Alumni Relations

Inn of Court

Welcome to the Villanova Law J. Willard O’Brien American Inn of Court - a group of judges, lawyers, academicians and students who meet monthly to network and hold programs and discussions on matters of ethics, skills and professionalism.

Announcements

Villanova Law Inn President The Honorable James J. Fitzgerald III was nominated by Governor Edward Rendell to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Selections from the press release are posted below.

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward Rendell today nominated three Pennsylvanians to serve in important statewide roles and urged the Senate to act expeditiously in their confirmations.....

Governor Rendell said he was also pleased to nominate James Fitzgerald III, 67, Philadelphia, to the PA Supreme Court. Fitzgerald first served on the bench when a vacancy occurred in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. After winning election to a 10-year term in 1989, Judge Fitzgerald was retained in 1999, and, in 2002, was appointed administrative judge in the trial division by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

After earning his law degree from Villanova, Fitzgerald went to work in the Office of the District Attorney and served there for 12 years. He has served as chief counsel to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, worked in private law practice and ran the government affairs division for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

"As a young lawyer in the Philadelphia District Attorney's office Jim tried every case imaginable, which has helped him become one of the most respected judges on the bench today," said Governor Rendell. "I am certain he will serve with distinction on Pennsylvania's top court, because I trust his judgment, his objectivity and his respect for the law."

"To sit on the bench of the commonwealth's highest court is a tremendous honor and it will give me the opportunity of continuing to interpret and apply the law while upholding the constitution of the United States and the commonwealth," said Judge Fitzgerald. "I intend to serve with impartiality and objectivity and use my sound judgment and fairness in every case."

"Being a judge is the best job in the world and being a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the very ultimate in public service."

Fitzgerald earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 from the University of Pennsylvania. He then obtained his J.D. degree from the Villanova University School of Law.

Interested in becoming a member of the Inn?

Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 610-519-7054 or alumni@law.villanova.edu or Membership Chairs Thomas Gallagher ‘89 or Martin Trichon ‘73.

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