People in the News—March 18, 2019—Schnader Harrison

Aleeza Furman | March 18, 2019

Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis supported the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Pennsylvania’s drive to collect warm blankets and winter coats.

New Partners 2019

The Legal Intelligencer| March 18, 2019

James P. Anelli Firm: White and Williams Location: Philadelphia Born: 1959 Practice Areas: Labor and Employment Partnership Date: Nov. 1, 2018 Career:…

More Notable Lateral Hires: The 2018 Runners-Up

Kristie Rearick | March 16, 2019

The top 10 list included several important hires across the state. But those weren’t the only moves worth noting. There were 10 more shifts that took place over the course of 2018 that deserve a second look.

News

State Rep. Ellis Placed on Leave for Fourth Consecutive Session Week

Michael Riccardi | March 15, 2019

State Rep. Brian Ellis, R-Butler, who is under criminal investigation for sexual assault allegations, on March 11 was placed on leave from the state House of Representatives for a fourth consecutive session week, and has yet to make an appearance in the chamber since taking the oath of office for his eighth term Jan. 1, according to a report on the PennLive website.

Commentary

Preservation: You Can't Produce What You Don't Have

Patrick Kennedy| March 15, 2019

The process of litigation actually begins well before a suit is ever filed. That's why it is so important to understand the rules of preservation as a part of the larger e-discovery picture.

News

Crowded Field Vying for Six Seats on Phila. Common Pleas Bench

Max Mitchell | March 15, 2019

The crowded field is only slightly fewer than the 50 candidates who fought for nine open seats on the Common Pleas bench in 2017, and the 47 candidates who fought for 12 open seats on the Common Pleas bench and three Municipal Court slots in 2015.

Commentary

Adultery and Truthfulness: Testing a Witness' Credibility in Court

Jules Epstein| March 15, 2019

In a trial, or in a Congressional hearing, it is fair to test a witness’ credibility. Congress has no rules of evidence—but those applied at trial are informative and help the discussion of whether Cohen’s having girlfriends while married is fair game.

News

Reed Smith Continues Cultivating Cannabis Practice

Xiumei Dong | March 15, 2019

It’s one of several Pennsylvania-based Am Law 100 and Am Law 200 firms that have spent the past few years honing their abilities to service clients in the marijuana industry.

News

Capitol Report

Michael Riccardi | March 15, 2019

Following is a listing of executive and legislative action for the week of March 11. Both houses of the General Assembly were in recess at press time. The Pennsylvania Senate and state House of Representatives were each scheduled to return to session Monday.

The Top Lateral Hires of 2018

Kristie Rearick | March 15, 2019

In 2018, the trend was to grab large groups—some all at once, and others at a slower pace— which ultimately led to law firms opening their doors to a new office in Philadelphia or adding a larger presence in the Northeast as a whole.

People in the News—March 15, 2019—Baker & Hostetler

Aleeza Furman | March 15, 2019

Baker & Hostetler added Julian D. Perlman to its growing Philadelphia complex litigation and antitrust group.

News

Tenants' class action against NYC buildings flooded by Sandy dismissed

Jason Grant| March 15, 2019

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of tenants at the 2 Gold St. and 201 Pearl St. buildings, both of which were evacuated.

J&J Loses Bid to Remove Phila. Judge From Pelvic Mesh Case, but Another Try Is Pending

Max Mitchell | March 14, 2019

The high court recently denied a motion that Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J, filed seeking to have the justices use their King's Bench jurisdiction to remove Judge Kenneth Powell from hearing the case McFarland v. Ethicon, which is currently ongoing.

Expert Opinion

Ethics Forum: Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

Samuel C. Stretton| March 14, 2019

What are some of the basic things judicial candidates can do and not do during judicial campaigns?

Motorist's Lane Change Caused Crash, Defense Contended

VerdictSearch| March 14, 2019

On Nov. 13, 2015, plaintiff Jerry Vanderlee Jr., a laborer in his mid-30s, was driving on the eastbound side of Route 51, near its intersection at McKenery Drive, in Rostraver.

