HARRISBURG (April 27, 2011) - Jacob A. Gurwitz, a criminal defense lawyer with the Reading firm of Feeney & Gurwitz, will become chair-elect of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD) at the conclusion of the PBA Annual Meeting May 6 in Philadelphia.

Gurwitz has served as YLD Zone Two Chair. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Gurwitz received his bachelor of arts degree in government and political science from the University of Texas at Dallas, where he served as student body president. He received his juris doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and was awarded the James J. Manderino Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.

During law school, he headed the pro bono Unemployment Compensation Project and trained law students to be effective advocates for individuals seeking unemployment benefits.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 28,000 lawyers who are members of the association.