Two new attorneys admitted in Lycoming County

On December 13, 2013, the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas sat for a special session of court at which two new attorneys were admitted.  Judges Richard Gray, Joy McCoy and Marc Lovecchio presided over the admission of the new attorneys to practice before the “several Courts of the County of Lycoming.” 

Each of the new attorneys, Jeffrey Frankenburger and Rachel Planas, was moved for admission by a current member of the bar, who outlined the admittees' background and qualifications.

Although admission to the local courts is no longer required by law, Lycoming County has continued the tradition of an admission ceremony.  The ceremony serves several purposes:  to formally recognize the accomplishments of the newly admitted attorneys, to introduce the new faces of the bar to the legal community and to allow the Judges and Law Association officers the opportunity to introduce new attorneys to the services available to them through the Association and to offer opportunities to serve the community, as attorneys.

Jeffrey Frankenburger has joined the Lycoming County Public Defender's office, and was introduced by Kathryn E. Bellfy. He is a graduate of Dickinson College and Dickinson School of Law.  Before relocating to Lycoming County, he clerked for Judge David Williamson of Monroe County.

Joining the McCormick Law Firm is Rachel Planas. She graduated from Rowan University and Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law.  She previously worked in Philadelphia in labor law.

After the individual petitions were presented, Prothonotary Suzanne M. Fedele administered the oath.

Each of the new attorneys was welcomed to the bar by the judges and by LLA President Julie Steinbacher, who also presented them with the volume Historical Sketches of the Bench and Bar of Lycoming County. Young Lawyers division chair Corey Mowrey encouraged the new members to become active in the division, and also to participate in the Inns of Court.

All were invited to a reception held at The Old Corner that followed immediately after the court session.