Blog

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.

 


Law Day 2024We 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 crystal.beers@westbar.org.

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 crystal.beers@westbar.org.

 


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. ConwaySamuel R. CouryJohn M. RankerCindy StineEric E. BononiAngelea 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 (westbar.org@westbar.org). 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.

 

Photo of David Trevaskis

Register online today! >>>

*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: pnshelapinsky@lacwest.com

 


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.

 


Photo of Crystal Beers, Legal Services Coordinator for the Westmoreland Bar Association

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.

 


checkmarkBar Members Endorse Retention of Judge Feliciani and Judge Bilik-DeFazio

The voters of Westmoreland County will vote on November 7 on the question of whether Common Pleas Court Judges Christopher A. Feliciani and Meagan Bilik-DeFazio should be retained for an additional ten-year term.

The Westmoreland Bar Association recently conducted a poll of its participating members to determine how the lawyers, who practice before these Common Pleas Court Judges, answer the question of whether Judge Feliciani and Judge Bilik-DeFazio should be retained. Individual members were asked to vote either “in favor of” or “in opposition to” retention.

The results show that Westmoreland Bar Association attorneys overwhelmingly support Judge Feliciani and Judge Bilik-DeFazio with a substantial majority “in favor of” retention in the November election. Bar President Maureen Kroll announced the results as follows: Judge Feliciani – 99.02% and Judge Bilik-DeFazio – 96.08%.

“Member polls regarding the retention of local judges are an important part of our mission of community service and education,” said Attorney Kroll. “Our goal in publicizing these results is to help voters be better informed when retaining judges.”

By law an incumbent judge can seek a new term in office on a “yes-no” retention basis in the general election. The election is non-partisan and non-political.

For additional information on the retention process, contact the Pennsylvania Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

 


Our Fall Quarterly Meeting will be held at Live! Casino at Westmoreland Mall in Greensburg on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Doors open at 4 pm; the one-hour CLE will begin at 4:30 pm, and will be followed by a reception.

Closing Your Practice

1 FREE Ethics CLE Credit*

It takes time and careful planning to properly sunset your practice. There are ethical and financial considerations, and lots of practical decisions and notifications to be made. This course will walk you through the many steps to take into consideration if you are closing your practice. Discussion about client file disposition and a brief overview of Rule 1.17 [Sale of a Practice) is included as well.

Speaker: Ellen Freedman, CLM
Law Practice Management Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Bar Association
Ms. Freedman will be joining us via Zoom.

 

Photo of Ellen Freedman

Register online today! >>>

*1 FREE Ethics CLE credit for all WBA members who attend the seminar.

The Fall Quarterly Meeting is sponsored by FindLaw, Part of Thomson Reuters

 


Deadline for copy for the September 29, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, September 22, 2023.

 


NOTICE: The Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, September 29, 2023. Motions will instead be heard on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

 


Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of Labor Day. We will return on Tuesday, September 5, at 8:30 a.m.

Our online referral service WILL be up and running, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.

Image by ibrandify on Freepik

 


Party on the Patio header

It's a party you won't want to miss!

Enjoy food, drinks, and the company of friends and colleagues, and take-a-chance-take-a-chance-take-a-chance on the weather being nice enough so you can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life on our patio before Dancing Dream—an ABBA tribute band—takes the SummerSounds stage at St Clair Park.

RSVP online or call the WBA office at 724-834-6730 today!

 


Job Posting graphicWe 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 alahna.obrien@westbar.org.

 


Omni Bedford Springs Resort exterior

Don't miss the 2024 Bench/Bar Conference at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort June 12-14!

While we're working on the details of the 38th Annual Bench/Bar Conference, it's not too early to book your room. Call now and make your room reservations directly with Omni Bedford Springs under the Westmoreland Bar Association block of rooms.

Call 877-409-6664 for reservations or use this link.

Room rates begin at $259/night plus tax and resort fees.

Please note the block of rooms will be released on Monday, May 13, 2024, and we won't be able to guarantee that rate after that date.

 


NOTICE: With a conflict arising in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, August 18, 2023. Counsel should make arrangements to present on a prior or subsequent Friday.

The Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, August 25, 2023. Motions will instead be heard on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

 


The Bridge the Gap CLE program serves as a great refresher for any attorney admitted to practice in Pennsylvania. As a courtesy of the Westmoreland Bar Association, this seminar is being offered FREE to newly admitted WBA attorneys who are required to complete the Bridge the Gap program by their first CLE compliance deadline. Join Moderator Kim Ross Houser, Esq., on Monday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in person or via Zoom.

Deadline for registration is Noon on Friday, August 4. 

Click here to register online.

 


WBA members are invited to attend this FREE continuing learning event sponsored by FindLaw on Wednesday, August 2, from Noon to 1 p.m.

Deadline for registration is Noon on Tuesday, August 1. 

Click here to register online.

 


The WBA Board of Directors approved an increase in advertising rates for the Westmoreland Law Journal, effective August 1, 2023.

Download a new rate card or call 724-834-7260 to have one mailed to you. The new rates are as follows:

  • Change of Name:* $125.00
  • Corporate Notice:* $125.00; Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Authority, Certificate of Organization, Dissolution, etc.
  • Estate: $125.00; Estate advertising is handled through the Register of Wills office at the Courthouse when filing your Petition for Letters. The information will be automatically forwarded to the law journal and advertised for three consecutive weeks. Cost includes one proof of publication.
  • Fictitious Name:* $125.00
  • Trust:* $125.00; Runs three consecutive weeks.
  • Other Notices: $3.75 per line, per week; Minimum charge: $50.00.
  • Proof of Publication: $5.00 each
  • Annual Subscription: $52.00; Email or regular mail delivery.

* Cost includes one proof of publication. This notice must be PREPAID.

 


Announcement that the WBA offices are closed on July 3 and July 4 for Independence Day

Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.

 


 

Thank you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, CLE presenters, members, and guests who made our 37th 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 westbar.org@westbar.org.

 


Deadline for copy for the July 7, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, June 30, 2023.

 


Our offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 14, in observance of Flag Day, and on Thursday, June 15 & Friday, June 16, while we attend our Bench/Bar Conference. We will return on Monday, June 19, at 8:30 a.m.

Our online referral service WILL be up and running, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.

Picture of American flag with eagle and the Omni Bedford Springs Resort

 


Deadline for copy for the June 9, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, FRIDAY, June 2, 2023.

Deadline for copy for the June 16, 2023, issue of the Westmoreland Law Journal is Noon, MONDAY, June 12, 2023.

 


Our online referral service is available at all times, so if you are in need of legal assistance, visit lrs.westbar.org.

 


Close up of Lady Justice statue

Women’s careers benefit when they receive support from other women. Our new Women in Law Committee hopes to harness the support of each of our 130 women members to benefit our personal and professional development, in order to strengthen our organization and make it better for all members—male and female.

We are excited to invite you join us at our first meeting on Thursday, June 1, at Noon, to help plan our future. 

Register online or call 724-834-6730.

 


Close up of Courthouse dome
Please join us on Wednesday, May 24, at 3 p.m., in Ceremonial Courtroom No. 3 to remember the lives of deceased WBA members:
  • Aaron M. Kress
  • William S. Ferraro
  • Louis J. Kober
  • Ronald E. Valasek
This event is open to family and friends of the bar. The court will sit en banc and Bishop Larry J. Kulick will give the Invocation and Benediction.
 
Following the service, a complimentary reception will be held at the WBA Headquarters, 100 North Maple Avenue, Greensburg.
 
Register online or call 724-834-6730.

 


NOTICE: The Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, June 16, 2023, due to attendance at the Bench/Bar Conference. Motions will instead be heard on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

 


Westmoreland County is hiring a Custody Hearing Officer to conduct custody conciliation conferences relative to initial custody proceedings in both new custody and in modification cases, including emergency/expedited conferences when scheduled by a judge. Position cross trains to cover hearing officers in Juvenile matters, Dependency matters and for All-Counts Divorce conferences. Must have Juris Doctor degree and be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. Pay rate is Non-Union Pay grade XD-1, $58,420.04/yr.

Read the job description, responsibilities, and qualifications here.