Judge Brian J. Panella is a graduate of Notre Dame High School Green Pond and received his undergraduate degree from DeSales University. He received his Juris Doctorate from Widener University Delaware Law School. While at Widener, Judge Panella received the Dean Arthur A. Weeks Outstanding Service Award and served as President of the Student Bar Association. Upon his graduation, he was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Panella spent his entire practicing career with the law firm of Goudsouzian & Associates. Judge Panella served as solicitor for multiple municipalities, including Bethlehem City Council, Northampton Borough, and Bethlehem Township. Judge Panella also handled a wide variety of matters ranging from criminal defense, complicated civil litigation, and business disputes. Judge Panella served as a Deputy Solicitor for the Agency of Children, Youth, and Family Services, working to protect children from physical and sexual violence. As a Custody Master for Northampton and Lehigh Counties, he resolved thousands of custodial disputes, helping parties avoid time consuming and divisive litigation. Judge Panella was also instrumental in organizing and presenting several Continuing Legal Education courses. Along with municipal, criminal, and civil practices, Judge Panella also worked in the non-profit sector, serving as solicitor for the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Service Foundation.

Judge Panella also served on the board of the Palmer Township Kiwanis Club, serving as President of the club from 2022 until the end of 2023. Judge Panella also served as the pro bono solicitor for the Northampton County Retirees Association. An active member of the Northampton County Bar Association, Judge Panella served on the mental health wellness committee and as the Bench/Bar Liaison for three years.

Elected on November 7, 2023 and inducted as a Judge of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas on January 2, 2024, Judge Panella presides over civil, criminal, and family law cases and is assigned as Administrative Judge for Divorce and Custody.

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