May it please the Court, Friends, Family, Honored Guests –

It is an honor to stand before all of you to mark my friend, Judge Tiffany Thomas-Smith’s investiture ceremony and mark her transition today from an advocate to a jurist. 

I first met Judge Thomas-Smith twenty-five (25) years ago, when she began working for an attorney that I happened to share space with at the time.  We worked together there for several years before we both moved on in our careers.       

Judge Thomas-Smith quickly became a very good friend to me; our families became very close; and my Wife, Lori and Judge Thomas-Smith became great friends.   

Our families have shared a great deal during our 25 year friendship.  Judge Thomas-Smith has been a mentor and a friend to my daughter, Sydney (who is here); when Sydney was in middle school, she would ride her bicycle from our house in Yardley to Tiffany’s home in Yardley to babysit Miles & Luke when they were just babies. We have shared family milestones; birthdays, graduations, jobs, accomplishments; and, even, unfortunately, personal loss.                   

Professionally, over 25 years, Judge Thomas-Smith has also been a colleague and fellow family law attorney; an adversary; a sounding board; a confident; most recently a partner and my fellow co-chair of the Family Law Department at Curtin & Heefner.   It took 23 years for us to finally work together, and after less than two (2) years, she couldn’t wait to get out! 

I believe I can speak with some authority as to the person and the attorney who now becomes a judge.  I believe that Judge Thomas-Smith possesses those essential qualities that make an outstanding Judge. 

Integrity — Judge Thomas-Smith possesses an unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, unwavering honesty and independence, even when the path is difficult or the decision unpopular.

Impartiality. A judge of this court must ensure that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, knowing that justice does not bend to influence, wealth, or status.  That is Judge Thomas-Smith. Empathy and compassion – Judge Thomas-Smith  sees beyond the paperwork to the human stories—parents struggling, children needing stability, families searching for a way forward.  She will ensure that even in the most emotional moments, every voice is heard with respect.  Judge Thomas-Smith will never forget that real lives, families, and futures are affected by each decision.

However, today is about more.  Today we are also witness to the first African American woman elected to the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, and only the second African American elected Judge and to county wide office in Bucks County.   Today is truly historic.

Being the first Black woman elected as a judge matters not simply because it is new, but because it reshapes who is seen as belonging in the institutions that wield the greatest authority in our democracy.

For generations, courts reflected only a narrow segment of society, even as they made decisions affecting everyone. When a Black woman is elected to the bench, it signals to communities long excluded that their experiences, voices, and humanity are no longer invisible. It tells young people—especially girls of color—that the law is not something done to them, but something they can help shape.

The judiciary was not built with women or people of color in mind, and advancement required overcoming discrimination that was both explicit and entrenched. Becoming the first means carrying the weight of history while opening a door that was once firmly closed, transforming an exception into the beginning of a norm.

Judge Thomas-Smith’s investiture strengthens public trust. Courts depend on legitimacy. When the bench reflects the diversity of the community it serves; confidence in its fairness and impartiality grows. People are more likely to believe justice is possible when they see that those entrusted with it understand their lived realities.

Being the first Black woman elected as a Judge here in Bucks County is not just a personal achievement for Judge Thomas-Smith —it is a cultural milestone.  This matters.

We all have a tendency to take things for granted at times.   I am guilty of that sin, often.  Not this time. Not this one

Many of you are aware that Judge Thomas-Smith lost her Father, Richard E. Smith, Sr. on October 22nd.  Just 12 short days before the November 4th election day.  Vera Smith, Richard’s Wife is here.  His children, grandchildren are here today to mark this moment. Miles & Luke, this day would have made him so very proud. 

Your Grandfather would have been in his late 20’s and early 30’s in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s; right in the middle of the Civil Rights movement – The same age you both are today.   In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, this day would have been  inconceivable to your grandfather.   

Miles & Luke – This matters.  Since 1791, your mother becomes only the 67th Judge to sit on the Bench in the Seventh Judicial District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.   Of the tens of thousands of attorneys who have practiced here in Bucks County over 235 years, only 70 have been Judge.  Many of their portraits line the walls of all the courtrooms of this Justice Center because this matters.  Your mom’s portrait will be on one of these walls one day.    

Remember today.  Tell your children and your children’s children of this day when the daughter of Richard and Vera became a Judge.

Tiffany, my friend – My wish for you is that you never forget the significance of this moment; that you never forget the pride in the eyes of your sons, your mother and your siblings; and the joy your friends feel for you today.  And mostly that you never forget the example you are to young women and young women of color.  

So today, we do more than swear in a judge and celebrate our daughter, sister, mother, friend and colleague. We celebrate a moment of transformation. We honor someone whose presence on this bench opens doors  and inspires. And we affirm, together, that justice grows stronger when every voice has the chance to be heard and every person has the chance to lead.

          Tiffany – Congratulations and Godspeed, my friend.