The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) presented three (3) County Bar Recognition Awards to the Montgomery Bar Association during its 56^th Annual Seminar of the Conference of County Bar Leaders on Feb. 25 in Lancaster.

Recognized for its Diversity Network Initiative, 2021 Law Day Celebration & U.S. Naturalization Ceremony and Member-Wellness Initiatives, the Montgomery Bar Association is one of 23 bar associations honored this year for sponsoring projects that improve the legal profession, justice system, or community.

The awards are presented annually by the PBA.

“PBA is honored to highlight the numerous local bar association projects and programs aimed at improving communities and the legal profession,” said PBA President Kathleen D. Wilkinson. “We commend the many dedicated volunteers who serve as an inspiration for others to participate in future endeavors that can benefit Pennsylvania residents.”

Diversity Network Initiative

In response to widespread reports of minority-owned businesses being twice as likely to be inactive or nonoperational due to the pandemic than white-owned business, solo attorney-member Rebecca Sallen initiated the Diversity Network Initiative (DNI) to help local minority-owned businesses both now and in the future. Currently, this initiative provides free marketing and networking opportunities to Minority-owned (Black, Latino/a, Asian and Native American) small businesses in Pennsylvania with 50 or fewer employees. A

ny business meeting these criteria that provides products or services to attorneys or law firms is eligible, and encouraged to complete a one-page application found on the association’s website. The association highlights qualifying businesses and promotes them to its members and their respective firms free of charge via live and virtual networking events, its new Online Minority-Owned Business Directory, and other association media. Once enrolled and accepted, DNI Business Partners receive a free premium business profile on the Montgomery Bar Association’s website and in the DNI Business Partner directory.  Learn More

2021 Law Day Celebration & U.S. Naturalization Ceremony
The association held Law Day 2021 as a virtual event and added a new U.S. Naturalization Ceremony. The association’s American Citizenship and the Law Committee, co-chaired by Hon. Melissa S. Sterling, Michael E. Furey, Esq., and MBA staff worked closely with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to plan a safe and efficient ceremony during the pandemic.

The ceremony was held in a Montgomery County Courthouse courtroom with limited participants and attendees. U.S. citizens were welcomed during the ceremony, presided over by President Judge Thomas M. Del Ricci. Judge Melissa S. Sterling; Prothonotary Noah Marlier, Esq.; and 2021 Montgomery Bar Association President Jacqueline M. Reynolds spoke at the ceremony, delivering inspirational remarks about the importance of becoming an American citizen.

Since those admitted were unable share their once-in-a-lifetime experience with friends, family members, and loved ones in-person, the program was recorded with permission granted by the courts, then edited and shown during the MBA’s annual Law Day Ceremony, which was open to all. In addition to the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony, Law Day festivities included the admission of new members, and the presentation of several courthouse and community service awards.

Member-Wellness Initiatives

Under the charge and leadership of 2021 President Jacqueline M. Reynolds, Montgomery Bar Association hosted several events to provide members with the tools to focus and maintain their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

The effort began with a series of professionally led “Mindfulness Monday” programs taught virtually by Meditation Leader and Reiki Master Tracey di Paolo, and “Wellness Wednesday” programs taught by local YOGIpreneur Deserae Chanel Smith. Startup costs for these programs were assumed by the Bar Association, with generous support from affinity partners USI Affinity and My Benefit Advisor. Several members expressed appreciation for the association’s willingness to offer nontraditional educational and wellness activities for the betterment of the profession during the particularly challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before long member-attorney John I. McMahon, Jr. offered to take the wheel. He and his all-star supporting cast of attorneys, including Robert H. Lefevre, Marc R. Steinberg, and Adam D. Zucker began to host free daily meditation sessions for members.  Today, McMahon and a growing list of member-attorneys continue to host free morning and afternoon guided meditation sessions for members in an ongoing effort to help their colleagues in the profession improve their overall physical and mental health, and reduce stress and anxiety.

The Conference of County Bar Leaders, whose membership includes leaders from county bar associations throughout the state and from PBA, organizes a yearly educational conference focusing on the exchange of innovative bar association projects and ideas, and on the development of mutually beneficial relationships among bar leaders who improve the legal profession.

Established in 1885 to professionalize the county’s practice of law, the Montgomery Bar Association (MBA) is one of our nation’s oldest and most respected bar associations, representing over 2,100 legal professionals in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Now, as then, the MBA exists to uphold legal and ethical standards in our legal community. 

As the third-largest Bar in Pennsylvania, the MBA has a longstanding tradition of service to its membership and the community.  

For members, the MBA offers an important arena for networking, professional development, and education.  For the community, the MBA serves as a legal resource offering education, legal assistance and funds and resources for individuals and agencies in need. 

The Association is actively engaged in public service through community outreach, free educational events offered throughout the year, programs like the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, the Mock Trial Competitions for high-school students, and more. 

For more information on the Montgomery Bar Association, visit here.

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