2018 Annual Banquet Report

Judges, 50-year members, community service, and pro bono attorneys recognized at the LLA Annual Banquet.

The 2018 annual banquet took place during the first heavy snowfall of the year. Despite that inconvenience, the event was well attended by members and their guests, at Morrones in Williamsport. With cocktails and a good meal, all were ready for the evening festivities.

Ryan Tira was recognized for his year as LLA president. President Jennifer Heverly commented on his successful tenure and presented Ryan with gifts from the Association.

John Pietrovito, Legal Services Committee chair got the ball rolling with the presentation of awards to members and firms that fulfilled their commitment to the poor of Lycoming County by their pro bono work. Fair share awards were presented to 95 attorneys who handled 235 Lycoming County pro bono cases for the Williamsport Office of North Penn Legal Services. Twelve firms had 100% participation.

Judge Lovecchio was called upon to introduce the winner of the Judge Thomas Wood Equal Access to Justice Award. Pete Campana, his brother-in-law and former partner, was recognized for decades of service in the pro bono program, and for his selfless involvement on behalf clients referred by the Legal Services office. Pete was also recognized with a PBA Pro Bono award, presented by PBA President Sharon Lopez and David Trevaskis, PBA Pro Bono Coordinator.

President Heverly then revealed that Joe Rider was to be presented with the William E. Nichols Public Service Award. Her comments are reported in a companion article.

Fifty year members George Cohen and Scott A. Williams were recognized with plaques. George was unable to appear, but John Smay, Scott's long-time partner gave a brief overview of Scotts professional and personal accomplishments.

The banquet concluded with honors bestowed upon retiring Lycoming County Judges Anderson and Gray. An extensive article on these presentations has been posted.

This year's banquet was sponsored by Woodlands Bank, Smart Start Interlocks and FindLaw. Many thanks to this organizations for their support of the LLA.