News

Murray to Retire after 41 Years in Service to Lackawanna County Courts

November 23, 2004

HARRISBURG, November 24, 2004 — William Murray, Lackawanna County District Court Administrator, will retire in January after 41 years of service to the local and state court systems. “Bill’s career with the Lackawanna County courts has helped us achieve a number of successes in the administration of justice and service to the public,” President Judge Chester T. Harhut said today in making the announcement. “His longevity at the county courthouse speaks to the collegiality and professionalism he brought to the job and shared with his fellow workers, judges, lawyers and public on a daily basis.” During his tenure Murray is credited with helping to implement Lackawanna County Central Court, a single location within the 35th Judicial District for the county’s dozen district justices to hold preliminary hearings. He also was instrumental in helping to integrate a centralized office for the collection of court fines and costs; creation of a rotating, on-duty system for district justices and establishment of a two-day, one-jury system that reduced the time needed for jurors to remain on call. “Bill is part of a team of people within the Lackawanna County Court that is committed to the effective management of the court system,” said AOPC’s Director of Judicial Programs Joseph J. Mittleman, Esq. “A search for a successor to continue the high-level collaboration and professionalism exhibited by Bill Murray will be conducted.” Murray spent all but five of the last 41 years in the county’s employ. He became a state court employee in January 2000 — one of 175 senior county court administrative staff who moved into state service under guidelines provided for in legislation passed during the previous year by the General Assembly. Murray began his career with the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s in 1964. In July 1977, he was appointed District Court Administrator for Lackawanna County — a position he will leave on Jan. 21, 2005 — and served under six different president judges. The district court administrator is responsible for administering county court personnel, cases, finances and technology, as well as juror and facilities management and the district justice system. The administrator also has general supervisory authority over three deputy court administrators, the adult probation and juvenile probation offices, domestic relations office, children and youth services and court reporters. Murray and his wife, the former Constance Warburton, have a son, William and two daughters, Lisa and Mary Lou.