All Rise! A Discussion with Magisterial District Judges

ONLINE REGISTRATION INCLUDED BELOW.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM.

CLE DESCRIPTION:

In this presentation, four Lancaster County Magisterial District Judges will discuss their role as a Magisterial District Judge, the Magisterial District Court system, trends and patterns in Lancaster County and best practices for lawyers appearing in Magisterial District Court. The Judges may discuss and provide do’s and don’ts on several key topics. These include communications with the District Courts, the introduction of exhibits and the rules of evidence in Magisterial District Court, and the use of courtroom technology. They may also offer advice on proceeding against a pro se party and highlight common mistakes in landlord/tenant matters. Additionally, the discussion may cover the elements of a winning breach of contract claim, requests for attorney’s fees, and best practices for remote or virtual hearings and testimony. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions.

CREDIT(S):

1.50 SUBSTANTIVE CREDIT

SPEAKERS:

Judge Mary Mongiovi Sponaugle
Magisterial District Judge for District 02-2-03

Mary Mongiovi Sponaugle serves Lancaster City and Lancaster Township as a Magisterial District Judge since 2000. Prior to her current position, she was a practicing attorney in Lancaster proceeded by a clerkship with The Honorable Michael J. Perezous of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County and a second clerkship with The Honorable Ronald L. Buckwalter of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She resides in Lancaster Township with her family.

Judge Andrew T. LeFever
Magisterial District Judge for District 02-2-04

Andrew LeFever has served as a Magisterial District Judge since January of 2020. Prior to his election to the bench in 2019, Andrew served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Office of the District Attorney of Lancaster County for five years.

Judge Courtney M. Monson
Magisterial District Judge for District 02-1-02

Courtney Monson is in her second year serving as Magisterial District Judge in Manheim Township. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, she worked as an attorney in the Public Defender’s Office in Lancaster County for 8 ½ years prior to her current position. In her spare-time she coordinates the High School Mock Trial Competition for Lancaster County and enjoys spending time with her family.

Judge John E. Bender
Magisterial District Judge for District 02-2-02

John Bender is celebrating his second year as Magisterial District Judge representing Lancaster City’s Northwest and Southside neighborhoods. A graduate of Widener University School of Law with a distinction in Criminal Law, he worked as a Public Defender for 9 years beginning in Bradford County, PA before moving to Lancaster in 2018. In his spare-time he hosts a weekly trivia show at Southern Market.

QUESTIONS?
Email Lexi Driendl (cle@lancasterbar.org), Continuing Legal Education & Marketing Coordinator