Judge Karoline Mehalchick named new Jurist in Residence: 'Always Be Learning'
Widener University Commonwealth Law School proudly announces the appointment of U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick as the newest jurist in residence. Mehalchick, who brings a wealth of judicial experience and a passion for legal education, will serve a two-year term in this role.
“We are honored that Judge Karoline Mehalchick has joined our Widener Law Commonwealth community as our jurist in residence for the next two years,” said Dean andré douglas pond cummings. “Her career and recent appointment to the Federal District Court exemplify the excellence we wish to inspire in our students, and we look forward to her sharing her insight and experience with our students.”
Mehalchick's extensive career in the judiciary is marked by notable achievements and dedicated service. On Jan. 31 the U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination by President Joe Biden as a district judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. She was sworn in on Feb. 6. Prior to this role, Mehalchick served as a U.S. magistrate judge for over a decade, where she was the first woman to sit in the Scranton region of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
A graduate of the Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University and the Tulane University School of Law, Mehalchick has a distinguished background in both trial and appellate practice. Her career began as a law clerk for the Honorable Trish Corbett, the first woman judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County, and continued with significant contributions at the law firm Oliver, Price & Rhodes, where she became a partner in 2008.
In her new role as jurist in residence, Mehalchick aims to engage deeply with the law school community. “I hope to spend the next two years engaging with the Widener Law Commonwealth community and working with the students to unpack legal concepts related to law and government, and to explore those issues arising at the intersections of regulation, legislation, civil and criminal law,” she said. “At the conclusion of my term as jurist in residence, I hope to have had a positive impact as a mentor and teacher on the students.”
Mehalchick offers valuable advice for current and prospective law students: “First, always be prepared and remember that first impressions can be lasting. Second, try to always be curious and engaged in your work and studies – always be learning. Third, be professional. Meet deadlines. Know your local rules and court preferences. And be courteous and civil to your opposing counsel. Finally, remember that being a law student or lawyer is not your entire identity. Remember the other things in life that bring you joy and don’t abandon them during your law student years or in practice.”
In addition to her judicial duties, Mehalchick has been actively involved in community service and professional organizations. She has served on various boards, including the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the Ballet Theatre of Scranton, where she is the vice president of production. Mehalchick is also a dedicated member of the Federal Bar Association, currently serving as treasurer, and is set to become president-elect in October.
“It is such an honor to be named the next jurist in residence,” Mehalchick expressed. “I am looking very forward to working with Widener Law Commonwealth in this capacity.”
