®
The Monthly Newspaper of the Philadelphia Bar Association Vol. 38, No. 6 June 2009
YLD Celebrates Law Week Bar Wins Tweed Award for 4th Time
n By Jeff Lyons
The Philadelphia Bar Association will ac- cept its fourth Harrison Tweed Award, one of the American Bar Association’s most prestigious honors, at the ABA Annual Meeting in August. The Phila- delphia Bar Association was honored for its work Inside with the Residential 2009 Bench-Bar and Mortgage Foreclosure Annual Conference Diversion Pilot Pro- preview: Pages 13-16. gram, designed to help low-income homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure. The ABA also announced that the Association’s Law Practice Management Division is the recipient of the ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm
Photo by Jeff Lyons Division Solo and Small Firm Project Award. The Attorney Dionne Savage offers legal advice at the Young Lawyers Division’s Legal Advice Live! program at award is designed to reward bar leaders and associa- the Main Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on April 29 as part of Law Week. For more on the YLD tions for their successful implementation of a project activities during Law Week, see pages 10 and 11. continued on page 25 16 of 17 Recommended Judicial Candidates Win In This Issue n By Jeff Lyons Diane Thompson and Donna Woelp- Municipal Court. 4 June Quarterly per, along with recommended Municipal “I was heartened that the voters fol- Of the 17 candidates who posted Court candidates Patrick F. Dugan, lowed our recommendations,” said Judi- 6 Federal Bench-Bar wins in the May 19 primary election, Charles Hayden, Joseph T. Murphy Jr., cial Commission Chair William Fedullo. all but one were recommended by the Kenneth J. Powell Jr., Dawn A. Segal and “The Inquirer and the Daily News lauded 7 Lawyers in Transition Association’s Commission on Judicial Joseph C. Waters Jr. move to the ballot the Commission’s work and recommen- Selection and Retention. for the general election on Nov. 3. dations in their editorials. Even though 8 Making Rain Court of Common Pleas recommend- Thirteen of the 16 recommended win- the turnout was low, the voters followed 18 Raising the Bar ed candidates Daniel Anders, Adam Be- ners were also endorsed by The Philadel- our recommendations. That gives a lot loff, Robert P. Coleman, Anne Marie B. phia Inquirer. of credibility to what we did and it tells 20 30th Annual 5K Coyle, Joyce Eubanks, Daniel Rendine, There are seven vacancies to be filled in the members of the Commission that Angeles Roca, Thomas Francis Shields Jr., the Court of Common Pleas and four in continued on page 22
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2 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org Frontline
Editor-in-Chief Sunah Park, Esq. Healing the World Through Service
Editor Emeritus Bruce H. Bikin, Esq. Since we’re nearing the halfway office as a bully pulpit for By Sayde J. Ladov also working with the point of my tenure as Chancellor, I justice. Department of Labor Associate Editors thought this was an apt time to review • Led by Andy Susko, to develop an ombuds- Heather J. Holloway, Esq. my 2009 initiatives and report on our a task force composed man program to help Asima Panigrahi, Esq. progress to date. of judges, public interest returning veterans Kathryn C. Harr, Esq. Ria C. Momblanco, Esq. I deliberately use the word “our” advocates and the private address issues related to Regina Parker, Esq. because this is not my work alone. Just as bar met to develop strat- job protection and other Raymond M. Williams, Esq. it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a egies for pursuing Civil benefits. They’ll also Thomas Bryan, Esq. cadre of committed volunteer attorneys to Gideon. Our first step provide legal services Edward P. Kelly, Esq. embrace a Chancellor’s vision and move a was developing a success- to military families on Sarah K. Lessie, Esq. Bar Association forward. ful board resolution that their rights to existing Together, we’re taking steps to do just our Board of Governors benefits. Contributing Editor Richard Max Bockol, Esq. that. passed on April 30. • While the economy • On the leadership front, I’m proud We are far past the point of discussing is an ongoing lament, I have continued Advisory Editors to report that our hard-working chairs why Civil Gideon is a good idea; now we my advocacy for building a new family Molly Peckman, Esq. are working with their teams to produce are quickly determining ways to make it court. We know we’re facing difficult Marc W. Reuben, Esq. policies and programs across the Bar happen. We are investigating options and budget choices. But children and families Director of Communications Association’s nine Sections, two Division plan to submit a number of recommen- in need simply cannot wait for a more and Marketing and 50+ committees. dations to the Board later this year. advantageous economic climate. Martha Phan Earlier this year, many of these attor- • We are moving towards establishing An ad hoc committee – comprised neys took time away from their families help desks for pro se litigants in both of government attorneys, community Senior Managing Editor, Publications to attend a two-day Bar Leaders Retreat Family and Municipal Courts. We’ve had advocates, Bar leaders, President Judge Jeff Lyons in Atlantic City specifically devoted to the conversations with Judge Neifield and Dembe, Judges Dougherty and Murphy, topic of leadership development. Every Judge Dougherty, and are currently work- Court Administrator David Lawrence Executive Director day since, they put what they learned into ing to resolve insurance liability issues. and representatives from Ewing Cole, the Kenneth Shear action. In addition, Bar leaders Joe Sullivan architecture firm designing the new court The Philadelphia Bar Reporter (ISSN 1098- I would be remiss if I did not laud and Ethan Fogel are working to establish – have met several times to ensure that 5352) is published monthly and available by Gaetan Alfanfo for his smooth and steady a mediation program to service appeals the building will be user friendly. subscription for $45 per year by the Philadel- style as chair of the Board of Governors from Landlord Tenant Court to Com- I’ve also met several times with Penn- phia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th floor, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107-2911. Periodicals and commend Bill Fedullo for his untir- mon Pleas Court with the intent of sylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice postage paid at Philadelphia, Pa. POSTMAS- ing leadership of the Judicial Commis- alleviating the six-month backlog of cases Ron Castille, who continues to advocate TER: Send address changes to Philadelphia sion. on appeal. for construction of this unified court- Bar Reporter, c/o Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th floor, Philadelphia, Pa. As Chancellor, I serve as the Bar As- • Veterans, in particular, deserve any house. 19107-2955. Telephone: (215) 238-6300. As- sociation’s lead spokesperson on issues of and all rights legally due to them. That’s The opening of the new Juvenile Jus- sociation Web site: philadelphiabar.org. News- reactivated the Military Affairs paper e-mail address: [email protected]. relevance to our membership: expressing why I tice Law Center gives me hope that this The editorial and other views expressed in the public outrage over the corruption in Committee under the leadership of Wes issue will too find its day, and when that Philadelphia Bar Reporter are not necessar- Luzerne County, discussing the impact Payne, who also serves as assistant trea- comes, the Philadelphia Bar Association ily those of the Association, its officers or its members. Advertising rates and information of budget cuts on the Court system, surer on the Board of Governors. will be in center court, driving home this are available from Howard Hyatt at MediaTwo, supporting Board resolutions like House In April, committee members part- urgent point. 1014 W. 36th St., Baltimore, MD, 21211. Tele- Bill 300 and promoting the work of the nered with the Homeless Advocacy Proj- • Each month since its launch on De- phone: (410) 902-5797. Page 1 skyline photo by Edward Savaria, Jr./PCVB Judicial Commission. ect and the Pennsylvania Bar Association cember 8, 2008, our online publication I have met with The Philadelphia to provide direct legal services to more Upon Further Review (www.uponfur- Inquirer editorial board, spoken to count- than 40 homeless veterans in Coatesville, therreview.philadelphiabar.org) has pub- Tell Us less reporters and stood before television with similar programs in the works. lished a variety of news and analysis that cameras on these and other issues, for it as With many reserve units returning What You Think! my responsibility as Chancellor to use this home this fall, committee members are continued on page 22 The Philadelphia Bar Reporter welcomes letters to the editors for publication. Letters should be typed. District Attorney Candidates Square Off There is no word limit, but editors reserve the right to condense for clarity, style and space considerations. Letters must be signed to verify authorship, but names will be withheld upon request. Letters may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to: Jeff Lyons, Senior Managing Editor, Philadelphia Bar Reporter, Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th floor, Philadel- phia, Pa. 19107-2955. Phone: (215) 238-6345. Fax: (215) 238-1159. E-mail: Democrat Seth Williams (left) and Republican Michael Untermeyer (right) joined Brian Grady, Daniel McCaffery, reporter@ philabar.org. Daniel McElhatton and Michael Turner at a Chancellor’s Forum for district attorney candidates on May 11.
philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 3 june quarterly meeting Epps, Margolis to Speak June 9
international criminal law, with special annually on a woman attorney who n By Jeff Lyons focus on practice before the International has demonstrated superior legal talent, Criminal Court, as well as Evidence and achieved significant legal accomplish- JoAnne Epps, dean of Temple Univer- Advocacy. In 2005 and 2006, along with ments and has furthered the advance- Epps Margolis sity Beasley School of Law, will receive the Temple Law School Professor Edward ment of women in both the profession Sandra Day O’Connor Award and deliver Ohlbaum, Epps taught jury trial advoca- and the community. The Women in the Thomas E. Eichman, George S. Forde Jr., the Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Me- cy to more than 20,000 members of the Profession Committee established the Howard T. Glassman, Martin Greitzer, morial Public Interest Lecture at the June Japanese Bar Association, which were of- O’Connor Award in 1993 to recognize Edward B. Joseph, Donald J. Klein, Alan 9 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon. fered in anticipation of the re-institution the important contributions that women W. Margolis, Judge Edward G. Mekel, Alan W. Margolis, a founding part- of jury trials in criminal cases in Japan. attorneys in Philadelphia have made to Walter R. Milbourne, James J. Orlow, ner of Margolis Edelstein, will speak on Until her appointment, Epps was a the legal profession. Norman A. Oshtry, Richard W. Palmer, behalf of his fellow Year Club inductees at Professor of Law (1985-present) and The Year Clubs recognize attorneys David L. Pennington, Carl A. Polsky, the event, which begins at 12 p.m. at the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs who have been practicing law for 50 years Judge Lowell A. Reed, Ross J. Reese, Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, (1989-2008). Before joining the Temple or more. Allan B. Schneirov, Stanley M. Schwarz, Broad and Walnut streets. Tickets are $55 faculty in 1985, she was a deputy city at- “There are many, many people more Joseph Michael Smith, R. Philip Stein- for members and $60 for non-members. torney for the City of Los Angeles (1976- deserving than me to address the Bar,” berg, Richard W. Stevens, Peter Talbot, Epps, a leading scholar in the areas of 1980) and an Assistant U.S. Attorney said Margolis. “But Chancellor Sayde Richard I. Torpey, Joyce Ullman, Marvin trial advocacy and criminal procedure, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Ladov asked me, and I said ‘yes.’ ” Weiss and Mark Yaskin. took over as dean at Temple Law in July. (1980-1985). Her primary teaching areas “I’ve seen a lot of changes in my 50 60-Year Club Epps has been a frequent speaker on include criminal procedure, evidence and years in the law. It’s been a wonderful 50 Francis Ballard, Richard P. Brown, Otis evidence and advocacy, both domestically trial advocacy. On occasion, she will teach years and I can’t imagine doing anything W. Erisman, Aaron M. Fine, Gordon and internationally. In June of 2007, she criminal law and interviewing, counseling else than what I’ve done,” said Margolis. W. Gerber, Lewis P. Green, F. Hast- traveled to London as the only law profes- and negotiation. Epps received her B.A. The following individuals will be ings Griffin, David H. Kinley, Jerome sor member of a nine-person American degree from Trinity College in Hartford, recognized on June 9: Poltenstein, John A. Shrader, Augustus team that provided training to Sudanese Conn. in 1973 and her J.D. degree from 50-Year Club R. Sigismondi, William A. Silver, Ralph lawyers representing victims of the Darfur Yale Law School in 1976. Bennett L. Aaron, Fred C. Aldridge Jr., S. Snyder, Elliot Unterberger, Kimber E. crisis. The training included substantive The O’Connor Award is conferred Frederick W. Anton III, Donald Beck- Vought and Nelson H. Wollman. man, Harry J. Bellwoar, Marvin I. Block, 70-Year Club Edward Blumstein, Paul E. Bomze, Alvin Robert A. Detweiler, Herman B. Poul M. Chanin, Peter Otto Clauss, Gerald J. and Hanley Rubinsohn. Cohen, Martin Cohen, Stanton Dubin,
Visit philadelphiabar.org to purchase tickets to the June 9 Quarterly Meet- WebCheck ing and Luncheon.
Brown-Bag Fridays for Law Students
With summer’s approach, the public Aug. 7, we will hold an information fair interest agencies in our area will be filled where law students, graduates and lawyers with eager, passionate and bright law in transition can speak informally with students ready to assist our most vulner- representatives of area agencies and orga- able citizens. nizations about volunteer opportunities. Law students provide our public inter- On Thursday, July 23, the law firm est legal community with much needed of Duffy + Partners, One Liberty Place, assistance, ideas and tons of energy. The the LSOC and the Public Interest Sec- Law School Outreach Committee will tion will host the annual Public Interest offer a weekly Public Interest Brown Bag Reception. We are grateful to Duffy + Lunch Series this summer. Every Friday, Partners for generously sponsoring this from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Bar Associa- event. tion, summer law interns are invited to The LSOC is looking forward to attend free discussions featuring public welcoming the newest members of our interest organizations in the Philadel- public interest community to Philadel- phia area. The programs are a great way phia this summer. For more information to learn about different types of public about the LSOC or its activities, please interest practice and to meet attorneys feel free to contact Maureen Olives, who are leaders in their fields. Each week, Director of Public Interest Programs at the discussions will center on an aspect of Temple University Beasley School of Law, public interest practice or public interest at [email protected] or (215) 204- career development. On the final Friday, 3705.
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philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 5 FEDERAL COURTS committee
Stalberg is June 12 Keynote Speaker WebCheck vey Bartle III, U.S. Bankruptcy Court G. Boccuti, David J. Kessler and Donald Visit pbi.org to regis- n By Jeff Lyons Chief Judge Stephen Raslavich and Clerk W. Myers are the panelists for “E-Dis- ter for the conference. of Court Michael Kunz will then present covery: Perspectives from the Bench, Zachary Stalberg, president and state of the court reports. Outside Counsel and the Client.” If you do not attend the full program, CEO of the Committee of Seventy, will U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Steven Orlofsky will present an update you will receive only substantive credits deliver keynote remarks at the Federal Rufe, Stephanie A. “Tess” Blair, Gerard on the Third Circuit Bar Association. for the time of your attendance. Courts Committee’s annual Federal Bench-Bar Conference on Friday, June 12 at the Marriott Philadelphia Down- town, 1200 Market St. A total of 3 CLE credits are available for this program, including one ethics CLE COURSES credit. The conference features seven federal judges and a host of top practitio- ners and begins at 8:15 a.m. Registration JUNE begins at 7:30 a.m. “We are anticipating another great Federal Bench-Bar Conference this year with participation from a number of federal judges and leading practitioners on hot issues in the law,” said conference June 1 Selecting & Influencing Your Jury • Video Encore - The CLE Conference Center The CLE Conference chair Grant S. Palmer. June 3 General Practitioners’ Update 2009 • The CLE Conference Center Center Following introductions by Commit- PLI - Hot Issues in Executive Compensation 2009 • Simulcast - The CLE Wanamaker Building tee Chair Craig D. Mills and Vice Chair Conference Center 10th Floor, Ste.1010 Palmer, the conference begins with the June 4 Communications Skills for Lawyers: Dealing With the Media and Beyond session “How Not to Go to Jail with Your The CLE Conference Center Consumer Debt Litigation • Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center Philadelphia Marriott Clients – Handling Client Monies and 1201 Market Street Other Timely Issues.” Panelists for this June 9 Philadelphia Bar Association - Probate & Trust Law Section June 2009 Quarterly Meeting • session are U.S. District Court Judge Joel The CLE Conference Center H. Slomsky, Ellen C. Brotman, Ian M. June 10 Legal Writing Techniques for Winning Arguments • The CLE Conference Center PLI - ABCs of Mutual Funds 2009 Comisky and Louis D. Lappen. • Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center U.S. District Court Judge Eduardo June 11 Gaming Law Update 2009 • The CLE Conference Center PLI - Acquiring or Selling the Privately Held Company 2009 Robreno will present “Multi-District Liti- Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center gation – Handling of the Asbestos MDL 2009 Federal Bench Bar Conference in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.” June 12 • Philadelphia Marriott PLI - Acquiring or Selling the Privately Held Company 2009 Following a short break, Chancellor- Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center Elect Scott F. Cooper, Sidney L. Gold June 16 A Survey of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act • Simulcast - The CLE Conference and Kelly Dobbs Bunting will present Center “Layoffs and Dissolutions – Hot Issues in June 17 The 21st Century Law Office • The CLE Conference Center Employment Law” along with U.S. Dis- Environmental Issues in Real Estate and Business Transactions • The CLE trict Court Judge C. Darnell Jones II and Conference Center Magistrate Judge Linda K. Caracappa. June 18 Civil Practice & Procedure in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia U.S. District Court Chief Judge Har- The CLE Conference Center June 19 Advocacy for the Ages • The CLE Conference Center Integrity: Good People, Bad Choices and Life Lessons from the White House Bar Night at Phillies Video Encore - The CLE Conference Center Wednesday, June 17 June 23 Maximizing Your Client’s Recovery in Challenging Times The CLE Conference Center Join your colleagues and friends at Advanced Issues in Social Security Disability • The CLE Conference Center Call PBI Customer Service at Bar Association Night at the Phillies on June 24 PLI - Audit Committee Workshop 2009: What Audit Committee Members and Those 800-247-4724 Wednesday, June 17 as the World Series Who Advise Them Need to Know Now • Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center to register for a champion Phils take on the Toronto Blue June 25 The Government’s “Right to Take” in Pennsylvania • The CLE Conference Center course or for more Jays at Citizens Bank Park at 7:05 p.m. Retirement Planning: Concepts & Controversies in Today’s Economy information. Tickets are $28 and can be ordered by Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center visiting phillies.com/philabar. Loan Documentation • Video Encore - The CLE Conference Center Register online at www. pbi.org Seating (subject to availability) with June 25 &26 PLI - Understanding ERISA 2009 • Simulcast - The CLE Conference Center fellow Philadelphia Bar Association sup- The Pennsylvania Bar porters will be located on the Field Level Institute is an accredited Outfield (Sections 145 - 148). There is a CLE provider. special $2 discount off the cost of these tickets. To order your tickets for this spe- cial event, visit phillies.com/philabar and enter the promotion code BAR.
6 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org LAWYERS IN TRANSITION Bar Association Rallies to Help Its Own n By Mary T. Kranzfelder
The declining job market has found many area lawyers either out of work or no longer able to enjoy the security of steady business. Lawyers who find themselves in such a position have been forced to seek new employment at a time when there are many unemployed lawyers competing for a few number of available jobs. On May 13, the Law Practice Manage- ment Division and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute presented the CLE program “Lawyers in Transition” to give strug- gling attorneys an overview of issues to be considered when opening a new practice or seeking a new position in difficult economic times. More than 200 people attended the session. Panelists for this program included Division Co-Chairs Daniel J. Siegel, Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC; and Mary F. Platt of Montgomery, Mc- Cracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP, who Photo by Jeff Lyons were also the course planners; Barbara Law Practice Management Division Co-Chair Mary Platt (from left) introduces panelists Daniel J. Siegel, Ellen Freedman, S. Rosenberg, sole practitioner; Gina Barbara S. Rosenberg and Gina Sage at the May 13 Lawyers in Transition CLE program. Sage, USI Affinity; Ellen Freedman, law practice management coordinator, practice area. thinking. Using friends, family, col- Pennsylvania Bar Association; Gina Furia Solo practitioners in need of clients leagues, classmates and even social media Rubel, Furia Rubel Communications, should begin with a business plan which web sites to network is an excellent way Inc.; Susan G. Manch, of Washington, incorporates their strengths and inter- for lawyers seeking employment to take BlogLink D.C.-based Shannon & Manch, LLP; ests in such a way that it allows them to control of their job search and find the Elizabeth Lloyd, Ajilon Legal; and Ken- successfully market themselves to their right position. Visit philadelphiabar.org/LITblog to read Philly Solo Law, a blog for neth J. Hagreen, Lawyers Concerned for target audience. The Lawyer Referral and Philadelphia lawyers in transition. Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. Information Service, provided by the Mary T. Kranzfelder ([email protected]) is Panelists who addressed issues that solo Bar Association, is an excellent resource an attorney living in Moorestown, N.J. practitioners may encounter focused on for those attorneys who work in a small the reality that running a law firm is both private practice setting and are looking for a profession and a business. Obtaining in- clients. surance, managing finances, paying taxes, Those seeking jobs in a traditional Take a Depo and securing competitive technology for the law firm setting received similar advice office and supervising personnel are just a in that networking, making the most of few of the concerns lawyers opening their their strengths and being persistent are Get $50 to th own firm will have to address in addition the surest ways to find a job in a tough to actually practicing law. market. The panelists advised job seekers Take your first deposition with us and we’ll hand There are also ethical concerns to be to assess their skills and interests so that deliver a $50 gift card for you and your client to use. considered when starting a new practice, they can market themselves to prospective Mention promo code PABAR when booking. including making sure that lawyers are employers, and distinguish themselves competent to take on new kinds of cases from other job seekers by being clear (215) 236 - DEPO in areas of law where they may have about what they are looking for and what Philadelphia, PA New York, NY no prior experience. Networking, CLE they have to offer. When interviewing for Baltimore, MD Washington, DC programs and Bar Association listservs a new position, candidates should plan www.BellReporting.com can be valuable assets for those looking answers for the tough questions, and the to broaden their knowledge in a certain answers should be positive and forward We Never Take Your Business For Granted! In this economy, there aren’t many free lunches...except from us! For more information about the *Deposition must be at least 2 hours long and transcribed. This promotion is ethical and appropriate within Rules 1.5 and 1.7 of Pennsylvania’s Rules of Professional Conduct. Our rates are among the lowest in the Philadelphia metro area, thus confirming Lawyers in Transition intiative, visit “reasonableness” of our charges. Philosophically we simply choose to return profits back to our clients. Sometimes lawyers will ask WebCheck PhillyLawyersInTransition.org. us to make a donation of the “giveaway” to a charity in either their name or the client’s name, or credit their invoice for $50 in place of the gift card, and we are happy to do that. Deposition must be taken by 9/30/09.
philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 7 women in the profession committee Rainmakers Urge Commitment to Networking
tion with a mission that is important to writes a quick note congratulating them n By Sarah Lessie the individual as a way to meet a variety on their success and wishing them well. of different people while at the same time By keeping in touch on personal matters, Successful rainmak- Successful rainmakers must net- doing something the person cares about. Girifalco feels more comfortable asking ers are interested in work broadly and be open to new op- Dalton advised that in order for a person for a business favor down the road. portunities and possibilities, a panel of to succeed in rainmaking, she must enjoy The panel discussed the importance others and listen to successful women recently told members it and incorporate it into her life. of marketing oneself and confidently what others have to of the Women in the Profession Com- Beetlestone, a partner at Hangley ensuring that they receive credit for their mittee. Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, agreed with achievements because “success breeds say. Former Chancellor Jane Dalton, Dalton that networking is vital to rain- success.” The speakers agreed that while about maintaining, cultivating and gen- Wendy Beetlestone and Sandy Girifalco making and that a person should cast a there are still difficulties facing women erating new business from existing books also stressed the need for selling oneself wide net when reaching out to potential rainmakers, it is important not to focus of business. Therefore, it is important and finding a rainmaking mentor, add- clients. She likened business development on those impediments, and instead to do good work and get credit for one’s ing that a key quality of a rainmaker is to fishing – one should throw out 100 portray oneself as a capable, successful, successes. confidence. hooks in the hopes of catching one or intelligent, confident attorney that people Dalton, a partner at Duane Morris two fish. The group agreed that profes- will want to hire. Sarah Lessie ([email protected]), an LLP, stressed the importance of network- sional networking web sites are helpful in Lastly, the speakers addressed the associate with Rubin, Fortunato & Harbison ing and being open to new opportunities. generating and cultivating business. importance of finding a rainmaking P.C., is an associate editor of the Philadelphia She recommends that women attend Girifalco, a partner at Stradley Ronon mentor – someone to groom a younger Bar Reporter. many different events as a way to network Stevens & Young LLP, provided a helpful attorney and pass on their book of busi- and meet new people. Dalton added that tip to keeping in touch and maintaining ness. Because generating new clients and successful rainmakers are interested in a large network of personal and profes- new business is a difficulty facing many others and listen to what others have to sional associates. She remains plugged in younger associates, the panelists recom- Podcast say. She stressed the importance of main- to alumni groups and keeps in touch with mend working for different partners at Spotlight taining a fun and positive outlook and everyone she knows. If she hears or reads their firms and finding a mentor to guide. Visit philadelphiabar.org to listen to setting goals to meet new people. She rec- about a friend or acquaintance’s personal The speakers agreed that rainmaking is the podcast from this meeting. ommends joining a board of an organiza- success, such as the birth of a child, she not just about initiating business; it is also
8 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org YLD Update Time to Stop Ignoring the Big Pink Elephant A friend of mine was laid off re- as you want to cheer up By Brian S. Chacker One woman in the connected and to help people deal with cently. This is not the first friend who I a friend, respect the need article equated it to a financial and other issues facing our pro- learned had been laid off, but it got me to just feel lousy for a woman having difficulty fession as they arise. This is done with the thinking again about what, if anything, while.” getting pregnant. “You hope that we can help even one person. I could do to help and what, if anything, Don’t Say ‘I’m don’t say every time you The Association’s new Lawyers in Tran- the YLD could do. Sorry’ talk to them, ‘Are you sition initiative is an excellent resource While I have written a number of ar- Neutral statements pregnant yet?’ You know geared toward assisting lawyers affected by ticles about issues that I feel are important like “I heard the news” when it happens you’ll the economy. The site (PhillyLawyers- to our profession and to young lawyers in or a specific offer to help hear.’ ’’ InTransition.org) is available to all attor- particular, it now is time to stop ignoring will be received a little People who do not re- neys. There are links to upcoming CLE the big pink elephant in the room. A lot more positively than you alize how long it might programs; a bulletin board/forum where of articles are written for people who have mourning your friend’s take to find a position users can candidly discuss their situations; been laid off, but few to address what loss. The key, though, is might make their friend networking information; ethics informa- we should say/how we should act when actually to listen to your friend’s response. feel like a failure when nothing turns up tion and other professional responsibility encountering a friend, colleague or family Perhaps you can offer to review their cur- right away. One way to avoid this pratfall resources; and a blog. member who has lost their job. A recent riculum vitae or offer to introduce them is to ask your friend straight out how On Monday, July 27, the YLD will New York Times article dealt with what to to someone at a firm you know is hiring they want to handle the issue and how hold its Executive Committee meet- say and how to act around someone who based upon what your friend tells you. frequently, if at all, they want you to ask ing. We have cancelled our agenda and has lost their job. If you do want to help, be specific in about it. instead invite you (member or not) to Choose Your Words Carefully your offer. Let your friend know that they What Can We Do to Help? come and to offer any suggestions as to Everyone wants to say something nice can call you at any time. Tell them that Offer to open up your business and what we can do to help you during these when they learn what happened, but you should go to lunch next Tuesday. Use social networks. The more people your trying times. Our goal is provide as much many times, our nice intentions do not your intuition. If you get the feeling that friend knows, the more potential busi- support to you as possible and we look translate in the words we choose. the person you are talking with does not ness contacts they will have. Finally, forward to your input and your sugges- Immediately after someone has been want your help right then, back off and when people are out of work, they can tions. If you cannot come, e-mail me. We laid off, they do not want to hear op- simply let them know that you are happy feel alone. Filling your friend in on the will do whatever we can to assist. timistic suggestions. Losing your job is to help in any way you can. latest work happenings or making sure to life-changing. People should be given an Checking on the Job Search include them in your weekend plans can Brian S. Chacker, an associate with Gay opportunity to process what has hap- It can be tricky in the weeks following help make the person feel included. Chacker & Mittin, P.C., is chair of the Young pened before they can move forward. No a layoff knowing how much to check The YLD continues to offer its pro- Lawyers Division Executive Committee. He one really wants to hear that “when one in on your friend. Updating everyone’s gramming, including our networking can be reached at (215) 567-7955, or by door closes, another opens” right after repeated requests about the job search happy hours as well as our brown bag e-mail at [email protected]. being fired. To quote the article, “as much can be just as draining as the search itself. lunch series in an effort to keep everyone
YLD Hosts Annual Comedy Night YLD Diversity Event June 16 The Young Lawyers Division will hold its annual Diversity Happy Hour on Tuesday, June 16 at the Mexican Post, 1601 Cherry St., at 5:30 p.m., where the annual diversity scholarships will be presented. The recipients of this year’s scholarships are Samea Lin, Temple University Beasley School of Law; Earthen Johnson, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law; Maricruz Melendrez, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law; Priya De Souza, Temple University Beasley School of Law; and Jennifer A. Supplee, Temple University Beasley School of Law. The 200 to pre-register at philadelphiabar.org will be guaranteed two drink tickets, good for draft beer, house margaritas, house wine, sangria and well drinks. Appetizers and drink specials will be avail- able throughout the evening. The scholarships will be presented at 6:30 p.m. The event is co-hosted Photo by Stephanie Mensing Photo by Rachel Kopp Nearly 200 people turned out for the Young Lawyers Division’s Annual Comedy Night on May 9 at The Frank- by the Barristers Association of Philadelphia, Gay lin. Comedians Gerry Dee and William Chiang provided the entertainment and attendees got to bid on items and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia, Hispanic Bar at a silent auction. The event raised funds for the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. YLD Vice Chair Jennifer Association of Pennsylvania, Asian Pacific Ameri- Coatsworth (left photo at left) and Chair-Elect Abbie DuFrayne were among those in attendance. can Bar Association of Pennsylvania and the South Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia. philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 9 law week 2009
Trial participants (left photo, from left) Sam Pace (one of the three little pigs, Brooke Kwatny Kravitz (Goldilocks) and Justin Moricone (the B.B. Wolf) gather before the May 1 proceedings in City Hall. Jurors (above) for the cases of Gold- ilocks and Jack and the Beanstalk were Philadelphia public school children, who learned about the criminal justice process.
Stacey E. Braun (above) of Northeast High School, winner of the Edward Chacker Essay Contest, reads the winning essay at a May 1 naturalization ceremony as Chacker looks on. More than 100 people took the oath of citizenship, presided over by U.S. Attorneys (from left) Melissa Oretsky, Maria Testa and Douglas K. Rosenblum talk about their District Court Judge Louis H. Pollak. Chancellor Sayde Ladov legal careers with 3rd-graders at McCall Elementary School on April 29 as part of the Lawyer in also spoke at the program, sponsored by the Bar Association. the Classroom program. Young Lawyers Reach Out to Neighborhoods months planning Law Week,” said Abbie n By Michael Petitti DuFrayne, the event’s co-chair and YLD Chair-Elect. “The effort is well worth it From April 27 to May 1, 200 volun- when we finally get out in the commu- teers from the Bar Association’s Young nity and help students and citizens ap- Lawyers Division took to the city’s streets preciate the value of the law and lawyers to help the community in honor of Law in their lives.” Week 2009. From visiting classrooms At Legal Advice Live!, volunteer at- and educating students about the law torneys provided free legal advice to all to offering free legal counsel at the city’s requesting citizens at eight branches of free libraries to dressing in costume to the Philadelphia Free Library on April 29. engage children in the legal process to At the Central Branch, Gregory Red- taking high school seniors into live court mond traveled all the way from Media rooms, volunteer attorneys made sure to get advice on filing an appeal with this year’s celebration would remain one the Superior Court about a legal matter Photos by Jeff Lyons of the most ambitious public outreach involving SEPTA. He is handling the case Chancellor Sayde Ladov (standing) is joined by (from left) Linsey B. Bozzelli, campaigns in the nation. pro se and spent more than 30 minutes Brooke H. Spigler and Christopher M. Guth at a Legal Advice Live! session at the “The Young Lawyers Division spends continued on page 11 Fishtown Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on April 29.
10 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org law week 2009 Judge Rendell Closes Lawyer for a Day Program n By Regina Parker Podcast The history of democracy in Ameri- ca and the empowerment of its people in Spotlight politics are the reasons behind Law Day, Visit philadelphiabar.org to listen to U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie O. the podcast from this program. Rendell told high school students at the Lawyer for a Day Program on May 1. tant decision to him was the Nixon Tapes Judge Rendell explained to the stu- decision. In that decision, the Supreme dents that our country is governed by the Court found that there was no executive rule of law and we live by it every day. privilege and overturned something that When we hear about law day, we tend to President Nixon had done. The Rus- think about courts and lawyers, she said. sian lawyer told Justice Souter that in his However, Law Day is a celebration of our country, the idea of a court telling the democracy and was started by President chief executive of the land what to do was Dwight D. Eisenhower. Quoting Presi- unheard of. Judge Rendell told the stu- dent Eisenhower, Judge Rendell told the dents that during the Cold War in Russia, students that the idea of Law Day is that lawyers hid in secret to read and learn “people should remember with pride and about American laws and the Supreme diligently guard the great heritage of lib- Court decisions. She explained that the erty, justice and equality under law which moral of the story is that we do not realize our forefathers bequeath to us.” how special our democracy is and how Our forefathers got away from the rule special our rule of law is. of Europe and the dictatorship governed “We have a system of justice that is by the wealthy. President Eisenhower said stable and that is predictable,” Judge Ren- that “the principle of guaranteed funda- dell said. She explained to the students mental rights of individuals under the law that we decide cases based on precedent is the heart and soul of our nation and and the way it was decided yesterday. distinguishes our governmental system As citizens, we have a responsibility to from the type of government that rules participate in our democracy. She encour- by might alone,” Judge Rendell quoted. aged the students to vote and participate What is special about our nation is that in our democracy so that their voices the concept of power is associated not Photo by Jeff Lyons will be heard. Everyone has a right to Judge Marjorie O. Rendell with money, but with education and the be heard, she said. The rule of law is the desire to work hard and seize opportuni- Supreme Court Justice David Souter to students that in Brown v. Board of Educa- backbone of our country and “democracy ties in our democracy, Judge Rendell learn more about the Supreme Court in tion, the Supreme Court struck down the without participation is not democracy,” explained. the modern era. During the visit, Justice educational system that was thought to be Judge Rendell said. In order to get the students to appreci- Souter told the lawyer that Brown v. separate but equal, but it held that sepa- ate the value of our democracy, Judge Board of Education was the most impor- rate education is inherently unequal. The Regina Parker ([email protected]), an Rendell told the students a story about tant decision decided by the Supreme Russian lawyer seemed disappointed and associate with Mattioni, Ltd., is an associate a lawyer from Russia who visited U.S. Court. Judge Rendell explained to the told Justice Souter that the most impor- editor of the Philadelphia Bar Reporter.
All in all, about 200 people received legal guidance Ceremonial Courtroom at the U.S. Courthouse on May Law Week through Legal Advice Live! this year. The event was also 1. The poster contest winner was Isabela Salas-Betsch of continued from page 10 publicized on KYW 1060. St. Francis Xavier School. Another program that caught the media’s attention Lawyer for a Day: Volunteer attorneys took groups of talking with Darth Newman and Tejal Mehta, attorneys was the popular “Trials of Goldilocks and the Three Little high school seniors into the city’s courtrooms to view live with Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll. Pigs” on May 1. This event welcomed elementary school proceedings and ended the day with a speech from U.S. “The advice I received was very helpful,” Redmond students into six City Hall courtrooms to act as the juries Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie Rendell, first lady of said. “Sometimes when you’re working hand-in-hand in the “criminal trials” of Goldilocks and the Big Bad Pennsylvania, who spent over an hour talking about her with someone you get more out of it as opposed to trying Wolf. Volunteer attorneys and judges used the facts from legal experiences and answering a range of questions from to read a textbook, in which case I got a lot of help from the well-known fairy tales to present the trials, some even the students. this program.” dressing for the parts. The event was covered in the Phila- “Law Week 2009 was a great success,” said YLD Chair Lynn R. Williamson, head of the Central Branch’s delphia Daily News and on 6ABC’s Action News. Brian Chacker. “Credit is not only owed to Co-Chairs Government Publications Department, had heard of Other Law Week events included: Abbie DuFrayne, Carey Chopko and Kelly Gastley, but Legal Advice Live! from past Law Week celebrations and, Essay and Poster Contests: Open to high school to every attorney who lent their legal knowledge to the realizing its significance, helped bring the event to the seniors and fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders, respectively, students and people of Philadelphia. city’s free libraries. this year’s submissions were impressive, with 115 posters “We are grateful that so many attorneys volunteered “I thought it would be a great way to partner with the received and 27 essays. The essay contest winner was their time to make the program so successful,” Chacker Bar Association so that the libraries could provide an es- Stacey E. Baum of Northeast High School, who read added. “Their efforts gave a lot of people access to the sential service for our patrons,” Williamson said. her winning entry at the naturalization ceremony in the legal system that they otherwise would not have had.” philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 11 rules and procedure committee Judge Moss Explains Arbitration Fines
program is running smoothly. There are n By Thomas Bryan currently 13 mass torts in Philadelphia, of complex litigation in including the nursing home litigation, Signs of the improvement Attorneys had a chance to voice with only five Phen-Fen cases and a few Philadelphia are that fewer motions on procedural their response to the Complex Litigation Vioxx cases left. Judge Moss was proud to issues are being filed in the monthly meetings held Center’s new policy of issuing fines of report that asbestos cases are coming to $250 against lawyers who file their settle- trial, on average, in as little as 18 months for each mass tort. ment conference memos late. Consider- now. When specifically asked about the ing the present state of the economy, you nursing home litigation, Judge Moss might expect that there would be some explained that it is a kind of hybrid: there when she took over the complex litigation criticism or backlash was voiced against outcry over these fines. If it exists, that were originally only 25 cases, and now program. She originally tried to tackle the fines at the meeting, but Judge Moss outcry was not heard at the May 6 Rules there are 60. this backlog with traditional judge-run made clear that she is open to the sugges- and Procedure Committee Meeting, Signs of the improvement of complex settlement conferences, and was surprised tion and that the current sanctions may where Philadelphia Court of Common litigation in Philadelphia are that fewer by the difficulty she encountered in at- not stand for long. Pleas Judge Sandra Mazer Moss, the motions on procedural issues are being tempting to settle some of the arbitration mastermind behind the new fines, ap- filed in the monthly meetings held for appeal cases. Thomas Bryan ([email protected]), an peared as the guest speaker. each mass tort, and that no motions have When they heard about this backlog, associate with Gerolamo, McNulty, Divis The new fines were not the only yet to come out of the discovery confer- some senior lawyers and asbestos practi- & Lewbart P.C., is an associate editor of the subject of discussion. After a brief plug ences held by the discovery masters. tioners reached out to volunteer as judges Philadelphia Bar Reporter. for the Complex Litigation CLE at the Furthermore, Judge Moss is attempting pro tem. According to Judge Moss, it upcoming Bench Bar and Annual Con- to coordinate case management orders was the judges pro tem who complained ference (which will address the handling among cases and to coordinate motions about late or missing settlement memos, of mass tort actions when they overlap across state lines and across federal/state and it was in response to their concerns Podcast states as well as state and federal courts) jurisdictions. that she decided to institute the fines. Spotlight Judge Moss reported on the general status Turning then to the new fines, Judge Though not closed off to alternative Visit philadelphiabar.org to listen to of the Complex Litigation section. Moss described the tremendous backlog sanctions, Moss stood by the usefulness the podcast from this program. Judge Moss reported that the mass tort of arbitration appeals she was faced with and effectiveness of the fines. Very little
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12 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org 14 different programs including October Quarterly Meeting Sports Talk with 610 WIP’s Anthony Gargano Grand Reception at The Pool at Harrah’s
philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 13 2009 bench-bar and annual conference Variety, Networking at Harrah’s in Oct. Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 24 begins n By Jeff Lyons Conference Schedule at 8 a.m., where WIP radio host Anthony Gargano will be on hand to talk sports. A total of 7 CLE credits will be Friday, Oct. 23 Saturday’s CLE begins with the State available at the 2009 Bench-Bar and 9:30 a.m...... Registration Civil Litigation Section program “State Annual Conference, set for Oct. 23-24 at 12 p.m...... October Quarterly Meeting and Federal Coordination in Com- Harrah’s Atlantic City. 2 p.m...... Break plex Litigation and Mass Tort Cases.” “The conference will provide a broad 2:30 p.m...... CLE seminars Panelists include Atlantic County (N.J.) array of CLE which will appeal to all • Effective Negotiation and Advocacy Superior Court Judge Carol E. Higbee, segments of the Bar Association,” said • The Counsel Fees Conundrum: Perspectives of the Bench and Bar U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Chancellor Sayde J. Ladov. “There will be • Alternative Fee Arrangements Rufe, former American Bar Association numerous opportunities to network with 3:30 p.m...... Break President Jerome Shestack, Association colleagues and members of the bench. 3:45 p.m...... CLE seminars Secretary Kathleen D. Wilkinson and We will also have a state of the courts • Commerce Court Update Matt Casey. The course planner is Phila- luncheon on Saturday to bring members • Medicare Set-Asides, Changes in the Medicare Secondary Payer delphia Court of Common Pleas Judge up to date with developments in every Act and Navigating Your Way Through the Set-Aside Maze Sandra Mazer Moss. division of not only the First Judicial • Is Forensic Science Really Science? “The Art of Closing Arguments from District but the appellate courts as well.” 6 – 10 p.m...... Grand Reception Two Deans of the Bar: Jerry Litvin and The Conference is co-chaired by Molly Saturday, Oct. 24 Bill O’Brien” will feature the two veteran Peckman and Maria Feeley. 8 a.m...... Breakfast and registration trial lawyers who will tell tales and offer The Conference opens on Friday, Oct. 8:30 a.m...... Sports Talk with 610WIP’s Anthony Gargano tips for delivering effective and successful 23 at 12 p.m. with the Association’s Oc- 10:15 a.m...... CLE seminars closings and will also demonstrate closing tober Quarterly Meeting. Details about • State and Federal Coordination in Complex Litigation and Mass Tort arguments. the keynote speaker will be available at a Cases The Law Practice Management Divi- later date. • The Art of Closing Arguments from Two Deans of the Bar: Jerry sion, along with the Professional Respon- Friday’s CLE programs include “Effec- Litvin and Bill O’Brien sibility and Bar-News Media Commit- tive Negotiation and Advocacy” featur- • Ethical Considerations for Lawyers With Respect To Communica- tees, will present “Ethical Considera- ing course planner and moderator John tions, Marketing and Public Relations tions for Lawyers With Respect To Savoth and former U.S. District Court 11:15 a.m...... Break Communications, Marketing and Judge Diane M. Welsh. A panel of experts 11:30 a.m...... CLE seminars Public Relations.” This course will will discuss effective negotiation styles • Challenging Times in a Troubled Economy – What Directors and explore how attorneys can communicate and offer practical tips and best practices Officers Need to Do Now a brand, build a niche, expand their net- for effective negotiations. Attendees will • The Public’s Perception of the Courts works, talk to the media, and grow their learn how personality impacts negotiation • Addressing Environmental Issues Arising in Real Estate Transac- businesses while not running afoul of the behavior. Panelists will discuss techniques tions and Development Rules of Professional Conduct. Panelists to evaluate your negotiation style and 12:30 p.m...... Lunch and Closing Plenary include Association Treasurer Joseph A. performance; effective and ineffective • State of the Courts Prim Jr.; NBC-10 investigative reporter negotiation habits and attitudes; com- Lu Ann Cahn; Law Practice Management monalities among successful negotiators; Division Co-Chair Daniel J. Siegel and how to deal with common problems that ners Alyson Oswald and Melanie Taylor. The Criminal Justice Section will Hope A. Comisky, co-chair, Professional arise in negotiations; and ethical issues Former Chancellor Robert C. Heim, present “Is Forensic Science Really Sci- Responsibility Committee and Profes- lawyers face in negotiation. Francis M. Milone, Brad Hildebrandt, ence?” In February 2009, the National sional Guidance Committee. The Family Law Section will present Barbara Rosenberg and Wanda Flowers Academy of Science issued a report on The Business Law Section will present “The Counsel Fees Conundrum: Per- are the panelists who will discuss alterna- the state of forensic proof in the United “Challenging Times in a Troubled spectives of the Bench and Bar.” This tive billing arrangements and alternative States. That report contrasted the solid Economy - What Directors and Of- program will focus on awards of counsel fee structures. The program will also empirical foundation of DNA proof ficers need to Do Now.” The program fees in divorce actions and include a include a discussion of related ethical and with that of other disciplines such as will feature a panel of corporate and discussion of counsel fees awards and economic issues. fingerprinting, ballistics evidence, and bankruptcy lawyers and include a brief awards of counsel fees as sanctions; how In “Commerce Court Update,” Phila- handwriting, and found them lack- overview of the fiduciary duties of direc- to separate an application for an interim delphia Commerce Court judges Mark ing in validation studies and consistent tors and officers under Pennsylvania and distribution versus an application for I. Bernstein, Arnold New and Albert W. standards for expertise, evaluation, and Delaware law and provide practical advice interim counsel fees; and what the Family Sheppard Jr. will offer tips and prefer- evidence assessment. This session will for boards and officers of all size compa- Court defines as vexatious, obdurate and ences for practicing in Commerce Court. summarize the findings of the NAS continued on page 16 bad-faith conduct that warrants an award The course planner for this program is report and discuss their significance for of counsel fees. Panelists include Court Maria Feeley. criminal trials in Pennsylvania and how Become a Sponsor of Common Pleas Judge Angeles Roca, Workers’ Compensation Section co- judges, prosecutors and defense counsel A limited number of sponsor- Divorce Master Dennis O’Connell and chairs Maria Terpolilli, Mitchell Golding will make use of its findings. Panelists ship opportunities are available. Mark Momjian. The course planner is and Judge A. Michael Snyder will discuss for this program include Jules Epstein, For information, contact Michael Julie Swain. Medicare Set-Asides, Changes in the Marissa B. Bluestine and Isla Fruchter. Petitti at (215) 238-6342 or via The Young Lawyers Division will Medicare Secondary Payer Act and Friday’s activities close with the Grand e-mail at [email protected]. present a CLE program on alternative Navigating Your Way Through the Set- Reception, from 6 to 10 p.m., at The fee arrangements, with course plan- Aside Maze. Pool at Harrah’s.
14 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org 2009 bench-bar and annual conference Get Early Bird Discount Through Sept. 18 n By Jeff Lyons
Association members have until Friday, Sept. 18 to take advantage of reduced registra- tion rates for the 2009 Bench- Bar and Annual Conference at Harrah’s Atlantic City on Oct. 23-24. “Responding to the con- cern about the economy, and through the hard work of the Bar staff , the cost of the Bench- Bar and Annual Conference will be $50 less than 2007 rates,” said Chancellor Sayde J. Ladov. Full conference admission is $349 for members and $399 for non-members. For members of the Young Lawyers Division and government or public inter- est attorneys, admission is just $199. For those wishing to attend only the Grand Reception at The Pool at Harrah’s on Friday, Oct. 23, tickets are $125 for all members and $150 for non- members. For those wishing to attend Friday’s session only, tickets are $299 for members, $149 for the Harrah’s Atlantic City is the site of the 2009 Bench-Bar and Annual Conference on Oct. 23-24. Young Lawyers Division and government or public interest Those wishing to attend Please visit philadelphiabar.org to register for attorneys. For non-members, the 2009 Bench-Bar and Annual Conference. programs on Saturday, Oct. 24 the cost is $349. WebCheck will only pay $229, while YLD Members and guests wish- members and government and ing to attend without receiving Admission includes all spon- tend only the Friday, Oct. 23 non-members. Tables of 10 are public interest attorneys can CLE credit will pay $175. For sored meals and events. Quarterly Meeting, tickets are available for $550 for members attend for $79. The cost for non-members , the cost is $200. For those wishing to at- $55 for members and $60 for and $600 for non-members. non-members is $279. Sports Talk Added to Roster
“The Cuz” is coming to Bench Bar. and open bar, we felt we needed some- film currently in post production. He SportsRadio 610-WIP’s Anthony thing lively and interesting to jumpstart contributes to several magazines, was Gargano, known to listeners and fans our day. The Bar Association’s first-ever named in the 2000 Great Sportwriters as “The Cuz,” will host the Philadelphia Sports Talk program should be exactly book, and can be seen mornings on Fox Bar Association’s first-ever Sports Talk that.” 29’s “Good Day Philadelphia.” program on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Gargano has hosted 610’s highly rated While the exact details of the event event, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Bench- midday show (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) for the are still being worked out – including Bar and Annual Conference, will feature past seven years. A former sportswriter the possibility of signing on more sports an invigorating discussion and Q&A for the New York Post and The Philadel- talk personalities – the Bar Association session on the state of Philadelphia’s phia Inquirer specializing in national is sure all attendees will enjoy the final sports teams. in-depth features and profiles, Gargano product. “I am absolutely thrilled Mr. Gargano has also written two books, The Great “Whatever format is decided upon,” is joining us at this year’s Bench Bar,” Philadelphia Fan Book and A Sunday Pil- Ladov said, “This program should Chancellor Sayde Ladov said. “Follow- grimage. Recently, he developed a screen- generate great buzz from Bar Association ing a Friday night of poolside dancing play for “Our Lady of Victory,” a feature members and will surely be a huge hit.” Anthony Gargano philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 15 2009 bench-bar and annual conference
The Pool at Harrah’s Atlantic City will be the site of the Grand Reception on Friday, Oct. 23. Grand Reception is Resort Casual
The Grand Reception, one of the highlights of music of Big City. And when the Grand Reception is over, any Bench-Bar and Annual Conference, will be held attendees will be able to remain at The Pool for the rest of Friday, Oct. 23 at The Pool at Harrah’s, one of the hottest the evening without paying an admission fee. nightspots in Atlantic City. With its 90-foot glass domed ceiling and tropical atmo- “This is going to be a phenomenal poolside party,” sphere, The Pool is the perfect place to unwind after a long promised Chancellor Sayde Ladov, who proclaimed the day. The 172,000-square-foot Pool features palm trees, six dress code for the evening to be “resort casual.” Jacuzzis, two party tubs, a dozen cabanas, a pool bar and The reception runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and includes the more.
Bench-Bar influence of money in judicial elections, About Estate Law” will feature Orphans tion on writing wills and preparing other continued from page 14 public confidence in the courts has been Court Administrative Judge Joseph estate documents. declining. This course will focus on these O’Keefe and a representative of the Reg- The Conference closes with a State of nies to fulfill their duties of risk oversight. issues, and how the bar and courts can ister of Wills. This course will examine the Court presentation with the president The program will also provide a work cooperatively to improve public situations that arise that bring non-estate judges of Pennsylvania’s courts. Speakers number of examples of actions directors understanding of the courts and the role lawyers into contact with estate law and/ include Pennsylvania Supreme Court and officers should consider, includ- of judges. Panelists include Section Chair or Orphan’s Court (for example: client Chief Justice Ronald Castille, Pennsylva- ing contingency planning for access to Angus Love, Lynn Marks, Pennsylvania dies during litigation, client becomes nia Superior Court President Judge Kate alternative sources of liquidity and capital Superior Court Judge Correale F. Stevens incompetent during representation, Ford Elliot, Commonwealth Court Presi- beyond traditional sources. Course plan- and Hank Grezlak, editor of The Legal removing tenant from property owned dent Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter, ners are Michael D. Ecker, Jim Matour Intelligencer. Love and Shira Goodman by a decedent, collecting from or filing Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and Barbara Ilsen. are course planners for the program, co- a lien against an estate, etc.); the general President Judge Pamela P. Dembe and The Public Interest Section will pres- sponsored by Pennsylvanians for Modern expectations of counsel from the court’s Philadelphia Municipal Court President ent “The Public’s Perception of the Courts. point of view and a general overview of Judge Marsha Neifield. Courts.” In the face of recent scandals The Probate and Trust Section CLE the process of raising an estate in these Please note that all programs and pan- in Pennsylvania and the increasing “What Every Lawyer Should Know special situations; and a brief presenta- els are subject to change.
16 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org 7614.jovial.LAWad.PhilaBarReporter:7614 4/14/09 4:17 PM Page 1
Jerome Aquino Brooke Gross Raheem Watson Class of 2009
Celebrating a Milestone
Drexel University’s Earle Mack School of Law celebrates its inaugural Commencement May 27, 2009 and congratulates the Class of 2009: Superb students and partners in realizing a vibrant path forward in legal education. Earle Mack School of Law Scientia, Ars, Officium • Knowledge, Skill, Duty
drexel.edu/law
philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 17 Bar Foundation Don’t Let Commitment Waver in Hard Times
“When people are By Amy Ginensky Foundation’s job is not in trouble or scared, only to raise the funds to that’s when they need make its own grants but, an advocate; this is why as the legal community’s what you do as law- foundation, its mission yers is so important,” includes advocating said Steven Korman, the continued support president and CEO of by the law firms of the Korman Communities, grantee organizations as at a recent meeting of well. law firm leaders hosted The Raising the Bar by the Philadelphia Bar campaign has been the Foundation. And it is Philadelphia legal com- why he urged these leaders to support the munity’s most significant institutional
Raising the Bar Campaign, which finan- effort in support of the Bar Founda- Photo by Lynne Brown cially assists our public interest colleagues tion and its network of nonprofit legal Steve Korman (from left), his wife, Jennifer, and Henry M. Kuller gather at the in providing services to those who are the service providers. A joint initiative of Bar Foundation’s Raising the Bar event on May 7 at Blank Rome LLP. most troubled and scared and yet without the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and phia Bar Foundation; donate to any of ees and their families. At our meeting, resources to pay for representation. the Philadelphia Bar Association, the the Philadelphia public interest agencies Korman discussed his and his company’s This is a unique time. State IOLTA campaign was inspired by former Bar As- supported by the Bar Foundation; make experience in meeting the trials of 2009, funds for Philadelphia legal service agen- sociation Chancellor Alan M. Feldman, a donation to the Bar Foundation with a as well as in the past, and advocated that cies will drop by 10 percent for fiscal who in 2006 challenged every law firm, “donor option” to any or all of the grant- charities cannot be forgotten in these year 2009-2010. And in May, the Senate large and small, to contribute the sum of ees supported by the Bar Foundation; or trying economic times. His unwavering passed its version of the state budget that $300 per lawyer. In 2008, Bar Association it can choose any combination of these commitment to a plethora of chari- eliminates all funding for legal services. Chancellor A. Michael Pratt asked law options. It all counts. table organizations and his devotion to At this writing, lobbying efforts are firms to institutionalize their Raising the Obviously, this year is a challenge. So remembering those in need represents a underway to get that money put back Bar contributions and to those that could, the Bar Foundation gathered leaders of poignant call to action for all of us. in the budget, but the message is clear Raise the Bar Higher by increasing by 10 the law firms on May 7 to confront these We at the Bar Foundation echo that – maintaining legal services funding is in percent their commitment for the next challenges and ask for their support. The call. And, leaders of firms, if you have jeopardy. three years. reception was sponsored by Navigant not heard it yet, you will hear it soon. So, what we do as lawyers at this time Since its inception, more than 100 Consulting and held in the Comisky Steve Bizar, chair of the Raising the Bar of trouble is doubly important. It really local law firms have participated in the Center courtesy of Blank Rome LLP. Campaign and Bar Foundation trustee, counts. Campaign, and their pledges have totaled We invited Steve Korman to speak. We will call you and ask that your firm pledge The Philadelphia Bar Foundation has more than $4 million. And last year, 27 did so because while his company, like to the Raising the Bar campaign at least set a goal to maintain the funding it gives firms agreed to Raise the Bar Higher. our firms, faces challenges, he remains an at the rate originally proposed by Alan to the legal services agencies at last year’s There are several ways for a law firm to outspoken supporter of people, fami- Feldman back in 2006. And for those levels. It is critical we meet that goal, contribute to Raising the Bar. Firms can lies and their livelihoods in the current who may be able to do more, we ask that and we will need support to do so. The make direct donations to the Philadel- economy. Some may remember when the you consider it, especially this year. For economic downturn worsened, Korman you can be assured, what your firm does, ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY / ETHICS MATTERS took out full-page ads in The New York counts. Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer to urge companies and firms, in deciding Amy B. Ginensky, a partner at Pepper Ham- their game plans, to remember, as much ilton LLP, is president of the Philadelphia Bar as feasible, the needs of their employ- Foundation.
Bar Foundation Golf Classic June 22 The Philadelphia Bar Foundation’s ($15,000) get a banner hung at clubhouse 21st Annual Golf Classic is moving to a entrance; name on the front cover of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey matters No charge for initial consultation new location. souvenir program as sponsor of the event; Representation, consultation and expert testimony in matters The event will be held Monday, June distribution of skills competition prizes to involving ethical issues and the Rules of Professional Conduct 22 at Huntington Valley Country Club winners; eight players plus four additional James C. Schwartzman, Esq. in Huntington Valley, Pa. guests to cocktail reception; and VIP Former Chairman, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Former Federal Prosecutor The general fee for players is $375. parking for golfers. Other levels include Former Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Members of the Young Lawyers Division Tournament Cup/Skills Prize Sponsor Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyers Trust Account Board may play at a discounted fee of $350. ($7,500), Luncheon, Cocktail Buffet, Dana Pirone Carosella, Esq. Price includes all greens fees, golf cart, Reception or Putting Contest Sponsor Representing attorneys in disciplinary/ethics matters for 13 years Author/Speaker on ethics matters lunch, refreshments, dinner and cocktails. ($5,000) and Hole Sponsor ($2,000). For 1818 Market Street, 29th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Several levels of sponsorship are more information, contact Lynne Brown (215) 751-2863 available. Tournament Underwriters at (215) 238-6347.
18 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org Raising the Bar Donors Plenary Tackles Thanked By Foundation Systemic Advocacy
Raising the Bar is the Philadel- Hannon & Palermo, P.C. phia legal community’s most signifi- Harkins Cunningham, LLP n By Ria C. Momblanco cant institutional effort in support of Hoyle, Fickler, Herschel & Mathes Marsha Levick the Bar Foundation and its network LLP In 1999 and in 2007, the Juvenile described the various of non-profit legal services provid- Kirschner & Gartrell, P.C. Law Center received two separate and ers. More than 100 local law firms Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP uncannily similar calls concerning chil- strategies employed participate annually and their pledges Kleinbard Bell & Brecker LLP dren in Luzerne County who had been to investigate and since 2006 have totaled more than Kline & Specter, P.C. adjudicated delinquent after appearing $4 million. The following is a list of Kohn, Swift & Graf, P.C. before former Luzerne County President litigate the constitu- contributors: Kolsby, Gordon, Robin, Shore & Judge Mark Ciavarella – without counsel Bezar tional rights violations and without being adequately informed Abrams & Ingersoll, LLP Kovler and Rush, P.C. of their constitutional right to an at- occurring in Luzerne Alva & Azzarano, LLP Littler Mendelson, P.C. Anapol, Schwartz, Weiss, Cohan, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Cole- torney. County. Feldman & Smalley, P.C. man & Goggin Although the JLC achieved a reversal Archer & Greiner, P.C. Martin, Banks, Pond, Lehocky & of the adjudications in both instances, the Churchill, of counsel at the Public Inter- Badey, Sloan & DiGenova, P.C. Wilson 2007 phone call prompted the JLC to est Law Center of Philadelphia; Mark Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, Law Office of Anne S. Maxwell conclude that more needed to be done. Murphy, legal director of the Disability LLP McCann & Geschke, P.C. The fact that both of these strangely simi- Rights Network; Janet Stotland, co-direc- Bazelon, Less & Feldman, P.C. McCarter & English, LLP lar cases had occurred before Ciavarella tor of the Education Law Center; along Berger & Montague, LLP McEldrew & Fullam, P.C raised a red-flag that there might be a with moderator Angus Love, executive Blank Rome, LLP Messa & Associates, P.C. need for a “systems change” with respect director of the Pennsylvania Institutional Booth & Tucker, LLP Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & to the treatment of juvenile defendants in Law Project, hailed the JLC’s efforts as Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Rhoads, LLP Luzerne County. exemplifying the paradigm of systemic Sandler Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP The JLC’s further efforts resulted in the advocacy. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen and LLP well-publicized Pennsylvania Supreme According to Love, the first step in Pokotilow, Ltd. Pansini & Mezrow Court order to vacate the adjudications executing that paradigm is to recognize Chimicles & Tikellis LLP Pepper Hamilton, LLP and expunge the records of a large class patterns of bad conduct amidst what may Law Offices of Lenard A. Cohen Post & Schell, P.C. of youth who appeared before Ciavarella be an overwhelming swell of individual The Colleran Firm Raynes McCarty between 2003 and 2008. cases. In the case of Luzerne County, it Conrad O’Brien Gellman & Rohn, Reed Smith LLP At the April 29 Public Interest Section was the recurring pattern of behavior in P.C. Ross Feller Casey, LLP plenary program on systemic advocacy, Ciavarella’s courtroom that alerted the Cozen O’Connor Sacchetta & Baldino Marsha Levick, deputy director and chief JLC to the need to further investigate Dashevsky, Horwitz, Kuhn & No- Law Office of Jeffrey S. Saltz, P.C. counsel of the JLC, described the various Luzerne County’s Juvenile Court system. vello, P.C. Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky, strategies employed to investigate and The next step, according to Carr, is to Dechert, LLP P.C. litigate the constitutional rights violations communicate and connect with those DLA Piper US LLP Saul Ewing LLP occurring in Luzerne County. who may be able to help with gathering Donovan Searles Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Seidel Weitz Garfinkle & Datz, LLP Panelists Cathy Carr, executive director more information. For example, when Duane Morris LLP Shaffer & Gaier, LLC of Community Legal Services; Michael continued on page 24 Duca and Prim Sheridan & Murray Duffy + Partners Shrager, Spivey & Sachs Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, Law Offices of David T Shulick 3ĖĔĠģĕĤ.ĒğĒĘĖĞĖğĥ]3ĖĔĠģĕĤ4ĥĠģĒĘĖ LLC Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisen- Smyler & Gentile berg and Jeck, P.C. Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. Law Offices of Sharon M. Erwin, Law Offices of Howard M. Soloman LLC Stevens & Lee, P.C. 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philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 19 More than 1,200 Run to Benefit Support Center
More than 1,200 runners and walkers braved rain, cool temperatures and breezy conditions to participate in the 30th Annual 5K Run/Walk on May 17 along Martin Luther King Drive. The event raises funds for the Support Center for Child Advocates.
Runners used umbrellas and coffee before the Emily Lawrence, Steven Reynolds and their son Edward P. Kelly ran the race while son Jack and race to stay warm and dry. Jack Lawrence Reynolds keep dry before the race. wife Rebecca walked the course.
Neill Clark (left) was the overall winner of the event while Judi Cassel (right) was the first woman to cross the finish line. Members of the Family Law Section (above)
donned t-shirts and participated as a group. Photos by Jeff Lyons
20 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org Board Adopts Budget, Civil Gideon Resolution
n By Brian K. Sims lor’s Task Force to prepare a report to be 2009 Philadelphia Bar Association Budget presented to the Board of Governors de- Sources of Funds Two resolutions and a new budget tailing the ways in which the Philadelphia were adopted by the Association’s Board Bar Association can pursue and imple- Membership Dues...... $2,367,471 of Governors on April 30. The new ment the goals outlined in the resolution. Lawyer Referral Service...... 385,000 budget was presented as a result of the The measure was presented by Joseph A. Committee Programs...... 16,500 current economic climate and covers the Sullivan and Andrew Susko. Publications...... 335,000 remaining eight months of the fiscal year. “The Bar’s official position in sup- Interest and Dividends...... 70,000 Royalty Agreement...... 436,000 Chancellor Sayde Ladov said the new port of Civil Gideon is now firm for Loss Control Royalty...... 120,000 budget better reflects the economic reali- the entire legal community to see,” said Juristaff...... 38,333 ties of the current fiscal crisis, as well as Ladov. “We will move on to the imple- Management Fee...... 15,000 a number of cost-cutting measures that mentation phase. I am very proud of the Special Events...... 229,343 were undertaken within the Associa- Civil Gideon Task Force and the Board of YLD Program...... 15,000 tion in order to continue to provide a Governors of the Bar Association.” Law Practice Management...... 4,500 full range of services to the Association’s The second resolution that was pre- Outside Groups...... 57,500 membership. sented to the Board, and subsequently Other Income (including catering and reproduction costs)...... 104,500 The first resolution calls for the provi- adopted, was presented by Kim Jessum Total Revenue...... $4,194,147 sion of legal counsel for indigent persons and Leslie Greenspan of the Intellectual in civil matters where basic human needs Property Committee and regarded the Application of Funds are at stake. Otherwise known as “Civil Patent Pilot Program within the Federal Lawyer Referral...... 74,250 Gideon,” the resolution was presented Court system. Committee Activities...... 42,000 by a special Task Force convened by Introduced to the House and the Sen- Meeting Services and Special Events...... 402,508 Chancellor Ladov at the beginning of ate earlier this year, the legislation seeks to Communications...... 12,190 her tenure and designated by her as one provide funds to select federal courts to Affiliate Programs (VIP and DLSC)...... 141,279 of the cornerstones of her agenda for the help further increase the level of exper- Legal Services...... 7,450 year. tise of judges handling patent cases. The Law Practice Management...... 2,400 According to the language of the purpose is to recognize the complexity of Publications...... 15,460 resolution, “the Philadelphia Bar Associa- litigating patent cases and to “establish Member Services...... 89,950 tion believes and therefore declares that a pilot program in the district courts Executive...... 247,357 representation by counsel in certain civil handling the largest number of patent Finance and Administration...... 201,761 cases should exist as a matter of right and cases under which judges in those district YLD Program...... 55,000 at public expense to low income persons courts could opt-in to handle patent Overhead...... 273,140 in those categories of adversarial proceed- cases.” Rent...... 70,000 ings where basic human needs are at Currently, the U.S. District Court Total Program Services...... 1,634,745 stake.” Those areas of concern which were for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Support Services included in the Resolution include “ter- ranks among the 15 districts in which the Employee Salaries...... 1,560,029 mination of parental rights or complete largest number of patent cases were filed LRIS Salaries...... 239,708 loss of custodial rights and proceedings up through March 2008 and is believed Employee Benefits...... 635,874 involving housing and otherwise placing to be among the 15 districts in which the LRIS Benefits...... 74,275 basic sustenance at risk.” largest number of patent cases were filed Stationery, Postage and Office Expense...... 49,400 The resolution calls upon the Chancel- in the entire year of 2008. Total Support Services...... 2,559,286
Total Expenses...... 4,194,031 Change in Net Assets...... $116 /0$)6.40/1$
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Koller Alan Nochumson Natalie Klyashtorny Providing a full range of dispute resolution services to clients involved in any type of commercial dispute, including clients in the construction, 8FBSFUSVTUFECZPVSQFFSTGPSQSPWJEJOHBGGPSEBCMF TVQFSJPSMFHBM real estate, manufacturing, investment, insurance, banking and other SFQSFTFOUBUJPOGPSUIFNBOEUIFJSDMJFOUT GSJFOETBOEGBNJMZNFNCFST service industries, and in the legal, accounting and health professions. 3&'&33"-'&&41"*% 233 Righters Mill Road | Gladwyne, PA 19035 LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT WWW.NOCHUMSON.COM 610-649-4972 | FAX: 610-649-7448 | [email protected] www.davidactonlaw.com 8BMOVU4USFFU]4VJUF]1IJMBEFMQIJB 1"] ]DPOUBDU!OPDIVNTPODPN philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 21 VIP Honors Brennan In Their Own Words This month Philadelphia VIP recognizes Meredith Brennan, an associate with Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, for her outstanding volunteer assistance to VIP clients. Orphans’ Court Needs Volunteers Brennan serves VIP’s clients as a family law vol- unteer and mentor. While resources with which to pay for legal month. Copies of this manual will be working on her own pro n By Gordon Wase services. And even if they have finan- given to each volunteer. bono family law cases, cial resources, they lack the capacity With all of this in place, the Section Brennan is always avail- Several times each month, the to enter into a fee agreement. So the posted an invitation for volunteers on able to mentor attorneys judges of the Philadelphia Orphans’ court will closely oversee the amount the Section Listserv on April 29. In the in complicated custody or Court face the recurring problem of of fees paid, even where monies are next week, we received 28 “sign-me- other family law matters. finding an attorney to represent an otherwise available. up” responses from members of the In addition, Brennan alleged incapacitated person unable to It is fitting that the Probate and bar willing to serve when called. This is a member of the newly find counsel for themselves, or finding Trust Law Section has stepped forward list of volunteers is being provided to formed VIP Family Law Brennan a responsible party to serve as guardian to fill this need. Assuming that at- the Orphans’ Court, and it is expected Advisory Council. The of an adjudicated incapacitated person torneys could be found to volunteer that the volunteers will be called upon, Council includes mentor attorneys committed to with no suitable relatives or friends. for this service if we could make the as needed, in the sequence their names developing best practices to assist VIP’s growing Representing an allegedly inca- task less daunting, the Section’s Elder were received. pool of family law volunteers, many of whom are pacitated person can be very simple Law Committee found six committee To become a volunteer, e-mail your taking cases outside of their familiar subject area. and straightforward, or it can be members with significant guardian- name and contact data to gordon. She has helped prepare materials for and pre- very demanding, depending upon ship experience to agree to serve as [email protected]. We will send you sented at VIP’s last two Custody Law trainings, the condition of the person and the on-call mentors to provide guidance a confirmation letter, a copy of the and recently represented the Family Law Advisory circumstances of the case. Likewise, to the volunteers. These six mentors guardianship manual and a short list Council at VIP’s April Divorce Law training. the guardianship of a person and their are Keelin Barry, Anne Maxwell, Rise of experienced guardian attorneys you It is both the quality of her work and Brennan’s estate can present a wide variety of Newman, Suzanne Pritchard, Howard can call for help and guidance as you eagerness to be helpful that makes her volunteer legal and ethical issues. These can be Soloman and myself. Additionally, help the court and the needy elderly. work for VIP stand out. It is a great service to take mundane or fascinating assignments, a sub-committee of the Elder Law a pro bono case, it is a step beyond to encourage but, of course, there is this one small Committee has been working for Gordon Wase ([email protected]), and support other attorneys in doing the same. problem. some time on a guardianship manual a member of Wase & Wase, is a member of VIP is honoring Brennan for helping to expand Often, although not always, the that is so near completion, its authors the executive committee of the Probate and the culture of pro bono, particularly in family law, person needing help has little or no hope to publish it within the next Trust Law Section. within the Philadelphia legal community.
Make Sure Your Professional Announcements Frontline do this through acts of service to our continued from page 3 community and to one another. Are As Professional As You Are! Notwithstanding the economic cover all aspects of the law, from trends to uncertainty, I am convinced that the trials, from case analysis to opinion pieces. Philadelphia Bar Association remains on From comments and feedback, we the cutting edge of service to its members know that this online publication, man- and the community. aged and edited by the Bar Association’s I am also certain that I can count on staff attorney Brian Sims, has successfully you, the members, to continue to serve The Philadelphia Bar filled a niche desired by attorneys across with me. Reporter reaches over this region. In fact, several other Bar Asso- ciations have expressed interest in creating Sayde J. Ladov, a principal with Offit- 3.5 times as many similar online publications. Kurman, is Chancellor of the Philadelphia professionals within the Most of you have heard me speak of Bar Association. Her e-mail address is chancel- greater Philadelphia Tikun Olam, a Hebrew phrase which [email protected]. essentially means healing the world. We Announcements honoring new partners, legal community as any promotions, and accomplishments are other legal publication. some of your firm’s most important And PBR’s one-month public relations tools. shelf life means your Primary their ongoing efforts.” continued from page 1 The Judicial Commission’s findings important message won’t were called “a deciding factor” by The Shouldn’t your next important wind up in the trash on the hard work they did was followed by Philadelphia Inquirer in a May 8 editorial announcement run in the the same day it appears! the voters. I do think the citizens pay urging readers to consult with the Judicial attention to the Judicial Commission’s Commission before voting. publication of record for the recommendations because they want the Through television and radio spots, Philadelphia legal community? best people they can get,” Fedullo said. print ads and targeted e-mails, the Com- The Monthly Newspaper of the Philadelphia Bar Association “I am delighted to see that the hard mission worked hard to help educate work of the Judicial Commission reso- voters on judicial candidates in this nated with voters in Philadelphia,” said election. The Judicial Commission’s web For more information please contact Howard Hyatt Chancellor Sayde J. Ladov. “The entire site (electqualifiedjudges.com) included at (410) 902-5797 or [email protected] investigative team and members of the the ratings of the candidates as well as the Commission must be complimented for television commercial that aired.
22 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org Office for Diversity A Conversation Worth Having About Race
I recently had the great privilege to be able to have this By Sean Kathleen Lincoln they got together. ably continue to impact an employee’s of facilitating a discussion among a panel same conversation with Instead of reach- work performance. I can pull myself up of national behavioral health experts white individuals present. ing the “yes” or “no” by my own bootstraps – and have no about the ways to promote and positively We wondered, “Could response, my dinner problem doing so – but if those straps impact mental health. Some panelists people of color have a partner and I talked keep getting cut off, how am I supposed had written journal articles I read while frank and open conversa- about the benefits of to continue to compete and function in graduate school and were pictured tion such as this with this type of conversa- in the same way that my non-minority in newspapers I had seen. This was the people who are white? tion – both socially and colleagues do? How can I have the dis- second time I acted as facilitator for Would people of color in professional settings. cussion with my supervisor if she or he this particular group, and once again I feel the need to shield If not facilitated well or cannot hear me? walked away awed and impressed by the their remarks or be able moderated appropri- Are we, as U. S. Attorney General Eric individuals who choose to work in the to have the same type of ately, conversations such Holder stated, a nation of “cowards” for field of behavioral health. conversations that they as these are frightening our inability to discuss racial and ethnic That evening, I went to dinner at might have with individuals of their same and can create more pain and damage issues? I would go further and also assert the conference center’s restaurant and or similar race?” than good. However, when appropri- our need to discuss gender issues, along ran into one of the panelists. She and I And what would be the results – could ately moderated, these conversations can with issues related to sexual orientation, are of a different race and ethnicity and white individuals handle the comments shed enormous light on organizational disability, religion, and all the other we ended up engaging in a lively and that are sometimes made about them in and institutional “isms” and can create “isms.” It is important to discuss not only animated discussion about our respec- this type of discussion? I also wondered healthier, and thereby more productive, how these issues impact our lives off the tive races – similarities and differences, this about other “diverse” groups. For work environments. job, but also how they impact our lives on cultures of origin, etc. I had the wonder- example, could LGBT individuals have a As a diversity and inclusion profes- the job. ful opportunity to be educated about her frank conversation with straight individu- sional, I can create all the programming I recently attended a conference where culture and her ethnicity and will carry als present? Could individuals who are desired to enhance different diversities a woman of color commented that this knowledge forward in all my diversity religious minorities, for example Mus- organizationally. However, if institutional she overheard a discussion among the and inclusion work. lims, have the same conversation with “isms” are not addressed, they will prob- continued on page 26 We both acknowledged how important Christians present? it is to be able to have this type of conver- Parenthetically, I had a white colleague sation with an individual of another race. in graduate school who wondered if the INCORPORATION And we wondered what it would be like black students talked about her when AND Meeting the Media LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY FORMATION CONVENIENT, COURTEOUS SAME DAY SERVICE
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CORPORATE STATUS REPORTS UCC, LIEN AND JUDGMENT SEARCH SERVICES DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL SERVICES Photo by Mike Mountain Board of Governors Chair Gaetan Alfano meets Fox29 meteorologist Sue M. BURR KEIM COMPANY Serio at a “Meet the Italian-American Media” program on April 22 at City SERVING THE LEGAL PROFESSION SINCE 1931 Hall. The program was sponsored by the Bar News-Media Committee and The Justinian Society. Other media guests included Joanne Calabria, vice president public affairs CBS 3; Pat Ciarrocchi, news anchor, CBS 3; Dr. 2021 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 Mike Cirigliano, health correspondent for FOX 29; Joe De Felice of The Italian Tribune Delaware Valley Presence; Stephanie Esposito, reporter, PHONE: (215) 563-8113 WFMZ Channel 69 News; Anthony Gargano, sports talk radio host, 610 AM FAX: (215) 977-9386 WIP; Marnie Hall, gossip columnist, Philly.com; Gina Passarella, reporter, The Legal Intelligencer; and Letizia Rubino, news producer, NBC 10. WWW.MBURRKEIM.COM
philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 23 Sunah in the City No Rest for the Weary with BlackBerry on Trip
It doesn’t seem right to talk about mails on my BlackBerry. By Sunah Park present state of the econ- I have a problem letting go of my “duty.” vacations in this economic climate, but While on the Bacardi omy doesn’t take away My problem developed over the years as I will. I know many lawyers who are not Rum tour, I checked my from the fact that when my BlackBerry became my most constant taking any vacations because they fear e-mails and found out you work hard, you still traveling companion. In years past, I have they will not have a job when they come that I may have a new need to take a break ev- taken fabulous vacations in Italy, Curacao back. Or those who will abstain this year client. While in the El ery once in a while. How and Paris, but I realized that was only so because money is tight and they’re not Yunque Rainforest (yes, I admire and envy the because either I didn’t have a BlackBerry banking on as steady a stream of income there’s BlackBerry recep- lawyer who truly knows then or I didn’t get reception on my as they used to. These are eminently valid tion in the rainforest!), I how to enjoy a vacation BlackBerry. Unfortunately, I had recep- reasons for not taking a vacation. But in checked my e-mails and from work. That lawyer tion on my BlackBerry in Puerto Rico. spite of what is happening around us, found out that a Rule recognizes that our The end result of my “working” vaca- I think many of us still need to take a 16 hearing had been work is vital to us in so tion is a need for a real vacation. That’s vacation. scheduled in a new case. many ways but so is our how I’m justifying going on a cruise I recently went to Puerto Rico for While touring the Fort San Cristobal, I mental well-being. And maintaining our with my family. I was told there would three days because I needed to go. I’m not checked my e-mails and found out that mental well-being is especially critical in be no BlackBerry reception on the ship. calling it a vacation because I consider a defendant was evading service of a these times. Unfortunately, there will be a computer three days too short for a real vacation. complaint I had recently filed. Basically, I I have to admit that I worked during available for Internet use for a price. I will Moreover, I wouldn’t call those three days found out that I have no trouble with the those three days because a part of me felt just have to decide on the cruise whether a vacation because a vacation is defined as traveling part of a vacation but I have big guilty about taking off from work. As that price is too high. “a period of suspension of work usually problems with suspending work for rest we all know, there are so many lawyers used for rest, recreation or travel” or “free- or recreation. without a job right now – it didn’t seem Sunah Park, a partner at Thorp Reed & dom or release from duty.” Yes, I traveled No doubt there are bigger problems in fair that I take time off from work when Armstrong, LLP, is editor-in-chief of the Phila- to Puerto Rico, but there wasn’t one hour the world and in our backyard than not so many are looking for work. But, I also delphia Bar Reporter. that went by when I didn’t check my e- knowing how to take a vacation. But the worked during those three days because
Plenary Court, Phillies Celebrate Jury Service continued from page 19
investigating Luzerne County, the JLC worked closely with the Juvenile Court Judges Division’s research arm. That col- laboration unearthed significant statistics – used later in the JLC’s petition to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court – that dem- onstrated that Luzerne County’s Juvenile Court had a rate of waiver of counsel that was approximately 5 to 10 times higher than the state average. Churchill said that the model for achieving systems change also recognizes that it is seldom the case that only one public interest organization, working alone, can achieve change. “It takes out- siders,” said Churchill. He suggested that one way to draw outsiders is to expose the system’s practices and bring public pressure upon those practices. Stotland and Murphy concluded the panel presentation by noting that bring- ing about systems change does not neces- sarily end with a court victory. Often, legislative advocacy involving the joint The Phillie Phanatic dances with Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge efforts of several public interest groups is Jacqueline Allen at Juror Appreciation Day at the Criminal Justice Center on necessary in order to ensure that a court May 14. The program, which thanks jurors for performing their civic duty, also victory will result in true reform. featured remarks from Mayor Michael Nutter (top right) and Phillies Execu- tive Vice President Michael Stiles (right), a former judge and U.S. Attorney. The program was sponsored by the First Judicial District and Pennsylvanians for Ria C. Momblanco, an associate with Fine,
Modern Courts. Photos by Jeff Lyons Kaplan and Black, R.P.C., is an associate edi- tor of the Philadelphia Bar Reporter.
24 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org delivered to the lender 10 days before the Awards conciliation conference. continued from page 1 Special conciliation conferences are held weekly where volunteer lawyers or program specifically targeted to solo and private attorneys gather with their and small firm lawyers. clients, housing counselors and lenders “Our Philadelphia Bar Association to work out affordable loan modification fulfills its dual mission to serve the profes- or repayment plans. Judges and judges sion and the community each and every pro tem (also volunteers) are on hand to day,” said Chancellor Sayde J. Ladov. work out compromises as needed. The “There is no higher accolade than wining Bar Association has played a key role the Harrison Tweed Award. This award, by recruiting and training hundreds of which exemplifies the spirit of coopera- volunteer attorneys assisting homeowners tion between bench and bar, honors the and judges pro tem who preside at the work of the Bar Association, VIP and weekly conferences. Judge Annette Rizzo for its foreclosure This is the fourth time the Philadelphia program that is receiving worldwide at- Bar Association has been recognized with tention. The Bar is humbled to have been the Tweed Award. In 1996, the Associa-
singled out by the ABA for this honor,” Photo by Jeff Lyons tion received the honor for its efforts in she said. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Annette Rizzo (left) is joined by obtaining $2 million in state funding for “We are very pleased to receive the Philadelphia VIP Executive Director Sara Woods at Community Legal Services’ legal services, sensitizing a key senator Solo and Small Firm Project Award from Breakfast of Champions on May 12. Judge Rizzo was honored by CLS for her about legal services and developing ad- work with the Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Pilot Program. the ABA,” said Law Practice Management ditional funding sources for local public Division Co-Chair Mary F. Platt. “It is ence of Bar Presidents, National Asso- nicipalities have turned to the Philadel- service programs. truly a great honor. All the credit goes ciation of Bar Executives and National phia program as a model for their own. In 1988, the Bar was honored for to those who worked so hard to launch Conference of Bar Foundations. Once a mortgage foreclosure com- the outstanding leadership and sup- the Law Practice Management Division, As the number of mortgage foreclosure plaint is filed in Common Pleas Court, port given in revitalizing and expanding including the Solo and Small Firm Com- filings reached record levels in 2008, the homeowners receive a conciliation Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent mittee. leadership of the Philadelphia courts conference date and are urged to call the Program which markedly increased the “Former Chancellor Alan Feldman and turned to the Mortgage Foreclosure Save Your Home Philly Hotline. When availability of high-quality legal services former Board Chair Debbie Weinstein Steering Committee, chaired by former homeowners call, they are given an for the needy. And in 1970, the Bar was conceived the idea and worked tirelessly Court of Common Pleas President Judge appointment with a housing counselor. honored for developing and maintaining with Carl Roberts, Joe Prim and Dan C. Darnell Jones II and Judge Annette M. Homeowners work with the counselor a broad program of legal aid and defender Siegel to make it a reality. We owe all of Rizzo. The committee includes represen- to develop a new finance plan that is services. these lawyers a big thank you,” Platt said. tatives from the City Solicitor’s Office, The Tweed Award was created in 1956 Sheriff’s Office, attorneys representing to recognize the extraordinary achieve- lenders and borrowers, housing and ments of bar associations in increasing community activists and committees and access to justice for the poor. The award, Philadelphia Bar Association members. A MILLION CHOICES, given annually by the ABA Standing Together, they formed the Residential Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Pilot A MILLION VOICES Defendants and the National Legal Aid Program. Since its introduction in June and Defender Association, is presented 2008, the program has enabled nearly Media Two can help you rise above the noise and be heard. during the ABA Annual Meeting at a 1,000 low-income Philadelphia home- joint luncheon of the National Confer- owners to keep their homes. Other mu- THE PHILADELPHIA With more than a decade of experience in LAWYER custom publishing, Media Two will work The State of Brandeis Scholarship Child Abuse and with you to develop and deploy customized Child Advocacy By Frank Cervone messages that target specific audiences.
W 30th Annual Bar Run Specialty magazines or newspapers Benefi ts the Support Center for Child Advocates W Print and web-based directories W Online digital publications W Web sites and e-newsletters W Value-added marketing programs W Customer newsletters W Collateral marketing materials
Custom Media & Marketing Involve, Influence, Inform, In Print, Online
For information on how Media Two can Chancellor Sayde J. Ladov recently chaired the Brandeis Law Foundation work for your business please contact: luncheon marking the presentation of the Abraham J. Gafni Scholarship Jonathan Witty, President to a deserving Philadelphia law student. The Foundation is the charitable (443) 909-7820 arm of the Brandeis Law Society. Shown (from left) are Brandeis Founda- [email protected] tion President Mayer Horwitz, Chancellor Ladov, scholarship winner Gadi Dotz of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and former Philadelphia 410-828-0120 | www.mediatwo.com Common Pleas Court Judge Abraham J. Gafni.
philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 25 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Note: While the following listings have been verified prior to press time, any scheduled Board Room. tee: meeting, 12 p.m. 10th floor Board event may be subject to change by the committee or section chairs. Employee Benefits Committee: meet- Room. ing, 12:30 p.m., 11th floor Committee Wednesday, June 24 Monday, June 1 Tuesday, June 9 Room South. Lunch: $8. Medical Legal Committee: meeting, 12 Family Law Section: meeting, 12 p.m., Criminal Justice Section Executive Com- Wednesday, June 17 p.m., 11th floor Conference Center. 10th floor Board Room. Lunch: $8. mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor Workers’ Compensation Section Execu- Lunch: $8. Civil Rights Committee: meeting, 12 Board Room. tive Committee: meeting, 10:30 a.m., Professional Responsibility Committee: p.m., 11th floor Conference Center. Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon: 12 11th floor Committee Room South. meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Lunch: $8. p.m., Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Workers’ Compensation Section: meet- Room. Lunch: $8. Bellevue, Broad and Walnut streets. Tuesday, June 2 ing, 12 p.m., 11th floor Conference Delivery of Legal Services Committee: Tickets: philadelphiabar.org. Philadelphia Bar Foundation Board of Center. Lunch: $8. meeting, 2:30 p.m., 11th floor Confer- Trustees: meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor Wednesday, June 10 Federal Courts Committee: meeting, ence Center. Women in Intellectual Property Com- 12:30 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. Board Room. Thursday, June 25 Alternative Dispute Resolution Commit- mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Lunch: $8. Lawyer Referral and Information Service tee: meeting, 12:15 p.m., 11th floor Conference Center. Lunch: $8. Thursday, June 18 Committee: meeting, 12 p.m., 11th Committee Room South. Lunch: $8. Appellate Courts Committee: meet- Family Law Section Executive Com- floor Committee Room South. ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. Wednesday, June 3 mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Labor and Employment Committee: Lunch: $8. Delivery of Legal Services Committee: Committee Room South. meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Confer- meeting, 8:30 a.m., 10th floor Board Thursday, June 11 LPM Technology Committee: meeting, ence Center. Lunch: $8. Room. Legislative Liaison Committee: meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Conference Center. Elder Law Committee: meeting, 1 p.m., State Civil Litigation Section: meeting, 12:30 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. Lunch: $8. 10th floor Board Room. Lunch: $8. 12 p.m., 11th floor Conference Center. Lunch: $8. Friday, June 19 Board of Governors: meeting, 4 p.m., Government and Public Service Lawyers Lunch: $8. Social Security Disability Benefits Com- 10th floor Board Room. Intellectual Property Committee: meet- Committee: meeting, 12:30 p.m., 11th mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Friday, June 26 ing, 12 p.m., 11th floor Committee floor Committee Room South. Lunch: Conference Center. Lunch: $8. Law School Outreach Committee: meet- Room South. Lunch: $8. $8. Law School Outreach Committee: meet- ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. Advancing Civics Education Commit- Friday, June 12 ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. tee: meeting, 12 p.m. 10th floor Board Monday, June 29 Federal Bench-Bar Conference: 8 a.m., Room. Monday, June 22 Minorities in the Profession Committee: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 YLD Executive Committee: meeting, 12 meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Confer- Thursday, June 4 Market St. p.m., 10th floor Board Room. ence Center. Lunch: $8. Health Care Law Committee: Law School Outreach Committee: meet- meet- Solo and Small Firm Committee: meet- Tuesday, June 30 ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. ing, 12 p.m., 11th floor Conference Criminal Justice Section: Lunch: $8.50. Monday, June 15 Center. Lunch: $8. meeting, 12 Attorney Career Development Com- p.m., 11th floor Conference Center. Public Interest Section Executive Com- Philadelphia Bar Foundation Golf Clas- mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 11th floor Lunch: $8. mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor sic: 10:30 a.m., Huntingdon Valley Conference Center. Lunch: $8. Women in the Profession Committee: Board Room. Golf Club, Huntingdon Valley, Pa. meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Friday, June 5 Young Lawyers Division Cabinet: meet- Tuesday, June 23 Room. Lunch: $8. LGBT Rights Committee: meeting, 8:30 ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Cabinet Room. Advancing Civics Education Commit- a.m., 10th floor Board Room. Law Practice Management Division Law School Outreach Committee: meet- Executive Committee: meeting, 12 p.m., Register online for most events at philadelphiabar.org. Unless otherwise specified, all checks ing, 12 p.m., 10th floor Board Room. 11th floor Committee Room South. for luncheons and programs should be made payable to the Philadelphia Bar Association and Monday, June 8 Tuesday, June 16 mailed to Bar Headquarters, 1101 Market St., 11th fl., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107-2955. Send Business Law Section Executive Com- Section Chairs: meeting, 8:30 a.m., Bar Association-related calendar items 30 days in advance to Managing Editor, Philadelphia mittee: meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor 10th floor Board Room. Bar Reporter, Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107-2955. Board Room. Cabinet: meeting, 12 p.m., 10th floor Fax: (215) 238-1159. E-mail: [email protected].
elaborate on the rest. Mr. Holder also to its lack of inclusion. I believe that a couple of my co-workers who reviewed Diversity stated: “Perhaps the greatest strength diversity and inclusion are an impor- this article prior to publication. This led continued from page 23 of the United States is the diversity of tant contribution to the mission of an to our own internal discussion on the its people and to truly understand this organization and should be linked to use of this term, as well as “white folks,” partners regarding the associates. She was country one must have knowledge of its stated business goals and objectives. And “black folks” and “black people” – the struck by the fact that discussion about constituent parts. But an unstudied, not I believe that diversity programming different connotations as well as internal a white male centered on his potential in discussed and ultimately misunderstood that is appropriately matched with the reactions that each elicited. Although spite of his many acknowledged mistakes. diversity can become a divisive force.” organizational culture can yield signifi- abbreviated, we are having that con- However, the attorneys of color were not Finally, let me restate some positions cant benefits for all employees, not just versation. We hope you join us in this granted this same leeway regarding errors that I have previously mentioned. I those who are traditionally thought of as dialogue. and were not seen as having the same believe that employees, irrespective of “diverse,” thereby enhancing business and potential. their diversities, are hired to do a job and the organization. Sean Kathleen Lincoln, Ph.D., is Director of Unfortunately, the media focused should do it. But I also acknowledge that Aside: Initially, I had written “white the Office for Diversity for the Philadelphia rather exclusively on Mr. Holder’s one there are times when the work environ- people” instead of white individuals and Bar Association. Comments may be sent to sentence regarding cowards and did not ment does not allow this to happen due this created an interesting response with [email protected].
26 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org Abbe F. Fletman, a Robert Rovner, shareholder at Flaster CEO and founder People Greenberg, P.C., has of Rovner, Allen, been nominated to Rovner, Zimmer- become a Fellow man & Nash, has Julia Swain, an asso- Theresa Glennon, of the American been reappointed ciate with Fox Roth- the Jack E. Feinberg Bar Foundation, an as a member of the schild LLP, recently Professor of Law organization of law- Pennsylvania Law- received the “White at Temple Univer- yers, judges, law faculty and legal scholars yers Fund for Client Security Board for Hat Award” from sity Beasley School who are elected by their peers because of a second three-year term by the Pennsyl- the Legal Clinic of Law, has been their outstanding achievements in the vania Supreme Court. Rovner has also for the Disabled at elected to the Board legal profession. been appointed to the Temple University the Seventh An- of Directors of the Board of Trustees. nual LCD Spring Celebration and Silent Education Law Center. James C. Schwartzman, a shareholder Auction on April 16 in honor of Swain’s with Stevens & Lee, has been re-elected Carol Nelson Shepherd, a partner with “dedicated volunteer work on behalf of Judges Correale F. Stevens and Richard to the Board of Directors of Indepen- Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, people with disabilities.” B. Klein of the Pennsylvania Superior dence Blue Cross. Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig, served as a Court recently presented oral argument faculty member for the Pennsylvania Bar Neil A. Stein, a principal with Kaplin to a panel of student judges in an ap- Jay Barry Harris, senior partner at Fine- Institute program “Trial Tactics, Tips and Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C., par- pellate advocacy presentation at Drexel man, Krekstein & Harris, spoke to fellow Techniques” on April 17. ticipated on a panel for Lorman Educa- University Earle Mack School of Law. members at the International Associa- tion Services “Zoning Subdivision and tion of Defense Counsel recent mid-year Scott Schwartz, a member of Cozen Land Development Law” on March 5 in Natalie S. Plum- meeting in Carlsbad, Cal. O’Connor, served as an adjunct profes- Allentown. Stein was the course planner mer, an associate at sor for the Drexel University Antoinette of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s yearly Bennett, Bricklin Patricia M. Dugan, a civil and a Catho- Westphal College of Media Arts & “Real Estate Update” program. & Saltzburg LLP, lic Canon Lawyer, in March chaired Design. He taught Copyrights and Trade- has been appointed and presented the Symposium “Future mark for Entertainment and the Arts Maria A. Feeley, a partner with Pepper to the Board of the Developments in Penal Law: U.S. during the college’s 2009 winter term. Hamilton LLP, has been named one of Camden County Theory and Practice” in Rome, Italy, for He served as a panelist for the discus- Philadelphia’s leading young professionals (N.J.) Boys and Girls members of the Vatican Curia, at the sion “Ten Tips on Trademark Trial and by the Philadelphia Business Journal in its Club. invitation of Archbishop Cocopalmerio, Appeal Board Practice,” sponsored by the annual “40 Under 40” list. president of the Pontifical Council for Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Intellectual Gina F. Rubel, president and CEO of Fu- Legislative Texts. Property Law Institute on March 19. Kevin E. Raphael, a partner with Pietra- ria Rubel Communications, was honored gallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, by the National Italian-American Politi- Matthew DiClemente, a partner with Evan Y. Liu, M.D., of Feldman, Shepherd, LLP presented two programs at the cal Action Committee with its Special Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Pennsylvania Bar Institute 15th Annual Achievement Award in Legal Communi- was honored as a Rising Star of Mutual Dodig, has been elected co-chair of the Health Law Institute. cations and Media. Funds in 2009 by Institutional Investor Community Outreach Committee of the News at the 16th annual Mutual Fund Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Rhonda Hill Wilson, principal in the Law Michael S. Harrington, a partner with Fox Industry Awards in New York. Pennsylvania. Offices of Rhonda Hill Wilson, P.C., re- Rothschild LLP, spoke at the 4th Annual cently served as vice-chair for the United Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise Jill Friedman, a member of the pro bono Michael F. Schleigh of the Law Offices Negro College Fund’s inaugural Yesterday Conference on March 26-27. program and an adjunct professor at Rut- of Deasey, Mahoney and Valentini has for Tomorrow – A Celebration for Black gers University School of Law – Camden, been appointed to fill a vacancy on the History Reception at the Pyramid Club. Joanne Fishman of Jacobs & Fishman, has been elected to the Board of Directors Borough of Lansdowne Council. P.C. has been elected president of the of Camden’s LEAP Academy University Patrick Kingsley and Jeffrey Grossman, Lawyers’ Club of Philadelphia. Charter School. Friedman directs the law Gary Schildhorn, a partners with Stradley Ronon Stevens school’s Street Law Pro Bono Project and member of Eckert & Young, LLP, have been appointed as Thomas J. Duffy, a member of Duffy other community law-related education Seamans Cherin chairs to two Defense Research Institute + Partners, has been named the “2009 projects. & Mellott, LLC, fidelity surety law subcommittees. Champion in the Community” by Ma- moderated a panel gee Rehabilitation in honor of his firm’s Doreen Y. Trujillo, a member of Cozen discussion as part of Lynn A. Marks, executive director of support of Magee’s patients and pro- O’Connor, has authored a chapter in Bankruptcy in 2009: Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, re- grams, most notably Magee’s Wheelchair Inside the Minds: Global Patent Prosecu- Practical Challenges, ceived a Gavel Award from Community Sports League. tion, published by Aspatore Books. The Scholarly Responses – The 2009 Temple College of Philadelphia’s Center for Law text is an insider’s perspective on the Law Review Symposium on April 16. and Society on March 3 at its Law and Bruce Bellingham, an associate with development of a global patent strategy Society Awards Luncheon. Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C., has been in order to effectively manage intellectual nNames ARE NEWS named recipient of the Philadelphia Vol- property. Bart Cassidy and Brett Slensky of unteer Lawyers for the Arts Volunteer of “People” highlights news of members’ Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP, ad- the Year award from the Arts & Business Neil A. Morris, a partner with Archer & awards, honors or appointments of a community or civic nature. Information dressed industry representatives, business Council of Greater Philadelphia. Greiner, P.C., has been appointed as Spe- may be sent to Jeff Lyons, Senior Manag- owners, environmental managers and cial Counsel for labor negotiations for the ing Editor, Philadelphia Bar Reporter, Claudia Springer Scott Esterbrook Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pa. others at the Pennsylvania Chamber of and Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Business and Industry’s Environmental of Reed Smith LLP were recognized for St., 11th fl., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107-2955. and Energy Conference and Trade Show: leading a team of attorneys for their work Howard D. Scher, co-managing share- Fax: (215) 238-1159. E-mail: reporter@ Climate Change and Reducing Your on the acquisition of Boscov’s Inc. by holder of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney philabar.org. Color photos are also Carbon Footprint on April 7 and 8 in BLF Acquisitions Inc., a deal valued in PC, was recently nominated to become a welcome. Lancaster, Pa. excess of $100 million. Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. philadelphiabar.org June 2009 Philadelphia Bar Reporter 27 BarReporter_JLC4159_GMT:GMT_Master 10/27/08 12:37 PM Page 1
28 Philadelphia Bar Reporter June 2009 philadelphiabar.org