Judge Arbuckle Feted at Retirement Ceremony

Judges, bar members, family and friends all turned out for a retirement ceremony honoring U.S. Magistrate Judge William Arbuckle held on May 30, 2025. The Judge left the bench in the first week of June.

Judge Arbuckle joined the bench as a part-time magistrate judge in 2008. In 2017, he was appointed to serve an eight-year full-time term.

Before entering onto the bench, Judge Arbuckle had a diverse practice. He served as Chief Counsel for the Judicial Conduct Board and Pennsylvania's Chief Deputy Attorney General for Organized Crime and Public Corruption. He was Erie's Chief Public Defender. Also, he was in private practice in Erie and Centre Counties for 25 years.

Speakers at the event worked with Judge Arbuckle at various levels of his career.

Judge William Carlucci first encountered Judge Arbuckle while prosecuting wiretap cases in Lycoming County. Later they worked together as officers and volunteers for the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He was the Editorial Committee chair for the PBA and received a special achievement award for this service. He was a Zone Governor. For years, he served on the Lawyer's Assistance Committee, helping other members of the bar who struggled with drugs and alcohol. His support of pro bono service and earned the 2016 Chief Justice Castile Award.

Judge Carlucci noted that Judge Arbuckle could always be found behind the scenes

Patrick Casey encountered the Judge in his private practice. They worked very closely together in a 1996 case. He noted that Judge Arbuckle was known for his skill, integrity and his decency to everyone he encountered. He is the "gold standard." 

Gerald Lord practiced before Judge Arbuckle as a public defender. The judge gave every case a thorough evaluation and his full attention. He was known to treat defendants with dignity and respect, as they appeared in his courtroom.

Nicole Slike was Judge Arbuckle's Career Law Clerk. She always found the Judge to be kind, patient, generous, and with a thirst for knowledge. He taught her what it takes to be a lawyer and member of the legal community. As examples, Ms. Slike pointed out his volunteering for moot court or mock trial programs, and provided candy and ice cream for the staff.

In his time to "rebut" the comments of his colleagues, Judge Arbuckle he expressed thanks to his staff, clerks and attorneys he worked with. 

Hie was guided by the principal that he would never forget the trust people placed in him. Everyone should be treated fairly.

Judge Arbuckle concluded by saying that he was honored to serve on the court.

Following the ceremony, there was a reception in the jury room.