series, but as Gary will understand, not too soon.
“Looking
Hon. Robert J. Mellon
FROM JOSEPH A. CULLEN, JR.:
In early January of 2025, Judge Robert J. Mellon will retire from the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas after over 24 years on the bench served over two different periods. Judge Mellon was appointed to his first term in July of 1992 by Governor Robert Casey, Sr. This term lasted through December of 1993, after losing an election for a full 10-year term in November of 1993.
In November of 2001, Judge Mellon successfully ran for Judge securing a victory and a 10-year term. He was retained by the voters in 2011 and 2021. During his 24 years on the bench, Judge Mellon was the Administrative Judge of the Civil Division and presided over Children and Youth cases. He was a member of the AOPC State Roundtable for Children and Youth and the Chairperson of the Trauma Work Group of the AOPC. Judge Mellon has served Bucks County with dedication to the rule of law, justice, and fairness.
Judge Mellon came from a humble beginning in Folcroft, Delaware County, raised in an Irish Catholic home with 2 brothers, Tom and Ed, and anchored by his loving parents, Tom and Honor Mellon. Judge Mellon attended Catholic grade school, St. James High School for Boys and LaSalle University. Fulfilling his childhood dream, he graduated from Suffolk University School of Law in 1977.
Two events as a young boy would shape Judge Mellon’s worldview and spur his desire to pursue the law, seek justice, and treat people with fairness and dignity. First, Judge Mellon walked the picket line with his family during a railroad strike. Second, Judge Mellon witnessed the Folcroft race riots in 1963, when the first black family moved into the Delmar Village in Folcroft. Judge Mellon would jokingly tell me that he is the only Judge in Pennsylvania who walked a picket line and witnessed a race riot before he graduated
grade school. Nonetheless, both events made him passionate about fairness and standing up for the “underdog.”
Judge Mellon always had the goal of becoming a Judge. When Judge Mellon started dating his wife, Deb Romanski, he told Deb that he was going to be a Judge someday. Deb, as a new girlfriend, responded with hearty “well that is great.” Deb said, “sure enough, he went about living his life in such a way that he did exactly what he set out to do.” Deb added “being a Judge was his dream come true for over 20 years.”
However, there was a detour on his journey when he lost his election in 1993. Judge Mellon and his wife admitted that losing election in 1993 was completely and utterly devastating for their family at the time. In retrospect, Judge Mellon admitted that losing the election ended up being an important and good thing. Judge Mellon returned to private practice and blazed an impressive track record of settlements and verdicts, earning him the reputation as a fierce advocate and a respected trial lawyer.
I met Judge Mellon in May of 1997, when I was hired to work as his law clerk during my second year of law school at Villanova University. I was eventually hired as his associate in October of 1998 and worked “hand in glove” with Judge Mellon over the next 2 plus years. Judge Mellon taught me how to be a trial lawyer and shaped my career as an attorney. He taught me the importance of always being prepared for Court and understanding the Rules of Evidence. Some of my fondest memories were sitting with Judge Mellon and Jonathan Briskin, a physician-attorney, and listening to their discussions on a complex issue related to a medical malpractice case. They would debate the admissibility of certain records and expert testimony. Judge Mellon had an innate ability to win his argument with logic and reasoning as opposed to being the loudest in the room.
More importantly, Judge Mellon taught me the importance of listening and empathizing with clients. Judge Mellon cared deeply about clients and believed he was their “voice” in the courtroom. He valued their perspective and would always allow them to talk and vent to him.
Judge Mellon provided me so many opportunities to learn the practice of law by practicing it. I was more than an associate drafting pleadings and handling matters he did not wish to handle. He treated me like an apprentice, always teaching and pushing me to do better, whether in a deposition or writing a brief.
During my time with Judge Mellon, we tried several jury trials together. Judge Mellon treated me as an equal, had me examine witnesses, including experts, in trial, and argue various in trial motions. The highlight of our trials was a $1,135,650 jury verdict in Bucks County in front of Judge R. Barry McAndrews on the matter of Doman v. Pennsylvania Fair and Reithoffer Shows. Judge Mellon allowed me to handle the motions in limine and examine 5 witnesses, including an expert witness, at trial.
Looking back, I appreciate that experience more today at age 52 than I did at age 28. While most of my peer group were drafting pleadings and going to Motion Court in Philadelphia, I was second chair in several large personal injury trials. I can tell you without reservation that I would not be the attorney I am today without those initial years with Judge Mellon. I am grateful for my time with him during those formative years.
Judge Mellon’s presence on the bench will be missed by many in our Bucks County legal community. Judge Mellon’s own work as an attorney allowed him to let lawyers try their case without interference. He also made juries feel appreciated and respected by everyone in the courtroom. While Judge Mellon handled all matters of civil litigation as a Judge, he was especially effective in Children and Youth. He was always taking all the perspectives into consideration to end up with the right decision for the child. These are difficult decisions with both heart and logic intertwined.
On behalf of the Bucks County Bar Association, fare you well, Judge Mellon. We wish you and your wife the best in retirement. We will miss you on the bench and we hope you enjoy your time with Deb, your three children (Elizabeth, Eric, and Lauren), and your grandchildren. While there were many who I spoke with to prepare this article, we decided to ask a few of the people who know Judge Mellon in both a personal and professional capacity to offer their thoughts.
FROM HONORABLE STEPHEN A. CORR
– COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF BUCKS COUNTY:
I first met Judge Mellon in 1992. I was a third-year law student working for Corr, Stevens, & Fenningham and I was invited to a party at Mellon, Webster & Mellon to celebrate Governor Casey’s appointment of Bob Mellon to serve as Judge on the Court of Common Pleas. Since that day, 32 years ago, I have had the pleasure and privilege, of working with Judge Mellon, first as a lawyer working alongside Judge Mellon at Mellon, Webster & Mellon, then as a litigating attorney in personal injury matters before Judge Mellon, and since 2022 as a colleague on the Court of Common Pleas.
In May 2001, I joined Mellon, Webster & Mellon. Bob was in the midst of his campaign for Judge. I was fortunate to work with him for the next seven months until he eventually took the bench. While our time working together was short, I had a front-row seat to see how hard he worked for his clients and the care and concern he showed for each of those clients. I knew Bob Mellon had a reputation as a fierce advocate and getting the opportunity to see him working day in and day out, it was obvious to see how he earned that reputation.
While I was not able to practice in front of Judge Mellon in his early years on the bench, after my moves to Stark & Stark and then Begley, Carlin & Mandio, I had the opportunity to litigate several cases in front of Judge Mellon. When he was assigned to one of my cases, I knew he would have a full understanding of the facts and the issues, and I knew that I had to be prepared when appearing before him.
Since January 2022, I have had the pleasure of once again working alongside Judge Mellon. My transition from practicing attorney to life on the bench was made easier because Judge Mellon always makes himself available for a word of advice or a boost of confidence. While our time together on the bench is shorter than I imagined, I wish him well in his well-deserved retirement. Lastly, on behalf of the Judges of Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, we offer our warmest wishes to you and Deborah.
FROM JONATHAN A. BRISKIN, M.D., J.D.:
While many know him as “Judge Mellon” he will always be just “Bob” to me. I have known Bob since the mid 1980’s when I joined Mellon,
Webster & Mellon in their small office where you had to walk through an office to get to the next one.
