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Law group plans events for milestone

With 175 local high school and college students invited to watch arguments, the state Superior Court will hold session in Williamsport in May as part of the 150th anniversary celebration of the Lycoming Law Association, a non-profit group of about 200 local attorneys.

Several events are planned to mark the milestone, including a production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in conjunction with the Community Theatre League in April and the publication of a book on the society’s history, according to Judge Christian Frey, association president.

In preparation for the anniversary, the association reorganized their website and formed a dedicated event planning committee.

“My objective was to find ways for both the legal community and the public to celebrate the LLA’s rich and storied history,” said Frey, who noted that the association will be celebrating more than one prominent anniversary.

In April, the county’s legal journal, the Lycoming Reporter, which publishes weekly legal notices, turns 70 years old.

“The legal record is our flagship,” said Frey.

The Lycoming Law Association Foundation, a charitable organization which seeks to improve the judicial system and provide law-related education through grants, will also turn 30.

“We take pride in giving back in what we hope is a significant degree,” stated Frey, who explained that the foundation has granted over $185,000 to date.

With so many significant anniversaries, it’s no wonder the LLA has planned numerous celebratory events.

In conjunction with the Community Theater League, the first event the LLA is sponsoring in celebration of their history is a production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The play will be held at 7:30 p.m. the weekends of May 3-4 and 9-11 and at 2 p.m. May 12.

“The play teaches valuable lessons,” said Michele Frey, LLA executive director.

Set in 1935, the performance features a young girl’s experiences as her father defends a black man who is wrongly accused of a crime.

“Anyone can gain insight from it,” said Frey, who also noted that tickets will be gifted to this year’s local Law Day winners.

Law Day is a celebration that takes place nationwide each May to celebrate American law. The winners of this year’s theme, “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society,” will be invited to see “To Kill a Mockingbird” for free.

On May 7 and 8, the LLA will welcome the state Superior Court to Williamsport.

“In addition to LLA members and paralegals attending this event, 175 local high school and college students will be invited to watch arguments before the Superior Court,” said Christian Frey. “This doesn’t happen often.”

The celebrations will continue into the year with both small events, such as association picnics, and large events.

“In the fall, a group of LLA members will head to Washington, D.C. for admission to the Supreme Court of the United States,” said Christian Frey.

“Our members will be able to get inside the court,” added Michele Frey. “Getting in front of all the justices in the highest court of the land is an exciting thing.”

The trip, which the LLA views as an honor, will take place on Nov 18, with many LLA members already looking forward to it.

In further commemoration of their past, the association will be publishing a book about the LLA’s history. The book will highlight the development of the association as well as their commitment to community, using historical records and photographs to illustrate.

“It’s no secret that lawyers often donate their time and skills pro bono to nonprofits, churches and social organizations that need assistance,” said Michele Frey, noting that many LLA members turn down the chance for honorable recognition.

“The overarching theme of the book is the history of the region and the work the lawyers have done to make it better,” said Christian Frey.

With events that are beneficial and open to its members and the community as a whole, the LLA’s 150th anniversary will undoubtedly celebrate the rich history of the lawyers within Lycoming County.

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