Q&A

New Phila. Barristers' President Stresses Legacy, Community Service

Max Mitchell | September 21, 2018

"We're a voice that needs to be heard," said Tianna Kalogerakis, the new president of the Barristers' Association. She told The Legal the organization needs to make sure that proposed legislation that is going to impact black and brown folks serves their interests as members of marginalized communities.

News

Union Head Speaks Out Against DOJ in Wake of Phila. Immigration Judge's Removal

Ellis Kim| September 21, 2018

Judge Ashley Tabaddor, the president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, said new rules from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions compromise the integrity of the nation's immigration courts.

Commentary

Many Still Unaware of 2017 Changes to Law Involving Corporate Disputes

Gavin Lentz| September 21, 2018

Any lawyer who advises clients on disputes involving corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships needs to be aware of the significant changes that were enacted in Pennsylvania’s Act 170 on Feb. 21, 2017.

News

3rd Circ.: National Security Dictates Sealing Some of Phila. ISIS Supporter's Docs

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 21, 2018

A federal appeals court has ruled that certain records from the prosecution of Keonna Thomas, a North Philadelphia woman sentenced to eight years in prison for aiding the Islamic State online, must remain sealed to avoid risks to national security.

The Public Interest Calendar of Events

The Legal Intelligencer| September 21, 2018

On Oct. 2, the Philadelphia Bar Association will present a CLE program, “Election Hacking, Ballot Security: Protecting Our Vote,” from 12-2:15 p.m. (lunch and registration begin at 11:30 a.m.), at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 11th Floor Conference Center, 1101 Market St., Philadelphia. 1 SUB/1 ETHICS CLE credits are available.

Commentary

Pennsylvania's Potential Gift to American Democracy

Frances Fox Piven and Miles Rapoport| September 21, 2018

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear oral argument in a case of immense political consequence, regarding fairness in elections, that almost no one has heard of. Both the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the basic citizen rights enumerated in Article I of the Constitution of Pennsylvania suggest that the plaintiffs have a very strong case.

News

Rep.: Immunity for Banks That Delay Transactions for Suspected Financial Exploitation

Victoria Hudgins | September 21, 2018

State Rep. Bryan Barbin, D-Cambria, is set to introduce the Senior Safety Act, legislation that would provide administrative and civil liability to banks and individuals that work for banks that delay financial transactions when seniors are suspected victims of financial exploitation.

Commentary

Reflections Upon PMC's 30th Anniversary—Coalition Building Continues

Maida R. Milone| September 21, 2018

When you believe something makes great good sense, you imagine the path to success being a straight line to the goal. That’s rarely, if ever, the case, of course.

News

Hear the Audio: 'Chilling' Immigration Court Hearings That Led to Grievance Against DOJ

Max Mitchell | September 21, 2018

Law.com has obtained audio recordings of the controversial hearings that formed the basis for the union grievance filed in August. The president of NAIJ is expected to speak this afternoon.

News

Read the Document: Phila. Lawyer Says Amazon, Roc Nation Violated Wiretap Act in Taping Him for Meek Mill Film

Max Mitchell | September 21, 2018

The suit stems from an audio recording taken during the filming of a documentary about the hip hop star that was later leaked to The Philadelphia Inquirer. In the audio, Peruto can be heard saying, among other things, that Brinkley’s conduct “looks fucking awful.”

People in the News—Sept. 21, 2018—Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin

Victoria Hudgins | September 21, 2018

Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin’s in-house band, Class Action & The Marshall Dennehey Horns, are set to compete against three other local bands in the third annual Law Rocks Philadelphia event on Oct. 18 at World Cafe Live.

Commentary

SeniorLAW Center and AARP Leverage Pro Bono to Change Systems and Lives

Karen C. Buck and Nora Dowd Eisenhower| September 21, 2018

Philadelphia’s own SeniorLAW Center and AARP are developing an innovative partnership that will use the power of the city’s legal community to improve the lives of senior veterans, elder abuse victims, and grandparents raising grandchildren, far too many of whom face poverty or other challenges.

