JENNIFER ANNE BUCK
Bethlehem
Summary
Seasoned, talented litigator with solid background in criminal law. Proven track record of successfully handling high-profile cases and prepared to tackle complex cases. Demonstrated proficiency in trial and appellate advocacy in both state and federal court. Known for perseverance and commitment in carrying out assignments, gracefully adapting to dynamic environments. Skilled in providing key insights and evaluations to inform successful case strategies. Dedicated educator and mentor, providing guidance and positively impacting students and attorneys.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Temporary Assistant District Attorney
UNION COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Lewisburg, PA
08.2021 - Current
- Served as trial co-counsel in Commonwealth v. Myrle Miller, delivering opening statements, closing arguments, and conducting examinations of multiple expert witnesses, securing convictions on all counts.
- Responded to written post-sentence motions and presented oral argument to sustain the convictions in the Miller case.
- Conducts legal research and provides ongoing guidance to investigators in a complex criminal investigation, enhancing case strategy and support.
Senior Deputy Attorney General – Criminal Prosecutions Section
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
Harrisburg, PA
06.2020 - 07.2025
- Presented compelling evidence, witness testimony and argument in a Luzerne County coroner's inquest, leading to a jury verdict of homicide in the case of Ilonka Cann, a pregnant mother who was reported missing in 1970.
- Presented multi-year cold case investigations to the statewide investigating grand jury, including the drafting of dozens of subpoenas duces tecum, effectively managing and controlling multiple hostile witnesses and assessing strategic impact of offering immunity to individuals involved in criminal activity.
- Secured a presentment that initiated criminal charges in the case of Commonwealth v. Myrle Miller, including first-degree murder, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, forgery, perjury, insurance fraud, and theft-related offenses.
Supervising Attorney – Grand Jury Program
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
Harrisburg, PA
10.2016 - 07.2025
- Responsible for the daily oversight of the three statewide investigating grand juries operating across the Commonwealth, providing immediate answers and guidance in matters impacting Supervising Judges, prosecutors, court-appointed counsel, jurors and witnesses;
- Formulated detailed and creative procedures to allow for the continuation of grand jury proceedings during the COVID-19 statewide judicial emergency, ensuring the seamless progression of investigations, safety of participants and preservation of grand jury secrecy;
- Fielded questions during formal appearance before Pennsylvania Supreme Court Investigating Grand Jury Task Force and submitted follow-up correspondence to address issues of significance to the Task Force;
- Assisted in more than 100 voir dire proceedings and supported jurists in selecting prospective jurors.
- Assisted local prosecutors with the empanelment and operation of county grand juries through legal education, policy guidance and provision of sample forms;
- Presented witness testimony and evidence in ongoing investigations during prosecutor absences;
- Developed and implemented the first formal multi-day juror orientation program, including the creation and review of a comprehensive orientation manual, legal education, speaker presentations and a question-and-answer session with former jurors;
- Compiled detailed statistical information to inform budgetary decisions and support resource allocation for grand jury operations; and
- Authored Statewide Investigating Grand Jury Practice and Procedure: A How-To Guide For Prosecutors providing comprehensive education and guidance to prosecutors within the Office of Attorney General
Senior Deputy Attorney General – Appeals Section
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
Harrisburg, PA
07.2013 - 07.2025
- Represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in dozens of capital case evidentiary hearings in state court and federal court by presenting/cross-examining expert witnesses in a variety of disciplines including psychiatry, neuropsychology, pathology, and anthropology;
- Prepared hundreds of briefs and pleadings in connection with state court appeals and subsequent federal habeas corpus proceedings in a variety of criminal cases including murder, narcotics-related offenses, violent crimes and white-collar offenses.
- Assisted county prosecutors in crafting voir dire questions, preparing and answering pre-trial motions, and submitting points for charge in capital cases to enhance trial readiness;
- Presented witnesses and argument during the first evidentiary hearing in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania following the United States Supreme Court decision in Martinez v. Ryan where it was alleged that the petitioner’s challenge to the stewardship of prior counsel was not procedurally defaulted for purpose of federal habeas review due to ineffectiveness of state post-conviction counsel;
- Presented and cross-examined multiple witnesses in hearings to determine whether an inmate was competent to be executed;
- Successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Superior Court for reargument en banc in a case of first impression regarding right to counsel, resulting in a unanimous published opinion reversing the suppression of a defendant’s statements in a capital case;
- Authored an amicus curiae brief to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in a case involving the applicable statute of limitations for the crime of failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance, resulting in an opinion affirming the Superior Court’s determination that the lower court erred by dismissing the criminal charges;
- Lead prosecutor for more than a decade in the high-profile case of Commonwealth v. Gerald A. Sandusky, cross-examining Sandusky and dozens of witnesses - - including an expert in repressed memory - - during multiple post-conviction evidentiary hearings and submitting briefs and oral arguments for consideration of the Pennsylvania Superior Court;
Facilitator
ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE
Elizabethtown, PA
02.2011 - 08.2016
- Instructed adult learners in multiple criminal justice courses including Court Administration and Management, Criminal Law and Procedure and Constitutional Law;
- Designed engaging learning exercises and assignments to enhance understanding and application of core course concepts;
- Promoted the development of critical thinking skills by challenging students to evaluate both sides of an issue.
- Strengthened student confidence and improved participation through group assignments and collaboration.
- Contributed to curriculum development and instruction for weekend intensive course, The Death Penalty: Necessary Punishment or Unnecessary Evil; and
- Collaborated with department chair to develop curriculum for Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice, the first online course offered in the criminal justice program
Adjunct Professor
WIDENER UNIVERSITY COMMONWEALTH LAW SCHOOL
Harrisburg, PA
09.2010 - 02.2016
- Created curriculum and instructional format for school’s inaugural trial competition colloquium, enhancing student engagement and practical learning;
- Prepared students for mock trial competitions, including instruction on courtroom demeanor, style and professionalism as well as instruction on presentation of motions, evidence and testimony
- Encouraged students to analyze opposing counsel's arguments and develop strategic responses, fostering critical thinking skills; and
- Instructed students on adapting trial strategies in response to adverse rulings and unexpected objections, preparing them for real-world courtroom challenges.
Special Assistant to the Secretary
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY
Harrisburg, PA
08.2011 - 07.2013
- Oversaw priority initiatives of the Secretary to ensure satisfactory completion including project management of JobGateway, the department’s newly created online job-matching portal which netted the 2013 PA Tech Quest Public Service Innovator Award and a 2013 Honors Laureate from Computerworld;
- Engaged with stakeholder groups to identify and resolve issues while gathering input on proposed legislation; and
- Drafted responses for the Secretary to legislative and stakeholder inquiries
Deputy Attorney General – Insurance Fraud Section
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
Harrisburg, PA
07.2009 - 08.2011
- Prosecuted various types of fraudulent scenes executed in connection with commercial and personal insurance coverage from preliminary hearing through trial.
- Conducted grand jury investigation into complex, $1 million disability insurance fraud scheme resulting in the arrest nine defendants and entry of guilty pleas; and
- Conducted grand jury investigation into complex, $1 million disability insurance fraud scheme resulting in the arrest of nine defendants and entry of guilty pleas. and
- Cross-designated as Special Assistant United States Attorney, collaborating with federal authorities on health care fraud case
Chief Deputy District Attorney
BUCKS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Doylestown, PA
09.1999 - 09.2005
- Tried more than two dozen cases to verdict in bench and jury trials in a variety of criminal cases including homicide, violent crime, sexual assault and cruelty to animals;
- Conducted grand jury investigations in homicide, rape and witness tampering cases;
- Facilitated interception of communications to gather evidence in criminal cases. of wire, electronic and oral communications in investigations where one of the parties has given consent;
- Supervised child abuse unit: Established rapport with victims; developed and updated protocols for child victims; collaborated with advocates to prepare victims for criminal proceedings; authorized charges, approved search warrants, and assigned cases to attorneys; and
- Coordinated trial terms: Assigned cases, authorized plea negotiations, and supervised seven prosecutors during two-week criminal court sessions
Education
J.D. -
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF LAW
Pittsburgh, PAB.S., magna cum laude - Business Administration, Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Instruction in Criminal Law & Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice, Evidence
- Trial Advocacy
- Development of Critical Thinking & Strategy
- Classroom & Online Instruction
- Curriculum Design & Course Development
- Faculty Collaboration
- Web-Based Technology Platforms
- Inclusive & Student-Centered Teaching
- Legal research
Affiliations
- Member by invitation of the Lipsitt Inn of Court which required preparation of multiple skits/presentations for continuing legal education credit that incorporated the yearly theme with relevant legal and ethical considerations (2013-2025);
- Presentation by invitation at the annual Pennsylvania State Police Advanced Homicide Symposium (2023-2025);
- Invited panelist for the presentation of Grand Jury Practice: Ethical Considerations at the 2023 Pennsylvania Bar Institute Criminal Law Symposium;
- Instructor by invitation on select panel discussing grand jury process at the 2021 One-Day Law School for Journalists event sponsored by Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts;
- Recipient of 2019 Award for Excellence presented by the Attorney General in connection with complex grand jury investigation;
- Presentation by invitation of Home Health Fraud: Operation Forgery Factory at the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association annual training conference in Chicago, Illinois (2011); and
- Elected Member of Cherrington Condominium Association Executive Board (Vice-President: 2012-2014); (President: 2009-2011); (Secretary and Treasurer: 2007-2009)
ADDITIONAL TEACHING AND TRAINING
- Created regional grand jury programs for continuing legal education credit and provided training to Office of Attorney General prosecutors (2022–2025);
- Instructor at the Office of Attorney General New Agent Academy, providing education on the operations of the statewide investigating grand juries to newly hired members of law enforcement (2020-2024);
- Annual Guest Lecturer – York College of Pennsylvania course in Criminal Procedure (2015-2017)
- Guest Instructor – Widener University Commonwealth Law School Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (2006–2015); and
- Coach for Widener University Commonwealth Law School trial competition teams competing in the National Trial Competition Regional Tournament and the Buffalo–Niagara Invitational Competition (2009–2016)
Timeline
Temporary Assistant District Attorney
UNION COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
08.2021 - Current
Senior Deputy Attorney General – Criminal Prosecutions Section
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
06.2020 - 07.2025
Supervising Attorney – Grand Jury Program
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
10.2016 - 07.2025
Senior Deputy Attorney General – Appeals Section
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
07.2013 - 07.2025
Special Assistant to the Secretary
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY
08.2011 - 07.2013
Facilitator
ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE
02.2011 - 08.2016
Adjunct Professor
WIDENER UNIVERSITY COMMONWEALTH LAW SCHOOL
09.2010 - 02.2016
Deputy Attorney General – Insurance Fraud Section
PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
07.2009 - 08.2011
Chief Deputy District Attorney
BUCKS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
09.1999 - 09.2005
B.S., magna cum laude - Business Administration, Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
J.D. -
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF LAW