Blog
Betty Ward dutifully served as the Westmoreland County Law Librarian for 32 years. Join friends and colleagues in saluting her as the Westmoreland County Law Library is renamed in her honor on Friday, April 12, at Noon, at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
Speeches and light refreshments are on the agenda.
If you are unable to attend the ceremony, but would like to pay tribute to Betty, stop in the Law Library to sign a commemorative guest book.
RSVP online or call 724-834-6730.
Celebrate the WBA's 138th birthday with us on Friday, July 12! WBA members are invited to enjoy a FREE coffee on us at dV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery, 208 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg or The White Rabbit Cafe and Patisserie, 113 North Main Street, Greensburg. Stop by before 2 pm, tell the barrista you’re a WBA member, and they will check for your name on the guest list!
The Westmoreland Bar Association’s Board of Directors, the Westmoreland Bar Foundation's Board of Trustees, and Executive Director Alahna O'Brien are pleased to extend a very warm welcome to our new Legal Services Coordinator, Anna Joyner. Ms. Joyner joined the WBA in mid-May and shares some introductory comments below:
I am excited to join the Westmoreland Bar Association as Legal Services Coordinator. I hold an associates degree in human services from Westmoreland County Community College and recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Public Health.
The majority of my professional career is in the non-profit sector, most recently working with the City of Pittsburgh’s Community Action Agency. I have experience facilitating and coordinating Pardon Hub and Expungement Clinics with Allegheny County Bar Foundation and Allegheny County Public Defender's Office as well as partnering with Westmoreland County Community College and Summit Legal Aid in Westmoreland County.
I am looking forward to bringing my experience and passion to the Westmoreland Bar Association to make legal representation and options accessible to more Westmoreland County residents, as well as make Pro Bono opportunities available to our members.
What little spare time I have out of work, is spent chauffeuring my four children to their various activities, spending time with family, traveling, and reading.
Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
Due to a conflict in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, July 5, 2024. Motions will instead be heard on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Deadline for copy for the July 5, 2024, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, June 28, 2024.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, CLE presenters, members, and guests who made our 38th Annual Bench/Bar Conference at Omni Bedford Springs Resort a resounding success! We couldn't have done it without each and every one of you! View photos from the event here: https://link.shutterfly.com/dE2iQEbbLAb and if you have any photos you would like to send our way, email [email protected].
Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
NOTICE: Judge Chris Scherer will not be hearing civil or orphans’ court motions on: Friday, July 26, 2024. Counsel may contact chambers at 724-853-2201 for additional Motions dates.
- Jennie Bullard
- Lawrence R. Burns
- P. Louis DeRose
- Deborah Jackson
- The Hon. James R. Kelley
- Nils H. Ljungman
- James H. Robinson, Jr.
- M. Samuel Rosenzweig
- James R. Silvis
- David B. Wasson
The WBA Women in Law Committee and Quatrini Law Group are sponsoring a Bench/Bar Conference scholarship for a female attorney who has been in practice for more than 10 years.
The scholarship covers both registration and the cost of Thursday night's hotel stay ($564 value). To apply, email your request to [email protected].
Deadline for copy for the May 31, 2024, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, May 24, 2024.
Due to a conflict in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, June 7, 2024. Motions will instead be heard on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
The Bench/Bar Conference returns to Omni Bedford Springs and you won't want to miss it!
This year’s registration fee is $250 for WBA members ($225 for Young Lawyers) and includes six hours of CLE, three meals, the vendor exhibit, and entry to the hospitality house. Spouses and significant others are welcome to join in all events.
Overnight lodging costs start at $259/night+tax++, single or double occupancy. Make room reservations on your own by calling 1-800-843-6664. All room reservations must be made by May 13, 2024, at 5 pm, to be guaranteed a room and the group discount.
++ Plus $39 per person resort charge, which includes valet parking, unlimited high speed internet access in all guestroom accommodations, Bedford Springs bottled water, in-room coffee, room safe, fitness center access 24 hours, indoor and outdoor pool access, tennis court, hiking trails.
The Bench/Bar Conference remains the premier event to network and socialize with colleagues and members of the judiciary. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity. Register today!