News

Capitol Report

Michael Riccardi | September 20, 2018

Following is a listing of executive and legislative action from the week of Sept. 17. The Pennsylvania Senate was in recess at press time and its next session day was set for Monday. The state House of Representatives was also in recess and scheduled to return to session on Monday.

In Major TCPA Win for Plaintiffs, 9th Circuit Rejects 3rd Circuit's Definition of Autodialer

Ross Todd| September 20, 2018

A Ninth Circuit panel including three of the court's most conservative judges departed from a Third Circuit decision finding an automatic telephone dialing system had to have the potential to randomly or sequentially generate numbers.

Expert Opinion

Ethics Forum: Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

Samuel C. Stretton| September 20, 2018

I am a young lawyer. What are some of the conflicts of interest that should be avoided under any circumstances?

News

Blank Rome Adds Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice in Houston

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | September 20, 2018

James Grogan, who spent nearly a decade at Paul Hastings, said he is hoping to add more lawyers in Houston and expand the practice there.

Fatal Cardiac Arrest Would Have Occurred Despite Care: Doctor

VerdictSearch| September 20, 2018

On Oct. 4, 2011, plaintiffs decedent William Spoonhoward, 62, a warehouse worker, died from cardiac arrest while hospitalized at UPMC Presbyterian, in Pittsburgh.

News

Court: Lawyer's Neglect Following Serious Illness Does Not Warrant Opening Judgment

Zack Needles | September 20, 2018

In Becrett v. R&H Resources, a three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to uphold a trial judge's denial of strip mall owner Becrett's bid to reopen a lease dispute involving one of its tenants that had been tossed out on summary judgment.

Commentary

Why Your Firm Needs an Employee Wellness Program

Jessica L. Mazzeo| September 20, 2018

Employee satisfaction and engagement are topics that have been, and will continue to be, reoccurring in today’s workforce and well into the future. While there may be some out there who feel that continuing to talk about this topic may be redundant and unimportant, please note: you’re wrong.

Commentary

Make Business Divorce Easier—Spell Out Duties in Operating Agreement

Edward S. Robson| September 20, 2018

Closely held companies are like marriages but without the sex or kids to hold things together. And just like some marriages, closely held companies can fall apart. Sometimes these “business divorces” and the painful litigation they generate are inevitable.

Commentary

Law Profs Say the Stupidest Things: A Guide to Recent Controversies

Karen Sloan | September 20, 2018

Some academic types just can't avoid controversy, whether through a misguided Halloween costume, racially charged language in the classroom, or a pattern of throwing bombs that shake up students and fellow faculty members.

Trucking Co. Hit With $6M Settlement in Crash That Killed Cyclist

Max Mitchell | September 20, 2018

The family of a cyclist killed last year when she was struck by a sanitation truck in Philadelphia has settled claims against the trucking company for $6.125 million, a portion of which is set to go toward charitable organizations aimed at improving public safety.

Commentary

Pa. High Court Rejects Appeals in Pipeline Construction Zoning Cases

Justin H. Werner| September 20, 2018

On Aug. 29, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to accept discretionary appeals in two separate cases (No. 952 C.D. 2017 and No. 942 C.D. 2017) relating to the construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline

News

Court: Insureds’ Son’s Assault Was Not Covered by Homeowner's Policy

Steven A. Meyerowitz| September 20, 2018

A federal district court in Pennsylvania has ruled that an insurance company had no duty to defend its insureds’ son against a lawsuit alleging that he had committed an assault after consuming alcohol and while suffering from “mental health issues.”

News

Justices to Review Case on Intersection of Mental Health Records, Gun Possession

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 20, 2018

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear argument on whether the lower court had jurisdiction to review a case involving the ramifications that an involuntary commitment had on a mental health patient's ability to own a gun.

Commentary

District Court: In Employment Discrimination Cases, Context Matters

Jeffrey Campolongo| September 20, 2018

A recent constructive discharge decision from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania involving the use of the N-word highlights the importance of “factual nuances and context” in employment discrimination cases.

People in the News—Sept. 20, 2018—Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott

Victoria Hudgins | September 20, 2018

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott added member Monakee D. Marseille to its Philadelphia office and litigation division.

News

UnitedLex, Big Deals in Hand, Sells Majority Stake to European Buyout Firm

Roy Strom | September 20, 2018

CVC Capital Partners is poised to purchase control of the New Law company.

Commentary

Expanding Incentives for Brownfield Redevelopment: What Has Changed?

Giuliano Apadula and Grant E. Nichols| September 20, 2018

The BUILD Act provides additional protections and enticements for brownfield redevelopments while prioritizing the development of renewable energy and energy-efficient projects.

News

Tossed WWE Concussion Suit Becomes Triple Threat Match Featuring K&L Gates

Roy Strom | September 19, 2018

A three-way war of words has broken out in the wake of a dismissed concussion-related suit involving World Wrestling Entertainment and its lawyers from K&L Gates, a plaintiffs attorney and a judge.

One Dead, Multiple Injured in Shooting at Pa. MDJ Office

Max Mitchell | September 19, 2018

Several people are injured and one person is dead following a shooting at a Fayette County magisterial district court judge's office Wednesday afternoon, according to the state police and several local media outlets.

News

Judge Enforces Disputed $125M Settlement Over Provigil

Max Mitchell | September 19, 2018

U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled Wednesday that a 2015 memorandum of understanding between United HealthCare Services and three drug companies was binding.

News

Former Staffer Sues Stevens & Lee, Alleging Pregnancy Discrimination

Lizzy McLellan | September 19, 2018

Plaintiff Alicia Drees was fired shortly after returning from maternity leave, her complaint said.

Commentary

More Harm Than Good? Regional Center Terminations Create Issues

Jessica A. DeNisi| September 19, 2018

Growing processing times along with recent transgressions of some regional center operators have forced EB-5 projects and investors to realign themselves with another regional center. This shuffle can create serious problems for the immigrant investor.

People in the News—Sept. 19, 2018—Charny, Karpousis, Altieri & Donoian

Victoria Hudgins | September 19, 2018

Charny, Karpousis, Altieri & Donoian's Rebecca Berger was appointed co-chair of the Burlington County Bar Association family part section.

Analysis

How Holland & Knight Built a Philadelphia Office on Reed Smith Talent

Lizzy McLellan | September 19, 2018

The firm capitalized on Reed Smith's shifting priorities to grow from zero to more than 30 lawyers in Philadelphia in a flash.

News

Possible Kavanaugh Witness Won't Testify, His Cozen O'Connor Lawyer Says

Ellis Kim | September 18, 2018

Mark Judge has hired Cozen O’Connor’s Barbara Van Gelder as some senators seek his testimony about an alleged sexual assault that involved the Supreme Court nominee decades ago.

News

Judge: ADHD Did Not Cause Student to Assault Classmate

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 18, 2018

A student with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who seriously beat a fellow student in the lunchroom did not commit the assault because his condition made him do it, a federal judge has ruled.

News

First Two Risperdal Cases Set for Trial on Punitive Damages

Max Mitchell | September 18, 2018

Nearly three years after Philadelphia juries awarded compensatory damages in two Risperdal cases, a judge has ordered that the cases proceed to new trials on whether the drugmaker's conduct merits punitive damages.

News

Visa, Mastercard Agree to Pay $6.2B to Merchants in Settlement of Antitrust Litigation

Andrew Denney | September 18, 2018

Visa, Mastercard and a number of U.S. banks have reached an agreement to pay $6.2 billion to settle a long-running class action suit brought by millions of merchants over card swipe fees.

Commentary

Can Animals Sue for Injuries Inflicted by Humans?

Penny Conly Ellison| September 18, 2018

As animal law has developed into a specialty over the past few decades, lawyers have wrestled with how to get their interests to matter in court proceedings. Animals are property under the law, a concept that has broad implications.

News

City to Roll Back Civil Forfeiture and Compensate Philadelphians Affected by It

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 18, 2018

The settlement was announced Tuesday morning and concludes a 2014 federal lawsuit filed by the Institute for Justice, which had brought the case on behalf of Chris Sourovelis and several other plaintiffs who have had property taken by law enforcement through civil forfeiture.

People in the News—Sept. 18, 2018—Blank Rome

Victoria Hudgins | September 18, 2018

As part of this year’s Fall Associate Academy, Blank Rome’s multiday orientation and onboarding training for incoming junior associates, Blank Rome held a service project on Sept. 6, in the firm’s Philadelphia office.

