Berks County Bar Association 2026 Bench-Bar Conference
April 15, 2026
Speaking Engagements
Attorney John Miravich, who chairs the Berks County Local Rules Committee, co-moderated the Civil Bench Roundtable at the Berks County Bar Association’s 2026 Bench-Bar Conference in Reading, Pa., where judges and practitioners examined key procedures and emerging issues affecting civil litigators.
The panel featured judges from the Berks County Court of Common Pleas Civil Division. It also included the Honorable Jeffrey Schmehl of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Honorable Patricia Mayer, bankruptcy judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, both of whom sit in Reading. Together, they reviewed key procedures and discussed trending topics for civil litigators.
The discussion provided attendees with insight into procedural issues and emerging topics shaping civil litigation practice, drawing on perspectives from the bench and practitioners handling these matters every day. Of particular interest was a recent en banc decision by the Berks County Common Pleas Civil Judges prohibiting the use of appearance counsel.
John is an experienced litigator who represents businesses, public entities, school districts, and municipalities in a wide range of litigation and advisory matters. His practice includes complex business and commercial disputes, as well as school law, municipal law, and government affairs. He also advises local governments and school districts on legal and financial matters, contract negotiations, risk management, insurance coverage, dispute avoidance, and construction projects.
