{"id":105,"date":"2026-02-25T10:10:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fedbar.org\/middle-district-of-pennsylvania-chapter\/?page_id=105"},"modified":"2026-04-14T14:14:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T18:14:46","slug":"chapter-blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fedbar.org\/middle-district-of-pennsylvania-chapter\/middle-district-of-pennsylvania-chapter\/chapter-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Chapter Update: Meet the Judges<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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April 14, 2026<\/b><\/p>\n

One of the most enduring mysteries for law students and young lawyers alike is judges. In law school, judges are just names in a textbook; on television, they are often portrayed as sharp-tongued and impatient. In reality, these lawyers\u2014robed in black and addressed as \u201cYour Honor\u201d\u2014sit at the pinnacle of the legal profession, vested with extraordinary authority. Their rulings can determine matters of personal liberty in criminal cases and financial survival in civil ones. It\u2019s no wonder they are both revered and feared.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for those studying or practicing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Judges of the Middle District\u2014all longtime practitioners themselves\u2014have not lost sight of how daunting the bench can appear from counsel table. They are willing and, indeed, eager to remain accessible, approachable, and engaged with the bar, and to work with our Chapter to make that accessibility meaningful, most notably through participating in the Chapter\u2019s annual Meet the Judges panel and mixer. Through this event, which has been held since 2022, attendees have the opportunity to look behind the curtain and gain insight into what it takes to become\u2014and to be\u2014a judge.<\/p>\n

This year, eight distinguished members of the bench showed up to Courtroom 7A at the Sylvia H. Rambo United States Courthouse to share their journeys to the bench and their experiences on it. The panel consisted of District Judges Jennifer P. Wilson, Karoline Mehalchick, Keli M. Neary, Yvette Kane, and Malachy Mannion, as well as Chief Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom and Magistrate Judges Philip J. Caraballo and Sean A. Camoni. The panel was moderated by Student Chapter Presidents Kristen Slubowski of Penn State Dickinson Law and Kaylee Caprari of Widener Commonwealth Law.<\/p>\n

The Judges have varied backgrounds: five clerked for state or federal judges, four were Assistant United States Attorneys in the District, two worked for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and one was a Criminal Justice Act panel attorney working with a small family firm. All, however, desired to become a judge in part to serve the public and tackle complex legal problems. As Judge Mannion, who served as both a District Judge and Magistrate Judge, put it, \u201cIt\u2019s so intellectually stimulating. Every day you\u2019re learning something new. If you think you know it all, you don\u2019t.\u201d Judge Kane also noted that the federal bench is one of the few places left where a lawyer can truly remain a generalist.<\/p>\n

The process to become a federal judge is demanding, requiring grit, determination, and encouragement. Magistrate judges undergo an application process, interviews with a merit selection panel, and ultimately interviews with the District\u2019s judges. Judge Mehalchick, who\u2014like Judge Mannion\u2014first served as a Magistrate Judge, reflected on her interview experience: \u201cI was with thirteen judges. Judge Kane was to my right and Judge Mannion was to my left, and there was a long table with everyone else around it. And they asked me all sorts of questions about the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

For district judges, the process is even more extensive, involving an application, interviews with a committee of attorneys selected by Pennsylvania\u2019s United States Senators, meetings with Senate staff and the Senators themselves, interviews with White House staff, a presidential nomination, testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and confirmation by the Senate. Even following a successful vote, and lest we forget the plight of William Marbury, the tentative judge must receive a signed commission from the President of the United States to take their seat.<\/p>\n

Once on the bench, judges preside over countless cases and gain a front-row seat to both the best and worst of the legal profession. Addressing common mistakes, Judge Kane emphasized that success in the courtroom is not about theatrics: \u201cSo many people think being a good trial lawyer means being a powerful speaker and a great actor, but it really is just grinding it out, doing the work, and being prepared. We see so many lawyers who just can\u2019t answer the most basic questions about their case.\u201d Judge Mannion reinforced this point: \u201cIf you come into a courtroom as a trial lawyer, you should know the case better than anyone\u2014even the people who lived it.\u201d On legal writing, Judge Caraballo cautioned attendees about overreliance on artificial intelligence: \u201cAt the end of the day, it\u2019s not generative AI\u2019s name that\u2019s going on the brief\u2014it\u2019s yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

The role of a judge also carries significant weight and responsibility. Judges often encounter cases involving sympathetic parties with legitimate injuries but no legal remedy. In such situations, they must issue decisions denying relief\u2014 publicly and with finality. On the criminal side, Judges Kane and Mannion both noted that sentencing is among the most difficult aspects of the job.<\/p>\n

Even outside the courtroom, judges remain public figures with ongoing obligations. Reflecting on the legacy of Justice Sandra Day O\u2019Connor, Judge Wilson emphasized the importance of civic engagement: \u201cWe have very busy jobs\u2014you\u2019ve heard how challenging they are\u2014but I think we have an obligation, and our Chief Justice has said we have an obligation, to give back\u2014not just to the legal community, but to the American public through as much civics education as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

The panel concluded with a candid question-and-answer session, covering topics ranging from how law students can respond to criticisms of the judiciary to ways to become involved in the legal community in Harrisburg. A mixer at the Millworks followed, where judges and attendees connected in a relaxed setting over libations and farm-to-table cuisine.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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(L-R) Widener Commonwealth Dean Andr\u00e9 Douglas Pond Cummings, Chapter President Stefanie Pitcavage Mekilo, law student Rae Yoder, District Judge Keli M. Neary, Chief Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom, and law student Kiera Flannery<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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(L-R) Attorney Andrew Riley, Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby, Assistant Federal Public Defender Amanda Gaynor, Chapter Secretary Ezza Ahmed, District Judge and FBA National President Karoline Mehalchick, and Chapter Newsletter Chair Jesse N. Zilinski<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Attendees praised the event, particularly the accessibility of the judges. Widener Commonwealth student Cade Kassay shared that the program offered valuable insight into the realities of judicial decision-making. His classmate Haley Nelson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how rare it was to engage with judges in a one-on-one setting. \u201cThe reception was such a unique and rewarding opportunity,\u201d she said. \u201cJudges were even coming up to me to start conversations\u2014it was a lovely evening.\u201d Penn State Dickinson Law student Aiden Levinson similarly highlighted the value of engaging directly with members of the bench and gaining practical insight into federal practice.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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(L-R) Law students Kiera Flannery, Cade Kassay, Dean Cummings, Student Chapter President Kaylee Caprari, and law students Hunter Zycband, and C\u00e9sar Flores, Jr.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For law students for whom judges are often just names in a textbook, the Middle District bench is anything but. Through events like Meet the Judges, members of the bench step out from behind the formality of the courtroom and into meaningful dialogue with students and practitioners alike. That accessibility not only demystifies the role of a judge but also fosters a stronger, more connected legal community. The Chapter is proud to host this event each year and provide a forum that brings our members and law students into direct conversation with the bench. We look forward to continuing the tradition in the years ahead.<\/p>

Respectfully,<\/p>

Jesse N. Zilinski, Newsletter Chair
Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter
Federal Bar Association<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chapter Update: Membership Mixer<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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March 24, 2026<\/b><\/p>

Spring was on its way, though not quite in the air on March 18, when the Middle District Chapter of the Federal Bar Association held its first mixer to celebrate the success of its Mentorship Program. Despite the chilly weather outside, warmth filled Ever Grain Brewing Co. in Camp Hill, with plenty of food, fellowship, and fresh networking opportunities for law students and practicing attorneys alike. Open to mentors, mentees, and curious law students eager to get involved, the mixer drew some thirty attendees, underscoring the Program\u2019s success in its inaugural year.<\/p>

The Chapter\u2019s Mentorship Program is spearheaded by Judge Karoline Mehalchick, the current President of the FBA and a steadfast advocate for mentorship among law students, young attorneys, and more experienced practitioners. \u201cMentorship is so important to our profession,\u201d Judge Mehalchick says. \u201cIt helps law students and younger lawyers navigate questions of ethical concern, employment, and professionalism. For mentor and mentee alike, it fosters the professionalism and civility that is sometimes lacking in the legal world.\u201d<\/p>

Since its launch last September, the Program has matched 53 pairs of law students and attorneys, with several attorneys mentoring multiple mentees. Pairs are encouraged to meet at least monthly. Addressing the group, Chapter Secretary Ezza Ahmed, who oversees the Program\u2019s logistics, highlighted the number of pairings and level of engagement as evidence of a clear need and strong demand for mentorship opportunities in the Middle District. \u201cThis first year has proven just how powerful our connections can be,\u201d Ezza said. \u201cIt\u2019s mentorship in the fullest sense, grounded in professionalism, generosity, and integrity.\u201d Ahmed also serves as a consistent resource for participants, sending regular email reminders with helpful tips for building and maintaining effective mentor-mentee relationships.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ezza Almed (MDPA Chapter Secretary) Provides Remarks<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ezza was followed by Christian Haugsby, an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and member of the Board of Directors of the FBA, who stood in for Judge Mehalchick and provided additional remarks on the Program. He lauded the mentees for signing up for a new and untested program. \u201cGetting involved in something in its inaugural year takes a little bit of guts and some trust. I have been to inaugural events that have had fewer people than this in the room. I want to commend you all for doing it and contributing ideas for how it can be made better going forward.\u201d He emphasized the importance of mentorship in his own career, \u201cI stumbled around a little bit when I was a younger attorney, and I think what I didn\u2019t realize is how much I was craving a mentor, craving someone who took an interest in my career. Once I found that, my career launched forward.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Christian Haugsby Provides Remarks<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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These messages were echoed by attendees of the mixer.<\/p>

