News

Call for Presenters: 2025 Joint Annual Conference
 

We are excited to announce the 2025 Joint Annual Conference, scheduled for April 3 and 4 at the Harrisburg Hilton, and we are currently seeking knowledgeable and dynamic presenters to contribute to this premier event. We invite criminal defense attorneys and professionals from related fields to share their expertise through sessions that deliver robust, high-quality content.

Our sessions typically run 60 or 90 minutes and are designed to have defined learning outcomes to maximize value for attendees. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your knowledge and engage with peers.

If you are interested in presenting, please complete and submit the presenter interest form no later than November 1, 2024. The Planning Committee looks forward to reviewing your proposals and crafting an outstanding conference together!

Brian McMonagle Accepts Role as President of PACDL

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) is pleased to announce that Brian McMonagle has accepted the position of PACDL President. McMonagle brings with him decades of legal experience, and has successfully handled some of the most celebrated criminal cases in Pennsylvania’s history. along with a long-standing commitment to PACDL’s mission of promoting excellence in criminal defense.

Brian McMonagle is a founding partner of McMonagle, Perri, McHugh & Mischak & Davis, one of Philadelphia’s finest litigation firms. Over the course of his career, McMonagle has defended numerous high profile clients in complex and challenging cases, earning respect from peers and judges alike for his legal acumen and advocacy. His depth of experience, combined with his commitment to justice, makes him an exceptional leader for PACDL.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role,” said McMonagle. “PACDL is an organization that consists of outstanding trial lawyers who are also great people, and I look forward to continuing the incredible work we do to support criminal defense attorneys across Pennsylvania.”

Additionally, PACDL is pleased to announce the election of three officers.

• Jason Dunkle, a criminal defense attorney in State College since 2004 and a graduate of Penn State University has been voted to serve as PACDL President-Elect.
• Edward Spreha of the Law Offices of Wagner & Spreha in Harrisburg and a graduate of the Widener University School of Law has been elected PACDL Vice President for the Middle District.
• Ashley E. Shapiro has been elected Treasurer and as a partner at Stradley Ronon, she concentrates her practice on white-collar criminal defense, investigations, and corporate compliance matters in the firm’s Philadelphia office.  

PACDL looks forward to a new chapter of leadership and commitment to advancing the interests of criminal defense attorneys across the Commonwealth. Finally, PACDL acknowledges past president Wana Saadzoi for her service.