When it comes to personal injury law in Pennsylvania, one name consistently rises above the rest – Marion K. Munley. This powerhouse attorney has spent over three decades championing the rights of catastrophically injured individuals, earning her reputation as one of America’s most formidable truck accident lawyers. But there’s so much more to Marion’s story than courtroom victories and record-breaking settlements.
Quick Facts About Marion Munley
| Full Name | Marion K. Munley |
| Birthday | July 4th (Independence Day) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Hometown | Archbald, Pennsylvania |
| Profession | Personal Injury Lawyer & Trucking Expert |
| Husband | Matthew Alton Cartwright (Former U.S. Representative) |
| Children | Jack and Matthew Cartwright |
| Law Firm | Munley Law (Partner since 1986) |
| Notable Achievement | First woman to chair AAJ Trucking Litigation Group |
Biography
Marion’s story begins in Archbald, Pennsylvania, where she’s spent most of her life in the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania – the same region her ancestors called home generations ago. Born on July 4th, she shares her birthday with America’s Independence Day, which seems rather fitting for someone who’d grow up to fight for justice and individual rights.
Her legal legacy runs deep through family roots. Marion was named after her paternal grandmother, Marion L. Munley, who broke barriers as the first woman from Lackawanna County to serve in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Talk about following in legendary footsteps!
Growing up in the Munley household meant being surrounded by law and justice from the very beginning. Her parents, Robert W. Munley and Bernadine Munley, founded Munley Law back in 1959 – the very firm where Marion would later make her mark. Even more impressive? All five Munley siblings chose legal careers:
- J. Christopher Munley
- Daniel W. Munley
- Robert W. Munley III
- Caroline Munley
- And of course, Marion herself
Educational Journey
Marion’s academic path was as impressive as her later professional achievements. Her educational journey took her across continents:
🎓 International Experience (1980-1982)
- Trinity College Dublin (1980)
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (1981-1982)
🎓 Undergraduate Studies
- University of Scranton
- Bachelor of Arts in History (1983)
- Graduated cum laude
⚖️ Law School
- Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1986
🏆 Honorary Recognition
- Marywood University: Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters
Professional Career
Since joining Munley Law as a partner in 1986, Marion has transformed from a promising young attorney into one of America’s most respected personal injury lawyers. Her career highlights read like a greatest hits album of legal achievements.
Marion didn’t just enter the legal profession – she reshaped it. Here are some of her groundbreaking “firsts”:
- First woman to chair the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group (2018)
- Second woman in Pennsylvania to earn Board Certification as a Civil Trial Advocate
- First woman in Pennsylvania to become Board Certified in Truck Accident Law
Marion holds the rare distinction of being Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in:
- Civil Trial Law
- Civil Practice
- Truck Accident Law (achieved October 2019)
This level of specialisation is incredibly rare – we’re talking about expertise that fewer than 1% of attorneys possess.
Current Leadership Roles
Marion’s influence extends far beyond individual cases. She currently serves as:
- AAJ Vice President (2025-26)
- Senior Fellow at Litigation Counsel of America (representing less than 0.5% of American lawyers)
- Board Member of various prestigious legal organisations
Record-Breaking Settlements
Marion’s track record speaks volumes about her skill and dedication. She’s secured some truly jaw-dropping settlements:
Million-Dollar Club Highlights
- $32.25 Million – Tragic airplane crash settlement
- $26 Million – Truck accident victim with traumatic brain injury
- $20 Million – Pedestrian accident settlement
- $17.5 Million – Jury verdict for teens’ death in car accident
- $12 Million – Bad faith insurance case
These aren’t just numbers – they represent families who received justice and financial security during their darkest hours.
Awards & Recognition
Marion’s office walls must be running out of space! Her accolades include:
Recent Honours (2023-2024)
- Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania (2023-2024)
- Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs (2024)
- Mel Award from the Melvin M. Belli Society (2023)
Career-Long Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America (2012-2025)
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyer (2004-2024) – That’s 20 consecutive years!
- Top 50 Women Lawyers in Pennsylvania (consistently recognised)
- AV-Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest possible rating)
Personal Life
Away from the courtroom drama, Marion leads a rich personal life that perfectly balances family, hobbies, and community involvement.
Marion married Matthew Alton Cartwright on August 10, 1985, in Archbald, Pennsylvania. Matthew served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district, making them quite the power couple in Pennsylvania politics and law.
Together, they’ve built a beautiful life in Moosic, Pennsylvania, raising their two sons:
- Jack Cartwright
- Matthew Cartwright
The family also includes their beloved dog, Yankee Doodle Dandy – because every American success story needs a patriotically named pet!
Marion’s interests extend well beyond legal briefs:
- 🏌️ Golf enthusiast – Because even superstar lawyers need to work on their swing
- ✈️ Travel lover – Exploring the world with her family
- 📸 Photography – Capturing life’s beautiful moments
- 🇺🇸 Daughters of the American Revolution member – Honouring her historical connections
Community Impact
Marion’s commitment to justice extends into her community involvement:
- Scranton Area Foundation – Board Member
- Marywood University – Past Board Chair and Trustee
- Trial Lawyers Care – Active member
- Hope Clinic – Volunteer
What sets Marion apart isn’t just her impressive win record or extensive credentials – it’s her approach to client care. She famously keeps photos of her clients on her office door, serving as daily reminders that behind every case is a real person whose life has been forever changed.
“Marion treats each client like a member of her family,” and this philosophy has guided her through over 1,000 cases representing individuals and families from Northeast Pennsylvania and across the nation.
