CARLISLE, Pa. — The Women’s Law Caucus (WLC) presented the 30th Annual Hon. Sylvia H. Rambo Award Ceremony and Reception on March 19 at Penn State Dickinson Law in Carlisle, marking the first time the event was held since Judge Rambo’s passing in December 2024.
The evening offered an opportunity to pay tribute to Rambo, a 1958 graduate of Penn State Dickinson Law and the first woman to serve as chief judge of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, while also honoring two other remarkable women.
Hon. Susan E. Schwab received the Hon. Sylvia H. Rambo Award, given to someone who has had a distinguished career and who, by example, has made the professional success of women more likely. Samantha Divine Jallah, class of 2014, received the WLC Recent Graduate Award, given to an exceptional graduate of Penn State Dickinson Law within the past 10 years.
In their acceptance remarks, both recipients highlighted the critical role of mentoring in paying forward the support and encouragement they received from other women throughout their careers.
Cristin D. Lantz, class of 2009, staff attorney at the Office of the Federal Public Defender, delivered a poignant and insightful remembrance of Rambo. Lantz served as the judge’s first and only career law clerk and was eulogist at her funeral.
“Judge Rambo’s legacy is one of groundbreaking achievements, unwavering integrity, and a profound impact on the legal profession,” said Lantz. “So much could be said about her career, her contributions to justice, and the undeniable mark she's left not only on the judiciary but also on generations of women who follow in her footsteps.”
Lantz described Rambo as a woman who “lived by her convictions. She firmly believed that a person should be judged by their merits and not by their status.”
Rambo told her staff members to tell her if she was wrong, Lantz said — but it rarely happened. “She was seldom wrong, and she didn't hesitate to tell us when she knew she was right,” said Lantz. “Judge Rambo was meticulous and thoughtful. She insisted on mastering the facts of every case, reminding us that the court's cases are about real people with real problems.”
During her introduction of the event, WLC President Ayah Manalastas, class of 2026, called Rambo a "trailblazer" for women in law. “We are here to celebrate the achievements of outstanding legal professionals who have made significant contributions to the community. Tonight, we gather to celebrate two exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of leadership and dedication that our organization strives to promote,” said Manalastas.
‘They have taught me to be more than a good lawyer’
Following an introduction by WLC Activities Chair Skyler Hancock, class of 2026, one of three Penn State Dickinson Law students Jallah is mentoring right now, Jallah recalled going to the Rambo Awards while attending the Law School. She recounted the many women who assisted in her post-graduation job search and thanked her husband and her family for their unwavering support throughout her time in law school.
“I have been blessed with professors, classmates, schoolmates, assistants, sponsors, mentors, mentees and colleagues who have been there for me, believed in me and opened doors for me. They have taught me to be more than a good lawyer,” said Jallah. “You have been more than the wind beneath my wings. You have been my wings, and I thank you.”
Currently assistant general counsel at Geisinger Health Plan, she had years of experience in health care and banking before becoming a lawyer. She had two children during law school, delivering the first just days before her first-semester exams, while keeping up with her studies. She credited several exceptionally supportive Penn State Dickinson Law faculty and staff members, as well as classmates who would share their notes, for helping her navigate the rewarding but often challenging period.
“My classmates were wonderful. The Law School community was absolutely everything to us at that time,” said Jallah. Her Penn State Dickinson Law mentor, Regina Mason, class of 2012, even served as her backup birthing companion. Jallah’s years at Penn State Dickinson Law hold a special place in her heart, which is why she stays involved through mentoring and participating in other Law School events like panels and speaking in classes, she said.
“This award means everything to me. There are many people from the Law School who are still in my life, still loving me and supporting me, and I get to share this award with them,” said Jallah.
‘The highlight of my career’
Accepting her award following an introduction by WLC Treasurer Karla Kiefer, class of 2026, Schwab called the award the capstone of her service to the law.
“I am honored to be the 2025 recipient of the Sylvia H. Rambo Award, not only because of the prestige of the award but also because Judge Rambo was my colleague. More importantly, she was my friend, and to be honored with an award that bears her name and reminds us of her devotion to the law and equal justice for all is really the highlight of my career,” said Schwab.
She noted that while Rambo was appointed to the bench by Jimmy Carter in 1979, nearly two decades passed before another woman was appointed to the Middle District bench.
“Reflecting upon Judge Rambo’s status as the sole woman jurist for so many years, we are reminded of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's remarks when she said, ‘It was good to be the first, but I don't want to be the last.’" Schwab said. "Thankfully, Judge Rambo was not the last, and those of us who have come after her have been blessed to learn by her side, even if we have felt intimidated ourselves at first.”
Schwab shared that it took her about a year on the bench to stop using “Judge Rambo” and instead call her “Sylvia,” much to the latter’s annoyance — "she would get so cross with me and say, ‘call me Sylvia.’ I just couldn't do it.”
After spending her first several years after graduating from Wilkes College as an English teacher, Schwab became a member of the first graduating class of Widener University School of Law. She spent years in private practice and public service before being appointed magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 2012.
In addition to her bench duties, Schwab mentors newer lawyers through summer intern and judicial extern programs, community outreach projects, and student visiting days at the Harrisburg federal courthouse named for Rambo.
“Throughout my career, I've tried to answer the call of former Gov. Robert P. Casey when he said, ‘What did you do when you had the power?’ I have tried, and I hope I have succeeded, to be a good mentor and to assist law students and young lawyers with their career path,” said Schwab.
The awards ceremony drew a large crowd of law students, Penn State Dickinson Law staff and faculty members, and friends and family of the recipients and Rambo to Apfelbaum Family Courtroom and Auditorium. Afterward, they gathered in Ridge Commons for a delicious spread of appetizers and beverages and to spend more time feting the deserving honorees.