Doylestown, PA – Partners of Williams Family Law recently paid tribute to two retiring Bucks County judges in the winter 2024 issue of The Writs, the quarterly magazine of the Bucks County Bar Association. This special issue highlighted the association’s 1,000+ member milestone, introduced the incoming 2025 president, and celebrated the careers of three retiring judges: the Honorable Gary B. Gilman, the Honorable Robert J. Mellon, and the Honorable Robert O. Baldi.

Reflecting on Judge Baldi’s impending retirement, Jeffrey M. Williams, founder of Williams Family Law who was a colleague of Baldi’s while he was still in private practice, shared his admiration in an interview for the issue: “Rob always did the things he did out of concern for doing the right thing as opposed to engaging in a detailed analysis of possible negative consequences.”

Williams also recalled Judge Baldi’s unique qualities, including his athleticism, courage, and skill as a magician. “Not only did he entertain at an annual nonprofit holiday party, he also used his magic to liven up a real estate settlement—switching the deed and the check between closed boxes to the amazement of everyone present,” remembered Williams. “Judge Baldi, you will be missed!”

As Judge Mellon also prepares to retire, Robert J. Salzer, who clerked for him, shared memories of the judge’s mentorship. “Some of Judge Mellon’s teaching techniques, such as encouraging clerks to visit the courtroom to learn ‘what not to do,’ were surprisingly accurate. His approach to mentorship was both supportive and demanding, preparing us for the real-world pressures of practicing law.”

Salzer also praised Judge Mellon’s forward-thinking policies, such as having clerks situated near his chambers, which fostered greater collaboration and learning opportunities. “His supportive, but at times demanding, role as his clerks’ boss and mentor, with the occasional dose of tough love, was by design. It prepared us for the real world of practicing law, which he knew would not always be a cakewalk of coddling but instead at times a pressure cooker of demanding clients, inflexible judges and rigid deadlines.”

“I will always owe you a debt of gratitude,” concluded Salzer in his remarks.

All of the attorneys and staff of Williams Family Law wish Judges Gilman, Mellon and Baldi all the best in retirement.

Williams Family Law is a premier family law firm that provides individuals with matrimonial and family law legal counsel and representation in complex high asset divorce, high income alimony/spousal support, complex child support, high-conflict child custody cases, cohabitation, grandparents’ custody rights, equitable distribution, marital settlement agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, separation agreements, spousal support, matrimonial taxation issues and related legal matters. The practice at Williams Family Law centers on four core principles: experienced guidance, compassionate advice, powerful advocacy and knowledge of the local courts and counsel. To learn more, visit www.bucksfamilylawyers.com.