
Harrisburg Jurist Academy Students pose with Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bernard L. Coates, Jr. (center), Professor Starla Williams (second from right), and current Widener Law student Alex Russin (far right).


On Wednesday, June 6th, students participating in the Harrisburg Jurist Academy visited the chambers of Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bernard L. Coates, Jr. located at the Juvenile Justice Center in the Human Service Building in Harrisburg.Judge Coates, his Judicial Assistant Megan Klemick, Court Crier Katy Thompson, Law Clerk Erin Komada, and intern and current Widener Law student Alex Russin treated the students to a comprehensive tour of the new facilities, which Judge Coates moved to within the last year. In addition to seeing the court room itself, the students got to see the offices, jury deliberation room, and library.Judge Coates and his staff also spoke to the students about what their jobs entail, the kinds of cases Judge Coates hears, and what is necessary to become successful lawyers. Judge Coates stressed the importance of professionalism, including punctuality. “Show up on time,” he said with a smile.Following the tour, Judge Coates graciously posed for a photo with the students, who all agreed that the visit gave them valuable perspective on how a court operates. In the accompanying video, several of the students discuss the experience.