Bob and I were the medical malpractice team and worked very closely on each case. When I look back, I can say unequivocally that the years that I worked with Bob were the best and most fun times experienced ever as a lawyer! Bob’s sense of humor, keenness of mind, and his infectious laugh kept us going as we analyzed cases, traveled to depositions, prepared for trial and took the cases to the end. Arguing, challenging, disagreeing, and resolving were mentally stimulating and high spirited in the best tradition of lawyering.
We stayed in contact once Bob became a judge getting together with his effervescent wife Deborah, especially for dinners out. Bob has this quizzical approach to restaurant ordering that has always fascinated me. He always asks the waiter to pick his meal -- a most daring and trusting act! He still delights in this adventuresome approach that assures starting a meal with a humorous unknown.
Bob remains that happy-go-lucky friend that I have known for almost 40 years. Congratulations on a great career and service to the public good!
FROM BOB SALZER – WILLIAMS FAMILY LAW, P.C.:
“Well, what does the law say?” Seems like an obvious question now, but as a fresh-faced law clerk with Judge Mellon, it took what little common sense (and legal knowledge) I had at the time to know it was not in that moment best to point out that one should never answer a question with a question. My question of him, of course, involved a relatively simply legal issue for which he certainly knew the answer; but what would it teach me to have it spoon feed? “Go look it up,” said the Judge. And I did.
It’s among the earliest of many little (and at times larger) lessons I took from my clerkship that stayed with me, and it exemplifies Judge Mellon’s unwavering commitment not only to his role as a jurist, but also as a teacher to new lawyers serving as his law clerks and prospective lawyers to whom he taught trial advocacy at Rutgers Camden Law School.
Some of Judge Mellon’s teaching techniques, such as his encouragement to come down to the courtroom whenever possible, were obvious; his claim that doing so would “teach you more about what not to do than what to do” was surprisingly accurate. Judge Mellon was ahead of his time in the early 2000s by keeping his clerk housed next to Chambers and not squirreled away behind the old library. This was not appreciated as much in the moment as it was in the post-clerking years. His supportive, but at times demanding, role as his clerks’ boss and mentor, with the occasional dose of tough love, was by design. It prepared us for the real world of practicing law, which he knew would not always be a cakewalk of coddling but instead at times a pressure cooker of demanding clients, inflexible Judges and rigid deadlines.
On a publicly personal note, to the man I have known my entire life: thank you, Bob, for being the one who came to me five months before my commitment to you as a clerk expired to tell me there was an opening in Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, knowing how much I wanted that to be my next step. When I asked what you would do for a clerk if I left early, you said “I will figure it
out.” Purely for my benefit, you did. For that selfless act, and the monumental impact it had on my career, I will always owe you a debt of gratitude. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.
ANDREW STOLL – FOX ROTHSCHILD:
To say that I learned a lot when I was working with Judge Mellon is an understatement. In fact, my time serving as Judge Mellon’s Law Clerk provided me the most valuable experience and opportunities that I ever had. He gave me a chance to learn what it means to be a good lawyer. Judge Mellon had unmatched substantive legal knowledge, and expertise with the rules of evidence. Above all, he taught me what it means to be prepared, and to effectively present a case. For that I am truly grateful to Judge Mellon.
However, it wasn’t Judge Mellon’s knowledge of the rules of evidence, or his ability to identify the critical issues for each case that I will remember. Instead, it was some things that people did not see that I will remember most. Judge Mellon was always insightful when it came to talking about the Philadelphia Eagles. His perspectives always seemed to be balanced, true, and well-thought out, even if he forecasted a poor performance by our beloved Eagles. Moreover, Judge Mellon had an unmatched sense of humor. The most enjoyable times in his courtroom were when Judge Mellon weaved a witty joke in with a reasoned legal decision or evidentiary ruling.
Judge Mellon taught how and why to be a good lawyer. He gave me perspectives of the practice of law that are omnipresent in my practice today, some 10 years later. Finally, he taught me that, when necessary, it is okay to laugh, and it is okay to let a sense of humor win the moment. I wish nothing but the best to Judge Mellon in what is a well-deserved retirement.
FROM JANEL CLAUSE – ANTHEIL MASLOW & MACMINN:
As Judge Mellon prepares to retire, we can’t help but reflect on the legacy he leaves behind – one that helped transform Dependency Court into a calming atmosphere, thanks in large part to a few furry friends. Judge Mellon’s innovative approach of bringing therapy dogs into the courtroom attempted to transform what could be a tense environment into a space where compassion and understanding thrive.
Law is a second career for me, so when I decided to pursue a clerkship certain things outside of learning the law were very important to me. During my interview for my clerkship, I learned how Judge Mellon attempted to balance the gravity of their role in Dependency Court with this animal-loving spirit. This was just what I needed to hear so I could be sure of my decision to work alongside him. Throughout my clerkship, which has its own legacy, that being the longest term served by a clerk to Judge Mellon, I was guided by a mentor that genuinely cared about justice and the people who walked through the courtroom doors.
Judge Mellon was committed to justice and pushed me to think critically, to question everything, and to never settle. The lessons learned extended far beyond legal principles; Judge Mellon instilled in me, a certain resilience, integrity, and the importance of standing our ground.
As I bid farewell to this remarkable judge, I reflect on what he has taught me: while the law is serious, compassion should always be at the forefront. Here’s to Judge Mellon: a visionary, a champion for compassion, and a true friend to both humans and dogs alike. Enjoy your next chapter, and may it be filled with relaxation and endless joy! You will be missed, but your legacy will continue to wag on!
FROM PAUL LANG – PARLOW AND LANG:
Back in 1993, I was the catcher for the Northampton 16-year-old baseball team. Once, I had been steamrolled by an overzealous runner. Before I could even get myself up, I looked to see my coach arguing with the umpire over this grave injustice. I’ll never forget Coach Mellon’s blend of eloquence and toughness in ensuring the umpire wouldn’t undermine these hardworking, fair-playing young men again.
Coach Mellon was a lion on the field, and Judge Mellon was a lion in the courtroom.
He led his den with absolute fairness, treating everyone equally. Neither the litigants’ lawyers, attire, nor skin color mattered a damn to him. Play it straight, be honest, and be ready to be tested.
In his courtroom, hard work was both expected and respected. Defendants who demonstrated contributions to society were acknowledged for their self-improvement and efforts on behalf of their family and community. He listened to everyone with an open mind and with unfathomable patience.
In 2010, Judge Mellon appointed me as a receiver for a bitterly (aren’t they all) disputed family business. We went on to resolve that matter and many others, including disputes over horse farms, roofing companies, and even a billion-dollar metallurgical company. Judge Mellon had a subtle superpower of brokering peace amongst the most hostile parties, using his unique form of toughness to test the will and determination of all parties. Sadly, his skills remain unrecorded, leaving us without a preserved masterclass in “shuttle diplomacy,” negotiation, transactions, and handling difficult clients and their equally miserable attorneys.
For me, his lessons will continue to resonate, and his presence will always linger. For all of us who had the privilege of appearing before His Honor, his influence remains a cornerstone of our profession. He isn’t truly gone—the lion has simply moved on to a new hunting ground.
FROM MELANIE WENDER – ANTHEIL MASLOW & MACMINN: Judge Mellon is leaving the bench with a true legacy. He gave a voice to the voiceless parents in dependency court. Prior to Judge Mellon taking over dependency court, parents really did not have a strong voice in court, even with legal representation. Judge Mellon gave them a voice and pushed on Children & Youth to follow through on their end. Parents were not given a free pass. They still had to address the issues that resulted in their child becoming dependent, but they felt heard by the judge when they were in court. I personally had multiple parents who successfully reunified with their child or children say, “please thank Judge Mellon.” Judge Mellon provide a service to these parents and that will not be forgotten.