We are currently looking for a person to answer/screen phone calls for the Lawyer Referral Service and grow Pro Bono initiatives of the Westmoreland Bar Foundation.
Read the full job description, required experience, salary and benefits here >>>
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and any other supporting documentation to: Westmoreland Bar Association, 100 N Maple Ave, Greensburg PA 15601-2506 or email [email protected].
Congratulations to Angelea Allen Mitas, who assumed the office of president at the Annual Meeting of the Westmoreland Bar Association held on Monday, April 1, at Rizzo's Banquet Hall in Crabtree.
An attorney for 45 years, Angie began her career in the Westmoreland County Public Defender's office. In 1994, she joined the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania as Disciplinary Counsel and retired after 25 years as Counsel-in-Charge of the District 4 office. She is currently with Marsili Law, LLC, in Pittsburgh. Angie succeeds Maureen Kroll and will serve a one-year term as President.
Congratulations also go out to our newest Board and Committee members who were elected at the 2024 Annual Meeting on April 1: Adam J. Long, Vice President; Jacquelyn A. Knupp, Director; Keegan Miller, Membership; David S. DeRose, Building; and Robert P. Lightcap, Investment.
Our offices are closing at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 1, for our Annual Meeting. We will return Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
The court en banc will recognize the newest members of the WBA at the annual New Members Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, in Ceremonial Courtroom No. 3 at the Westmoreland County Courthouse at 3:00 p.m.
Please join us for a complimentary reception at the Courthouse immediately following the ceremony.
Share your stories about being a young lawyer, spend time with colleagues and celebrate this next generation of Westmoreland County lawyers.
The Annual Meeting of the Westmoreland Bar Foundation and the Westmoreland Bar Association will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Rizzo's Banquet Hall in Crabtree.
We will recognize and thank outgoing WBA President Maureen Kroll and welcome Angelea Allen Mitas as she assumes the office of President of the Westmoreland Bar Association. The business meeting begins at 4:30 pm.
Elections will be held to fill the open positions on the Board of Directors and the Membership, Building, and Investment Committees.
The Nominating Committee has recommended the following members for these positions:
- Vice President (1 Year, 1 Opening): Adam J. Long
- Director (3 Years, 1 Opening): Jacquelyn Knupp
- Membership Committee (5 Years, 1 Opening): Keegan Miller
- Building Committee (5 Years, 1 Opening): David S. DeRose
- Investment Committee (5 Years, 1 Opening): Robert P. Lightcap
Those WBA members with participating status attending the Annual Meeting of the association on April 1, 2024, will vote "yea" or "nay" to fill these positions. (According to the Bylaws of the Westmoreland Bar Association, associate members, judicial members, and honorary members do not have voting rights.)
THIS MEETING IS FOR CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE WESTMORELAND BAR ASSOCIATION ONLY.
Sign up for 2024-2025 Committees here.
Download the Annual Meeting packet here. (Accessible to WBA members only)
Dinner Sponsor
Happy International Women's Day to the 128 women who make the Westmoreland Bar Association stronger every day.
In observance of the holiday and the Courthouse being closed, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, March 29, 2024. Motions will instead be heard on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
With a conflict arising in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, April 5, 2024. Counsel should make arrangements to present on a prior or subsequent Friday.
We invite you to join us for this year’s Judges and Lawyers Go Back to School program held in conjunction with 2024 Law Day. The Westmoreland Bar Association wants to provide Westmoreland County schools with as many lawyers and judges as we can recruit to discuss topics that are pertinent to today’s students and today’s citizens. We will begin the classroom visits in late April and conclude by mid-May.
The 2024 Law Day theme “Voices of Democracy” recognizes that in democracies, the people rule. For nearly 250 years, Americans have expressed their political views and wishes by speaking their minds and voting in elections. In 2024, the United States will hold its 60th presidential election, and Americans will address fundamental questions about democracy and the rule of law.
The Voices of Democracy Law Day theme encourages Americans to participate in the 2024 elections by deepening their understanding of the electoral process; discussing issues in honest and civil ways; turning out to vote; and, finally, helping to move the country forward after free and fair elections. In this way, Americans ensure that our government remains responsive to the wishes of the people.
