PBA to Posthumously Honor Judge Angela Jones with its Christianson Award

HARRISBURG (Oct. 4, 2021) — The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Public Utility Law Section will present virtually its Christianson Award posthumously to Angela Jones who served as an administrative law judge at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission until her death earlier this year. The award will be given on Oct. 12 to Jones’ parents at the virtual Public Utility Law Conference.

The Christianson Award is named in honor of Robert A. Christianson, a former chief administrative law judge for the PUC, and recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development, improvement and advancement of the profession of public utility law.

Jones spent nearly 30 years improving the public utility profession. As an administrative law judge, she provided decisions and recommendations of adjudications before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Some major decisions included the AT&T SBC Communications merger for Pennsylvania, PPL gas rate case, Philadelphia Gas Works rate case and PPL transmission line case, Aqua Pennsylvania rate case and Pennsylvania American Water Co. rate case.

One nominator noted that “she was confident, capable, informed, prepared and committed and she demanded those qualities in those who appeared before her. She inspired hard work and integrity, and she did not shy away from making tough decisions or from fairly applying the law.”

Prior to becoming a judge, Jones served as assistant counsel to the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate representing the interests of Pennsylvania small businesses, especially telecommunications, before the PUC and, as assistant counsel to commissioners Joseph Rhodes Jr. and Lisa Crutchfield, advising on issues concerning transportation, telecommunications, gas and electric.

Jones also had a passion for mentoring colleagues in her profession and youth in her community. She often mentored many of her administrative law judge colleagues and helped build their experiences in handling more complicated hearings. She also presented in programs about litigating cases before the commission. Jones was active in her church regionally and pursued ministries in mentoring youth in after-school programs, homework clubs and church school.

Another nominator admired Jones for her great integrity; her vivacious personality; her exemplary professionalism as a staff person, counsel and as a judge; and her dedication to public service. “Her caring and compassionate nature toward all who encountered her in her various positions with the commission is one of her greatest contributions.” 

Jones held a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.B.A. from Drexel University. She received a J.D. from the Catholic University of America.

For more information on the virtual Public Utility Law Conference, Oct. 12 and 19, visit https://www.pbi.org/Meetings/Meeting.aspx?ID=40377.

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 of legal services; and serve the lawyer members of the state’s largest organized bar association.