Hon. Robert O. Baldi
FROM CHERYL BALDI:
Many people are surprised to learn that, at home, Rob is relatively quiet; he reads, currently an in-depth study of the 314th Infantry in which his father served during WWI. He loves chess, is aggravated by Sudoku, studies Spanish, works in his wood shop, and walks. He is happiest going on a long sail by himself, a reprieve from the constant obligation he feels to entertain, which is how he cares for others.
He has a deep intellectual love for the law and is a hard worker. I suspect that his greatest gifts as a lawyer and a judge are his empathy combined with impeccable logic and spot-on strategizing. It’s hard to win an argument with him, as he delights in playing devil’s advocate. During this charged election cycle, he frequently stands in front of the TV weighing in on what politicians should be saying and doing differently from what they are saying and doing. And his strategizing makes him a great repairman, especially as an owner of an old house. He can figure out how to get a 10’ Christmas tree into and out of the house, how to outsmart the mice, and how to win over our cranky neighbor.
He was blessed with a loving family growing up, which informed his parenting of two daughters. Of course, he was the fun dad. But he also taught them Greek myths; he taught them about democracy and justice; and he nurtured in each of them strong, independent spirits.
We share a deep love for our daughters and our four grandchildren, but we love, too, our shore home, old wooden flag poles, dancing, the baby bats that emerged from a bat house we installed last year. We share a disdain for elitism, and we both tend towards subversiveness.
We met in high school, dated off and on through college, eventually broke up only to be married six months later. It has now been fifty-one years. He’s messy and complicated. Often, he says outrageous things, and I never know for sure whether he is kidding. Nor do I ever know what he might do next. But he is kind, and he makes great French Onion Soup.
FROM ELIZA BALDI COSTABILE:
My father was always a work-hard-play-hard kind of dad. There were many nights where he would make it home for dinner, then work for hours afterward — it would be 11pm, and we would hear the murmur of him downstairs pacing in the kitchen, dictating briefs or working through litigation scenarios. At the same time, he was extremely playful and present with us when we were together. Coaching our soccer teams, performing with us in the annual “All School Play” (which parents were invited to join), swimming, sailing, running on the beach with us in the summers. All things he continues to do now with my children as a devoted grandfather. In the best possible sense, he embodies an adult sense of intentionality and purpose with a child’s sense of fun.
FROM MEREDITH BALDI:
When I was little and my father was teaching me to play chess, he would all but beat me at the game and then flip the board around and let me play from his position, only to beat me again. He does this in conversation too, arguing the other side of whatever position I’m presenting, and then, creating such a persuasive perspective that he convinces me of the counter to my thinking. Once I’m convinced of the points he is offering, he will go back to arguing the position I had originally held. As I get older I can see how he has helped me develop a consistently balanced perspective on life and an openness to other perspectives outside of my own deeply held ones. He is a deep thinker and a balanced one, who on some level likes to spar, which makes him a tenacious debater, but more than that, he has a deep capacity for empathy. His ability to position his thinking to really understand why another person thinks or acts the way they do has helped him find ways to connect with and care for all people, making him a balanced judge and someone who takes his commitment to justice and care for others with the utmost seriousness. I’m so deeply appreciative for him modeling this for me, as it’s helped me understand that all perspectives are worth hearing and understanding.
FROM DON WILLIAMS:
I worked at Baldi, Cepparulo & Williams for about 5 years until my nomadic legal journey led me elsewhere. Here are the highlights of the Robert O. Baldi, Esq., a/k/a Judge Baldi, a/k/a Rob, that I know:
• Always being available and having time to discuss any issue, whether professional or personal.
• Being patient and prepared for the task at hand.
• Pacing and dictating at the same time - whether a letter, pleading, brief or any other document, or at a public meeting.
• Sharing the military order given to his Father advising of the cease fire and end of the Great War.
• Demonstrating how to use the foil which was located in the corner of his office.
• Spirited Monthly Firm Meetings: Rob on one end of the table, Albert on the other end, and Jeffrey in the middle calling the list…always with cigars.
• Taking the helm of a big catamaran on the Annual Sailing Trips with the New Hope Navy.
• Talking about how much he loved and adored Cheryl, Eliza, and Meredith, and their families.
• Entertaining young children at the shore just by digging a hole in the sand and looking at fragments of shells and stones.
• During the early Covid years with limited entry to the Justice Center, Judge Baldi located the Portrait of Judge Monroe and took a picture for me. Judge Monroe is my future daughter-inlaw’s Great Grandfather.
Cheers! Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement!
I had the distinct privilege of first meeting Judge Baldi back in the summer of 2011- July 5th to be exact. I remember the date because it was the day Casey Anthony was acquitted of murder. At the time, Judge Baldi said to me, “a verdict like that protects the innocent.” I had no idea what he meant. Judge Baldi was of course, as I would come to learn through my subsequent legal education, referring to the often-cited Blackstone’s ratio, which denotes that it is of more importance that innocence should be protected, than it is that guilt should be punished. This was the first of many lessons I would come to learn under his tutelage as a law clerk two years later.
Before his appointment to a judgeship by Governor Rendell in 2009, Judge Baldi forged an illustrious and diverse career as a lawyer. After receiving his juris doctor from the University of Tulsa, he went on to clerk for Judge Ludwig of Bucks County; following his clerkship he worked as an assistant public defender for three years, before ultimately transitioning to private practice.
Judge Baldi embodies the proverbial “Renaissance Man.” In addition to practicing law, he is a magician, a sailor, a motorcycle enthusiast, a scuba diver, a skilled dancer, a father, grandfather, and husband. But more than anything, the quality that characterizes him as an exemplary judge and person is his love of the law. He possesses a contagious passion and enthusiasm for every case and subject before him in his courtroom; whether it be family law, contracts, criminal, or civil, Judge Baldi has always approached each case with arrant focus on the facts, in pursuit of the just result under the law - treating litigants and lawyers with respect and dignity. He is deliberate in his approach because he is committed to reaching the right result.
In addition to his unwavering commitment to the law, Judge Baldi instilled within me the importance of patience, compassion, preparation, and civility in the courtroom. The very first day of my clerkship, I watched in awe as Judge Baldi presided over a civil trial involving a particularly cantankerous pro se litigant; throughout the whole trial, despite the litigant’s outbursts and missteps, Judge Baldi’s patience never wavered. In Dependency Court, he presided over every case with compassion, treating parents and children with equanimity and respect. Even when not required, Judge Baldi would issue a written decision for certain cases, delineating his reasoning for the litigants’ and attorneys’ edification, demonstrating the importance of preparation and thoroughness. Throughout my clerkship, and invariably his entire career, he has exemplified a consummate professional and a paragon of what a judge should be.
Indeed, in addition to all his other accolades as a Renaissance Man, he can now add teacher and mentor the list.
FROM JEFF WILLIAMS:
Many of you know The Honorable Robert O. Baldi from a professional perspective. That would lead you to conclude several things. First, he is smart. Second, he is compassionate. Third, he is loquacious. I hope to add some additional pieces to complete the puzzle... who is Rob Baldi?
