Joy McCoy Seeks Judgeship

Lycoming Law Association member Joy Reynolds McCoy recently announced that she is seeking one of the seats currently held by retiring Common Pleas Judges William Kieser or Kenneth Brown. McCoy has been a member of the LLA since 1993.

In an article appearing in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, McCoy discussed her run:

Asked why she was seeking the position, McCoy said, "I truly believe I can make a difference on that side of the bench after practicing on this side for 15 years."

 During her 15 years of practice, McCoy said she has developed a multi-county general practice with a primary focus on family law including divorce, custody, adoption, and support matters. McCoy said she also has experience in litigation, real estate, municipal and estate law. McCoy serves as solicitor for East Chillisquaque Township in Northumberland County.

"I love to be in the courtroom," she said. "I have a good temperament, listen to people, help them with legal problems and really understand the emotional aspect of family law and legal matters. I can separate myself from the emotional end, be effective for clients and be compassionate for them."

McCoy said she began her employment at McNerney, Page Vanderlin & Hall as a college intern in 1988 and became an associate attorney upon her graduation with a law degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, N.H. in 1993. She became a partner at the firm in 1998.

A life-long county resident, McCoy is a 1985 graduate of Williamsport Area High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Elmira College in criminal justice in 1989. She spent a year studying law at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

McCoy is chair of the 2009 Law Day Committee and the 2002 recipient of the Equal Justice to Access Award.

McCoy and her husband, Edward A. McCoy, a county detective, have two children, Collin and Abigail.

"Having a husband who is involved in the legal field, I find it is helpful because you understand what the other is talking about," she said. "He knows the players, so I find that helpful. The commonality with our careers helps us get through long days at work and trials."

McCoy said her next step will be to get out and meet "as many people as I can."

A Republican, McCoy said she will cross-file, which is standard in judicial and school district races, and she intends to continue to practice law.

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