Westmoreland Bar Association News

The Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans' Court motions on Friday, March 20, 2026. Counsel should make arrangements to present on a prior or subsequent Friday.

Due to the Courthouse being closed for the observance of Good Friday, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans' Court motions on Friday, April 3, 2026. Motions will instead be heard on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

The Honorable Scott O. Mears, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court Motions on Friday, April 10, 2026. Counsel should make arrangements to present motions on a subsequent Friday.

Our offices will be closed Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day. We will return on Tuesday, February 17, at 8:30 am.

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

Please be advised that effective May 1, 2026, the assigned Criminal Days for Judge Hammers and Judge Pallone will be swapped.

New Schedule Summary

Westmoreland County is seeking a Judicial Law Clerk for The Hon. Justin M. Walsh in Family Court.

PAY RATE: Non Union Pay-grade, $57,259.00/yr.

JOB DUTIES: Performs legal research as required; makes use of legal research tools; evaluates case law and statutes; reviews and analyzes case files, motions, and briefs; observes court proceedings and testimony; reads trial transcripts and examines court exhibits. Prepares, types and edits Opinions, Order of Court, and other legal documents. Discusses confidential issues with the Judge and assists the Judge and court staff has needed. Additional details: https://www.westbar.org/docDownload/2880907

Pennsylvania Licensed Attorneys with interest may submit resumes/applications to:

Ashley Shaulis
Court Administrator’s Office
2 North Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601

Or ashaulis@westmorelandcountypa.gov

Due to the snowstorm and out of an abundance of caution for our employees, the Westmoreland Bar Association offices will be closed on Monday, January 26. We will be working from home, so you can reach us by email if you need to.

We will return to the office, on Tuesday, January 27, at 8:30 am, weather permitting.

Judge Chris Scherer will not be hearing Civil/Orphans’ Court Motions on Friday, February 27, 2026. Counsel may contact Chambers at 724-853-2201 for additional motions dates.

The Hon. Scott O. Mears, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court Motions on Friday, February 27, 2026. Counsel should make arrangements to present motions on a subsequent Friday.

Our offices will be closed from 11 am to 2:30 pm on Thursday, January 22, for our Quarterly Meeting, and all day on Friday, January 23, for an office cleanout.

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

The Westmoreland Bar Association’s Nominating Committee is accepting applications from members who would like to serve in leadership positions with the WBA.

At the Annual Meeting on Monday April 6, 2026, the Westmoreland Bar Association membership will vote to fill the following openings: Vice President, Board of Directors, Membership Committee, Building Committee, and Investment Committee. All participating members are eligible to apply for these positions.

Learn more about term limits and responsibilities for each position at westbar.org.

Complete an application online or download the application and email it back to westbar.org@westbar.org. 

Deadline to apply is Friday, January 30, 2026, at 4 pm.

Our offices will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. We will return on Tuesday, January 20, at 8:30 am.

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

Due to an unexpected conflict in his schedule, the Honorable Harry F. Smail, Jr. will not be hearing Civil or Orphans’ Court motions on Friday, January 23, 2026.  Counsel should make arrangements to present on a prior or subsequent Friday.