Meet William Flannery for Judge

Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas

Honest In Action and Fair in Justice: More Than a Slogan

“Honest in action and fair in justice" is not just a slogan for William ‘Bill’ Flannery —it’s a principle he has embodied throughout his career. As a prosecutor, Bill has served as a gatekeeper of the justice system, exercising significant discretion in how criminal cases are prosecuted, determining what charges are appropriate, and how cases are resolved. His integrity is not defined by words but by actions in the pursuit of justice.

Time and time again, Bill has been entrusted with some of the most important and serious cases, consistently demonstrating that justice does not always mean securing a conviction. For Bill, justice means ensuring that prosecutions are fair, the law is followed, and citizens’ rights are protected. As a Judge, Bill will carry these principles with him, ensuring that everyone who enters his courtroom is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Husband, Father, Attorney, and Community Advocate

Bill is a devoted husband to his wife, Alyssa, and a proud father of four children: Nicholas, Harper, Piper, and Jack. He graduated from New Castle High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from West Virginia University. He then completed his legal education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

During law school, Bill worked for the Pennsylvania State Attorney General in the Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Division. After graduating, he began his career as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Dominick Motto. In 2006, he joined the District Attorney's Office, where he has handled thousands of cases and dozens of trials, including those involving murder, narcotics trafficking, aggravated assaults, arson, and white-collar crimes.

In addition to his work as a prosecutor, Bill has maintained a private law practice, focusing on estate planning and administration, business law, divorce and custody matters, and serving as solicitor for the Lawrence County Coroner's Office. He has also acted as a conflict solicitor for the City of New Castle.

Bill has a long history of community service, serving as a board member for multiple non-profits and coaching his children’s soccer and t-ball teams. He has dedicated his life to serving Lawrence County and is committed to continuing that service as Judge.

Education and Experience

Education

• University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Juris Doctorate | 2003
• West VIrginia University, B.A. Philosophy | 2000
• New Castle High School | 1994

Work Experience

 

• Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office Legal Intern. 2001-2003

• Law Clerk for President Judge Dominick Motto. 2004-2006

• Associate Attorney in the Law Firm of Balph, Nicolls, Mitsos, Flannery & Clark.  2006-2014

• Lawrence County District Attorney Office.  Assistant District Attorney.  2006 – Present.

  • Specializing in Narcotics Trafficking and Violent Crimes.

  • Designated HIDTA Prosecutor for Lawrence County (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. 

    • HIDTA was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, which provides assistance to Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions in the United States.)

  • Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office liaison for public relations.  

  • Speaker at schools, businesses and organizations addressing narcotics trafficking, usage and prevention in the County.

  • Representative for the Office at the local High School mock accidents presenting on the dangers of drinking and driving and texting and driving.

• Law Office of William J. Flannery.  2014 – Present.  General Practice.

  • Business Law, Family Law, Municipal Law, Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration

• Solicitor for the Lawrence County Coroner Office.  Current.

• Acted as Solicitor for the City of New Castle when there were conflicts.

Professional Memberships

• Lawrence County Bar Association.  Past Chair of the Young Lawyers Division
• Pennsylvania Bar Association.  Current Delegate to the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
• Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association.

Board Memberships

Present Board Memberships:

• Lawrence County Agency for Responsible Care, 2012 – present.  Current Vice President.
• Margaret Henry Foundation, 2014 – present.  Current President.
• Lawrence County YMCA, 2016 – present.  Current President.
• Highland House, 2018 - present.  Immediate Past President.
• Almira Foundation, 2021 - present.

Past Board Membership:

• Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.  President 2011-2013.

Church Affiliation

Highland Presbyterian Church, Elder