News

Commonwealth Court Appoints New Chief Legal Counsel

January 23, 2025

President Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer has announced the appointment of Nolan B. Meeks, Esquire, to serve as Chief Legal Counsel to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.  Mr. Meeks’ appointment was effective Jan. 17, 2025. 

In his new role, Mr. Meeks will oversee the operations of the Office of Legal Counsel, including managing staff attorneys and administrative support personnel. His extensive legal experience and leadership skills make him uniquely qualified to assume this important position within the Court.

“Nolan brings a wealth of legal expertise and public service experience to the Court,” said President Judge Cohn Jubelirer. “His distinguished career and demonstrated commitment to justice make him an invaluable addition to our team, and we are confident he will excel in this new role.”

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Meeks served as Deputy Chief Counsel with the Office of Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania State Police, where he also held positions as Acting Chief Counsel and Assistant Counsel. Additionally, he worked as a Hearing Examiner with the Office of Hearing Examiners for the Pennsylvania Department of State. Mr. Meeks’ legal career also includes experience in private practice and with MidPenn Legal Services following law school.

“I feel privileged to have this opportunity and look forward to working the judges and other court staff members, and I appreciate the warm welcome that everyone has extended to me,” said Meeks.

Following the transition, President Judge Cohn Jubelirer also expressed her gratitude to previous Acting Chief Legal Counsel Christine Holden, Esquire, for her dedicated service to the Court.

“Christine has provided exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth Court during her tenures. We deeply appreciate her contributions and steadfast dedication to ensuring the Court’s continued excellence,” she said.

The Commonwealth Court was established in 1968 and is one of Pennsylvania's two statewide intermediate appellate courts. The Commonwealth Court has subject matter jurisdiction over state and local government matters. It also acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against Commonwealth officials and Commonwealth agencies.

Appellate cases are generally heard by panels of three judges in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, although, on occasion, the Court sits in other locations. Cases may also be heard by a single judge or by en banc panels of seven judges. For more information about Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court visit http://www.pacourts.us/courts/commonwealth-court/.

 

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Media Contact: Casey Scheffler, 610-425-1712