In December of 1984, I left a career in the Bucks County District Attorney’s office to join a firm in New Hope, Baldi & Cepparulo. I got to know Rob’s partner, Albert Cepparulo, from trying two complex cases where he was defense counsel. Al was a great lawyer. He promised that Rob Baldi was a great lawyer as well. They were two very different people. Rob was raised in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia and attended Chestnut Hill Academy. Albert was raised in a “grittier” section of the City. He attended Central High School. Their differences were also physical. Rob looked like the Greek God Zeus. Al looked like the comedian Buddy Hackett (for you younger folks, google Buddy Hackett to figure out who he was).
The less well known talents/characteristics of Rob Baldi are numerous. I would like to highlight four of them.
First, Rob marched to the beat of his own drum. By way of example, Rob once returned to Baldi, Cepparulo & Williams from a weekend at the shore with a pierced ear. I quickly concluded that would lead to the downfall of the firm. It didn’t. He attended law school in
FROM JULIANNE BATEMAN:
Oklahoma because “he had some relatives there.” I can tell you that Rob always did the things he did out of concern for doing the right things as opposed to engaging in a detailed analysis of possible negative consequences. That talent served him well during his four years as a Public Defender in Bucks County.
Second, Rob is athletic... or at least was athletic back in the day. Rob played collegiate soccer. Rob is a skilled scuba diver (see below), and Rob is an excellent sailor (also, see below).
Third, Rob Baldi is brave... very brave. Most of you likely would not know that he is a Dive Master, certified to teach scuba diving. Rob is a confident scuba diver and will dive to the depths of the ocean off the LBI coast, and stick his hand into coral crevices beyond his elbow to grab a lobster. Our law firm took regular sailing trips (first, to the Chesapeake and later to the British Virgin Islands). One afternoon, a violent squall came out of nowhere. Essential equipment (primarily coolers) flew off the sailboat. High waves and strong winds hit us. We made it to shore. That night, I said: “I was scared today. I assume everyone was.” Many of our fellow sailors claimed that they were not scared a bit. One of those sailors was Rob Baldi, I announced: “You are all liars, except Rob Baldi.”
Fourth, Rob is a very skilled magician. For over a decade, Rob performed at the annual Women’s Place holiday party. In fact, Rob “used his magic” at the best real estate settlement I ever attended. Rob sat at one end of our conference table in New Hope with a box in front of him. At the opposite end of the table, there was an identical box in front of the buyer’s attorney. The Deed was placed in the box in front of Rob and the check was placed in the box in front of the other attorney. The boxes were closed, Rob clapped his hands and the boxes were opened. The contents had switched places!
Rob/Judge Baldi, you will be missed!
FROM JUDGE CHARISSA LILLER:
I have had the unique honor of working with my friend, Robert O. Baldi, in two different capacities. When I first joined Rob’s law firm in New Hope, I was a young associate, and he was the managing partner at Baldi & Jenei. My old colleague from the DA’s office, Colin Jenei, knew me and of my practice, so we all met to decide if I wanted to join their firm, practicing family law. I accepted, and the rest is history! Fifteen years later, I joined Rob as my colleague on the Bench and have enjoyed working with him for the last five years as a judge.
When I joined Baldi & Jenei, we were a small firm, with only four attorneys total, and we each had our own different practices, but also some overlap. I will always remember Rob making me feel like we were all part of a family at the firm, despite our individual areas of practice. His door was always open to me. Sometimes I did not want his door open, especially when he was in his office smoking cigars and contaminating the office (my office was next door to his), but, as everyone who knows Rob, he loves to discuss strategy and legal theory, so it was great to be able to do that with him, even though our practice areas were divergent.
We regularly had firm meetings with the four of us, which may have included a cocktail or two, from the well-stocked bar contained behind cabinets in our conference room. Afterward, we would always go out to dinner. Rob would open his house at Christmas and host a fabulous party for us. I’ll always remember for our Pollyanna exchange, Rob would contribute a bottle of Dom Perignon, which was the coveted prize. In the summer, we would have our firm meeting at Rob’s pool, and I’m still convinced he did this with the ulterior motive to see me in a bikini (or Colin in a Speedo!).
Outside of work, the four of us would host dinner parties with one another at our homes. When it was my turn, everyone was very gracious coming to my small condo at the time. We all squeezed into my cozy dining room, and I had to connect a few tables to seat all eight of us, but we had a great time. Rob even came into my
little kitchen to give me pointers on my cooking, and to help with the final touches.
I will always cherish my memories from Baldi & Jenei as such a collegial, family-like atmosphere, and how welcome Rob, Colin, and Paul made me feel to be a part of the firm. It was a home to me.
Everything came full circle when Rob, now Judge Baldi, swore me in as a new Court of Common Pleas Judge. We have been able to work together again, and it’s been a fun experience. I wish Rob the best on his next adventure!
FROM COLIN JENEI (JUDGE BALDI’S FORMER LAW PARTNER):
When my son was in college, he worked some weekends at one of the local museums as a security guard. One Saturday, Judge Baldi came to the museum during a reception for lawyers and Judges. My son was standing next to his museum boss when they both saw Judge Baldi walk into the museum. My son, who knew Judge Baldi most of his life yelled, “Hey Look its Judge Baldi! Hey Judge Baldi, how are you?” My son’s boss was aghast, saying: “How disrespectful to that Judge; and he’s not even bald!” My son replied: “No, that’s his name, ‘Judge Baldi’.” At this point His Honor walked over to my son, hugged him and asked him how he was doing in college. After that Judge Baldi left the reception area of the museum. “I still think you were being disrespectful,” said my son’s boss.
Before the white smoke announced Judge Baldi’s accession to the Judiciary; before he put on the robe, he went by his given diminutive, which is also his monogram, ROB. Rob was, prior to elevation, my law partner. One late morning in the Spring of 2007 Rob asked if I wanted to go to lunch which we did about once a week. On the way to lunch, Rob said he wanted to exchange a shirt that he had received as a present. Rob claimed that he had lost a few pounds and needed a smaller shirt. I unwisely said, “sure, no problem.” We went to a men’s clothing store in Peddlers Village near New Hope. Rob asked the young salesclerk if the store had a dressing room. She said,” no,” but if the shirt didn’t fit he could return it. In the middle of the store Rob took off his jacket, his tie, and his monogrammed buttoned down dress shirt. He handed his partner, me, these items. He did not wear an undershirt, and he was now topless in the store running around trying on various shirts. This lasted about ten minutes until he finally found a shirt that he liked. Clothes back on, new shirt in hand, we went to lunch. I made him pay.
And Now for Something Completely Different…
By Sarah A. Steers
When I was in my early twenties, I spent a few years in Texas, proudly helping Keep Austin Weird. (It’s not weird anymore. Between the influx of ghoulish Tech Bros and clueless California Ex-Pats, Travis County is now inoffensively bland and offensively expensive. Great combination, right?)
Culturally, though, I had to continuously remind myself that I was no longer on the East Coast and people had different expectations about family. One of my colleagues was bereft over my lack of children, even asking me one day if I was infertile. When I exclaimed that I was only 23 and didn’t even have a boyfriend, my protestations fell on deaf ears. Per my colleague, what did either one of those things have to do with not being a mom?
Fast forward a few years (or ten … okay, really, fourteen… but who’s counting?), I became a mom. Two social workers from the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families (“CYF”) gave me and my spouse three-hours’ notice before they stopped by and plopped the world’s most perfect baby on my floor. Yes, my floor. I may have been eager, but I had literally never touched a baby before in my life. The elder social worker quickly picked up on my emotions – a combination of unbridled enthusiasm and raw terror – and commented: “A baby can roll off a couch, but he can’t roll off the floor.” So onto the floor he went, at least for the first few hours of his life.
Look, I get it. As mentioned earlier, there are regional and cultural differences to parenthood. In the Sunbelt, I was a barren spinster before I hit the quarter-century mark. In Manhattan, having a baby the year before menopause sets in is considered ideal. I thought the greater Philadelphia area would split the difference, but that was naïve. A few months ago, at the pool, someone watched me splash around with my now four-year-old and asked, “Mom or Grandma?” I’m sure I looked like I was going to barf straight into the water, but I did manage to croak out, “Mom.”
However, as the past two issues of the theWRITS have shown, there are myriad different ways to be a great parent. (Check out Summer 2024 for “Famous Fathers” and Fall 2024 for “Magnificent Moms.”) What matters is that you raise a kid in a house filled with love, kindness, acceptance, support, humor, and then some more love for good measure. What beautiful tributes and what excellent parents! I’m going to keep those articles in the back of my mind: reminders to focus on the big picture every time I want to scream at the 657 toy cars and marbles littering my floor.
NEW MEMBER PROFILE
Hannah Schweizer
As part of the Writs’ continuing mission to introduce new members to the Bucks County Bar Association, we will feature a regular column on a new member. This edition’s profile is on Hannah Schweizer, an associate at Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP.
The Writs: Tell us about yourself.
I’m originally from Northeast Philadelphia, where I attended Saint Hubert Catholic High School. I currently live in Roxborough but will be making the move to Bucks County in the coming months. After high school, I went to Temple University and graduated with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology, which helped build my interest in law. I continued my studies at Widener University Delaware School of Law, graduating in May 2024. Right after taking the bar exam, I joined Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP, and passed the July 2024 Pennsylvania Bar Exam. I’m excited to grow in my legal career and see where this journey takes me.
The Writs: If you are from Bucks County, what made you decide to live or work here?
While I didn’t grow up in Bucks County, my family moved to Bucks County in 2018. I wanted to be closer to them, and as I spent more time in the area, I came to love its vibrant community and welcoming atmosphere. I’m looking forward to making Bucks County my permanent home soon.
The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?
Although no one in my family is a lawyer, my father always had a strong interest in legal matters—I often joke that he was a lawyer in another life! His passion sparked my curiosity and inspired me to learn more. Interning at the Defenders’ Association during my time at Temple University and connecting with attorneys who shared their experiences solidified my decision to pursue a career in law.
The Writs: Describe a day in the life of your practice. As a new attorney, no two days are the same, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Each day brings new challenges,
learning opportunities, and the chance to work alongside experienced attorneys who have been incredibly supportive. I’m constantly expanding my knowledge, and it’s rewarding to see how much I’m growing, even in these early stages of my career.
The Writs: What was the most interesting case/ matters that you have worked on in your career?
During law school, I worked at a personal injury and medical malpractice firm, and one of the most interesting cases involved a complex medical malpractice claim. The case centered around a misdiagnosis that led to serious complications for the patient. It was fascinating to dig into the medical records, consult with experts, and build a narrative that clearly showed where the standard of care had been breached. It was challenging but rewarding to be part of a team that secured a fair outcome for the client, and it taught me a lot about the intersection of law and medicine, as well as the importance of attention to detail.
The Writs: What made you want to go into your field of practice, and where do you see yourself in five years?
I have found myself more drawn to civil litigation. I love how every case is different, requiring creative problemsolving and a deep dive into the specifics. Whether it’s a contract dispute, property issue, or something entirely unexpected, there’s always a new challenge to tackle, and that variety keeps the work interesting. In five years, I hope to be well-established in civil litigation, taking on more complex cases and continuing to build my skills both in and out of the courtroom. I want to be known as someone clients can count on to navigate even the trickiest situations and get them the best results possible.
The Writs: What is your favorite fictional character from the legal profession? What is your favorite movie that portrays the legal profession?
Olivia Benson from Law & Order, of course! Growing up, I watched the show all the time and was captivated by her tenacity and commitment to justice. Seeing her dedication made me think, “I want to do that someday.” She has always been the ultimate example of a strong, determined advocate, and it’s no surprise she remains a favorite for so many.
The Writs: What has been your favorite place to travel to and why?
My favorite place to travel has been Germany. I visited in 2018, and it was a great opportunity to explore a culture that I’ve always been curious about, given my German heritage. Experiencing the landscapes, architecture, and local traditions firsthand was eye-opening, and it gave me a chance to learn more about a part of my background.
The Writs: What advice would you give a law student to help prepare for a career in Bucks County, and specifically in your area of practice?
Build connections and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! When I was starting, I knew I had the dedication, but I worried that firms wouldn’t want to hire someone fresh out of law school who wasn’t even barred yet. I took the initiative to write letters to firms that interested me, and that proactive approach opened doors. Getting to know lawyers in the area has been a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow.
The Writs: What do you do when not practicing law?
When I’m not practicing law, I’m usually with family. Whether it’s catching up over a meal, hanging out at home, or heading out to events around Bucks County, I enjoy spending my downtime with them.
The Writs: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?
If I’m being honest, I can’t resist a good chain, so I have to say Chickie’s & Pete’s. The one on Easton Road in Warrington is my go-to spot. It might not be the most exciting answer, but it’s always the first place that comes to mind, especially when the Eagles are on!
The Bucks County Mediation and Arbitration Center (BCMAC) is owned and operated by Barbara N. Lyons, Esq. She is certified, skilled and experienced in neutral arbitration, mediation and case evaluation. Attorneys work closely with Barbara from initial contact to the conclusion of their case.
BCMAC is a full-service ADR provider addressing issues involving, but not limited to:
•Contract and real estate disputes
BCMAC is a full-service ADR provider addressing issues involving:
•Medical malpractice
•Equity matters
• Personal injury premises and product liability
•Employer/employee disputes
•Underinsured and uninsured motorist cases
• Commercial and insurance matters
•Business mergers and dissolutions
• Real estate and equity disputes
•Personal injury
•Municipal matters
BCMAC provides cost-effective and real-world solutions for attorneys and their clients, business and industry professionals.
BCMAC provides cost-effective and real-world solutions to attorneys, consumers, business and industry professionals, employees, employers and government agencies.
Bucks County Mediation and Arbitration Center
The Farm, 220 Farm Lane, Doylestown, PA 18901
For more information call (215) 340-7655 or visit www.bcmac.org.
Bucks County Mediation and Arbitration Center
The Farm, 220 Farm Lane, Doylestown, PA 18901
For more information call (215) 340-7655 or visit www.bcmac.org.
Penglase & Benson MANAGING PARTNER’S CORNER
I have been fortunate enough to have known many great and talented people in my life. The first are my wife and children. The second is Craig Penglase. Craig and I have known each other since we were teenagers growing up in Doylestown. We were reunited in 1999 in the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and worked side by side in the Homicide by Vehicle Unit. Craig eventually left the District Attorney’s Office and started his own firm, concentrating on Criminal Defense. In 2005 Craig asked me to join him and we have been partners ever since.
While this is a “managing partner’s” column we do not have a single managing partner, in the traditional sense. Craig and I have always shared the responsibility for running the firm and setting its course and direction. This has served us particularly well as we each have unique skills and ideas to bring to the table. The firm is also unique in that we encourage everyone to contribute. We have learned that good ideas and strategies are not reserved to those with law degrees. Both staff and attorneys are encouraged to speak up when they have an idea or a point of view. The receptionist may feel that a closing argument will not resonate with jurors, and a paralegal may come up with a new way to package an estate plan. While the practice of law can be demanding and stressful, it is more enjoyable when everyone knows that they can contribute and be heard.