Commentary

Pa. EQB Petitioned to Implement Cap-and-Trade Regulation for Greenhouse Gases

Jean M. Mosites and Varun Shekhar| March 14, 2019

On Feb. 28, Clean Air Council and Widener Commonwealth Law School Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, among others, resubmitted a petition to the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board.

Commentary

Power of Attorney, Guardianship and Additional Issues in 'Gray Divorces'

Donna M. Marcus| March 14, 2019

The number of people over 50 years of age filing for divorce has been increasing in recent years. It has become so prevalent that the term “gray divorce” is now used to describe such divorces.

Commentary

Fit, Finance and Culture Are Crucial in Recruiting and Retaining Lateral Hires

Timothy Lynch| March 14, 2019

Regardless of their size or geographic presence, firms are faced with higher expenses driven by technology advances, increased client sophistication, and the corresponding challenges of increased security (of documents and communications) needs.

Commentary

Border Wall Won’t Block International Reach of Bankruptcy Avoidance Powers

Francis J. Lawall and Kenneth Listwak| March 14, 2019

Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme and its unraveling is arguably one of the greatest personal tragedies in the history of American financial markets—lives were ruined as Madoff lost his investors roughly $18 billion, according to estimates from the Securities Investor Protection Corp.

Defense: Bar Provided Reasonable Security in Shooting

VerdictSearch| March 14, 2019

On Oct. 18, 2013, plaintiffs' decedent Donald Lowry, 46, was fatally shot by Wesley Richards at JR's Bar, in Pittsburgh. A bouncer intervened, but another patron, Walter Banks, struck the bouncer with a bottle.

News

In Dougherty Case, Government Claims Conflict of Interest Among Defense Lawyers

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 14, 2019

In a memorandum filed March 8 in U.S. district court in Philadelphia, prosecutors alleged that because defendants Marita Crawford and Bobby Henon are represented by the same firm—McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak and Davis—a potential conflict could arise during trial.

Commentary

Process, Procedure and Prosecutorial Misconduct in Stacy Parks Miller Case

Ellen C. Brotman| March 14, 2019

On Feb. 8, former Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller was suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day.

Commentary

One Size Doesn’t Fit All—Two Laterals’ Perspectives on Making the Move

Jane Fearn-Zimmer and Daniel B. Markind| March 14, 2019

A lateral transition can be a positive transformation, if done for the right reasons and with realistic expectations.

News

Court Rejects 'Close Nexus' Arbitration Argument in Dispute Between School, Condo Owner

Zack Needles | March 14, 2019

The Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled that defendants in a suit alleging breaches of two condominium agreements cannot rely on an arbitration clause in one contract to knock claims out of court alleging breaches of a separate contract that does not contain an arbitration clause.

News

Justices Poised to Define 'Self-Employment' Under UC Law

Zack Needles | March 14, 2019

Last August, a divided three-judge Commonwealth Court panel reversed a Department of Labor & Industry adjudication that imposed an unemployment compensation tax on beauty salon A Special Touch for five people who worked there in various positions.

Commentary

Legal Malpractice: Tolling and the Statute of Limitations

Matthew B. Weisberg| March 14, 2019

The legal malpractice negligence statute of limitations is two years. The legal malpractice breach of contract statute of limitations is four years, as in Coleman v. Duane Morris, 58 A.3d 833 (Pa. Super. 2012).

People in the News—March 14, 2019—Cohen Seglias

Aleeza Furman | March 14, 2019

Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman hosted an event to benefit Philabundance as part of the law firm’s 30th anniversary commemoration, in which the firm hosted a series of events benefiting charities in the communities where the firm has offices.

Workers’ comp impact of expanding leave of absence regs

Kimberly George and Mark Walls| March 14, 2019

Workers’ compensation stakeholders face a variety of hurdles trying to navigate and implement leave and accommodation policies.

News

Allegedly Drunken Steamfitter Injured in Crash Entitled to Withheld Medical Benefits

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 13, 2019

The Commonwealth Court held that Powell Mechanical was obligated to pay its employee, Robert Braithwaite, medical expenses the company had withheld after it initially learned of his DUI charge.

News

Court: Mother Sent to ARD on Child Endangerment Charges Entitled to DHS Evidentiary Hearing

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 13, 2019

A split state appeals court held that a woman charged with child endangerment was wrongly denied an administrative hearing to dispute the facts of two abuse reports.

News

Transit Agency and Union Fight Consolidation of Pa. Opioid Litigation, Warning of 'Catch-and-Kill' Jurisdiction Fights

Max Mitchell | March 13, 2019

The warning comes as part of the companies' efforts to fight having their cases consolidated with more than a dozen opioid lawsuits that were brought into the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

News

Team Prosecuting College Admissions Scandal Includes Former Pittsburgh AUSA

Mike Scarcella | Nate Robson | March 13, 2019

Meet the four assistant U.S. attorneys—some of them Big Law alums—who are assigned to the college admissions fraud case in Boston.

Commentary

5 Common Misconceptions About Green Cards That Could Prove Costly

Liam P. Sweeney| March 13, 2019

A foreign national who successfully obtains a green card (known as a lawful permanent resident card) has typically completed a rather arduous journey through the labyrinthine U.S. immigration system. Green card eligibility can be based on a host of factors, but eligibility most commonly stems from sponsorship by a family member or an employer.

People in the News—March 13, 2019—Pennsylvania Bar Institute Real Estate Seminar

Aleeza Furman | March 13, 2019

Kellie A. McGowan is scheduled serve as faculty at a Pennsylvania Bar Institute real estate seminar Thursday in Philadelphia.

News

Reed Smith Fires Back at Bear Stearns Funds in $500M Malpractice Suit

Scott Flaherty | March 12, 2019

The firm tapped Gibson Dunn's Kevin Rosen to push back against claims that the firm bungled a big potential recovery stemming from the financial crisis.

Analysis

From White-Shoe to Blue-Jean, Dechert's the Latest Firm to Go Casual

Lizzy McLellan| March 12, 2019

Dechert joins a number of other Big Law firms who loosened their dress codes in the name of making lawyers more comfortable—and more like their clients.

News

Federal Employees May Sue for Retaliation Under Title VII, 3rd Circuit Rules

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 12, 2019

In an Occupational Safety and Health Administration worker's employment lawsuit, a federal appeals court has ruled that federal employees are eligible to file workplace retaliation claims under Title VII.

News

Confirmation of Lowenstein's Paul Matey Flips 3rd Circuit to Republicans

Charles Toutant | March 12, 2019

Matey's confirmation means the Third Circuit shifts to a 7-6 majority of Republican appointees.

News

Philadelphia Judicial System Closes Criminal Courtrooms as DA Filings Decline

Max Mitchell | March 12, 2019

The Legal has learned that, since the beginning of 2018, the First Judicial District has closed seven criminal courtrooms.

Commentary

Conversion Therapy—This Harmful Practice Needs to Be Banned

Angela D. Giampolo| March 12, 2019

Parents can legally force their LGBTQ children into conversion therapy in all but 14 states, and for those LGBTQ teens living in the other 36 states, conversion therapy is a very real fear.

Understanding Private Placement Memoranda and When to Use Them

Maxwell Briskman Stanfield| March 12, 2019

Raising capital for a business can be a challenge. Business owners often look to debt or equity financing in order to raise capital to fund the desired venture.

News

NFL Concussion Claims Administrator Pushes for Broad Auditing Powers

Max Mitchell | March 12, 2019

BrownGreer filed a response to a motion Florida attorney Patrick Tighe filed last month, which asked the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to bar the claims administrator from repeatedly auditing ex-players’ claims.

PLW People in the News—March 12, 2019—Rawle & Henderson

Aleeza Furman | March 12, 2019

Robert L. Hogan joined the Pittsburgh office of Rawle & Henderson as of counsel to the firm.

