KATHLEEN PRENDERGAST ANNOUNCES RUN FOR JUDGE

Attorney Kathleen Prendergast announces her candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of York County.  Ms. Prendergast, age 46, has been practicing law in York County for 14 years.

Ms. Prendergast is one of three attorneys who provide parenting coordination services to high conflict families involved in York County custody proceedings.  She believes, "The courts need to be sensitive to the emotional and financial costs of court involvement.  Sometimes parents and children need to be redirected to counseling and services to keep them from coming back to court again and again." 

If elected, Ms. Prendergast would like to expand the existing drug and mental health courts.  "These courts save taxpayers' money and reduce crime by addressing the root causes of crime," she said. "They hold people accountable for both their crimes and their recovery.  I would like to be involved in moving these programs forward."  

Ms. Prendergast has been a community leader for many years.  She is a past chair of both the Family Law Section and the Woman and Law Section of the York County Bar Association.  She co-chaired the 2004 Transition Team for the York County Commissioners, which used community volunteers to provide an overview of county functions.  She was a member of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York.  She is a past board member of the Junior League of York and Atkins House.  She has also volunteered with the Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council, York Little Theatre, Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Program, St. Patrick Church, and other community groups.  

Ms. Prendergast ran for judge in 2005.  She came in third for two open seats.  

She is a graduate of York Suburban High School and earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Penn State University, a master's degree in English education from New York University, and a law degree from George Mason University School of Law.   Ms. Prendergast taught at Dallastown Area High School from 1985-1990.  She completed a Fellowship with the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Education and Labor in 1992 and then worked as a legislative assistant to a member of Congress before returning to York to practice law in 1994. 

Ms. Prendergast suggests, "Judges who are thoughtful and respectful to all people in court--including court personnel, attorneys, victims, children, law enforcement officers, and litigants—earn respect in return." 

For more information, contact Kathleen Prendergast at cell 717-858-6023, daytime 717-845-8000, e-mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .