[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   IN RECOGNITION OF CATHERINE R. O'DONNELL, ESQ., RECIPIENT OF THE 
        WILKES-BARRE LAW & LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT'S AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Catherine R. 
O'Donnell, Esq., who was selected for the President's Award by the 
Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association. The President's Award honors 
attorneys who display exemplary professionalism, integrity, and ethics 
throughout his or her legal career. It is the highest award that the 
Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association bestows.
  Cathy has been practicing law for over 25 years. She graduated cum 
laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a joint degree in business 
and economics and a minor in history. In 1987, Cathy received her Juris 
Doctor and Master of Business degrees from the University of 
Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Pennsylvania and District of 
Columbia Bar. In addition, Cathy is a member of The American 
Association for Justice and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.
  In October of 2000, Governor Thomas Ridge appointed Cathy as a 
District Justice. Unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate, 
Cathy honorably served our state until January 2002. Today, Cathy 
practices estate planning and administration at the O'Donnell Law 
Offices. Her skill and knowledge as a lawyer has earned her recognition 
as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, ALM Top-Rated Trusts and Estates 
Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers 
and Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent Rating from 2002-2015. In 2015, 
she was named one of Rue Rating's Best Attorneys of America.
  Cathy remains an active member of her local community. Cathy is a 
past president of the Parent's Associates of Wyoming Valley Montessori 
School and the Lower and Upper Schools of Wyoming Seminary. She is also 
a past president of the pastoral council of the former St. Therese's 
Church in Wilkes-Barre. She is a current member of the Orphans' Court 
Practice Committee and current Chair of the Religious Outreach 
Committee of the Wilkes-Barre Law Library Association. Cathy is a board 
member of Junior Leadership of Wilkes-Barre, a member of the United Way 
Cabinet, and a board member for Dress for Success of Luzerne County.
  It is an honor to recognize Cathy O'Donnell for her many 
accomplishments, and I extend Cathy my congratulations for being 
awarded the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association President's Award. I 
commend Cathy for her service to our community.

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