People in the News—March 12, 2019—Lamb McErlane

Aleeza Furman | March 12, 2019

Lamb McErlane partner Mary-Ellen H. Allen was honored by the Chester County Bar Association for serving as the 2018 president.

News

Latest U.S. News Law School Rankings a Boon for Drexel, Bittersweet for Penn State

Karen Sloan | Zack Needles | March 12, 2019

This year's list is unusually stable compared with previous years. The top schools remained entrenched while the lower portions of the rankings saw relatively few double-digit changes.

News

Paralegal Sues MyPhillyLawyer Firm Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

Lizzy McLellan | March 11, 2019

Kimberly Hayes alleged that she encountered unwelcome sexual comments and touches multiple times during her two months at the law firm of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman.

News

PBA Rates Phila. Judge as 'Highly Recommended' for Superior Court in Last Batch of Evaluations

Max Mitchell | March 11, 2019

The newly rated contenders come in addition to the five that the bar association rated in January, all of whom are vying for two open spots on the intermediate appellate court.

Commentary

How Not to Foul-Up Your Appeal, Part 3: The Appellate Oral Argument

Howard J. Bashman| March 11, 2019

Today’s column is the third and final installment of a three-part series intended to help readers understand and hopefully avoid some of the most troublesome pitfalls lurking in appellate practice.

Commentary

Grand Jury Witnesses Subpoenaed for a Subsequent Appearance Can Review Prior Testimony

Peter F. Vaira| March 11, 2019

This column will discuss the situation when a witness who previously testified before a grand jury, when subpoenaed for an additional appearance, can obtain and review the transcript of his previous testimony prior to his next appearance.

News

Orrick Ousts Practice Leader to 'Uphold Our Values and Culture'

Meghan Tribe | March 11, 2019

The Paris-based head of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Africa practice and a member of its board, Pascal Agboyibor, has been asked to leave the firm following an independent investigation that found evidence of inappropriate conduct and lapses in judgment, a source said.

News

Pittsburgh Lawyer Named President-Elect of National LGBT Bar

Sue Reisinger| March 11, 2019

The National LGBT Bar Association named Wesley Bizzell and Jesse Loffler to new leadership positions.

News

Pa. Superior Court Revives Lawyer's Civil Suit Against Foes Who Sought Sanctions

Max Mitchell | March 11, 2019

A unanimous three-judge Pennsylvania Superior Court panel on March 8 reversed a 2017 decision that dismissed the case, which stemmed from contempt proceedings that captured the attention of lawyers across Pennsylvania.

People in the News—March 11, 2019—Sherr Law Group

Aleeza Furman | March 11, 2019

Sherr Law Group announced that its founder and managing partner Anthony Sherr was named chairman of the Worcester Township planning commission for 2019.

Q&A

Lawyers Can Learn From One Financial Portfolio Manager's Approach to Difficult Clients

Jane Wollman Rusoff | March 08, 2019

Antonio Rodrigues tells ThinkAdvisor how he serves high-maintenance clients — and maintains a 95% retention rate.

Commentary

Domestic Service Workers Revisited in Case Involving In-Home Caretaker

Christian Petrucci| March 08, 2019

While workers' compensation coverage is generally mandatory for most employers under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, there are certain classes of employers who are exempted from providing workers' compensation insurance.

News

Rep. Commends Launch of Pennsylvania Rural Health Model

Michael Riccardi | March 08, 2019

Rep. Tina Pickett, R-Bradford, commended the Department of Health and Human Services on its launch of a new Pennsylvania Rural Health Model.

News

Capitol Report

Michael Riccardi | March 08, 2019

Following is a listing of executive and legislative action for March 1 and the week of March 4. Both houses of the General Assembly were in recess at press time. The state House of Representatives was set to return to session on Monday; the Pennsylvania Senate was in recess and scheduled to be back March 18.

