Penn State Law adjunct professor honored by Centre County judges

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Casey McClain, adjunct professor at Penn State Law, was presented with the inaugural John R. Miller, Jr. Civility Award last week. The honor, to be presented annually, is awarded by the judges of the Centre County Court of Common Pleas.

The Hon. Thomas King Kistler, president judge of the Centre County Court of Common Pleas, presented the award in recognition of McClain’s continuing commitment to the highest ideals of civility, collegiality, and candor and his unswerving dedication to client needs while never losing sight of the highest professional standards.

“Casey was the unanimous selection for the first recipient for his even-tempered, honest, and civil style of representing clients in the often-heated arena of criminal law,” Kistler said. “His style leads to the resolution of matters based on the merits of the case, not based on the intensity of the conflict or the personalities of those involved as either clients or lawyers.”

The plaque, bearing McClain’s name will be hung in the courthouse. 

“I am truly honored by this recognition," McClain said. "I strive to be the best possible lawyer for my clients while maintaining the highest standards of integrity the profession demands.  I am lucky to work with some of the best, brightest, and most dedicated and ethical lawyers in the state; this award is a positive reflection for all of us.”

At Penn State Law, McClain leads the Indigent Criminal Justice Clinic with fellow public defender and adjunct professor Richard Settgast. The clinic provides students with the opportunity to represent indigent criminal defendants accused of misdemeanor offenses in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. Under the supervision of McClain andSettgast, students work as a defense litigation attorney learning litigation, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

John Randall Miller, Jr. grew up in Millheim, Pa., graduated from Penn State, later served in WWII, and then graduated from The Dickinson School of Law.

He practiced his entire career of over 50 years in Centre County. He headed the law firm of Miller, Kistler, and Campbell and practiced right up until his death in 2007.

Miller was known for his easy “country charm,” his intelligence, and his civil and hospitable nature. He was often referred to as “The Dean of the Centre County Bar Association.”