Judge Profile

William Henry Amesbury

Judicial Experience:

  • Judge, Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, Elected

Other Professional Experience:

  • William H. Amesbury & Associates L.L.C., 2006 to 2009
  • William H. Amesbury & Associates, 2000 to 2006
  • O'Malley & Harris P.C., 1987 to 2000

Education:

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • Lock Haven State College
  • Marywood University

Professional Civic Activities/Honors/Awards:

  • Wilkes-Barre Law Library Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Staff:

  • Eileen Jarecki, Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
  • James J. Maloney, Tip Staff
  • Attorney Charles D. McCormick, Law Clerk
  • Attorney Carl J. Steinbrenner, Law Clerk

Rules/Procedures:

  • Do you have any special rules governing courtroom decorum (e.g., addressing the court, dealing with opposing counsel and witnesses, proper attire, etc.)? Civility and mutual respect between counsel is important both to the smooth operation of the court system and the proper administrative of justice in cases submitted.

  • Describe motions practice in your court. Are there any local practices that attorneys should be aware of? Generally, Motions' Court practice in Luzerne County is governed by L.R.Civ.P. 206.4(c) and 208.3 (a). Generally, Motions are heard daily in luzerne County from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Uncontested matters may be presented directly to the Motions Court for presentation and signing of Orders. Generally, contested matters must bring a Rule Returnable and a Memorandum of Law tot he Luzerne County Court Administrator. The Luzerne County Court Administrator will provide a date and time for argument on the Motion, and place the matter on an Argument List N.B. - The filing of a Memorandum of Law with all Motions and/or Petitions in Luzerne County is mandatory. The filing of your Memorandum of Law must be contemporaneous with the filing of your Motion/Petition.

  • Any suggestions, admonitions or recommendations you would make to lawyers appearing before you? (a) Be prepared to discuss the legal argument; (b) Don't just repeat the contents of your brief; (c) Shepardize the cases you have cited to see if there has been any changes and/or modification to existing law; (d) Be courteous/civil to your opponent and the Court

  • Can the court be contacted by fax? Yes

  • Does the court accept filings by e-mail? The Prothonotary's Office does not accept filings by fax or email filings.