The Hon. Arnold L. New, Philadelphia CCP, 1st Judicial District, Trial Division

The Hon. Arnold L. New

By Adrianne E. Walvoord, Esq

Judge New’s acumen and wisdom as a judge is based on his experience as an Assistant District Attorney and as a young lawyer running a private practice in criminal defense and plaintiffs’ personal injury. Judge New has served for over twenty years as an esteemed judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and currently is assigned to the Philadelphia Commerce Court.

Judge New participated in implementing the Day Back Day Forward program in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Since its implementation in 1995, it effectively cleared a ten year back-log of cases in the Philadelphia courts.

He’s personally experienced many perspectives in the courthouse and now provides some insight for PAJ Future Leaders from a judge’s perspective.

Adrianne E. Walvoord: What advice do you have for new attorneys in your court room?

Judge Arnold L. New: A bit of general advice—be honest and admit to the judge that it is your first or second trial or motion argument, etc. because with this knowledge, a judge can try to make the courtroom as comfortable as possible. I can help to teach young attorneys how to improve their practice by sustaining an objection with an explanation or offering an impartial critique of their advocacy skills after the proceedings are concluded.

A bit of practical advice on cross-examination – don’t bury your smoking gun question in the middle of a cross! I’ve seen it too many times, a lawyer makes an excellent point and then drags on with the questioning only to lose the jury’s attention.

How does the Day Forward program affect young lawyers?

Young lawyers should know that Philadelphia judges will work their hardest to keep cases current and to stay on schedule. We stick to discovery deadlines and trial dates, so be sure to stay on top of your deadlines, too. When we worked to clean up the dockets in the 90s we told the lawyers they weren’t going to sleep, eat, or see their families until the cases got moving. In exchange, we made big sacrifices too – my “poor” wife even had to go on vacation to Paris without me because I had a trial and the date was set. The hard work of the bench and bar was remarkable and we are determined still today to keep the dockets moving in Philadelphia.

What do you see from attorneys that impresses you the most in the courtroom?

I am always impressed by lawyers who know their cases inside and out and organize their cases in a way that incorporates applicable law, follows proper procedure, and makes sense to the jury. I am blown away by the quality of many of the lawyers I see - judges don’t forget what it’s like to be a lawyer and what a skill it takes to balance your work load and prepare for trial.

Future Leaders Section Member Adrianne E. Walvoord is an associate in the Philadelphia offices of Anapol Schwartz.

Hon. Debbie O’Dell Seneca, President Judge of the Washington County CCP

President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca, a former plaintiff’s attorney, has served on the bench in Washington County for 20 years, and has been president judge since 2007. I sat down with “the P.J.,” as she is known in our county, to talk about advice she would give to both experienced and newer lawyers on trial practice.

Laura Phillips: What do you think is the most important part of a trial and why?

President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca: I don’t think that I would say that there is one part of a trial that is more important than another. I will tell you, though:

1.     If the jury doesn’t like your client, you’re not going to win no matter how good your case is. Make sure your client is dressed appropriately, looks pleasant, and that their own lawyer likes them. If those don’t exist, the jury will pick up on it.
2.    If you have a case where the issue is a cervical sprain, and your client is sitting there for three days looking bored and not engaged, the jury will think nothing is wrong with them.
3.    First impressions are very important.
4.    Juries get irritated when lawyers ask the same question over and over again. I’m seeing more and more sophisticated and educated jurors, and they will get angry if you don’t respect their time.
5.    It hurts the case if lawyers put several audio or video depositions  back to back. It just bores the jury.

At a time when many courts are facing budget crises and growing dockets, what can the trial bar do to help the courts work more efficiently?

Settle their cases. “Settlement” is the best word in the English language. I like to talk to people and ask them how much they think it will cost to try the case, especially in the face of the great chance of a zero verdict. Obviously, when there is no offer in a big damages case, we’re willing to try them or to help facilitate settlement.

What advice do you give to young trial lawyers beginning their careers?

1.   Make sure that your pleadings are accurate, and that you don’t misstate the facts.
2.   Always be honest with the court. If you make a mistake, admit it. The court will work with you to correct it.
3.   If it appears that you have lied to the court, your credibility will be looked at with jaundice thereafter.
4.   Find out who the good, statesmen-like trial lawyers are in your area and go watch them.

How can young trial lawyers establish relationships with judges in an ethical way?

First and foremost, always when you approach the court in any fashion, come up to the podium and greet the judge, and introduce yourself and your clients. And be respectful of the court. Then when you see the judge socially at a bar association function, go say hello. Bar functions are a good place to establish a connection.

Any last words of advice?

The old saying in real estate is that it always comes back to location, location, location. With trial work it is preparation, preparation, preparation.

Sustaining Member Laura Philips is an associate with Phillips and Faldowski, P.C., located in Washington, PA. She is Second Vice-Chair of the Future Leaders Section.

Introducing the Sidebar Series

PAJ is pleased to introduce a new column called the Sidebar Series. This series will be regular feature in the PAJustice News and on this blog. FLS members will be interviewing judges from their local jurisdictions, appellate courts, or other courts to gain insight from the prestigious officials we often only see on the bench. We hope that the Sidebar Series will provide an opportunity for Future Leaders Section members to become more personally acquainted with the judges before whom they appear.

Please contact PAJ members Adrianne Walvoord or Laura Phillips if you are interested in interviewing a Pennsylvania court judge. We have recommendations for approaching judges and have sample questions to use in your interview. We look forward to hearing from you!


Adrianne Walvoord, Esq.
Anapol Schwartz




Laura Phillips, Esq.
Phillips & Faldowski, P.C.



Welcome to the Future Leaders Section Blog!

The Pennsylvania Association for Justice is proud to unveil its newest project: a blog dedicated to the Future Leaders Section. This site will feature the latest news that matters to Pennsylvania lawyers who have practiced for fewer than 10 years. It will also highlight the Sidebar Series, an ongoing set of articles in which members interview judges from around Pennsylvania. Check back soon for more updates. Better yet, click the link on the right of the screen to follow the blog with your Google account.