J. Lynette Carter obtained her law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she also earned a Certificate in Legislation with honors. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Messiah University, Lynette began her career in public service. She worked for over six years at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building as a Research Analyst for the PA House of Representatives and as a Budget Analyst for the PA State Senate. After drafting numerous pieces of legislation and amendments that became law, Lynette entered criminal law as a full-time Certified Legal Intern at the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office. While completing law school, Lynette managed several cases under the guidance of an experienced Prosecutor, and had the opportunity to observe and conduct various criminal court proceedings. As a Legal Intern, Lynette also drafted and submitted appellate briefs to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, with the Court finding in her favor on all briefs thus far.
Lynette discovered her passion for advocacy as a Prosecutor in the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office. As a Deputy District Attorney, she tried a variety of criminal cases before PA Common Pleas Judges, conducted countless preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judges, and successfully prosecuted a jury trial. Prior to joining Marzzacco Niven & Associates, Lynette returned to the PA House of Representatives as In-House Counsel where she advised elected officials on issues related to the Judiciary, Education, Health, Human Services, and Children & Youth. As an Attorney at Marzzacco Niven & Associates, Lynette couples her in- depth understanding of Pennsylvania laws and regulations with her prosecutorial experience to fight for those who are injured and disabled.
Lynette is a Director of the Dauphin County Bar Association and the 2022-23 PA Bar Association’s Minority Bar Committee Secretary. In her leadership role, she strives for the full and equal participation of minorities in the legal profession and the justice system. Lynette is Zimbabwean American, bilingual, a former Division II field hockey player, and a Member of the International Sociology Honor Society.