Judge Powell

The Honorable Courtney K. Powell attended the Pennsylvania State University where she majored in Speech Communications and minored in Business Administration.  She received her Juris Doctorate from the Widener University School of Law in 1997, and then spent the next 25 years in both the public and private sectors.

After graduating from law school, Judge Powell served three years in the Dauphin County Public Defender’s office representing minors in juvenile delinquency proceedings, and later adults in all stages of their criminal matters, including appeals to both the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts. Upon leaving her role with the Public Defender’s office, she received a Proclamation from the Dauphin County Commissioners for her years of outstanding service and legal work for the community and county.

In 2001, Judge Powell turned her focus to private practice, and in 2002 joined the Hershey firm of James, Smith, Dietterick and Connelly, now known as JSDC Law Offices when she practiced both family law and criminal law.  She became a partner with JSDC Law Offices in 2022.  Judge Powell also served as one of the Solicitors for Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging, where she handled guardianship matters. 

Professionally, Judge Powell is a member of the Pennsylvania and Dauphin County Bar Associations, and the William W. Lipsitt American Inn of Court.   She is active in her community, and volunteers with her children’s schools and activities, and the Calvery United Methodist Church food pantry.  She resides in Harrisburg with her husband Mark, and two children.