The Erie County Bar Association welcomed a new president with the arrival of 2016.  Melissa H. Shirey effectively assumed the role at the first of the year from Richard A. Lanzillo, who served as 2015 president.

Shirey, who was raised in North East, received her bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College, and her Master’s degree from Gannon University.  She is a partner at The Family Law Group and specializes in divorce, child support, and child custody cases.  With the Erie County Bar Association (ECBA), Melissa has been closely involved with the Attorneys and Kids Together program (AKT), which supports the educational needs of students living in homeless situations by providing books, backpacks, winter coats, school uniforms, and mentoring from an attorney and his/her family.  She chaired the 2015 Wills for Heroes event, which sold out shortly after it was announced, but managed to prepare 53 legal documents over a 4-hour period for military veterans and first responders.

“I have been a proud and active member of the Erie County Bar Association since the beginning of my career as a lawyer”, says Shirey.  “I feel extremely fortunate to be leading this association, whose members are experienced, hard-working, and respected professionals in the legal field.  I am looking forward to working with our ECBA staff, board of directors, and members in the coming year.”