2025 Press Statements

2025 Recent Statements

PACDL Honors Outstanding Criminal Defense Advocates at 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony
Harrisburg, PA –  April 4, 2025 --The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of its members at the 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony held on April 4, 2025. This year’s honorees have demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, and advocacy in the pursuit of justice.  [To read the press statement click here.]

PACDL Expresses Concern Regarding Governmental Actions Undermining the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
Harrisburg, PA – April 4, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), acting through its Board of Directors, issues the following statement in response to recent actions by the federal government that threaten fundamental principles of the rule of law and the independence of our courts.  This statement reflects PACDL’s longstanding commitment to defending constitutional rights and upholding the integrity of the justice system. [Click here to read the full statement.]

PACDL President Issues Statement on 62nd Anniversary of Gideon

Harrisburg, PA – March 17, 2025 – PACDL President Brian McMonagle issues the following statement in honor of the 62nd Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright. [Click here for the full statement.]

PACDL Issues Statement Opposing Government Retaliation

Harrisburg, PA -- PACDL President Brian McMonagle issued a statement in response to a recent federal government executive order issued March 6, 2025, titled “Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP.” This statement reflects PACDL’s longstanding commitment to defending the independence of the legal profession and opposing any governmental retaliation against attorneys for representing clients in legal matters.  [To read the full statement, click here.]