I am a woman, a mother of two, a stepmother, a wife, sister, and a daughter.

My professional life is as the President of the McShane Firm in Susquehanna Township, PA, where for 20 years, we have focused on defending those accused of DUI and crime, employing 20 individuals. I have tried over 150 trials to verdict and thousands of hearings. I am a multi time speaker at international and national conferences. I also serve as a Chair of one of the Dauphin County Arbitration Panels. I am the trusted solicitor at the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds office. I am the court appointed counsel for those thought to be incapacitated. I also served as the court appointed patient’s counsel for those facing involuntary mental health commitments.

My community service includes volunteering with the Linglestown Elementary School PTO, participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, and participating as a volunteer with the swim mom activities at the local community kid’s swim team. I am also involved in the development of the Cameron Street Boxing Club and Unite Central PA Boxing.

Listening over ordering

The concept of “Listening over Ordering” is essential to a judiciary that values dignity and respect for all who come before it. Katherine believes that everyone should feel they’ve had their fair chance and their day in court. She embodies the perfect judicial temperament, characterized by patience, respect, and an earnest commitment to listening. Katherine understands that justice is best served when judges take the time to hear out all parties involved, ensuring that each person feels heard and respected. Her approach is to foster an atmosphere where individuals are not just passive recipients of orders but active participants in the judicial process. Through this attentive listening, Katherine aims to make decisions that are not only legally sound but also equitable and considerate of the personal stories and circumstances of those involved. This philosophy ensures that in Dauphin County, the court isn’t just a place of ruling, but of understanding and respect.

Judicial Integrity

No one wants to be judged by the good old boys network, right? Judicial integrity is the cornerstone of a fair and just legal system, ensuring that every individual’s rights are protected under the law. Katherine understands that the public’s trust in the judiciary hinges on the integrity and impartiality of its judges. She pledges to uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct by making decisions based solely on the facts and the law, free from personal bias or external pressures or politics. Katherine’s commitment to ethical responsibility is demonstrated through her extensive legal career, where she has consistently shown a respect for due process and the rule of law. She believes that a judge’s role is to serve as an impartial arbiter, not swayed by politics or personal interests, but dedicated to ensuring equal justice for all. Her approach is to maintain transparency in judicial proceedings, avoid any conflicts of interest, and foster an environment where the community feels confident that justice is administered fairly and consistently

Access to Justice

Access to justice is fundamental to a society that values equality and fairness, ensuring that legal rights are not just privileges of the few but available to everyone. Katherine is dedicated to advocating for the fair treatment of all citizens, regardless of their background. She recognizes that many barriers can prevent individuals from accessing the legal system, such as financial constraints, language barriers, or lack of knowledge about legal rights. Katherine pledges to work towards removing these obstacles by supporting initiatives that provide legal aid, translation services, and educational programs to inform the public about their rights and the legal process. Her commitment is to foster a judiciary where every person, no matter their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or any other distinguishing factor, can seek and receive justice. Through her actions and rulings, Katherine aims to make the court system a place where justice is truly accessible to all in Dauphin County.

Supporting Families

Supporting families is at the heart of a compassionate legal system, where the court plays a crucial role in safeguarding children and promoting family stability. Katherine understands that the decisions made in family law have profound impacts on the lives of children and their families. She is committed to ensuring that the court acts in the best interest of the child, focusing on environments that foster growth, safety, and emotional well-being. Katherine advocates for policies and judicial practices that prioritize family unity where possible, offering mediation and support services to resolve conflicts in a way that strengthens family bonds rather than tearing them apart. Her goal is to create a judicial environment in Dauphin County where families feel supported through legal challenges, where children are protected, and where stability is not just an ideal, but a reality.