Tara Swartz

MIFFLINTOWN — Tara Ebright Swartz has announced her candidacy for Magisterial District Judge of District 41-3-01. After a narrow defeat in a five-way race in 2019, Swartz initially had no intention of bidding for the seat. However, several area residents, familiar with her education and experience, have recently urged her to vie for the seat once again.

Even after a late start on the circulation of nomination petitions, Swartz effortlessly secured the required signatures from residents of Delaware, Fayette, Fermanagh, Greenwood, Monroe, and Susquehanna Townships, as well as Mifflintown and Thompsontown Boroughs to have her name appear on the ballot.

Swartz is the daughter of the late William “Bill” Ebright, Sr., of Mifflintown, and the daughter-in-law of the late Melvin and Linda Swartz of Mifflintown. She resides with her husband, Doug, in Fermanagh Township. She has one son, three stepchildren, and several grandchildren.

Swartz is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations, Pennsylvania Association of Notaries, Perry Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #459 and a member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church.

With nearly 25 years of experience and a successful career in the legal profession, Swartz holds an Associate’s Degree in Specialized Business as a Paralegal Specialist – graduating at the top of her class from an 18-month accelerated program. In 2012, she earned her Core Registered Paralegal credential after passing a national exam administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. In 2013, she was recognized as a Pennsylvania Certified Paralegal by the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations. She is currently studying for the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam to obtain her Registered Paralegal credential.

Swartz is employed with Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner in Lemoyne. For 14 consecutive years, Johnson Duffie was recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms” ranked by U.S. News — Best Lawyers. She is honored to be working under the direct supervision of some of the best attorneys in their field, having received a “Best Lawyers Award” multiple years in row.

For more than two decades, Swartz has gained valuable knowledge in both the criminal and civil realms providing her with a well-rounded perspective of issues that may come before her. Over the course of her career, she has handled a wide range of assigned responsibilities in both federal and state courts and numerous administrative agencies. Her dedication to the legal profession has equipped her with essential skills necessary to interpret laws, articulate an unrepresented litigant’s legal rights, make factual findings, and provide solid rationale for each decision.

In 2017, Swartz was certified by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to serve as a Magisterial District Judge. While that certification has long since expired, she is registered to attend the next course of instruction and examination scheduled in June.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support from family, friends, and the community and would be honored to serve as your next Magisterial District Judge of District 41-3-01.”