Firm History
WFJ Law — A Legacy of Excellence, Community, and Honor Since 1938
Founded in 1938—just before the onset of World War II—WFJ Law stands today as Schuylkill County’s oldest, largest, and most trusted law firm. Our roots trace back to Judge Roy P. Hicks, who, after serving as President Judge of the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, entered private practice with a simple but enduring philosophy:
“Practice law with honor, serve clients with excellence, and strengthen the community we call home.”
Practice With Honor
Our firm’s guiding motto—“Practice with Honor”—is more than a phrase; it is a standard that has shaped more than eight decades of legal service. It reflects our belief that skill means little without integrity, and that the practice of law carries both professional and civic responsibility. This commitment to honorable practice is a core reason WFJ Law continues to thrive after 87 years, earning the respect of courts, colleagues, and the thousands of clients who entrust us with their most important matters.
Depth of Practice. Focused Expertise.
Our firm brings together attorneys with diverse, practice-focused experience to provide full-service legal representation for individuals, businesses, and public entities. We approach every matter with clarity, collaboration, and a committment to practical solutions.
What has sustained us since 1938 is more than exceptional legal skill—it is our unwavering commitment to the people, institutions, and communities of Schuylkill County.
Our Foundations
Judge Hicks was soon joined by his son-in-law, James D. Williamson, Esq., and, in 1951, by Calvin J. Friedberg, Esq. and Joseph H. Jones, Sr., Esq. Their partnership laid the foundation for what would become a uniquely principled and community-minded law firm—one that continues to thrive more than 87 years later.
Built to Endure
Over the decades, WFJ Law expanded far beyond its original Pottsville office. Today, the firm proudly serves clients throughout the region with strategically located satellite offices in Shenandoah, Orwigsburg, Pine Grove, and Hegins. We have grown to a team of attorneys and dedicated staff members, positioning us as the largest legal team in Schuylkill County.
What has sustained us since 1938 is more than exceptional legal skill—it is our unwavering commitment to the people, institutions, and communities of Schuylkill County.
WFJ Law is renowned not only for delivering high-caliber representation to individuals, families, and businesses, but also for its leadership across countless community initiatives.
Over the decades, WFJ attorneys have included graduates of Harvard Law School and lawyers who later served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and as Presidents of both the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI).