Get to Know Our New President Judge: The Honorable Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio

changing legal marketplace has altered the expectations of attorneys. When evaluating firms, younger attorneys look to the values and culture of the firm, and not just the salaries and bonuses paid. So individual attorneys, as well as firms, should consider the impact job satisfaction will have on the bottom line of the business.

The many benefits of volunteering, despite the pandemic, are worth their weight in gold. Who doesn’t want or need improved wellness, job satisfaction, and career growth? But there is more that we can do. As lawyers, our sector has experienced significant demand in 2021. Although we are very busy and should find the time to volunteer, we may not be able to do so. In that case, we may still be able to get some of the benefits that come from pro bono work through charitable giving. Donating money can further the causes that improve our legal system and give us the sense of autonomy and self-acceptance that can improve our well-being. Well placed sponsorships can also improve our bottom line. So, do not hesitate anymore to take action. The Montgomery Bar Association and local legal community has several pro bono initiatives like EPIC, ERUC, MCAP, and MMLAP in which you can participate. Additionally, there are many area agencies like Meals on Wheels, Senior Law Center, HIAS PA, Wills for Heroes, and others that have been struggling during the pandemic. Low numbers of volunteers matched with overwhelming demand for services have caused long wait times for assistance. Start now. Many agencies have mentors or guides to assist, or templates and manuals that can eliminate some of the anxiety that comes with tackling a new endeavor.

See you at the next legal clinic and remember National Volunteer Week starts April 17th, 2022.

By Joel B. Bernbaum, Esq.

In January, our new President Judge was sworn in before family, friends, and members of the Bar as she begins her five-year term. It is a milestone for Montgomery County. Judge Carluccio is the first woman to become President Judge, an achievement that will not be forgotten. Judge Carluccio was elected to the Bench in 2009 and has served in the Criminal, Family and Civil Divisions of the Court. She also served as the Administrative Judge of the Family Division as well as instituting the Mortgage Foreclosure Court and serving in other divisions.

Judge Carluccio started her legal career in 1989 as an Assistant US Attorney until she began her private practice in 1998. She also served as Chief Public Defender, Acting Director of Human Services, and Chief Deputy Solicitor in Montgomery County prior to her election in 2009. If that wasn’t enough, she was elected as President of the Montgomery Bar Association in 2011. She is also First Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Trial Judges Association, among many other achievements.

Those of us who travel throughout the Courthouse have noted the wonderful art that adorns its walls. This is a result of Judge Carluccio’s award winning initiative, “Courting Art,” which adorned those walls with the works of our local artists.

Her wealth of experience in the Public and Legal Profession, as well as her leadership skills, qualify her to assume her new position as President Judge. Chief among her duties from the start will be the task of completing the new addition to our Justice Center, continuing the relationship between the Bench and the Montgomery Bar Association, and most importantly the fair and compassionate administration of justice to the residents of Montgomery County.

Judge Carluccio also believes that we need to face head-on the emergency of the past two years from the effect of COVID-19 on our Courts and Justice System. The backlog created in the Criminal (particularly from lack of juries) and Civil Divisions must be addressed. She believes that many of the new policies and tools learned during the last two years can and should be continued and in some cases expanded. The use of ACT (Alternate Communication Technology) as initiated by the Supreme Court is here to stay and will be continued. Other policies utilized to promote efficient and effective use of the judicial system, as well as potential new policies, will be reviewed.

Judge Carluccio is excited by the opportunity to serve the citizens of Montgomery County as President Judge, and is confident she is up to the challenge – all while continuing her positive work with the many people who will appear in our Court system.

Judge Carluccio and her family are longtime residents of Montgomery County. She enjoys exercise, running and walking on the county trails, reading historical fiction and mystery books, and spending time with her husband and three sons whenever possible.

We look forward to the next five years and Judge Carluccio’s leadership as President Judge.