When we first formed the firm in 2005 we were literally in the basement. We rented a basement office space across from the Bucks County Courthouse. Starting from nothing, with very few clients, forced us to tap into our dedication to service and apply forward thinking. We knew that if we provided exceptional client service and anticipated their needs and where the law was going, we could survive in a crowded market. Our model worked and our clients spread the word for us. Eventually we moved to a two-story office, and then, in 2017, we purchased the firm’s final home, an office building on Main Street in Doylestown.
For hundreds of years, the practice of law has been one of reaction instead of pro-action. We as attorneys wait until something bad happens before we can react and protect our client’s interest. A divorce client is only represented after the marriage is irreconcilable. A contract action is only litigated after it has been breached. Firms based on a reactionary model live and die by the phone ringing. Instead, we take a forward approach. We speak with each business owner several times a year to update them on the law and to see if there are potential problems that we can get in front of. We speak to each estate planning client annually to review their estate plans and keep them up to date. When the state required a certification to represent death penalty case, we got the certification. When criminal law dried up in 2020 due to the quarantine, we developed a bankruptcy practice. We anticipated that our employees might want to work from home and so we already had a virtual plan in place already when the world went virtual in 2020. We anticipated that most Pennsylvania Register of Wills offices would continue to offer a virtual option to probate and so we built a practice that now offers estate planning and probate services statewide.
Listening to our clients has presented us with amazing opportunities to help them. When our clients said that they don’t look at their estate planning documents very often, we developed a system that made it easy to review and update them. When our clients tell us that they have a home improvement project, we have a list of vetted contractors that we can refer to them. When we had an influx of clients seeking help with domestic matters we brought in my wife, Carol Benson, with her extensive background in family law to offer these services. By solving these problems, we have moved from being just a law firm to being a family’s trusted advisor.
In the last few years we have had more and more criminal clients having issues with their firearms. This coupled with people transferring their firearms collection
after death led us to obtain our federal firearms license. Now we can handle these transactions for our clients. But it didn’t stop there. Soon we had clients that wanted to know how to shoot better, or how to safely handle a firearm and so we provided classes to assist them. These services became so popular that we spun them off into a new company called Overwatch Armaments Inc., and then purchased Quinby’s Gun Store in Dublin, Pennsylvania to house this new business.
There are countless opportunities available for those who truly listen to their clients’ needs, anticipate the direction of the law, and take action. Be forward thinking and less reactionary.
John Benson is one of the managing partners at Penglase and Benson, Inc. where he practices civil litigation, corporate law, estate planning and probate.
ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY AND ETHICS MATTERS
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LAW CLERK PROFILES
Roniqua Archer and Katherine Bierly
The Bucks County Bar Association is extremely proud of its members who serve as judicial law clerks. Many of these clerks are newly minted from law school, and display incredible promise to serve as future leaders of the Bar Association. As a recurring column, the Writs will feature profiles on a few members of the current clerkship class. In this edition, we are proud to present Roniqua Archer, law clerk to Hon. Jeffery G. Trauger, and Katherine Bierly, law clerk to Hon. James M. McMaster.
Roniqua Archer
The Writs: Tell us about yourself.
My name is Roniqua Archer. I recently passed the Pennsylvania Bar and I am a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Jeffery G. Trauger, of the Bucks County Court of Common Please. I’m a South Philadelphia Native and I have always been a non-traditional student. I attended night and weekend classes to obtain my A.S. in Paralegal Studies. I then attended Chestnut Hill College for my B.S. in Criminal Justice. Most recently I completed my J.D. at Liberty University School of Law where I took an interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The Writs: What made you decide to work in Bucks County?
I knew I wanted to return to Pennsylvania after law school. As I stated before, I went to school in Virginia, so it’s rare that our career center receives leads for employment here. Being from Philadelphia, I was familiar with the Bucks County area. So, when my career center presented me with a Bucks County clerkship, I knew it was for me.
The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?
My first exposure to the law was in my neighborhood. Growing up, almost everyone I knew had some interaction with the justice system. As a child, I always wanted to become an attorney but never thought it was obtainable for anyone from my community, especially not myself. After high school I received a license in cosmetology, but still never felt fulfilled. As time went on, I gained employment that offered a generous tuition benefit, allowing me to finally chase my dreams.
I can honestly say that I didn’t have role models in a traditional sense. In fact, I actually saw more models of what I didn’t want to be become. It was learning from the mistakes of the people around me and in my community that inspired me to aim high and chase feverishly after what my heart desired.
The Writs: Describe a day in the life of a law clerk in your judge’s chambers.
A day in the life of a law clerk is never the same. From motion hearings to jury trials, there are always new opportunities to learn and grow.
The Writs: What was the most interesting case that you have worked on for your judge?
I can’t say I worked on it personally, but I was able to sit in on Oral Arguments for an Emergency Injunction hearing which made national news. That was pretty exciting.
The Writs: What type of law do you want to go into after your clerkship, and where do you see yourself in five years?
One thing my Civil Procedure professor, Professor Hesch, taught me was to remain “fluid and flexible.” I am interested in several areas of law such as business law, medical malpractice, and employment law. However, I am open to the possibility of other areas as time goes on. I don’t want to limit myself and miss an opportunity. I am assured that by applying this reasoning I will land somewhere that is a great fit.
The Writs: What is your favorite fictional character from the legal industry?
Annalise Keating is by far the best fictional attorney. How to Get Away with Murder was a great show. But I must give an honorable mention to Mickey Haller, the defense attorney from The Lincoln Lawyer. I would love to see a spin off the shows, with Annalise and Mickey as co-counsel on a murder case. If we see this on Netflix, it was definitely my idea.
The Writs: What has been your favorite place to travel to and why?
During an ABA mediation competition in Buffalo, New York, I was able to walk over to Canada. They had the most unique candy and desserts. I’m a foodie, so that was up my alley.
The Writs: What advice would you give a law student to help prepare for a clerkship in Bucks County?
Start by reviewing your local court rules. Having attending school in Virginia, I’m still grasping the court rules for Pennsylvania. Secondly, early in your clerkship, develop an open line of communication with your judge. Lastly, brushing up on Bluebook citations can never hurt.
The Writs: What do you do when not working as a clerk?
I like to roller skate, crochet, and spend time with my dog, Esquire. I also have an unconventional love of Crossfit. I think everyone should try a class at least once.
The Writs: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?
Water’s Edge Winery & Bistro. They have an amazing Prosciutto, Fig & Gorgonzola Flatbread.
Katherine Bierly
The Writs: Tell us about yourself.
I am the current law clerk for the Honorable James M. McMaster. I recently graduated from Widener University Delaware Law School. Before starting law school, I worked as an AmeriCorps Member for City Year for a year in a school in Philadelphia. After graduating from Salisbury University with bachelor’s degree in Geography and International Studies, I was in the Peace Corps in Ukraine until we were evacuated over COVID. This past week I got married in Langhorne!
The Writs: If you are from Bucks County, what made you decide to live or work here?
Although not from Bucks, I am from across the county line in Montgomery County. I chose Bucks County because it is close to my family and where I grew up. Bucks County gives you almost a big-city feeling with the wide range of cases, without having to go downtown every day. From the town shops to nature, there is everything in the county. My husband and I often go to Newtown and Doylestown for the shops. A few weeks ago, we went stargazing at Lake Nockamixon and walked on the trails at Tyler State Park.
