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    Contact

    (484) 765-2235
    egiordano@norris-law.com
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    Hon. Emil Giordano (Ret.)

    Member

    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group,  focuses his practice on estate and commercial litigation, and mediation and arbitration.

    Judge Giordano served as a presiding judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, Third Judicial District, from 2004 through 2018. He was Northampton County’s first administrative Judge of the Orphans’ County Division, overseeing estates and trusts of the county, and was named to the Statewide Orphans’ Court Task Force, an organization charged with implementing changes to Orphans’ Court. He was also the first Judge in Pennsylvania to institute guardianship certification requirements for the protection of senior citizens.

    For 15 years, Judge Giordano presided over jury trials and non-jury trials, hearings and motions, and a wide range of disputes under Pennsylvania and federal law, including construction, commercial litigation, professional malpractice, CERCLA, Civil Rights, condemnations, labor and land use appeals, criminal, and domestic relations.

    As an arbitrator and mediator, Judge Giordano is certified through Harvard Law School Negotiation Institute in Advanced Mediation, is a fellow of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators, and is affiliated with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Mediation. He serves as an arbitrator and mediator to the Judicial Roster, Real Estate, and Pennsylvania at Large ADR Panels of Distinguished Neutrals for the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution.

    Judge Giordano is Chair of the Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He is a Diplomate Member for mediation for the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Judge Giordano serves on the Board of Trustees of the Center for Guardianship Certification. He is a member of the Board of Governors for Saint Thomas More Society and in the Northampton County Bar Association Wills and Trusts Committee Lecturer. In 2005, Judge Giordano was the first judicial recipient of the Lehigh Valley Crime Victims Council Award for Outstanding Commitment to Victim’s Rights. He also received the Bethlehem Catholic High School Distinguished Graduate Award. Judge Giordano received the Title IX Hearing Chairs Certification and Title IX Hearing Officer & Decision-Maker Certification from the Association of Title IX Administrators.

    Judge Giordano was selected for inclusion in the 2024 The Best Lawyers in America® list in Litigation: Labor and Employment. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Click here to review award methodology.

    Born in Brooklyn to Italian immigrant parents, Judge Giordano was the first to attend high school, graduating from Bethlehem Catholic High School. A proud Moravian College alumnus, he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor for undergraduate classes.

    Areas of practice

    • Litigation
    • Estate Planning and Administration & Wealth Preservation
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution

    Education

      • Harvard Law School Negotiation Institute
        • Advanced Mediation Course
      • Villanova University School of Law
        • J.D.
      • Moravian College
        • B.A., Political Science

    Professional Affiliations

      • Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
        • Chair, Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee
      • The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
        • Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts

       

    Bar Admissions

      • New York
      • Pennsylvania

    No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Click here to review award methodology.

    • 2024 The Best Lawyers in America®.
    May 22, 2025
    Four Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Attorneys Named to 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars® Lists
    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is pleased to announce that a total of four attorneys have been included in the 2025 edition of the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® and Pennsylvania Rising Stars® lists, published by Thomson Reuters. The two attorneys included in the 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® list are: Hon. Emil Giordano (Ret.) Barbara L. Hollenbach...
    August 15, 2024
    31 Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Lawyers Included in 2025 Best Lawyers® Lists
    Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is pleased to announce that 31 of our attorneys have been included in the 2025 Best Lawyers® lists, including 4 attorneys recognized in the 2025 edition of “Lawyer of the Year” Award, 16 attorneys recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, and 15 attorneys recognized in the 2025 edition...
    August 17, 2023
    28 Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Lawyers Included in 2024 Best Lawyers® Lists
    Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is pleased to announce that 28 of our attorneys have been included in the 2024 Best Lawyers® lists, including 13 attorneys recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and 15 attorneys recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. The attorneys included in the Best...
    February 15, 2022
    Hon. Emil Giordano (Ret.) and F. Peter Lehr Obtain Favorable Resolution
    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that our attorneys Hon. Emil Giordano (Ret.), Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, and F. Peter Lehr obtained a favorable resolution for Macada North Neighbors. The decision was reported by WFMZ-TV 69 News in their recent article "Hanover Twp. supervisors vote against Willowcrest development,...
    January 6, 2022
    How to Make Pre-Litigation Mediation More Successful
    Hon. Emil Giordano (Ret.), Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, recently wrote the article "How to Make Pre-Litigation Mediation More Successful" which was published by The Legal Intelligencer. How to Make Pre-Litigation Mediation More Successful About The Legal Intelligencer  The Legal Intelligencer provides news and trends towards legal practices for Pennsylvania, with emphasis on mass torts and pharmaceutical litigation....
    December 16, 2021
    Norris McLaughlin’s Judge Giordano Designated Chair of Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee
    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce that the Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.) has been designated as Chair of the Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He will serve a six-year term. “The Orphans’ Court is a vital part of the Pennsylvania court system and provides...
    May 19, 2021
    Judge Giordano Earns Association of Title IX Administrators Certifications
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, earned the Title IX Hearing Officer & Decision-Maker and Title IX Hearing Chairs Certification through the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA). “As the judicial fight against discrimination and harassment continues, I felt it crucial...
    March 3, 2021
    Judge Giordano Presents Virtually for the Society of Settlement Planners
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, recently presented “Judiciary Panel: Planning from The Court's Perspective” and “Working with Ad Litem and Elder Law Attorneys” for the Society of Settlement Planners 2021 Annual Conference, held virtually this year, February 23-25. “Preparation is...
    January 29, 2021
    Judge Giordano Named January 2021 Justinian Society Member of the Month
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been named the January 2021 “Member of the Month” by the Justinian Society of Philadelphia. “The Justinian Society is extremely important to me as the son of an Italian immigrant who came to this...
    December 14, 2020
    Judge Giordano Elected to Center for Guardianship Certification Board of Trustees
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Center for Guardianship Certification, effective January 1, 2021. “I have encouraged and always will encourage, support, and foster best practices in the establishment and delivery...
    August 10, 2020
    Judge Giordano Appointed Chair of Northampton County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Ad Hoc Committee
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been appointed the Chair for the newly-created Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Ad Hoc Committee within the Northampton County Bar Association. “More than ever, attorneys must now utilize creative and efficient alternatives to traditional litigation...
    Judge Giordano Appointed Chair of Northampton County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Ad Hoc Committee
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been appointed the Chair for the newly-created Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Ad Hoc Committee within the Northampton County Bar Association. “More than ever, attorneys must now utilize creative and efficient alternatives to traditional litigation...
    January 13, 2020
    Judge Giordano Selected for International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution Panels of Distinguished Neutrals
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been selected to serve as an arbitrator and mediator to the Judicial Roster, Real Estate, and Pennsylvania at Large ADR Panels of Distinguished Neutrals for the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR)....
    December 27, 2019
    Judge Giordano Inducted into National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been inducted into the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN) as a Diplomate Member for mediation. “This is quite an honor for me as I have dedicated my life to...
    November 12, 2019
    Judge Giordano Designated Vice-Chair of Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee
    The Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.), a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been reappointed to and designated Vice-Chair of the statewide Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania commencing January 1, 2020. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Orphans’ Court...
    June 17, 2019
    Norris McLaughlin Welcomes Judge Giordano to Pennsylvania Office
    The law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome the Honorable Emil Giordano (Ret.) as a Member of the firm.  He joins the firm’s Litigation Practice Group as Co-Chair and focuses his practice on estate and commercial litigation, and mediation and arbitration. Judge Giordano served as a presiding judge on the Court of Common...

