A first for Berks: Johnson elected as first female President Judge

By Stephanie Weaver

M. Theresa Johnson first set foot in the Berks County Courthouse as an intern with the District Attorney’s office in 1993. Now 30 years later, Johnson has become the first woman to serve in the highest position on the Berks County Court of Common Pleas.

Johnson, 57, was elected unanimously by her 12 fellow judges last fall to become the new President Judge. She is the first woman to serve in the leadership position since the Berks court system was formed in 1752.

Johnson said that while the accomplishment marked a historic day for women, she was able to reach it, in part, because of the men who supported her along the way. She hopes it can be a celebration for all and an encouragement for women to keep striving.

“Women should not hesitate to put themselves out there, because there are a lot of men who want to see them succeed,” Johnson said. “I think it just takes the courage of one person to start it.”

Johnson was elected to the Court of Common Pleas in 2014 after spending most of her career with the District Attorney’s Office. Her fellow judges said they selected Johnson because of her intelligence, good character, experience, work ethic and, most of all, humility.

Johnson invited the daughters of several attorneys who practice before her to hold the Bible as she was sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl on Jan. 5. Assistant District Attorney Jacquelin Hamer Groucutt and Assistant Public Defender Amy Litvinov said they were honored to have their daughters participate in the historic moment.

“President Judge Johnson sets a great example for not just female judges and attorneys, but for everyone,” Hamer Groucutt said. “She has consistently kept cases moving, demanding hard work and preparedness from everyone who appears before her, and has always ensured efficiency and justice, even during a global pandemic.”

President Judge M. Theresa Johnson invited the daughters of several attorneys who practice before her to participate in her swearing-in ceremony. The lucky young ladies included (left to right) Maggie Groucutt, Charlotte Bodor, Penny Groucutt, Anna Litvinov and Nina Litvinov.

Litvinov said it’s a privilege to practice before a judge who possesses integrity, compassion, and intelligence, while also understanding the complexity of being a working parent in the legal profession.

“My daughters will be encouraged to pursue any ambition because of women, such as the Honorable President Judge M. Theresa Johnson, who have blazed a trail before them,” Litvinov said. “This appointment reflects our current bench’s ability to recognize the need for diversity in our courts. They have elected a woman jurist who demonstrates vitality in moving our court forward and vigor in strengthening the judiciary.”

During her 5-year term as President Judge, Johnson hopes to oversee sweeping upgrades to the courthouse so that video hearings can be conducted in every courtroom. She also wants to focus on completing the implementation of online criminal filings by attorneys to create a more efficient system for everyone.

“My goal is that the Berks County courts are recognized for their good work throughout the state,” Johnson said. “I want Berks to become a role model.”

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