The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?
While I was in the Peace corps, I was planning on my next steps. I was considering either going to law school or going back to school to get my Ph.D. in Geography. I knew I wanted to get a higher degree than my bachelor’s degree. Law school seemed like the perfect fit because I always enjoyed writing
and reading. I definitely get plenty of both now! As being someone who was living in a foreign country without a strong grasp on the language at the time of applying for law school, I thought that I would want to create an organization that would work with immigrants to help them find a job and settle in the state.
One of my role models is my cousin John Arose who is an attorney in Harrisburg. I remember talking to him when I was first deciding to attend law school, and he pretty much convinced me. Throughout the law school process and during law school he has always been there to give me guidance and support. When we received bar results, he was the third person I told. Just behind my husband (at the time fiancé) and mom.
The Writs: Describe a day in the life of a law clerk in your judge’s chambers.
Judge McMaster’s docket usually involves family court cases. It’s hard to describe what an average day looks like for a law clerk. It can vary from spending the whole day in court watching proceedings to working on an opinion all day. The day typically involves researching case law based on the legal issue. The best part is the exposure to a vast variety of legal areas such as land disputes to child custody.
The Writs: What was the most interesting case that you have worked on for your judge?
Its hard to say which would be the most interesting case. Coming just out of law school, there are plenty of specific areas of law that I was not aware of. For example, in civil procedure there are rules that we never even went over in class. I like to view each case as a way to expand my knowledge of the law. The best part of the law is that it is ever growing and never will really slows down.
The Writs: What type of law do you want to go into after your clerkship, and where do you see yourself in five years?
Once I am done with my clerkship, I am interested in practicing education law. I have experience working in schools in the Philadelphia area. As a City Year member, I spent the year working with a teacher who taught English and Social Studies. During undergrad, I was a liaison between a woman’s transitional home and the school district supporting the students in their education and providing tutoring. While in Ukraine, I worked in a school teaching English, but I also held a variety of clubs such as coding, youth scouts, and leadership clubs. All of these combined experiences showed me what works for education and what needs to be fixed. I
hope as an attorney I can have a positive impact on the education system.
Eventually, it might not be five years but more like ten or fifteen, I would love to become a college or law school professor. It would be a wonderful opportunity to get back to my teaching roots. I have always enjoyed mentoring younger people to help them discover themselves and find their own way.
The Writs: What is your favorite fictional character from the legal industry?
Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. A few years ago, I saw the Broadway play with Jeff Daniels. I remember reading the book sometime in grade school and being inspired by Atticus because of his unwavering pursuit of justice. I have read the book multiple times since my first read. Now that I am in the legal career, I can relate more to Atticus than when I was in grade school.
The Writs: What has been your favorite place to travel to and why?
When I was an undergrad student I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. The city was perfectly located to be able to travel all over Europe and the country itself. During
my study abroad time, I was able to visit Ireland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, Belgium, and Sweden. The history and architecture of Europe makes it a must-see at some point in your life.
The Writs: What advice would you give a law student to help prepare for a clerkship in Bucks County?
One thing I had to learn the hard way was to remember to keep things simple. It is easy to get caught up in the research rabbit hole and read every case cited. You can spend weeks on a project or 208 and then right when you go to turn it in, there has been a change in the docket requiring you to start all over again. This also applies to your law school studies and later when studying for the bar.
The Writs: What do you do when not working as a clerk?
Being on the other side of wedding planning, I am currently in the hunt for new hobbies. I enjoy hiking, reading a good book, trying new recipes, and my husband and I are learning a new language.
The Writs: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Langhorne. They have my favorite nachos!
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WILLS FOR HEROES
By Dianne C. Magee
I keep a little yellow rubber ducky in my car, imprinted with the words, “Thank you.” It was given to me by a grateful first responder for whom I had drafted basic estate planning documents at a Bucks County Wills for Heroes session, and it reminds me daily that, in our profession, we have the opportunity to reach out and help people, do good work, and be appreciated.
This year Linda Bobrin, the Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, sponsored four Saturdays at locations around the County for first responders and military veterans to obtain professionally prepared wills and financial and health care powers of attorney through the Wills for Heroes program, which she initiated last year. Every day was “sold out,” with a lengthy waiting list. Each session consists of training on the computer software program from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by hourly appointments with the heroes. The last appointments are scheduled for 3:00 p.m., with the hope of wrapping up the final documents by 4:00 p.m. Rachel Landsberg of Linda’s office estimated that the program served more than 250 clients in 2024.
The last session of the year took place at the Bar Association building in Doylestown on September 15th. We had nine tables staffed by a total of 13 attorneys (some of us were roving “experts”) and some paralegal “scribes,” plus six tables of notaries and witnesses. Thanks to funding which allowed Linda to purchase 12 new laptops and 12 new
printers, as well as to Heather and the BCBA staff, and to the staff from the Register’s office, the process was a well-oiled machine and ran smoothly, with no backlogs the entire time. Every client happily left with a folder containing an original will, two original financial powers of attorney, and two original health care powers of attorney. One couple I met had travelled all the way from Central Pennsylvania to have their documents prepared and then to enjoy a date night while their young children were safely deposited with Bucks County grandparents.
The documents are fundamental and not intended for complex planning, but they do the job. Linda is working on updated and improved software for the future, which will be easier to use.
Four Saturdays will be scheduled for next year, including, for the first time, one in Upper Bucks, so keep your eyes peeled for those upcoming dates. What will you get out of a day with Wills for Heroes? Breakfast of coffee, bagels and doughnuts, pizza for lunch, CLE credits, interesting interactions with brave and courageous people, and the priceless feeling that you helped those who risk their lives for us every day.
Dianne C. Magee is an attorney at Grim, Biehn and Thatcher in Perkasie, PA, where she practices trusts and estates law.
Trunk or Treat
PROFILES IN PUBLIC SERVICE
The BCBF: Tell us about yourself?
My name is Melissa (Missy) Robison and I am a police officer with Middletown Township Police Department (“MTPD”). I started my police career in Warminster Township, and after five years moved onto Middletown Township. I am a wife, mom of three very active kids, a combat veteran, and absolutely love my job as a police officer. At MTPD I am currently the Community Relations Officer after being the School Resource Officer for several years. I make sure that the police department is engaged in the community in more non-traditional ways, that seek to enhance our relationship with those we serve. During school breaks we always have activities for kids to get involved in like Painting with the Police, Pizza with the Police, Pretzel Twisting Parties and much more. Our department takes part in Coffee with a Cop meet-ups that allow any community members to come to our location, share a cup of coffee and get to know us, ask questions, tell us their concerns and more. Our two largest events each year are National Night Out and Shop with a Cop.
The BCBF: What made you want to become a law enforcement officer? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?
I think as a kid I never thought that I could be a police officer, even though I can recall watching Rescue 911 and COPS as a little kid and thinking how cool that job would be. I never saw myself as fitting the mold of what an officer looks like, being quite a petite woman. I did not have anyone in my family who had ever been a police officer,
MELISSA ROBISON
and so this was uncharted territory. My own father assured me that I couldn’t do it, so I did. Growing up in my family was pretty hectic at times and I don’t think I encountered a true role model until I got to the police academy. During the academy enrollment I met with the director at the time, Frank Williar. I later found out that he spent 30 years at Lower Merion Police Department and was also a military veteran. He interviewed me for the academy and put me through my paces. He very memorably said to me: “What if I told you that women don’t belong in this profession.” I looked at him with such fire in my eyes and told him: “I’m here to prove you wrong.” Little did I know this was only a test, and not at all how he felt. He selected me for the academy and on the first day he declared that I would be the lieutenant and in charge of our entire class. I was dumbstruck by this decision, but I soon realized that he was one of the best people I had ever had the pleasure of knowing. He had extraordinarily high expectations of me but gave me the confidence I needed to achieve and surpass them. He was stern, he was gruff, he gave great advice, he demanded excellence, he instilled a great deal of trust in me, and that relationship made me a better person and officer. Frank and I still talk and meet up for lunches, as I will never tire of his stories or sharing memories from the academy days.
The BCBF: Why did you choose to join your police department?
Middletown Township PD is the third largest police department in the county, and with the larger size comes a lot more opportunities. I knew that MTPD had a lot more specialties and units and felt like this would be a better fit. After being hired I was quickly made the Community Relations Officer and begin to re-establish a position that had been lost over the years. I had some great examples of how community policing was done by my predecessors and really just tried to build upon that and create fresh, new ways to engage with our residents.
The BCBF: What sort of training did you need to become a law enforcement officer?
To become a police officer in many Bucks County police departments you need have completed your ACT 120 certification. This is a six-month police academy where we are certified through the state to be an officer. Many
departments also require either 60 college credits or two years of military experience. I completed my master’s degree two years ago at Delaware Valley University and retired from the Army National Guard after 20 years of service with them.
The BCBF: Describe a day in the life of your job. The best part of the job is that no two days are EVER the same. You never have a clue of what you might be walking into or how you are needed that day. Right now, I am still providing a lot of assistance to the School Resource Officers in the Neshaminy School District. I typically start my day by visiting one of the schools in response to a call there. There is a good number of children and families who are struggling and looking for resources and things to meet their daily needs. I try to fill those needs whenever I can. For example, we had a student whose lips were so chapped they had bled and scabbed over, so I went and grabbed a bunch of medicated chapsticks. We have kids who don’t have sneakers that fit; I go and buy them a pair. Kids who need a winter coat; I go buy it. The nurse’s office needs underwear and feminine products, I go buy those too. A huge part of my job has been fundraising to be able to do these things. After kids returned to school post-pandemic, I started “The Fresh Start Closets” that have both food and clothing items for anyone who needs these. I have had businesses and individuals graciously donate to this effort and I am able to make the purchases when these incidents arise. No child should feel ashamed of how they are dressed or come to school hungry. I take requests all day long and run from store to store helping out as much as I can. Fundraising for The Fresh Start Closets and Shop with a Cop is a task that I think about and work at every single day. I’m constantly looking for fun ways to get the community involved in supporting the children and families in our own neighborhoods. In addition to all this, I also teach D.A.R.E. to fifth graders at Holy Family Regional Catholic School, am a certified car seat technician, am on the negotiating team for SCERT, ride bike patrol in the summer, hold training sessions about active shooter responses, assist with the county’s Crisis Intervention Training, among other mundane police tasks. To say I stay busy is an understatement, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The BCBF: What are the best and toughest parts about your job?
The best part of my job is our annual Shop with a Cop event. This is an event that was started from nothing and is something in which I take a huge amount of pride. Shop with a Cop is a one of a kind shopping experience. We select children from our communities in Lower Bucks County
and they go to our local Target store where they are able to purchase holiday presents for their family and themselves. We provide them with handmade blankets, and other goodies, as well as wrapping every single item they picked out. These children come from families who have significant financial struggles or have suffered some kind of loss or tragedy in their lives. In 2016 we hosted about 35 kids and only raised about $3,200. In the last few years we’ve hosted about 375 kids and fundraise well over $150,000 each year. The amount of collaboration and participation from all the surrounding departments is absolutely incredible. We had officers from 21 separate police agencies last year and over 100 volunteers helping to make this day magical for every child. We now have a small crew that leads this charge and has a representative from each police agency to head-up their own fundraising efforts that contribute to the overall event. Seeing these children experience this and be able to purchase things they need and want is indescribable. It is the most labor-intensive project I take on, but the reward is worth every moment spent pining over the smallest of details.
I would say that the toughest part of any policing job is seeing a child hurt or exploited in some way. Being with the school for many years I have seen the result of very abusive homes, and have taken reports of horrible acts committed against children. The desire to help and protect these kids is so strong and makes handling these cases difficult. Many
times, these cases get transferred to our detectives office and I give them all the credit in the world for the incredible work that they do to get justice for these children.
The BCBF: What is your favorite fictional character from the law enforcement industry and why? What is your favorite movie that portrays the law enforcement profession and why?
I can’t even recall the last movie I watched that wasn’t animated, so certainly wouldn’t have a favorite movie in that genre. My kids own the television! I do love to read though, and really liked the character Katie Maguire from the Graham Masterton series. The books are quite gruesome, but the stories are so detailed and intense. Maguire is a detective in a rural Ireland area and gets involved in all the worst cases. Her investigating techniques, the questions she asks, and the angles she uses to get to people are very intriguing. Lots of thought-provoking scenarios and you never know where the story is going to land. In addition to the police work you see how she navigates being a female in a predominantly male force, as well as how she handles incidents of corruption and cover-ups.
The BCBF: If you had not become a police officer, what other career or profession do you think you would have considered?
Prior to setting my sites on being a police officer, I had always thought I would like to be a teacher. I am fortunate that in my current role, I get to do a ton of teaching and training events for children and adults.
The BCBF: What has been your favorite place to travel and why?
My happy place is Ocean City, New Jersey with my husband and kids. There are no bad days in OCNJ and I absolutely love being there as much of the summer as possible. Our youngest son is named Wesley, after the street name the family house is located on. I’ve traveled to other beautiful places, but none that are as filled with such fun memories as the shore.
The BCBF: What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a law enforcement officer in Bucks County?
First and foremost, I would say that you need to make sure that this is something that you are entirely invested in. This job requires a great deal of sacrifice and loyalty to the department. Officers must have a strong sense of duty and responsibility to their brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community, and be willing to work independently and collaboratively at a moment’s
notice. I would tell them to start following local police departments on social media to find testing opportunities. The consortium is a great place to apply for many different departments all at once. The catch is that most places want you to be ACT 120 certified, so getting that process started sooner than later is helpful. Being enrolled in the academy will open up many more opportunities when it comes to departments that are hiring. Also, call your local departments to find out what the job really looks like and not what the media tells you it is. Ask all the questions, and get answers from someone who has lived experience. If you are in a criminal justice program at a college or university, look for local internships to really get a handle on the types of day-to-day activities you will see. Firsthand knowledge is always best, do your own research.
The BCBF: What do you do when not working as a law enforcement officer?
I am a super busy mom! My kids are always involved in some sport or activity that we are running to on evenings and weekends. When we do have a break, we like to go camping, play outside, and generally trying to entertain three under 11 who have limitless energy. My husband is the adventurous one and always suggesting places to go and things to do. Like I said, anytime we can get away to the beach, that is where you will find us!
The BCBF: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?
Does YumYum Bake Shop count? I am a sweets person and definitely fall into the doughnut-loving-cop stereotype. While I love every single thing that Yum Yum sells, there is another hidden donut gem. Giant supermarket has THE BEST donut, called the “cro-nut.” It is a glazed croissant/ donut hybrid that is out of this world! It is not available at every location, but when you track them down, it will have been worth it.
