Jessica VanderKam, a family law attorney and partner at Stuckert and Yates, is running to serve as judge on the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.
Ms. VanderKam, who lives in West Rockhill Township with her husband Derek, and two children, Harrison and Penelope, is coming into the race as a candidate who is touting her experience as a former Law Clerk to 3 Judges on the Bucks County bench – the Hon. David W. Heckler (ret.), the current President Judge, Wallace H. Bateman, Jr., and the Hon. Robert O. Baldi.
“My time as an attorney serving behind the bench with these 3 respected Judges provided me with an invaluable and unmatched behind-the-scenes perspective into our Courthouse, and how it best addresses the needs of the people who come before it. I am dedicated to providing individuals the respect, patience, and fairness they deserve when they find themselves in Court.”
Ms. VanderKam has been litigating cases in family court, civil court, and orphan’s court for 11 years, and has a full-service practice that allows her to handle the wide variety of cases that the Bucks County Court handles. She has argued before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Supreme Court, and in 2019 received the Pennsylvania Super Lawyer’s Rising Star Award, an award given to 2.5% of attorneys state-wide.
She also is actively involved in her community, sitting on the Board of the Bucks County American Inn of Court, an organization focused on promoting ethics in the legal community; and on the Board of Trustees of Tabor Children’s Services, Inc., a child welfare non-profit organization in Bucks County. She also serves as a member of the Pennridge Youth Aid Panel, a Bucks County community organization which helps minors and families navigate minor criminal charges in lieu of juvenile court; Newtown Rotary Club and Foundation Board member; and is a former Director of the Bucks County Bar Association.
“I’ve spent my legal career devoted to treating clients and individuals the way I would want someone to treat my family,” said VanderKam. “I strive to ensure that all of my clients, even in the most difficult and traumatic personal circumstances, leave my office feeling that we have improved their lives and put them back on the right path. It would be my privilege to bring that compassion for people to our Bucks County Bench.”