Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Jen Coatsworth issued a statement congratulating Family Court Administrative Judge Hon. Margaret T. Murphy on her retirement.

Philadelphia Bar Association Executive Director Harvey Hurdle has announced that he will retire effective June 30, 2025. The Association will hire a search firm to conduct a national search for its next leader.

All ballots must be cast by Tuesday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. Winners will be announced during the reception at the Annual Meeting. Participating in the elections is your chance to have a say in the future leadership of our community. Use this guide to make an informed decision and cast your ballot.

The Philadelphia Bar Association is celebrating Member Appreciation Week this week, honoring the contributions of all members and giving special recognition to this year’s Bar Stars, an award created in 2019 to honor members who have gone above and beyond at carrying out the Association’s mission of leadership, education and advocacy.

The Association’s November 12 Member Appreciation Reception at City Winery also included honoring Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig LLP as the 2024 recipient of the Association’s Bar Champion Award.

Last week’s election results have sparked strong emotions across the country, highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead. In times of transition, it’s natural to feel some uncertainty about the future. However, this is also a moment to reflect on what unites us and to strengthen our commitment to shared values.

As we prepare for another Election Day, I want to thank each and every one of you who has made a plan to vote or volunteer, or is planning to serve in some way tomorrow or in the weeks to come.

Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Jen Coatsworth released a statement in memory of Juvenile Law Center co-founder Robert Schwartz, who died Oct. 8. Founded in 1975 by Schwartz and three other recent graduates of Temple law school, Juvenile Law Center is the oldest nonprofit public interest law firm for children in the U.S. Schwartz served as its executive director from 1982-2015 and continued to serve as director emeritus until his death.

The Philadelphia Bar Association Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention is in need of attorney volunteers to serve as part of its investigative division for the 2025 judicial election cycle. 

Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Hon. Debra Todd was honored with the Philadelphia Bar Association’s 2024 Justice Brennan Distinguished Jurist Award during the Bench-Bar & Annual Conference in Atlantic City on Saturday, September 21. The award recognizes her long career of public service, including making significant improvements to the administration of justice, particularly for underserved populations in Pennsylvania.

Chancellor Jen Coatsworth discusses the Association's activities during the first half of 2024, and previews what's ahead for late summer, fall and winter.