PBA Women in the Profession Commission Spring Conference 2025

Keli M. Neary is a judge with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Judge Neary is a 2003 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a 2006 graduate of Widener University Commonwealth Law School. After law school, she clerked for Judges Rehkamp, Morrow, and Quigley in the Perry County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Neary then served for five years as an Assistant Counsel with the Governor’s Office of General Counsel assigned to the Pennsylvania State Police. She joined the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in 2012 where she became the Executive Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Civil Law Division in 2019, overseeing the work of approximately 120 attorneys and support staff. In her time at the Office, Neary worked on countless injunctions and other complex litigation matters and represented nearly every agency and office of the Commonwealth. She is an active member of various sections of the Pennsylvania Bar Association; the immediate past president of the Middle District Chapter of the Federal Bar Association; and the current president of the James S. Bowman Chapter of the American Inns of Court.

Ms. Brougher is a staff attorney for PAR. She serves as the liaison to the Standard Forms Committee and Standard Forms Feedback Panels, and oversees the forms revision process for PAR’s library of more than 100 real estate forms. In addition, she is an attorney and a speaker, and travels across the commonwealth educating our members at the local level on legal issues and proper uses of the PAR forms. Desiree is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Widener University School of Law. Prior to joining PAR, Desiree spent seven years as a litigator in private practice. She currently lives in Hershey with her husband and two children.

Bullock is the current President and CEO of Project HOME, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization working to end chronic homelessness. She has a rich background in city and state government, nonprofit leadership and law. She has represented the 195th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2015-2024. Throughout her time in office, Bullock’s served as Majority Chair for the Children and Youth Committee and Ethics Committee. She also chaired the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and actively mentored BIPOC and women members of the House. Prior to her time in office, Bullock worked for Philadelphia City Council, a private law firm and Community Legal Services. Bullock earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a juris doctor from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law.

Candice Kearney is a seasoned civil trial attorney with a proven record of successfully defending cases through verdict and appeal. She represents businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in complex commercial, real estate, employment, and tort disputes. Candice is known for her sharp legal insight, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine commitment to client service. She takes a proactive, strategic approach to litigation, grounded in thorough early investigation and a clear understanding of all perspectives. Approachable and active in the community, Candice brings extensive knowledge and a broad professional network to every matter, building lasting relationships founded on trust.
Ms. Kearney brings significant experience in construction liability, premises liability, automobile liability, and insurance coverage matters. She has taken and defended more than 300 depositions, litigated over 50 arbitrations, and successfully tried jury trials to verdict. Known for her clear and collaborative style, Candice prioritizes open communication to ensure client goals are aligned at every stage of the litigation process.
Ms. Kearney is proud to serve her community through civic engagement, education, and pro bono advocacy. An active volunteer with Ward 39A, she has planned and led numerous voter registration initiatives. She is committed to civics education and regularly works with community members—from elementary students to senior citizens—to promote awareness and understanding of the legal system. Ms. Kearney also volunteers as a judge for mock trial and oral argument competitions at the high school, college, and law school levels. Her pro bono work includes representing individuals through Philly VIP and assisting with pardon applications in partnership with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.
Ms. Kearney has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2022. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law. While at Drexel, she served in leadership roles on both the Drexel Law Review and the Moot Court Board, was a national semifinalist in the Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition and provided supplemental instruction to students in Civil Procedure during her second and third years. In her free time, Candice can be found exploring new cultures through travel and food, training kettlebells, and bragging about her dog.

Kelly Stroup is the northwestern political field representative. In this role, Kelly monitors local government affairs and political outreach initiatives for seven local Realtor® associations in northwestern Pennsylvania. She helps build relationships with local elected officials by planning legislative events. Kelly also helps assisting associations with NAR Grants and RPAC fundraising. Kelly is a graduate of Clarion University with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies. She is also an alumni of the Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series (2016) and has helped on numerous political campaigns. In her free time, Kelly can be found along the Allegheny River enjoying time with her husband and stepdaughters.