HARRISBURG (Sept. 14, 2006) � Columbia County Court of Common Pleas Judge Thomas A. James Jr. has received an Everyday Leader Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).

�Despite a busy schedule on the bench, Judge James continues to be active in many public service programs, including activities of the Columbia-Montour Bar Association that teach young people about the legal system,� said PBA President Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., who presented the award to James. �When Judge James sees a need, he invests his considerable knowledge and skills to be part of the solution.�

James� extensive community support has included serving as chair of the American Heart Association in Columbia County, as president of the Bloomsburg School Board and as a member of the board of directors for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Columbia/Montour Mental Health Association, Bloomsburg United Way, and the local Boy Scouts.

James is a longstanding member of the local bar association and served as the organization�s 1990-92 president. He also is a longstanding member of the PBA and served on its public relations committee. He has led numerous public lectures and seminars and taught at Bloomsburg University and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

Prior to his work on the bench, James was a partner with the law firm of James, Mihalik, Buehner & Leipold P.C. He also had been the president and co-owner of Susquehanna Valley Land Abstract Company. James is a graduate of Bloomsburg High School, Dickinson College and Dickinson School of Law. He also holds a master�s degree in judicial studies from the University of Nevada.

The Everyday Leader Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond, sharing their time and talent to help and support others,� said Horoho. �The award recipient work hard each and every day performing good works to improve the places they call home and to better Pennsylvania�s legal and judicial system. Judge James is one of these �everyday leaders� and is deserving of this award in gratitude for his contributions to Columbia County.�

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.