The American Bar Association has put together some informative and engaging lesson plans, materials, and resources for K-12 classroom visits. View them online at abateacherportal.org/law-day/.
If you are a judge, attorney, or magisterial district judge and want to volunteer to visit a classroom for Law Day 2024, fill out this form.
If you are a teacher in Westmoreland County and would like to request a presentation for your class, fill out this form.
Blackburn Center Legal has an opening for a full-time Staff Attorney. Interested candidates should submit their résumé to the Managing Attorney, P.O. Box 399, Greensburg, PA 15601.
Read the job description, responsibilities, and qualifications here.
Do you need FREE help with a custody issue concerning your children?
Sign up for the FREE Custody Clinic sponsored by the Westmoreland Bar Association, Westmoreland Bar Foundation, and Summit Legal Aid on Wednesday, February 21.
11 am to Noon
What to Expect When Filing for Custody in Westmoreland County
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • In Person or Zoom
Bruce Tobin, Esq., will lead a discussion on what to expect when filing for custody in Westmoreland County. To attend this open session, register online, call 724-834-6730 or email [email protected].
1 pm to 4 pm
In-Person Private Consultations*
Volunteer attorneys will listen to your concerns and provide advice during a 45-minute in-person consultation.
*To determine your eligibility for an in-person consultation, you must complete the Client Questionnaire available through our Legal Services Coordinator or online at westbar.org/intake-form. You must complete the form before your appointment time with the attorney will be scheduled.
This clinic and the in-person consultations are solely for information and advice. The attorneys are not required to take on any case or have a client/attorney relationship moving forward.
Call 724-834-6730 for more information or to register.
If you are an attorney who would like to volunteer, please call 724-834-6730 or email [email protected].
Judge Chris Scherer WILL NOT be hearing Civil/Orphans’ Court Motions on Friday, February 23, 2024. Counsel may contact Chambers at 724-853-2201 for additional motions dates.
With a conflict arising in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, February 23, 2024. Counsel should make arrangements to present on a prior or subsequent Friday.
The Westmoreland Bar Association’s Nominating Committee is accepting applications from members who would like to serve in leadership positions with the WBA.
The position of Vice President of the Board and one opening on the Board of Directors will be among the positions to be filled by election at the annual meeting. Additionally, there is one opening on the Membership Committee, one opening on the Building Committee, and one opening on the Investment Committee.
The Nominating Committee— Chair Charles R. Conway, Samuel R. Coury, John M. Ranker, Cindy Stine, Eric E. Bononi, Angelea Allen Mitas, and Nicole M. Pardus— will meet in February, after the application deadline, to review applications, interview candidates, and prepare a slate of nominees to present to the Board of Directors and the membership of the Westmoreland Bar Association.
Any member interested in running for any of these positions should submit an application to the Chair of the Nominating Committee, c/o the WBA. Candidates may submit a completed application by first-class mail, fax (724-834-6855), or email ([email protected]). The WBA must receive the application by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
For more information about any of the positions, contact a Nominating Committee member.
The Lawyers Lounge on the fourth floor of the Westmoreland County Courthouse is closed on Wednesday, January 17, and Thursday, January 18, 2024, for maintenance. It will reopen on Friday, January 19.
Due to the inclement weather, the Family Law Committee meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday, January 16) at Noon has been cancelled. The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 20, at Noon.
Our Winter Quarterly Meeting will be held at Ferrante's Lakeview in Greensburg on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Lunch begins at Noon; the one-hour CLE will begin at 12:45 p.m.
Pro Bono, Civil Legal Aid, and Volunteering in Challenging Times
1 FREE Ethics CLE Credit*
Pro Bono requires a new approach in 2024. This presentation will share a new tool, and highlight some old tools and new programs, to help volunteer lawyers fulfill the aspiration of Professional Rule of Responsibility 6.1 as we create a new normal after the pandemic.
Speaker: David Keller Trevaskis, Esq., Pro Bono Coordinator, Pennsylvania Bar Association
A champion of access to justice, pro bono service, and public interest work, David Keller Trevaskis, Esq., coordinates civil legal aid services and clinics for thousands of Pennsylvanians in need each year. An activist for conflict resolution through non-violence, he designed and launched Project PEACE (Peaceful Endings through Authorities, Children and Educators), a peer mediation, anti-bullying, and youth court program.