News

Grand Jury Secrecy, Child Abuse Charges for Pregnant Drug User to Highlight SCOPA Session

Max Mitchell | September 18, 2018

The state Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in several closely watched cases starting Tuesday, but a dispute stemming from the high-profile grand jury report outlining decades of sex abuse at Catholic dioceses across Pennsylvania is expected to highlight the two-day session.

PLW People in the News—Sept. 18, 2018—McNees Wallace & Nurick

Victoria Hudgins | September 18, 2018

McNees Wallace & Nurick attorney Susan Bruce took part in the American Wind Energy Association’s Future Power Markets Summit on Sept. 5 in Washington, D.C.

'It’s a Question of When, Not If'—Baker McKenzie Sets Sights on US Merger

Rose Walker | September 18, 2018

The firm is targeting growth on the east and west coasts amid interest from several domestic firms.

Commentary

What You Need to Know About Changes to the Pa. Public School Code

Katherine H. Meehan| September 17, 2018

On June 22, Act 44 was enacted containing, among other things, new school safety provisions that have immediate requirements of schools across the state as they start the new school year.

News

Aspiring Brothel Owner and Murder-Plotting Attorney Fights $3,500 Tab for Rides Between Prison and Court

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 17, 2018

Disbarred Bucks County lawyer Joseph P. Guarrasi could have expected stern treatment from the justice system after being convicted of plotting to murder a man so he could turn his house into a sex club. But having to pay for his rides to and from prison?

News

Erie County Agrees to Pay $1.1M to Ex-Prisoner Who Was Severely Beaten

Max Mitchell | September 17, 2018

Erie County has agreed to pay more than $1 million to settle claims that corrections officers at the county prison beat a 52-year-old man so severely he eventually sustained strokes, kidney failure and a collapsed or punctured lung.

Pa. High Court Alters How Objections to Jury Instructions Are Preserved

Howard J. Bashman| September 17, 2018

Upon Further Review Filing Proposed Points for Charge No Longer Suffices to Preserve Objections to Jury Instructions, Pa. Supreme Court Rules Unless…

Rimon Reels in 8-Strong Silicon Valley IP Team From Duane Morris

Xiumei Dong| September 17, 2018

The firm is taking on an intellectual property group from Duane Morris led by the latter's Silicon Valley leader.

People in the News—Sept. 17, 2018—Dilworth Paxson

Victoria Hudgins | September 17, 2018

Dilworth Paxson’s Nelson A. Díaz is scheduled to discuss his new book, “Not From Here, Not From There/No Soy de Aquí ni de Allá: The Autobiography of Nelson Díaz” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library.

News

Armstrong Teasdale Plants Phila. Flag With 7 From Montgomery McCracken

Lizzy McLellan | September 17, 2018

Montgomery McCracken's former chairman is among the group launching St. Louis-based Armstrong Teasdale's first East Coast office.

Research

ALM Survey on Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Big Law’s Pervasive Problem

Patrick Krill| September 14, 2018

ALM Intelligence's survey of Am Law 200 firm leaders about their attitudes and actions regarding addiction and mental health challenges reveals much work remains to be done to deal with the problem.

Podcast

Paul Clement Is Stoked for Brett Kavanaugh and the Term Ahead

Vanessa Blum | Leigh Jones | September 14, 2018

The Kirkland & Ellis partner reflects on Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, his judicial philosophy and what to expect in the coming Supreme Court term.

Analysis

Blank Rome Case Raises Sticky Questions on Law Firm Mergers

Lizzy McLellan | September 14, 2018

When is a law firm merger not a merger? In demanding millions of dollars from Blank Rome, former Dickstein Shapiro partners may help drum up answers.

News

Fatal Crane Crush Accident Resolved in $6.5M Settlement

Max Mitchell | September 14, 2018

The family of a man who was killed when a crane jib weighing more than 2,500 pounds fell on him have settled their claims against several construction companies for $6.5 million.

