Community & Pro Bono Service Focus of Annual Banquet Presentations

Keynote Speech by PBA President Myers

The membership of the Lycoming Law Association gathered for the Annual Banquet in January 2014, at Le Jeune Chef, on the campus of the Pennsylvania College of Technology. 

Of course, members and guests enjoyed the social opportunities that this event always provides.  Good food was, as usual, one of the highlights of an evening in the college restaurant.

LLA President Waffenschmidt presided at the post-dinner events.

The keynote speech was given by Forest N. Myers, President, Pennsylvania Bar Association.  Myers covered a number of topics.  He complemented the local court for its implementation of a mortgage diversion program, which has now spread to other counties.  He discussed the involvement of the PBA in revising the Code of Judicial Conduct.  He spoke highly of the Association's Legislative Department, which has had some recent success.  He specifically identified initiatives on the unauthorized practice of law, particularly in reining in notario publico fraud, addressing the legal journal concerns and in stopping sales taxes on legal services.  President Waffenschmidt thanked President Myers with a gift from the LLA.

Waffenschmidt also recognized the past year's service of Julie Steinbacher.  She also received a thank-you gift for her dedication to the President's position in 2013.

The Lycoming Law Association Public Service Award was given this year.  John Person, of the local Legal Services office, highlighted the extensive service of Danna Rich-Collins to the poor of this community.  For nearly 40 years, she has committed herself to the Legal Services program and to serving the underserved.

Charles F. Greevy, III, was awarded the third annual "William E. Nichols Community Service Award." Ed Mitchell was the presenter.

Finally, John Pietrovito and Danna Rich-Collins made the annual pro bono presentations to law firms and individual lawyers who provided legal services to the community, at no charge.  Angela Locecchio received the The 2013 "Honorable Thomas Wood. Jr., Equal Access to Justice Award," particularly in recognition of her volunteer efforts at the Legal Services office, where she spends time serving clients, without pay.