Chart

Data Snapshot: No Matter How You Slice It, Pa. Judges' Pay Ranks High Nationwide

Ben Hancock | Zack Needles | March 08, 2019

Pay has risen sharply for trial court judges in New York over the past decade, while the D.C. judges have made the most on average for years. But Pennsylvania judicial pay, which has risen steadily since 1990, ranked in the top 10 nationally across every metric this year. Only a handful of other jurisdictions could say the same.

Commentary

The Attraction to E-Cigarettes Is Actually One of Its Biggest Risks

Emily B. Ashe| March 08, 2019

What is most attractive about e-cigarettes like the JUUL is that they come in a variety of flavors and are widely accessible, drawing in JUUL’s most common user, the young adult.

People in the News—March 8, 2019—Conrad O'Brien

Aleeza Furman | March 08, 2019

Joe Jesiolowski joined Conrad O’Brien as a litigation associate.

Analysis

New legislation could affect cybersecurity, counterfeit airbags & storm chasers

Matthew J. Smith, Esq.| March 08, 2019

Bills in several states could have a negative impact on insurance carriers and their fraud-fighting efforts.

Slideshow

2019 Go-To Law Schools List: One Pa. School Rises Among Big Law Feeders

Karen Sloan| March 07, 2019

This year's list of the top 50 Big Law feeder schools includes only two Pennsylvania institutions, but one perennial top 5 Pennsylvania school did climb to nearly the very top of this year's rankings.

News

Bucknell GC to Join Pepper Hamilton Higher Ed Practice

Lizzy McLellan | March 07, 2019

Amy Foerster is set to join Pepper Hamilton as co-chair of its higher education practice in May.

Expert Opinion

Ethics Forum: Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

Samuel C. Stretton| March 07, 2019

I am a judicial officer and wish to hire as my secretary and as my law clerk two people whose families were very active in my judicial campaign. Can I do so?

$2.3M Settlement Reached in Case of Cyclist Struck, Killed by Car

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 07, 2019

The estate of a man killed while riding his bike by a motorist has settled its lawsuit against the driver's insurer for $2.3 million.

Commentary

Can You Tell Me a Little About Yourself?: Hiring Biases on College Campuses

Melissa Hazell Davis and Fara A. Cohen| March 07, 2019

The effects of implicit bias create huge potential for age, race and gender discrimination on college campuses—not only in the faculty recruiting process, but also in the recruiting process for students on campus.

News

Dilworth, Post & Schell Turn to State Government for New Partners

Lizzy McLellan | March 07, 2019

Dilworth Paxson's Victoria Reider and Post & Schell's Tawny Mummah were both high-ranking lawyers in Pennsylvania state agencies.

Plaintiff Claimed Car Crash Caused Concussion, Tinnitus

VerdictSearch| March 07, 2019

On Dec. 22, 2014, plaintiff Dale Thorson, 45, an owner of a pest-control business, was stopped on east Horseshoe Pike, in Downingtown, when his sedan was rear-ended by a pickup truck driven by Jeff Denman. Thorson claimed head injuries.

News

Grubhub Seeks Arbitration in Restaurants' Proposed Class Action

Max Mitchell | March 07, 2019

The filing argued that Tiffin Indian Cuisine restaurants, which filed the proposed class action late last year, agreed to arbitrate disputes on a non-class basis before the American Arbitration Association when it agreed to the terms and conditions on Grubhub's website.

News

Justices to Mull Mental Health Procedures Act Immunity for Addiction Treatment

Zack Needles | March 07, 2019

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is set to decide whether a law granting immunity to health care providers who treat mental illness should have been applied to a drug addiction treatment facility and its two physicians who treated a man while he was suffering from an opioid addiction.

Commentary

The Curious Case of the Tongue-Tied Law Firm

Wayne Pollock| March 07, 2019

We are rarely at a loss for words when it comes to advocating for our clients. For them, we rarely leave any stones unturned or inconsistencies in their adversaries’ arguments unhighlighted.

Commentary

Ruling: Current, Not Former, Tenants May Take Action Under Lead Paint Ordinance

Alan Nochumson| March 07, 2019

Until the Superior Court ultimately decides the merits of the pending appeal, this opinion, for the time being, should provide guidance to landlords and tenants alike in Philadelphia regarding such claims under the ordinance.

News

Ballard Spahr Offering $10,000 for Information Related to Shooting of Associate

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 07, 2019

The law firm of Ballard Spahr is offering $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an unidentified gunman who shot firm associate Spencer Hill during a botched robbery.

Commentary

Shifting Costs and Incentives: Changes to State, Federal Air Pollution Regulations

Kathleen M. Kline| March 07, 2019

Under the Clean Air Act, the regulations air pollution sources must comply with and depend on whether the source counts as “major” or “nonmajor.” Pennsylvania’s proposed rulemaking would apply to emissions sources uniformly, regardless of their categorization or yearly emissions volume.

Commentary

How to Develop Facts in Arbitration, Without Court Authorized 'Discovery'       

George J. Krueger| March 07, 2019

Litigating a commercial case is fundamentally different from arbitrating one. Lawyers who represent parties in commercial arbitrations need to understand the significant differences between court processes and those used in arbitration.

News

Huawei Taps Jones Day, Morgan Lewis in Challenge to US Defense Law

Dan Packel | March 07, 2019

In challenging a section of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, the Chinese telecom giant has turned to two firms with close ties to the Trump administration.

News

Assault and Battery Claim Against Reading Police Officer Moves Forward

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 07, 2019

U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson granted in part and denied in part the Reading Police Department's motion to dismiss eight counts of the 10-count complaint.

People in the News—March 7, 2019—Willig Williams

Aleeza Furman | March 07, 2019

Philadelphia labor, employment and workers’ compensation law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson announced that attorney Joseph D. Richardson joined the firm.

News

Fox Rothschild Hires New CMO From Midsize Phila. Firm

Lizzy McLellan | March 06, 2019

Holly Lentz Kleeman, formerly at Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg, is Fox's new chief marketer after a nearly yearlong search.

News

Justices Consider Whether Juror Bias Affected Verdict in Attempted Murder Case

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 06, 2019

The attorney for a man convicted of attempted murder after a fistfight escalated into gunshots fired blindly into a crowd argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that the jury in his client's case should have been more thoroughly screened for victims of gun violence.

News

Failure to Depose Rick Ross Could Cost Reed Smith in 50 Cent Malpractice Case

Roy Strom | March 06, 2019

The judge said 50 Cent still has a long road in front of him to win a malpractice claim against Reed Smith.

News

Pa. Justices Express Wariness of 'Junk Science' in Applying Fair Share Act

Max Mitchell | March 06, 2019

An attorney told the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Wednesday that applying the full weight of the Fair Share Act required juries to apportion damages in all products liability cases, but several justices said they were worried doing so would open the door to "speculation" and "junk science" in the courtroom.

Commentary

State Regulation of Alcohol and the Dormant Commerce Clause

Stephen A. Miller and Max E. Kaplan| March 06, 2019

The 21st Amendment ended Prohibition in 1933, but the amendment took center stage recently at the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices considered whether the amendment provided an exception to the dormant commerce clause, which disfavors state interference in interstate commerce.

Judge's Pay-Data Ruling, a Trump Rebuke, Puts New Squeeze on Employers

Erin Mulvaney | March 06, 2019

"I imagine there are a lot of questions being posted and everyone is trying to figure out what this means,” one labor and employment lawyer says.

News

Drinker Biddle Takes 17 Litigators, Led by Jorden, From Carlton Fields

Lizzy McLellan | March 06, 2019

Five years after the merger that created Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, Washington-based James Jorden and Frank Burt are betting on Philadelphia’s Drinker Biddle.

