Donna Long Brightbill

Professional career

• Elected in 2023 and sworn in January 2, 2024, Brightbill became the first female judge in Lebanon County’s top court, succeeding a long line of male predecessors

Education

Additional information

• President Judge John C. Tylwalk called her appointment “a historic moment” and noted her portrait will soon be added to the courtroom’s wall.
• She has appeared before all levels of Pennsylvania courts and is a partner at Long Brightbill, Lebanon, with four other attorneys
• While she does not see herself as a trailblazer, Brightbill acknowledges the importance of representation: “It’s good for younger people in our community to see that... it’s awesome that young women can look at me and say, ‘We have a woman judge’”.
• Brightbill, 62, grew up in Campbelltown, Pennsylvania, and completed studies at Palmyra High School.
• She earned her law degree with honors, graduating third in her class and receiving a full scholarship in her final year.