READING (Pa.) – Berks County Bar Association President Gabriela Raful congratulated the Hon. M. Theresa Johnson on Thursday for making history as Berks County’s first female President Judge.

Johnson took her oath as President Judge during a ceremony in Courtroom 5A.  Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Bar Association and the Berks County Commissioners commemorated the milestone with a reception at the bar association office on Court Street.

Raful, who Berks Bar members selected as the first Latina president in the fall, said that Johnson’s installation as President Judge is inspiring for attorneys and the community.

“This is a watershed moment for Berks County that’s been 270 years in the making,” Raful said. “I applaud the Board of Judges for promoting diverse leadership and ensuring our judicial system reflects the community it serves.”

Raful added that while young people are accustomed to a growing number of females joining the Bench, this is the first time since the creation of the Berks County court system in 1752 that a female has been selected as President Judge.

“It is important for young women, young men, and everyone in the community to see a female take on our court’s top leadership position,” Raful said. “President Judge Johnson is a well-respected leader, and our association is confident that she will uphold a standard of excellence while administering the court system and guaranteeing equal access to justice for all. She is truly an inspiration to future generations.”

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