Mary Walsh Dempsey
Attorney Mary Walsh Dempsey is an attorney with Ufberg and Associates in Scranton. She attended the University of Scranton and The Dickinson School of Law at Penn State. Mary and her late husband have three children. She is also raising her niece, Dorothy, after Dorothy’s mother passed away. Mary is involved in many organizations in the Scranton area. She resides in Scranton. What inspired you to run for Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Lackawanna County?
I have always been committed to law and justice. I had my first foray into public service, a temporary appointment to Scranton City Council. I loved serving citizens. Members of the Bar Association told me I “would make an amazing judge.” Little did they know, I was thinking about running, just waiting for the right time. What influenced your decision to run on both the Democratic and Republican tickets? A judge is a nonpartisan position. They must treat parties equally and remain impartial. I can run on both tickets knowing that those who come before me will receive respectful, impartial, equal treatment. How will your law experience translate to a judicial career? I have had a wide-ranging law career for the past 30 years. I have practiced both civil and criminal law and have tried both civil and criminal cases to verdict. I have also practiced in federal and state court. I worked for the District Attorney’s office, as 56
well. Most of my time in law has been “litigation,” handling a case from start to finish. I have taken volumes of depositions, filed motions and participated in courtroom oral arguments on those motions. I also have appellate court experience with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. I know I will bring intelligence and standard pragmatism. I learned to be respectful and empathetic at times and tough, tenacious, resolute and unyielding at others. My life and career are dedicated to law and justice. I put my leadership skills to good use, evidenced by my appointment to Scranton City Council at a tumultuous time in the city and my term as the president of the Lackawanna Bar Association, only the 6th female in the organization’s history. I am active in the Pennsylvania Bar Association, am attorney CoChair of the annual United Way Campaign and active in my parish community and neighborhood association. What do you hope your legacy will be? I tell my kids that everyone gets a gift. Mine is my voice. I’ve given a voice to many people in this area. They’ve trusted me with legal matters, to use my voice for their advocacy. I have also handled many pro bono cases for those who cannot afford legal counsel. What is Scranton/Lackawanna County’s best quality? The warmth and the kindness of the people. When my husband died, the community supported us. The same thing happened when my sister passed. This reminds me of the quote, “always look for the helpers.” What advice would you give your younger self?
Happenings Magazine
March 2021