Penn State Dickinson Law hosts 23rd annual Judges’ Night

CARLISLE, Pa.—Penn State Dickinson Law held its 23^rd annual Judges’ Night, put on by Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) — Burr Chapter at the Carlisle location, on February 24. Dozens of students enjoyed the rare opportunity to speak directly to judges about their career trajectories, most memorable cases, and advice for young lawyers.

The event, which began with a keynote speaker presentation in Apfelbaum Family Courtroom and Auditorium and culminated with each of the 11 judges dining with a small group of students, provided an informal setting for students to ask questions they can rarely broach in a more public or formal setting.

Judges, including six alumni, traveled from as near as Cumberland County and as far as Maryland for the event. Students appreciated their candor and willingness to engage after the official portion of the night had ended, with several staying longer to continue their far-ranging discussions.

“The most valuable aspect of Judges Night was the opportunity to have candid conversations with members of the judiciary outside of the courtroom. Hearing judges discuss their professional paths and the realities of serving on the bench provides insights that you simply cannot get from a classroom,” said Edward J. Bryant ’27. “It reinforces that the practice of law is not only about mastering doctrine but also about judgment, professionalism, and the responsibility attorneys have to the court.”

The ‘ultimate guardians and defenders of the rule of law’

PAD President Nicole Cesanek '26 and her executive board faced hurdles while planning this year’s event. Two days before Judges Night, a snowstorm hit the East Coast, preventing keynote speaker Hon. Alexander Williams Jr. from making the trip to Carlisle. Instead, the Penn State Dickinson Law IT department and Jack Reader '27, vice president of PAD, facilitated a Zoom keynote delivery for Williams Jr. “Everyone stayed really flexible and helped us rearrange things when needed,” said Cesanek. “It all worked out smoothly, and I think students created meaningful connections with the judges, as we hope they will every year.”

Williams Jr. served first as a state's attorney in Prince George's County, Maryland, and then for two decades as a judge for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. He opened by recognizing the distinguished legacy of alumni from Penn State Dickinson Law, who have “contributed mightily to the legal profession and have used their lawyering skills to serve brilliantly and globally in both the public and private sectors.”

He went on to advise students to keep their options open. “Terrific opportunities in different areas some of you have never contemplated will be presented during the course of your career. There are opportunities and possibilities out there so far off your radar screen that they may not yet even be within your imagination,” said Williams Jr.

He later emphasized the need for judicial independence and integrity. “Judges are the primary and ultimate guardians and defenders of the rule of law,” said Williams Jr. “I have always looked at the rule of law in a broad context, which includes a system of standards, laws, statutes, rules, and a set of core beliefs and values which are the glue holding society together. These core values include an orderly resolution of disputes and fair, just, and equal access to justice.”

He advised students to avoid marginality, seek mentors, network, and maintain a reputation for professionalism. Williams Jr. concluded by encouraging students to stay confident and prepare for diverse opportunities in the legal field.

Strengthening the ‘connection between the bench and the next generation of lawyers’

Following Williams Jr.’s address, students and judges adjourned to Ridge Commons, where they mingled during a pre-dinner cocktail hour. Next, students split up among 11 tables, each with one judge, to eat dinner and delve further into conversations that took fascinating and sometimes surprising turns.

“One conversation that stood out was with Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas Judge Albert H. Masland ’82,” said Bryant. “He shared an interesting story about an arson case where a defendant attempted to advance a particularly creative argument in court. What struck me most was not just the story itself but how Judge Masland explained the way judges evaluate arguments carefully while still maintaining fairness and respect for everyone involved in the process. It was a reminder that advocacy and judicial decision-making both require thoughtful reasoning and professionalism.”

Cesanek was pleased with the high quality of conversation, including one table where the student secured an internship with the judge. “It is an incredible opportunity to get to hear judges’ stories. Even when you work for a judge, you might not always have time to sit down with them and ask them their experiences,” said Cesanek.

“Events like Judges Night strengthen the connection between the bench and the next generation of lawyers. For students, it provides invaluable access to the people who shape the practice of law in our communities. For judges, it offers an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives with future advocates. Conversations like these help bridge the gap between legal education and real-world practice,” said Bryant.

A special thank you to all the practitioners who attended Judges’ Night:

Judge Michelle H. Sibert ’98 (Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Jeffrey D. Wright (Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Kuyomars Q. Golparvar (Acting Assistant Chief Immigration Judge, Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, U.S. Department of Justice)

Judge Albert H. Masland ’82 (Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Charles T. Jones, Jr. (Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Jessica E. Brewbaker ’00 (Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Alice Song Hartye ’05 (Baltimore Immigration Court)

Judge William T. Tully ’82 (Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Alexandra E. “Sasha” Sacavage (Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Mary Beth Shank ’04 (Fulton County Court of Common Pleas)

Judge Carrie E. Hyams (Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas)