The LuLac Edition #5, 597, March 11th, 2026

 

 

 WRITE ON

WEDNESDAY

Our “Write On Wednesday” logo

As the tributes to Attorney Al Flora continue we have to include this one from the Times Leader’s Bill O’Boyle.

WHEN SANTA CLAUS 

NEEDED AN ATTORNEY,

 

HE CALLED AL FLORA

WILKES-BARRE — Al Flora Jr., who passed away this week, was recalled as a tenacious, thorough, compassionate, relentless, and brilliant defense attorney.

Al was all that — and much more.

He was a loyal friend with a quick wit and a great sense of humor.

In 2021, Al was tasked with a landmark case. The fact that it had even got before a judge had millions of people on the edge of their seats.

Facing a long list of serious charges brought by the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, Santa Claus — the real and only jolly old elf — prevailed. And when the magic dust settled, Santa promised that Christmas would go on as scheduled.

Yes, when Santa Claus needed an attorney, he retained Al Flora.

A hearing was held a week before Christmas 2021 before Judge Joseph Cosgrove. The proceeding ended with a dismissal of all charges against Santa, leaving children in good standing everywhere assured of seeing presents under their trees on Christmas morning and empty trays of cookies and milk nearby.

Claus, no age given, was well-represented by the noted defense attorney Al Flora Jr. The prosecutor was Jarret “Grinch” Ferentino of the DA’s office. Assistant DA Shana Messinger appeared as the star witness for the prosecution, using her alias — Elf on the Shelf.

Santa's Victory

Al Flora Jr. passed away, leaving a legacy as a brilliant defense attorney, known for his humor and warmth.

In 2021, he represented Santa Claus in a high-profile case, ultimately leading to the dismissal of all charges.

The case highlighted the ethics of law during a festive luncheon, ensuring Christmas remained joyful for children.

poll

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Yes, absolutely

The case — the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. S. Claus — was designed to address ethical issues judges and lawyers face in criminal proceedings. It was conducted during the Bar Association of Luzerne County’s holiday luncheon.

Prior to the start of the proceeding, Santa Claus appeared distraught and distracted, admittedly concerned that the outcome could, in fact, adversely affect his ability to meet the demands of his job of delivering elf-made toys and goodies to well-behaved children around the world.

Attorney Flora, a devoted believer in the existence of Santa Claus and his goodness, offered a factual scenario of the case:

“Santa Claus stands accused of 11 crimes including: criminal conspiracy, causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief, eco terrorism, burglary, trespass, unlawful use of unmanned aircraft, theft by deception, deceptive or fraudulent business practices, possession and use of unlawful devices, and wiretap violations.”

Flora said the charges all stemmed from Santa’s alleged child monitoring, reindeer sleigh driving, and entrance into residential homes throughout Luzerne County — not to mention the entire world. 

This is where Flora went to work in typical Al Flora manner — prepared, thorough, and zealous.

“In the lead-up to this high-profile prosecution of Santa Claus, both the trial Judge, Joseph Cosgrove, and Assistant District Attorney Jarrett Ferentino find themselves possibly heading for the naughty list,” Flora said in his opening. 

In a series of motions filed by Flora, he intended to seek the disqualification of the trial judge (Cosgrove) because the judge’s cousin was none other than the notorious Grinch and because the judge belonged to the Order of the Leprechauns, a society jealous of Santa’s favorite, but larger than life Elf, “Buddy.”

Flora skillfully dismantled the prosecution’s case, item by item, showing that Santa Claus is, in fact, invited into homes by parents to magically enter and leave — often via the chimney — and this is supported by leaving a welcoming tray of cookies and milk for Santa to enjoy.

Santa testified that he never wanders through the homes, only at some stops to use the bathroom. Christmas Eve is a very long night for Santa.

Flora also skillfully pointed out that Santa’s reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — have never damaged any of the homes they landed on, and they are all treated very humanely. And, Flora noted, none have ever resigned their position — it’s been the same team since Day One.

Flora also managed to get the Elf to admit that Santa, over the years, had been tracked by the U.S. government through NORAD, and he had never been cited for any violations. The Elf also admitted that Santa has brought joy to children all over the world.

And in a bombshell revelation, Flora managed to get Ferentino to admit that he had his daughter write a letter to Santa Claus at the North Pole that included a list of her Christmas requests. Flora said this showed a genuine belief that Santa exists.

Flora also discredited Elf on the Shelf, showing that she was jealous of Santa’s decision to elevate Buddy to the No. 1 elf at the North Pole.

After Cosgrove dismissed all charges against Santa, he noted that he had Dec. 25 marked on his calendar as a day of great joy.

After the hearing, Santa was jubilant and ready to get back to work.

“I must return to the North Pole and get back to work,” he said. “I can assure all good boys and girls that they will have a very Merry Christmas.”

It was a clear and decisive victory for Santa and for children around the world.

And it was Al Flora at his absolute best.