HARRISBURG (July 18, 2006) � Westmoreland County Judge Richard E. McCormick Jr. has received an Everyday Leader Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).

�Judge McCormick is instrumental in the ongoing successes of Greensburg-Salem High School�s mock trial teams, including the 2006 team�s victories of winning the state mock trials and placing fourth in national competition,� said PBA President Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., who presented the award to McCormick. �The mock trial program gives area high school students first-hand experiences with the legal system and develops communication, teamwork and analytical skills. We�re proud of the coaching support and guidance that Judge McCormick and other members of the Westmoreland Bar Association are providing these young people.�

Since McCormick began coaching the Greensburg-Salem team, the team also won the state mock trials in 2001 and 2005 and competed at two additional national competitions. Greensburg-Salem teams have won regional mock trail competitions since 2000.

�The Everyday Leader Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond, sharing their time and talent to benefit others,� said Horoho. �These unsung heroes work hard each and every day performing good works, not for personal gain or recognition, but for the right reasons�to improve the places they call home and to better Pennsylvania�s legal system. Judge McCormick is one of these �everyday leaders� and is deserving of this award in gratitude for his contributions to the Westmoreland County area.�

McCormick was appointed to the 10th Judicial District of the Court of Common Pleas in 1990. He previously served as solicitor for the City of Greensburg and was a public defender in Westmoreland County. He also was a partner in the firm of Stewart, McCormick, McArdle and Sorice. McCormick is a graduate of Duquesne University and a cum laude graduate of Duquesne University School of Law.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.