News
- Published on: 1/4/2021
The York County Court of Common Pleas on Jan. 4, 2021, swore in the Honorable Judge Maria Musti Cook as its next President Judge. Musti Cook is the first female to serve as president judge for York County.
President Judge Musti Cook has begun her five-year term overseeing the Court, succeeding the Honorable President Judge Joseph Adams, who issued the Oath of Office.
Judge Musti Cook is no stranger to breaking barriers for women within the local legal community. She was also the first female president of the York County Bar Association in 1995 and the York County Bar Foundation in 1996.
While speaking at times emotionally after being sworn in, Judge Musti Cook spoke about progress women have made in York County’s judicial and legal communities, noting that 39 percent of York County Bar Association’s membership is female. Musti Cook is one of four women serving on the bench in York County.
"I am humbled and proud to serve as the first female president judge in York County," Musti Cook said. "I am surrounded by a dedicated group of judges, commissioners, row officers, administrators, District Judges and court employees who work hard on a daily basis to assure access to justice for all citizens of York County. I look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of York County."
York County’s Common Pleas judges unanimously selected Judge Musti Cook in June to be the county’s next president judge. She has served as the supervising judge for both the criminal and family court sections. She was first seated as a common pleas judge to Pennsylvania’s 19th Judicial District in January of 2006.
“I was truly honored to have sworn in the first female president judge in York County’s history,” said Judge Joseph Adams. “Judge Musti Cook will continue the hard work of making sure that the citizens of York County have access to the judicial system during these difficult times.”
The York County Board of Commissioners attended the ceremony that was held inside the county’s Ceremonial Courtroom in the Administrative Center.
“Today was a historic day for York County as our first female President Judge was sworn in to office,” said York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, who co-chairs the Stepping Up Initiative for York County alongside Judge Musti Cook. “President Judge Maria Musti Cook brings experience, compassion and integrity – all qualities that will serve her well in her new role. I look forward to continued collaboration with the courts under her guidance and leadership.”
Judge Musti Cook is a graduate of York Catholic High School and York College of Pennsylvania and received her law degree from The Dickinson School of Law. She serves her alma mater, York College, as a member of the Board of Trustees. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award from the college. Judge Musti Cook is also a member of the Rotary Club of York and the Women’s Giving Circle.