By Jen Coatsworth
Last week’s election results have sparked strong emotions across the country, highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead. In times of transition, it’s natural to feel some uncertainty about the future. However, this is also a moment to reflect on what unites us and to strengthen our commitment to shared values.
As attorneys and members of the Philadelphia Bar Association, we belong to a community devoted to upholding the rule of law and promoting equal access to justice for all. Independent of political changes, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights of every individual, particularly those from marginalized communities, and advancing a society that values and respects each person. Our profession has a proud history of defending these principles, and we will continue to do so with resilience and purpose. Our strength lies in our dedication to justice, inclusion, and democracy. Whenever challenges have arisen which threaten these fundamental ideals, we, as legal professionals, have stood for the protection of our shared values. We will continue to rise to the forefront to do this work and uphold the rule of law.
With the strong emotions that are running through our society, it is understandable if you are feeling exhausted, and if you need time for self-care and to recharge. Oftentimes, however, the best way to regain your energy and to care for yourself is to reach out and help others. The Philadelphia Bar Association is your community and fortunately we have many wonderful ways to give back and make a positive impact in our city:
Visit our public interest directory, and read more about the legal services agencies in our city. Many of them are already dealing with an increase in people seeking aid, at a time when staff and volunteers are already spread thin. Attend a training, look at a list of available pro bono cases, and talk with your firm about any existing initiatives that could become a part of. Get involved in the Bar Association, and participate in one of our many advocacy efforts and philanthropic activities.
If you want to consider participating in the election process more closely, reach out to organizations like the Committee of Seventy, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts or the League of Women Voters and see what you can do to help get out the vote in future elections, or to educate people, including school-aged children about how government and the democratic process works. Our Advancing Civics Education Committee is working toward these efforts as well, and would welcome your participation.
While 2025 is an off year for federal elections, voters in our Commonwealth will be deciding which party controls the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and choosing candidates to fill seats on statewide appellate courts, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Philadelphia Municipal Court. Philadelphians will vote to select the city’s next Controller and District Attorney. Our Association’s Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention is starting work now to vet Philadelphia-based judicial candidates and to determine nonpartisan ratings based on those candidates’ qualifications. The Association’s PAC, the Campaign for Qualified Judges, will be conducting a comprehensive voter outreach campaign leading up to the May 20 primary, to get the word out to voters about our ratings and to encourage people to elect qualified judges to the bench.
Join us: The Judicial Commission is seeking volunteers to serve on its investigative teams. It’s a small commitment that can go a long way toward helping the Commission complete a significant body of work in a relatively short period of time. If you are interested in volunteering, email Gabriella Fontan at judicialcomm@philabar.org or (215) 238-6338.
As we enter 2025, the Campaign for Qualified Judges will be seeking volunteers to talk to community groups about the Judicial Commission’s process and ratings. The Campaign will also be seeking volunteers to work at the polls on primary day to distribute literature about the Commission’s ratings.
There are also things we can do at a personal level. Consider serving as a mentor to young people or younger colleagues, to be someone they can talk to or confide in. Create space to make sure family, friends, colleagues and even strangers feel loved and accepted for who they are. This is not a challenge that gets solved through just one solution, but by a collection of actions, both big and small, individually and through the power of community. We hope you will consider our Association as a source of strength, inspiration and support as you continue to do this vital work.
Jen Coatsworth is 2024 Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. You can email her at chancellor@philabar.org.
