Erie County Bar Association

06/16/2026

Due to ongoing post-storm issues, the ECBA office will be closed to the public until further notice.

Please rest assured that our team is still here for you. Staff will be working from home to the best of our abilities to ensure continuity of service.

During this time, email is the best and most efficient way to reach us. You can reach us at [email protected].

A Quick Note on Response Times: As we navigate these technical and remote hurdles, we kindly ask for your patience. It may take us a bit longer than usual to respond, but we are working diligently to get back to everyone as quickly as possible.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and support as we get back to full capacity.

06/11/2026

YLD Summer Associate Welcome Happy Hour at Oliver’s Beer Garden!

06/11/2026

ECBA members enjoying the YLD Summer Associate Welcome Happy Hour!

05/13/2026

Local students are welcomed by ECBA to the 2026 Law Day student presentation! ⚖️

05/13/2026

⚖️ The wait is finally over!

We are beyond thrilled to kick off our Law Day celebrations with today’s student session. There is something truly special about seeing a room full of young leaders eager to lean in and listen.

We are so lucky to have Shamil Idriss and Jeff Coleman with us today. Watching them engage with these students on how to find common ground in an increasingly conflicted world is exactly the inspiration we all need right now. 🤝✨

🎟️ Missed the student session? You can still join us!

If you want to experience this powerful conversation for yourself, it’s not too late. We still have tickets available for tonight’s Main Event and Cocktail Reception at the historic Warner Theatre.

• When: Tonight!
• Where: Warner Theatre
• Start Time: 4:30 PM
• Tickets: Available now at our website https://www.eriebar.com/events/member-registration/1929
or at the door!

Don't miss out on an evening of perspective-shifting dialogue and community. We’ll see you there! 🏛️🎙️

05/08/2026

Erie County Bar Association to Celebrate Law Day 2026 Featuring a Moderated Discussion with Shamil Idriss and Jeff Coleman

ERIE, PA — The Erie County Bar Association (ECBA) is pleased to announce the details for its annual Law Day celebration, to be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Warner Theatre. This year’s event centers on the theme “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” exploring how a stable legal system serves as the essential foundation for opportunity and justice.

The 2026 program features a moderated discussion with Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest peacebuilding organization. The conversation will be led by Jeff Coleman, principal of Churchill Strategies, former Pennsylvania State Representative, and host of Morning Light Live.

In addition to the evening program, the ECBA is proud to host a special student session at 11:00 AM. This morning event will welcome 150 high school and middle school students from across the region to the Warner Theatre for an exclusive dialogue with Idriss and Coleman. This session is designed to engage the next generation in a meaningful conversation about peacebuilding, civic responsibility, and the role of the law in their future.

“Law Day is a vital opportunity for our community to reflect on the legal principles that protect our freedoms,” said an ECBA representative. “The interactive dialogue between Shamil Idriss and Jeff Coleman will provide a unique perspective on how we can bridge differences. We are particularly excited to extend this conversation to our local students, offering them a chance to hear from a global peacebuilder and a seasoned civic leader.”

Event Schedule:

Student Session: 11:00 AM, Warner Theatre.

Program & Awards: 4:30 PM, Warner Theatre Main Stage.

Cocktail Reception to follow in the Warner Rehearsal Hall.

2026 Honors and Awards:
The ECBA will recognize local leaders for their contributions to the community and the legal field:

Chancellor of the Bar: Attorney Phil Friedman

Liberty Bell Award: Jennie Hagerty, Mercy Center for Women

Community Catalyst Award: Marcus Atkinson, MLK Center

Pro-Bono Award: Attorney Denise Pekelnicky

Ticket Information:
Admission for the 4:30 PM presentation and the following reception is $65. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eriebar.com/events/ecba-events/1929-2026-law-day-celebration

About the Erie County Bar Association:
The ECBA is a professional membership organization dedicated to serving the attorneys and citizens of Erie County, Pennsylvania, by promoting justice, professional excellence, and community service.

04/21/2026

Bridging divides and building community! ⚖️🤝

We were honored to attend yesterday’s Spirit of Civility Awards luncheon at the Jefferson Educational Society. It was an inspiring afternoon celebrating Erie neighbors who lead with respect and teamwork.

The event was a fantastic preview of what’s to come, and we are more excited than ever to welcome our Law Day guest speakers to Erie on May 13! 🗓️We are thrilled to be joined by:

🎤 Jeff Coleman – Host of Morning Light and yesterday's awards host, who continues to champion civil discourse here in Pennsylvania.

🎤 Shamil Idriss – CEO of Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization, joining us to share his global perspective on transforming conflict into cooperation.

The insights shared yesterday on "The Spirit of Civility" are the perfect fit for our Law Day theme. We can’t wait to welcome them to the Erie County Bar Association!

Tickets for the event will be on sale soon at the Warner Theatre box office or at ECBA for ECBA members!

Twelve Local leaders were recognized for their impact on the Erie community at the 2026 Spirit of Civility Award Luncheon at the Jefferson Educational Society This luncheon was hosted by Jeff Colem…

04/14/2026

Calling all Erie County Law Students! ⚖️

The application window for the Chief Justice Samuel J. Roberts Scholarship is officially OPEN!

Named in honor of one of Erie’s most distinguished legal minds, this scholarship supports Erie County residents currently navigating the challenges of law school. Whether you are a 1L, 2L, or 3L, we want to help you reach the finish line.

📅 Deadline: May 31
📍 Eligibility: Erie County residents enrolled in an accredited law school.

Don’t miss this opportunity for financial support toward your legal education.

Apply here: https://www.eriebar.com/foundation/roberts-scholarship

Roberts Scholarship Fund is to provide financial assistance to law school students from Erie County, Pennsylvania, enrolled in accredited Law Schools.