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The legal world is mourning the loss of Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, whose groundbreaking career spanned more than four decades. Born in 1936 in Royersford, Pennsylvania, Judge Rambo broke barriers at every turn, cementing her place as a trailblazer for women in law.
Judge Rambo's Milestones:
- Becoming the first woman to serve as Chief Public Defender in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1976.
- Being appointed as the first woman judge on the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas.
- Earning her place as the first woman appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter.
- Serving as the first female Chief Judge of the Middle District from 1992 to 1999.
- In 2022, the federal courthouse in Harrisburg was named in her honor, a rare and significant recognition that made her the first woman in Pennsylvania to receive such an accolade.
A Lifetime of Service
Judge Rambo decided to be a lawyer at the age of 11 years old and earned her B.A., cum laude, from Dickinson College in 1958 and her J.D. from Dickinson School of Law in 1962. She began her career at the Trust Department of the Bank of Delaware before returning to Pennsylvania, where she built a career characterized by dedication, fairness, and mentorship.
She assumed senior status in 2001 but continued serving until her retirement on Aug. 30, 2024. Throughout her tenure, Judge Rambo was known for her compassion, sharp legal mind, and commitment to justice.
A Visionary Leader
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Rambo was a tireless advocate for legal education and gender equity. She served as an adjunct professor and on the Board of Governors at Dickinson Law, mentoring countless attorneys and law students. In 1993, the Women’s Law Caucus at Dickinson Law established the Sylvia H. Rambo Award to honor her legacy and promote the role of women in law.
A Lasting Tribute
The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse in Harrisburg, a $200 million state-of-the-art facility completed in 2022, symbolizes her impact on the judicial system. Designed to meet LEED Gold standards, the courthouse features advanced security, cutting-edge technology, and spaces to serve the Middle District for decades to come.
Dean Danielle M. Conway of Dickinson Law reflected on her passing:
“We are grateful for Judge Rambo’s life of service and dedication. She faithfully served our Commonwealth, our county, and our community. We will miss her wisdom and guiding hand.”
Judge Sylvia H. Rambo leaves behind a towering legacy of justice, leadership, and mentorship. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence will inspire generations of legal professionals to come.
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