Advisory Groups

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is assisted by several panels that carry out specific assigned tasks for the court and provide ongoing counsel in given areas.

Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial Independence

Formed by the Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial Independence is dedicated to fostering a better understanding of the role of the courts. Created in response to a nationwide pattern of attacks on the courts and judicial rulings, the commission raises public awareness of the importance of a strong, independent judiciary in a free society. It promotes the teaching of civics and monitors threats on judicial independence in Pennsylvania and around the nation. The commission is comprised of 10 members who are appointed by the Supreme Court. Current members include state and federal judges, law professors, lawyers and the public.

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Contact

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts
Darren Breslin
1515 Market St.
Suite 1414
Philadelphia, PA 19102
p. 215-560-6300

Investment Advisory Board

The Investment Advisory Board coordinates the investment policy for four, non-tax supported, court-related boards: the Disciplinary Board, the Continuing Legal Education Board, the Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security and the Board of Law Examiners. The panel is made up of nine appointed members who are experienced in areas of finance and investment.

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Contact

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 
p. 717-231-3307

Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts

The Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts was established to advise the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts regarding the implementation of the Elder Law Task Force’s Report and Recommendations. The Advisory Council collaborates with the executive and legislative branches of state government and communicates with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania about the implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations and other matters involving elder justice. The Advisory Council is made up of 24 members with wide-ranging expertise in elder justice. Learn More

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Contact

Office of Elder Justice in the Courts
Email

Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness

The Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness ensures that people of every race, gender and ethnic background are treated fairly and respectfully throughout all offices of state government. The panel is made up of 24 racially and ethnically diverse members: eight members appointed by the Supreme Court, eight by the governor and eight by the legislature. Members include judges, lawyers, legislators and community advocates.

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Contact

The Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness
223 Fourth Avenue, 10th Floor
Benedum-Trees Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
p. 412-391-5301

Continuing Judicial Education Board of Judges

The Continuing Judicial Education Board of Judges was instituted by the Supreme Court in 2016 to help oversee new judicial education requirements for judges and justices. As of Jan. 1, 2017, jurists are required to earn each year a minimum of three hours of continuing education in judicial ethics and nine hours in judicial practice and related areas. The Board of Judges is comprised of judges from courts impacted by the new policy, among others, and reflects the diversity of Pennsylvania’s judiciary, including court size and divisional assignment. The Board, whose members are not compensated, will make accreditation decisions, grant waivers and deferrals and hear non-compliance appeals. Learn more.

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Contact

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts
Stephen Feiler, Ph.D.
Judicial Education
601 Commonwealth Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17106
p. 717-231-3311
f. 717-231-3312
Email