People in the News—March 6, 2019—Post & Schell

Aleeza Furman | March 06, 2019

The Women of Post & Schell held their annual clothing drive to benefit Career Wardrobe—a nonprofit social enterprise that uses clothing and professional development to empower unemployed individuals to work.

News

Coalition of States Sues Trump Administration Over Rule Barring Abortion Referrals

Dan M. Clark | March 05, 2019

The move is seen by the states as a way for the Trump administration to strip funding from Planned Parenthood clinics and send more to faith-based organizations that do not promote abortion.

News

Why Do Laterals So Often Fail? Poor Due Diligence, Researchers Say

Dan Packel | March 05, 2019

It's costly to hire laterals, and yet nearly half leave after five years. Researchers from ALM Intelligence and consultancy Decipher asked why the process was so flawed.

News

Pa. Justices Weigh Whether Social Media Posts Depicting Drugs, Guns Violate Probation

Max Mitchell | March 05, 2019

Prosecutors and defense attorneys at a Pennsylvania Supreme Court argument Tuesday agreed that offensive social media posts on their own should not be a basis for probation revocation, but differed on whether those posts had to show illegal conduct.

Pa. Supreme Court Tackles Attorney-Client Privilege Issues in Derivative Cases

Edward S. Robson| March 05, 2019

This column previously analyzed the Commonwealth Court’s decision in Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, and its potential impact on the attorney-client privilege in derivative litigation. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court subsequently granted petitions for allowance of appeal in the case.

News

Businessman Associated With Phila. Sheriff Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison, $2.5M in Penalties

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 05, 2019

A businessman who operated sheriff sales for the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for fraud, conspiracy and tax charges.

News

Federal Judge Denies Krasner's Request to Drop Death Sentence for Double Murderer

P.J. D'Annunzio | March 05, 2019

U.S. District Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg, who called the murders "particularly horrific" in his ruling, said District Attorney Larry Krasner offered little reason for taking the death penalty off the table.

PLW People in the News—March 5, 2019—Knox McLaughlin

Aleeza Furman | March 05, 2019

Sean J. McLaughlin, a former U.S. district judge of the District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, returned to Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, where he will focus his practice on alternative dispute resolution.

People in the News—March 5, 2019—GMR

Aleeza Furman | March 05, 2019

Partner Robert P. Stein returned to the firm GMR.

News

Jane Sullivan Roberts, Wife of Chief Justice, Opens DC Outpost for Recruiter MLegal

Ryan Lovelace | March 05, 2019

Roberts, a former Pillsbury partner, had been a recruiter with Major, Lindsey & Africa since 2007.

News

Phila. City Council Eyes Child Care for Jurors, Victims and Witnesses

Max Mitchell | March 04, 2019

Failure to provide child care services for jurors, victims and witnesses can lead to a host of problems for the justice system, including failures to comply with subpoenas, delays in court proceedings and less diverse jury pools, leaders from Philadelphia's legal community told members of Philadelphia's City Council on Monday.

Slideshow

The 15 Most Overpaid CEOs of Public Companies

Bernice Napach | March 04, 2019

The most overpaid execs on this list underperformed the S&P 500 over the last four years.

Commentary

Fifth Circ. Distinguishes Derivative Versus Individual Claims Against Third Parties

Andrew C. Kassner and Joseph N. Argentina Jr.| March 04, 2019

As we have noted before, one of the advantages of a bankruptcy filing is bringing most claims held by or against the debtor into one forum—the bankruptcy court—to be resolved as part of administration of the bankruptcy case.

News

FINRA's Top Fine Categories in 2018

Melanie Waddell | March 04, 2019

It appears FINRA is "coming down harder" when it decides to bring a case, a lawyer says.

Commentary

Estate Planning and Tax Basis: Don't Miss Out On an Opportunity

Amy Neifeld Shkedy and Rebecca Rosenberger Smolen| March 04, 2019

It is important for folks to understand that by doing this they may be giving up the stepped-up basis at death. Consequently, they may have missed out on an arbitrage opportunity by failing to evaluate the capital gains tax versus the inheritance tax savings.