Commentary

When Choosing the Right Mediator Don't Overlook Implicit, Cognitive Biases

Robert H. Barron| September 14, 2018

Selecting the right mediator is a critical element to improving settlement outcomes. However, many advocates miss the opportunity to select a mediator who will increase the likelihood of a more favorable settlement.

Commentary

Real Estate and Divorce: Court Tackles Partition Action in 'Kapcsos'

Alan Nochumson| September 14, 2018

There is nothing more devastating than a divorce. Most of us envision a divorce from the perspective of family law, but there are also situations where a divorce must occur under real estate law as well.

News

Senator Suggests Occupational License Reforms for Ex-Criminals

Victoria Hudgins | September 14, 2018

A state senator said he plans to introduce a bill providing “modest” reforms for those convicted of misdemeanors or felonies to obtain occupational licenses.

News

QVC Expands Lawsuit Against Former Executive, PR Firm Over $1M Fraud

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 14, 2018

QVC has sought permission to file an amended complaint in its lawsuit against its former director, who was convicted for his involvement in a kickback scheme, and the general counsel and president of the PR firm he dealt with.

Analysis

Plenty of Shakeup Among Pa.'s Highest-Paid GCs as Average Compensation Dips

Zack Needles | September 14, 2018

This year's list of the highest-paid general counsel at Pennsylvania-based public companies looked quite a bit different from last year's, with several new names in the mix and a lot of movement among the familiar faces as average cash compensation dropped in 2017 following a bump in 2016.

News

Trump Ambassador Pick Faced Sexual Harassment Claims at Former Law Firm

Christine Simmons | September 14, 2018

In seeking confirmation to serve as U.S. ambassador to Romania, Seyfarth Shaw partner Adrian Zuckerman could face questions about decade-old sexual harassment claims related to his time at Lowenstein Sandler.

People in the News—Sept. 14, 2018—Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads

Victoria Hudgins | September 14, 2018

Michael J. Fekete of Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads was appointed by New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner to serve a four-year term on the District IV ethics committee.

News

Klehr Harrison Passes Leadership Baton to Second Generation

Lizzy McLellan | September 13, 2018

Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg has chosen a new managing partner for the second time in its history, as part of a newly created executive committee.

News

Capitol Report

Michael Riccardi | September 13, 2018

Following is a listing of executive and legislative action from the week of Sept. 10. The Senate was in recess at press time with its next session day set for Sept. 24. The state House of Representatives was also in recess and scheduled to return to session on Sept. 24.

News

Trucking Co. Pays $6M to Settle Claims Over Fatal Crash With Phila. Cyclist

Max Mitchell | September 13, 2018

The family of a cyclist killed last year when she was struck by a sanitation truck in Philadelphia has settled claims against the trucking company for $6.125 million, a portion of which is set to go toward charitable organizations aimed at improving public safety.

Commentary

Pa. High Court Reintroduces Parent Coordination Rules in Child Custody

Aaron D. Weems| September 13, 2018

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently issued new parent coordination rules designed to reinvent coordinators and reintroduce them into the custody process, while cutting out the ambiguity and ad hoc application that plagued the system in its previous incarnation.

News

Prosecutors: Judge Had No 'Axe to Grind' in Cosby Case

Lizzy McLellan | September 13, 2018

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said Bill Cosby's efforts to replace the judge are "in line with other spurious and salacious claims he has made" in his criminal case.

Commentary

Literal Meaning of Release Provisions Enforced Over the Objection of Plan Proponents

Francis J. Lawall and Kenneth A. Listwak| September 13, 2018

The bankruptcy plan confirmation process typically requires intensive negotiations involving numerous creditor groups and other parties-in-interest. As a result, the scope of the releases embedded within a plan is subject to multiple reviews by such parties and then approval by the bankruptcy court.

Expert Opinion

Ethics Forum: Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

Samuel C. Stretton| September 13, 2018

I notice a number of articles criticizing judges and their decisions. I've also noticed investigations concerning comments by judges. I am concerned about judicial independence. Should I be?

News

Court: Auto Shop Owners' Indemnification Suit Against Landlord Too Late

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 13, 2018

The Pennsylvania Superior Court has upheld the dismissal of a case filed by auto repair shop owners claiming the landlord of the strip mall in which they're located should have indemnified them for a settlement the owners reached over groundwater pollution.