*1 FREE Ethics CLE credit for all WBA members who attend the seminar.
Our offices are closed Monday, January 1, in observance of Christmas. We will return Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
The Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, January 5, 2024. Motions will instead be heard on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Our offices are closed Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26, in observance of Christmas. We will return Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
Phil Shelapinsky has recently announced his plan to retire as Executive Director of Lawyers Abstract at or near the end of 2024. Therefore, the Board of Directors of Lawyers Abstract is accepting applications from lawyers interested in the Executive Director position following Phil’s retirement. Requirements include experience in real estate law, title searches, closings, deeds, and office management. Interested parties may send their resume and/or a letter of interest outlining their experience to:
Attn: Phil Shelapinsky, Executive Director
Lawyers Abstract Company
35 West Otterman Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for copy for the December 22, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, December 15, 2023.
Our offices are closing at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 11, for our staff holiday luncheon. We will return Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
The Lawyers Lounge on the fourth floor of the Westmoreland County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, December 18, 2023. It will reopen on Tuesday, December 19.
The WBA is accepting registrations for the 2024 Lawyer Referral Service. At just $125, the registration fee allows WBA members to participate in the only court-recognized referral service in Westmoreland County. Applying for LRS participation is quick and easy.
• First, read the rules.
• Next, complete the LRS application.
Please note that certain referral panels have specific experience requirements for membership. Those panels are marked with an asterisk on the panel list in the application. To be considered for membership on a panel with experience requirements, read the Experience Requirements section of the application carefully and complete the appropriate sections.
If you have any questions about the rules, the application or the program, you may contact the Association at 724-834-6730.
With a conflict arising in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, December 29, 2023. Counsel should make arrangements to present on a prior or subsequent Friday.
WBA members are invited to join us as we celebrate
THE HON. RITA DONOVAN HATHAWAY
and her many years of service to Westmoreland County
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 4 TO 6 PM
SUN DAWG CAFE
37 N MAIN ST, GREENSBURG
FORMAL REMARKS BEGIN AT 4:45 PM
RSVP to the bar office at 724-834-6730 or register online by Thursday, December 7.
Our offices are closed Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, in observance of Thanksgiving. We will return Monday, November 27, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
We request the pleasure of your company at the annual Westmoreland Bar Association Holiday Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at six o’clock p.m. at the Greensburg Country Club.
Join us as we recognize all members of the Westmoreland Bar Association who have practiced law for 40 years or longer.
The cost is $65 per person ($55 per person for lawyers admitted to practice for five or fewer years and their guests).
R.S.V.P. by Monday, November 20, 2023. Black tie optional. Cash bar. Register online today!
For questions or dietary restrictions, call the WBA at 724-834-6730.
Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.
Happy Love Your Lawyer Day! THANK YOU to all of our members for your many positive contributions to your clients and your communities! #LoveYourLawyerDay
Deadline for copy for the November 24, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, November 17, 2023.
The Westmoreland Bar Association’s Board of Directors, the Westmoreland Bar Foundation's Board of Trustees, and Executive Director Alahna O'Brien are pleased to extend a very warm welcome to our new Legal Services Coordinator, Crystal Beers. Ms. Beers joined the WBA in mid-October and shares some introductory comments below:
I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Lawyer Referral Program for the Westmoreland Bar Association.
Prior to starting at the Bar Association, I had been the Business Development Manager for a local manufacturing company. I plan to use that experience to help grow the Lawyer Referral Service and strengthen our outreach to members of the community. We have many exciting things in the works that I think will make a positive impact on our local Westmoreland County residents, and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
In my personal life, I have three young boys, a husband, and two dogs who keep me busy. As a family, we enjoy taking long weekend trips, going to concerts and testing out new recipes from around the world.
I look forward to working with Alahna, Susan, Dana, and the members of Westmoreland Bar Association.
In observance of the holiday and the Courthouse being closed, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, November 24, 2023. Motions will instead be heard on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
Deadline for copy for the November 10, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, MONDAY, November 6, 2023.