Kristen B. Hamilton ’05 walked into Widener Law Commonwealth as a nontraditional student balancing multiple jobs and walked out as an advocate who would one day rise to lead the Pennsylvania Bar Association, showing law students how determination and service can shape a remarkable career.
The law school held a reception Sept. 4 in the Dean’s Gallery to honor Hamilton’s achievement, bringing together alumni, faculty, students, and members of the Pennsylvania legal community.
Dean andré douglas pond cummings opened the evening by welcoming guests and recognizing the significance of Hamilton’s accomplishment, noting she is only the eighth woman to lead the statewide association and the second graduate of Widener Law Commonwealth to hold the role.
“One of our aims as a law school is to celebrate our alumni and their incredible successes,” cummings said. “Kristen embodies the very best of what we stand for. She has made a career of protecting the rights of children and those who need our protection. She is a fierce advocate for justice and a role model for our students.”
Hamilton, a partner at the Law Office of Matthew R. Miletello in Chambersburg, focuses her practice on family and criminal law. In her remarks, she reflected on her time at Widener and the challenges she faced working multiple jobs while completing her degree.
“When I was a student here, I had no idea what law would hold for me. I just knew I wanted to make an impact on children and families,” Hamilton said. “Widener gave me the support I needed to succeed while pursuing an unconventional path. The opportunities I had here, including hands-on work in the clinic, changed the course of my life and career.”
Hamilton praised the Widener Law Commonwealth faculty and her classmates for helping her succeed, and she encouraged current students to build strong connections and embrace resilience as they enter the legal profession. She also outlined her priorities as PBA president, including improving access to justice, expanding civic education, and addressing the shortage of attorneys in rural communities through the Small Town Attorney Recruitment and Retention Program.
“This profession is about connection and service,” Hamilton said. “We must ensure that people in every community, no matter how small, have access to quality legal representation. Civic education, professional civility, and expanding opportunities in underserved areas will be at the center of my presidency.”
cummings closed the program by emphasizing the importance of Hamilton’s leadership for future lawyers and announced that Widener Law Commonwealth will become the first law school in Pennsylvania to automatically enroll its students as PBA members.
“Kristen’s journey shows our students what is possible when you combine hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to justice,” cummings said. “Her presidency is a proud moment for our law school, and our partnership with the PBA will only deepen the opportunities available to our students.”
Hamilton’s term as PBA president began in May 2025 and runs through May 2026.
