Dauphin County Judge's Fundraiser Invite Raises Ethics Concerns

Email from judge's husband asking attorneys to pay up to $2,500 to "get to know" her before appearing in her court draws criticism from ethics experts.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:31am

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An email sent by Justin McShane, the husband of newly elected Dauphin County Judge Katy McShane, is raising ethical concerns among lawyers in the area. The email solicited donations of up to $2,500 from attorneys to attend a "victory party" and "get to know" the judge before appearing before her in court. Some legal ethics experts say the language in the email suggests the potential for improper influence and could violate judicial ethics rules.

Why it matters

Judges are bound by strict ethical codes that prohibit them from creating the appearance of impropriety or allowing others to convey the impression that someone can influence the judge. The email from Justin McShane has drawn criticism for potentially violating these principles and undermining public trust in the impartiality of the judiciary.

The details

The email from Justin McShane asked area attorneys to pay between $500 and $2,500 to attend a December 11th "victory party" to "get to know and meet the judge before you appear before the judge." Some legal ethics experts, including attorney Sam Stretton, say this language could be interpreted as suggesting donors would receive favorable treatment from the judge. The email also asked those not interested in donating to respond so they could be put on a "do-not-contact" list, which Stretton called a "really serious violation." Katy McShane, the newly elected judge, says she has no knowledge of who donated to her campaign.

  • The email soliciting donations was sent in December 2025, shortly after Katy McShane was elected as a Dauphin County judge in November 2025.
  • Judicial candidates have until December 31st of the year they are elected to settle any campaign debts.

The players

Katy McShane

The newly elected Dauphin County judge whose campaign fundraising tactics have come under scrutiny.

Justin McShane

The husband of Judge Katy McShane who sent the email soliciting donations from attorneys.

Sam Stretton

An attorney and judicial ethics expert who has represented many judges and lawyers in Pennsylvania and says the email from Justin McShane may have violated the code of judicial ethics.

Debbie Gross

The executive director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, a nonprofit that advocates for fairness and impartiality in the courts, who said the language of the email is concerning.

Tom Wilkinson

A member of the state bar association's professional responsibility committee who addressed the need for judicial campaigns to be cautious in their communications with donors.

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What they’re saying

“It is always best to get to know and meet the judge before you appear before the judge, I have found. I am sure that you agree.”

— Justin McShane (Email)

“He's advertising that you can buy influence, and he's brazen enough to imply that if you don't give it, 'we'll remember you.' None of that should help you.”

— Sam Stretton, Attorney and judicial ethics expert (PennLive)

“All should have access to the judge, once you become the judge. They have to be very careful. That comment about (meeting the judge before you appear before the judge) is a concern.”

— Debbie Gross, Executive Director, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PennLive)

“Sometimes you have less-experienced fundraisers... who are not the most professional in their fundraising. You don't want to have any communications that would in any way influence the judge's decision-making.”

— Tom Wilkinson, Member, State Bar Association's Professional Responsibility Committee (PennLive)

What’s next

The judicial conduct board may investigate whether the email from Justin McShane violated any ethical rules. Katy McShane could also choose to recuse herself from cases involving donors to her campaign.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance judicial candidates must strike between fundraising and maintaining the appearance of impartiality. Experts say the language used in the email solicitation crossed an ethical line and could undermine public trust in the judiciary if not properly addressed.