NCBF Excellence Award
EXTRAORDINARY LEADER OF THE PACK
THOMAS O'SHEA, 2024 AWARDEE
Attorney Thomas D. O'Shea
CGA Law Firm
Family Law Chair | Shareholder | Attorney
Philanthropist, and Bar Stools Founder and Writer
Prolific Fundraiser For York County Bar Foundation and York County Bar Association
For the past 25 years, Attorney Thomas D. O'Shea of CGA Law Firm has been a vital force in raising critical funds for the York County Bar Foundation and a local community theatre through his unique blend of legal expertise and passion for theatre. As the creative mind behind the Bar Stools, an acting ensemble comprised of 50-75 members of the York County Bar Association, O'Shea has written, produced, directed, and sometimes starred in original parody shows that have delighted audiences and raised over $203,000. These funds have significantly benefited The Belmont and supported the charitable work of the York County Bar Foundation, which provides legal services to the poor and helps individuals transition from the criminal justice system to independence, saving lives and community dollars.
The Bar Stools, modeled after The Capitol Steps, feature a mix of defense attorneys, prosecutors, civil attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals. Despite their busy schedules, these legal professionals come together under O'Shea's direction, with scripts often written during his vacation time. Once a script is ready, a casting call is sent out to bar members, who do not need any prior talent or experience to participate. After just one week of rehearsals, the curtain rises, showcasing the camaraderie and community spirit fostered by these performances.
THE BAR STOOLS
The inaugural Bar Stools performance, "Behind Courthouse Doors," debuted in 1999 at the former York Little Theatre, now The Belmont Theatre. Since then, the Bar Stools have performed 14 shows every other year, with sold-out performances over three consecutive evenings at The Belmont Theatre. Their productions have included popular shows such as "The Errors Tour" (2024), "The Bar Stools Go Back to the Future" (2022), "The Supremes" (2019), and many others, each contributing to the vibrant cultural and philanthropic fabric of York County.
AN ANNIVERSARY TO REMEMBER
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Bar Stools, the York County Bar Foundation hosted the first and only "Best of the Bar Stools Awards Event" on May 10, 2024, at The Belmont Theatre. This black-tie optional event featured heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and red-carpet photos, with awards in 20 categories celebrating the talented and hilarious performances of the Bar Stool cast members and crew. Over 120 people attended in person, with an additional pay-per-view streaming option available. The event raised $7,000 in additional funds for the York County Bar Foundation.
The York County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the York County Bar Association, is the primary private funder of programs that provide access to justice for the most vulnerable in their time of greatest need. In 2023, the organization provided over $324,000 in funding for justice initiatives, with bar attorneys volunteering over $78,500 in free legal services. The Bar Stools and the tireless efforts of Thomas D. O'Shea exemplify the foundation's mission, combining legal expertise with creative passion to support the community and ensure access to justice for all.
It is with pride that the National Conference of Bar Foundations awards Thomas O'Shea the NCBF Excellence Award.