Drew Lemon, a 2L at Penn State Dickinson School of Law, praised his mentor, Thomas Makowski, Corporate Counsel at Verdantas LLC in Wilkes-Barre. \u201cHe\u2019s fantastic. The Mentorship Program has provided me with wonderful insights into the legal profession that are not taught or covered in a law school setting.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Emily Dreyfus, a 2L at Widener Commonwealth Law School, complimented both the Program, where she is paired with Michael O\u2019Donnell, a personal injury attorney in Kingston and the Immediate Past President of the Chapter\u2014and the mixer itself. \u201cIn addition to the advice I\u2019ve gotten from my mentor, the mixer event provided me with the opportunity to meet other practicing attorneys and learn about different opportunities available in the real world.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The mixer also had a meaningful impact on attendees who were not mentees as well. Margot Crouch, a 3L in Widener Commonwealth Law School\u2019s evening division, was enthusiastic about both networking and learning more about the Program. \u201cIt was a great evening mingling with students and attorneys. I\u2019m not currently in the Mentorship Program, but I\u2019m involved in the FBA. I can\u2019t wait until next year to get a mentor.\u201d Fellow 3L Rishi Nayee echoed that enthusiasm, noting, \u201cThis is my first event with the FBA and I was super intrigued to learn about the organization and its initiatives. Our Student Chapter\u2019s President Kaylee was great at advertising this event and I was able to talk with Christian about the great opportunities the FBA provides.\u201d<\/p>

That Student Chapter President\u2014Kaylee Caprari, a 2L at Widener Commonwealth Law School\u2014is herself paired with Judge Mehalchick. Caprari spoke highly of both the Program and her mentor. \u201cJudge Mehalchick is one of the kindest and most compassionate people,\u201d she said, \u201ceach time we meet I learn something new from her, not only from her advice but her demeanor. For someone who is so important and so busy, she is fully present in every meeting. I consider myself very lucky to call her my mentor and to have been able to work alongside her in establishing this Program. It\u2019s been a pleasure and something I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>

Caprari\u2019s reflection underscores a broader truth about the legal profession. While it is an honorable field, it is also one defined by long hours, demanding deadlines, and significant responsibility. Yet, as Judge Mehalchick exemplifies, attorneys can make the time to be present, to guide, and to invest in the next generation.<\/p>

Even as a young attorney new to private practice myself, I volunteered for the opportunity to mentor an evening division student at Widener Commonwealth Law School. Through the Program, my mentee gains insight that cannot be found in a textbook, and I benefit from the opportunity to reflect on my own development as a lawyer. Even if it is just an email, I find time to check in on my mentee. Like many others, I benefited greatly from mentorship during law school. It is only natural that we pay that forward and continue to grow the Chapter\u2019s Mentorship Program.<\/p>

We thank Judge Mehalchick, Chapter leadership, and the attendees for making this mixer a success.<\/p>

Respectfully,<\/p>

Jesse N. Zilinski, Newsletter Chair
Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter
Federal Bar Association<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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President\u2019s Message and a Look Ahead<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As we settle into 2026, I am honored to write to you for the first time in my capacity as President of the Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. I am especially pleased to connect with you through what I hope will become a regular and valuable feature in our Chapter communications: the inaugural edition of our blog and digital newsletter.<\/p>

This message reflects a broader goal for the year ahead\u2014strengthening engagement and communication across our membership. Rather than limiting updates to formal remarks at events or our Annual Meeting each fall, we aim to create a more consistent and accessible way to share what the Chapter is doing, highlight opportunities to get involved, and recognize the outstanding work of our members throughout the District.<\/p>

In the months ahead, you can expect to hear regularly from me, our Newsletter Chair, Jesse Zilinski, and other members of Chapter leadership about programming, initiatives, and ways to stay connected.<\/p>

________________________________________________<\/p>

Building on a Strong Foundation<\/strong><\/p>

We enter 2026 on solid footing. I will reiterate what I said during my remarks at our Annual Meeting in October, because I truly believe it and want to celebrate it: the MDPA Chapter reflects the very best of the federal bar\u2014professionalism, collegiality, and a shared commitment to the administration of justice in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. We are also fortunate and deeply grateful to have the steady support of the Judges of our District, all of whom are equally committed to the betterment of the profession and regularly and generously give of their time and expertise in support of the Chapter. That service-oriented spirit, grounded in a shared desire to elevate the practice of law in our District and beyond, continues to define who we are.<\/p>

Owing in no small part to the leadership of Immediate Past President Michael O\u2019Donnell, the Chapter saw robust programming and meaningful engagement with the bench, bar, and law students during the 2024\u20132025 term. The Chapter hosted four CLE programs, which ranged from skills-based programming to discussions about the fall of the Chevron <\/em>doctrine and cutting-edge developments in Second Amendment law, and featured Middle District Judges, local practitioners, and thought leaders from throughout the country. We also hosted several well-attended networking events throughout the District and continued to support the student Chapters at both Harrisburg area law schools, including through participation in the District\u2019s new-for-2025 law student mentorship program.<\/p>

As we begin a new term, it is my pleasure to introduce the officers who will help lead the Chapter in 2025\u22122026:<\/p>