From Mirror staff reports

GETTYSBURG — The Blair County Bar Association was one of 26 local bar associations to receive County Bar Recognition Awards during the 59th Annual Conference of County Bar Leaders in Gettysburg.

The awards, which are noncompetitive in nature, annually recognize bar associations throughout Pennsylvania for projects that improve the legal profession, justice system and community.

The Blair County Bar Association was awarded for participating in the following initiatives:

The BCBA conducted its second annual reverse holiday calendar. Members collected canned goods throughout the holiday season. In December 2024, 16 boxes of food and more than $300 were distributed to Blair County food banks.

In 2024, Blair County (normally a five-judge county) had only three judges for most of the year. A Judges Forum was held in October 2024 to open lines of communication between the bench and the bar to address the complications that the shortage created within the justice system. Following the forum, a committee was formed to continue the efforts by planning Blair County’s first Bench Bar Conference in fall 2025.

The BCBA started a Women in the Profession committee in 2024. This group meets once a month to discuss matters that affect women in the legal profession. The committee has already completed two service projects to benefit the community: a collection of personal hygiene items for Roaring Spring Community Library and an angel tree for children involved in the juvenile dependency system.

“It is a blessing to see attorneys and local bar associations directing their time and expertise toward programs aimed at improving communities and the legal profession. Whether it’s through pro bono services, community education or the unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, the tireless work and passion of our county bar associations strengthens our legal community and ensures that justice is accessible to all. We are grateful for this work and the collaboration with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the difference it is making for our great commonwealth and its citizens” said Matt Holliday, PBA executive director.