Motorist Did Not Suffer a Serious Impairment, Defense Argued

VerdictSearch| September 13, 2018

On Sept. 29, 2014, plaintiff Nicole Johnson, 42, a program manager, was driving on Easton Road, in Willow Grove, when her sedan was sideswiped on the driver's side by a pickup truck. She claimed multiple permanent injuries.

Commentary

Breach of Contract Statute of Limitations as Applied to the 'Gist of the Action' Doctrine

Matthew B. Weisberg| September 13, 2018

In Coleman v. Duane Morris, 58 A.3d 833 (Pa. Super. 2012), the Superior Court precedentially established two causes arising from legal malpractice: negligence; and breach of contract.

Commentary

Pa. Looks to Statute of Limitations as the State Faces Another Sex Abuse Scandal

Matthew T. Mangino| September 13, 2018

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s bombshell grand jury report on sex abuse of children by priests in six Pennsylvania dioceses has been met with universal derision and unrelenting criticism of the Catholic Church.

News

Peruto Sues Amazon, Roc Nation Over Leaked Audio About Meek Mill Case

Max Mitchell | September 13, 2018

In the audio, Philadelphia defense lawyer A. Charles Peruto Jr. can be heard saying, among other things, that Judge Brinkley's conduct "looks fucking awful."

Commentary

Climate Change Scorecard: Affordable Clean Energy Rule Versus Clean Power Plan

Katherine L. Vaccaro and Megan A. Elliott| September 13, 2018

Just weeks ago, the Trump administration proposed its long-awaited answer to the Obama-era Clean Power Plan (CPP). The CPP was the first federal endeavor to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from existing fossil-fuel fired power plants.

People in the News—September 13, 2018—Kang Haggerty & Fetbroyt

Victoria Hudgins | September 13, 2018

Kang Haggerty & Fetbroyt attorney Tianna K. Kalogerakis was installed as president of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia Inc.

News

Appeals Court Upholds $1.1M Civil Penalty Against Driller Over Contamination

Zack Needles | September 13, 2018

Natural gas producer EQT had sought to refute the findings of the state Department of Environmental Protection's expert hydrogeologist that there were daily releases of contaminated wastewater into the groundwater from one of the company's impoundments.

News

Court: Contractor's Alleged Removal of Stop Sign May Have Led to Crash

Zack Needles | September 13, 2018

A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to reverse a Luzerne County trial judge's grant of summary judgment to defendant Pennsy Supply.

Filing Fanatics

Inmate Can Sue Sister for Selling His Car

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 13, 2018

A prisoner apparently unhappy with his sister's decision to sell his car without his permission can move forward with his lawsuit against her. U.S.…

News

Court: Deducting Premiums for Expired Policies Isn't Bad Faith—But It May Be Conversion

Steven A. Meyerowitz| September 12, 2018

A federal district court in Pennsylvania has rejected a bad-faith claim against a life insurer brought by a married couple that alleged that it had continued to deduct premiums from their bank account after the policies had expired—although the court did permit the couple to proceed with their claim for conversion.

Update

Former Dickstein Shapiro Lawyers Sue Blank Rome Seeking $4 Million in Unreturned Capital

Ross Todd | September 12, 2018

The lawsuit, filed in California state court Wednesday, claims that Blank Rome styled its 2016 merger with Dickstein Shapiro as an “asset sale” to avoid paying out capital contributions to departed partners.

News

Dispute Over $19M Med Mal Accord Should Move Out of Phila., Court Says

Max Mitchell | September 12, 2018

A dispute stemming from allegations that Abington Memorial Hospital withheld documents that could have significantly increased the value of a nearly $20 million settlement should be heard in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled.

Commentary

The Evolving Field of Transgender Rights in Private Schools: Part III

Justin G. Weber and Brian H. Callaway| September 12, 2018

This article outlines what schools should consider as they make, amend, or review policies and best practices relevant to transgender students.

News

3rd Circ.: Judge Was Right to Award Nothing After 'Outrageously Excessive' $1M Fee Request

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 12, 2018

A federal appeals court has upheld the denial of a $1 million fee request by a Scranton attorney in an auto insurance case that produced a verdict almost a tenth of the requested legal compensation. In its denial, the Third Circuit, joining other circuit courts, also held that it is within a judge's discretion to award no attorney fees at all, especially if the fee request is deemed "outrageously excessive."

