As a third-generation lawyer, I claim a proud, rare heritage. My grandfather Harold S. Irwin began practicing law in Carlisle in 1943, after having taught at Dickinson School of Law for eighteen years. His work in the community - as well as his integrity and professionalism - laid the foundation of our family's law practice.

My father, Harold S. Irwin, Jr., was born in Carlisle, graduated from Carlisle High School in 1947, and from Dickinson College in 1952 and Dickinson School of Law in 1954 prior to joining my grandfather's law firm. In 1956, my grandfather, father, and uncle Roger B. Irwin formed the law firm of Irwin, Irwin & Irwin. Locally, "Duke" served as Assistant District Attorney, and later as District Attorney for Cumberland County. He also took his turn as President of the Cumberland County Bar Association. For the Commonwealth, he served as chief counsel to the minority leader in the Pennsylvania Senate, and rose to Lieutenant Colonel in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Born in Carlisle in 1950, I graduated from Carlisle High School in 1968, Dickinson College in 1976, and Dickinson School of Law in 1979, having served in the United States Army from 1969-1972 (half of which was in Vietnam). I was a partner in the family firm from 1980 through 1986, and with the renamed firm of Irwin, Irwin & McKnight from 1986 to 1994. On August 1, 1994, I opened my own office for the practice of general law.

Admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, I am also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Cumberland County Bar Association, currently chairman of its Membership Committee. Following my father and grandfather, I joined the South Central Pennsylvania Lung Association through its merger with the Pennsylvania Lung Association. In June, 1996, I was selected for inclusion in Who's Who in Executives and Professionals. I support the elder community by volunteering my time at area care facilities with groups of residents in informal discussions on issues critical to their needs, such as wills, living wills, powers of attorneys, elder rights, and elder abuse. With my aunt (whose husband is an attorney in Phoenix), I fund a history scholarship at a local high school annually.

The father of four grown children: Amy (now with three of her own), Sarah, Katie, and Zachary (now a soldier in the United States Army), I reside in Carlisle with my wife, Rhonda S. Irwin. Personal interests past and present include hunting, fishing, reading, traveling, snorkeling and diving, and gourmet cooking.