    Articles

    February 15, 2022
    The Secure Act and Its Impact on Your Estate Plan
    January 25, 2021
    Mediator’s Tips for Successful Virtual Mediation


    Blog



    Publications

    • “Do I Choose Limited or Full Tort Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania?” Network Magazine, October 11, 2023
    • “How to Make Pre-Litigation Mediation More Successful,” The Legal Intelligencer, January 5, 2022
    • “The Verdict,” Network Magazine, October 14 2021
    • “The Benefits of Mediation,” Network Magazine, Spring 2021
    • Quoted, “Netflix film horror story: Could a guardian take over your life in PA?,” Public Opinion, March 15, 2021
    • Quoted, “Netflix film horror story: Could a guardian take over your life in PA?,” York Daily Record, March 15, 2021
    • Featured, “Emil Giordano has joined Norris McLaughlin, P.A.’s Litigation Practice Group as co-chair and other new hires, promotions and awards,” The Morning Call, July 28, 2019
    • Featured, “Emil Giordano (Ret.) to Lead Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice at Norris McLaughlin in Allentown,” Philadelphia citybizlist, July 24, 2019
    • Featured, “Norris McLaughlin Taps Ex-Pa. Judge To Lead ADR Practice,” Law360, July 24, 2019
    • Featured, “Retired Northampton County judge joining Norris McLaughlin, P.A.,” WFMZ.com, June 18, 2019
    May 4, 2021
    The Mediation Process, an Advocate’s Model for Mediating
    March 4, 2021
    Ask the Arbitrators
    October 2, 2020
    How to Become a Neutral
    July 20, 2020
    Trial Lawyers Section: Mediation Practice Tips
    July 15, 2020
    2020 Pennsylvania Defense Institute Annual Conference and Continuing Legal Education
    May 11, 2020
    How to Represent Your Client in a Virtual Mediation
    • “Mediation: Your Questions Answered” – PAJ – 2024
    • “The Best Mediation Tips That You Have Never Heard”– PDI – 2024
    • “Mediation:  What Lawyers Need to Know”– PDI – 2024
    • “The Mediation Process, an Advocate’s Model for Mediating,” Bar Association of Lehigh County, Webinar, May 14, 2021
    • “Ask the Arbitrators,” Pennsylvania Employer Labor Advisory Service, Webinar, March 17, 2021
    • “How to Represent your Client in a Virtual Mediation,” Law Firm of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, Webinar, March 6, 2021
    • “Working with Ad Litem and Elder Law Attorneys,” Society of Settlement Planners 2021 Annual Conference, Webinar, February 25, 2021
    • “Planning from The Court’s Perspective during Society of Settlement Planners,” Society of Settlement Planners 2021 Annual Conference, Webinar, February 24, 2021
    • “How to Become a Neutral,” Pennsylvania Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee Lunch Time Learning Program, October 13, 2020
    • “Trial Lawyers Section: Mediation Practice Tips,” Montgomery Bar Association, Webinar, August 20, 2020
    • “Mediation,” 2020 Pennsylvania Defense Institute Annual Conference and Continuing Legal Education, July 17, 2020
    • “How to Represent Your Client in a Virtual Mediation,” Northampton County Bar Association Lunch Lectures, May 21, 2020
    Type N/A if you are inquiring about individual or family matters

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