Commentary

Young Attorneys in Litigation—Direct and Cross-Examination

Raphael F. Castro| September 12, 2018

TV shows such as "Law and Order," "The Practice," "Suits" and countless other lawyer shows have embedded legal folklore of dramatic opening statements and surprising closing arguments as the key to winning cases.

News

Leading Zoning Lawyer Joins Forces With Construction Boutique

Lizzy McLellan | September 12, 2018

Stephen Pollock is taking his zoning practice to Horn Williamson.

News

Here's What You Need to Know About the Changing Title IX Guidelines

Max Mitchell| September 12, 2018

New rules under federal law are set to follow, after the repeal of Obama-era guidelines for dealing with sexual assault at schools.

News

Are Schools Increasingly Acting as a Minor Judiciary, Holding Quasi-Trials?

Max Mitchell| September 12, 2018

"We're starting to see it develop, right in front of us like a sort of hurricane, where it's becoming a court system on campuses," said Stetson University professor Peter Lake, who previously served as an interim director of Title IX compliance.

As Pa. Schools Face Lawsuits Over Their Sexual Assault Responses, Lawyers Weigh in on Betsy DeVos' Proposed Title IX Policies

Raychel Lean| September 12, 2018

Several Pennsylvania schools, including St. Joseph's University, Penn State University and Moravian College, have been hit with lawsuits over the past year accusing them of mishandling sexual assault allegations on campus. As educational institutions seem to be increasingly morphing into a minor judiciary, lawyers are in two minds about potential implications of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' move to draft changes to Obama-era policies for schools handling sexual misconduct allegations under the Title IX federal law.

People in the News—Sept. 12, 2018—Martin Law

Victoria Hudgins | September 12, 2018

Martin Law associate Mary LeMieux-Fillery is set to speak at the WILG Northeast Regional Conference in New York City on Dec. 17.

News

Krasner Beefs Up Philadelphia Prosecutor Ranks With 38 New Hires

Max Mitchell | September 11, 2018

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is bringing on nearly 40 new assistant district attorneys.

News

Cosby Seeks Judge's Recusal, Citing Conflict With Former DA

Lizzy McLellan | September 11, 2018

Bill Cosby wants the judge overseeing his case to recuse because of an alleged personal conflict dating back almost 20 years.

Q&A

Q&A: Why Firms Need New Norms on Substance Abuse, Mental Health

Christine Simmons | September 11, 2018

Alcohol and drug counselor Patrick Krill says a new ABA pledge campaign to increase lawyer well-being is "not just words."

News

A Three-Way Gunfight and Two Lawyers Later, Convicted Murderer Gets Second Chance

P.J. D'Annunzio | September 11, 2018

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has ruled that the level of representation Jeffrey Workman received was so ineffective that it violated his constitutionally guaranteed right to counsel.

People in the News—Sept. 11, 2018—Reed Smith

Victoria Hudgins | September 11, 2018

Reed Smith hosted the Hispanic National Bar Association LGBT division’s third annual LGBT Leadership Summit in the firm’s Philadelphia office.

Feds Should Be 'Banging the Drum the Loudest' for Cannabis Industry Banking

C. Ryan Barber | September 11, 2018

John Vardaman, a former DOJ lawyer and now general counsel to the electronic payments company Hypur, argues banking would provide visibility to the nascent multibillion-dollar industry.

Commentary

Court Sides With Employee in Anti-American Bias Discrimination Case

Sid Steinberg| September 11, 2018

National origin discrimination claims typically involve allegations of discrimination based on an employee’s non-American country of origin. Middlebrooks v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Civ. A. No. 17-412 (E.D. Pa. Aug. 31, 2018) involved the atypical claim of alleged national origin discrimination based on anti-American bias.

PLW People in the News—Sept. 11, 2018—Barley Snyder

Victoria Hudgins | September 11, 2018

Thomas J. Nehilla of Barley Snyder was named to the board of directors at Harrisburg's Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts.