Philadelphia Bar Association | News Releases

Chief Justice Castille, Other Members of Civil Legal Justice Coalition to Speak on Plight of Low-income Pennsylvanians Without Legal Representation at Public Hearing of Pa Senate Judiciary Committee May 23

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille will offer remarks along with other judges, low-income Pennsylvanians and the lawyers who help them, and community and business leaders at a Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee Public Hearing, "Civil Legal Representation of the Indigent: Have We Achieved Equal Access to Justice?" on Thursday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Street, in the 11th floor Conference Center. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart J. Greenleaf (R-Montgomery, Bucks) will chair the hearing.

Chief Justice Castille is the Honorary Chair of a broad-based "Civil Legal Justice Coalition" created to work collaboratively on exploring strategies to improve access to justice. The 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association and 28,000-member Pennsylvania Bar Association are among the organizations that are part of the Coalition.

Among those expected to testify at the hearing are a number of low-income clients, and key stakeholders including: Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association; Sister Mary Scullion, Co-Founder, Project HOME; Hon. Margaret T. Murphy, Supervising Judge, Family Division, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas; Hon. Annette M. Rizzo, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas; and Catherine C. Carr, Executive Director, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark decision Gideon v. Wainwright establishing the right to counsel for the indigent in serious criminal matters. Few such Gideon-type rights have been recognized in civil matters where basic human needs such as shelter, safety, health, sustenance and child custody are at stake. Meanwhile, the demand has surged for civil legal representation on behalf of the poor, whose ranks have swelled following one of the worst recessions in the nation's history. Those needs have been largely unmet due to a "perfect storm" of sustained, repeated and severe cuts in federal and state funding and a tight private fund-raising environment that have resulted in layoffs of legal aid staff and office closings. The gulf between client need and availability of legal help has been termed "the civil justice gap."

State and national studies estimate that a staggering 80 percent of critical legal needs of low-income people go unmet due to grossly insufficient funding and support.

The purpose of the public hearing is to explore and create awareness of the current state and scope of the unmet need for civil legal services by low-income Pennsylvanians confronting legal problems involving basic human needs. Three hearings on the issue are being held by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The first hearing was held on May 7 in Harrisburg. Video and audio recordings of the May 7 hearing are available on the website of the Senate Judiciary Committee at http://pasenategop.com/committees/judiciary/2013/050713/agenda.htm. A complete witness list and copies of the testimony presented at the hearing are available at the Civil Gideon Corner of the Philadelphia Bar Association's website at http://www.philadelphiabar.org/page/CivilGideon?appNum=1. A future hearing will be scheduled in Pittsburgh.

Public interest agency clients with serious legal problems impacting their basic human needs and those of their families - individuals without access to an attorney or who otherwise could not have been helped without access to an attorney - will share their personal stories of struggle at the hearing. Additionally, key stakeholders will testify regarding the legal community's ethical obligations to the civil side of justice and discuss the adverse impact of the growing civil justice gap, including the economic and social harm (direct and/or indirect) when critical legal needs are unmet as well as the economic and social benefits to the community when such needs are met.

It is anticipated that the hearing will elicit information about how the substantial number of unrepresented litigants in civil legal matters adversely impacts the quality of justice for all parties in Pennsylvania courts, increases the amount of litigation and undermines the rule of law. Additionally, the hearing is expected to explore how the unmet need for civil legal assistance is profoundly impacting vulnerable Pennsylvanians and costing taxpayers millions of dollars by increasing homelessness, failing to prevent domestic violence and increasing poverty. In these difficult economic times, current funding is inadequate to meet the critical need for civil legal assistance in the state.

"Equal access to legal representation is one of the most critical justice issues we face today," said Senator Greenleaf. "I am pleased to see the Commonwealth's legal community come together to offer their insights and recommendations to the Judiciary Committee on this important matter. In recent years, we have seen the number of individuals seeking assistance increase and funding disappear due to the economic downturn. I would like to thank the Bar Associations of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania for their dedicated work for equal access to justice for all Pennsylvanians."

Philadelphia Bar Association Releases Additional Ratings of Judicial Candidates for May 21 Primary Election

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Contacts

Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Esq.
215-606-3905
kathleen.wilkinson@wilsonelser.com

Teresa F. Sachs, Esq.
215-587-6608
tsachs@postschell.com

Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, today announced additional results of the Association's investigation into the qualifications of candidates for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and candidates for Philadelphia Municipal Court in the May 21 primary election. The investigation was conducted by the Association's Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention.

Wilkinson noted that the list of "Recommended" and "Not Recommended" candidates announced today includes additional names of candidates whose investigations were completed since the original list of ratings was released by the Bar Association on April 2. The list announced today also removes the names of previously rated candidates who have withdrawn from the ballot since April 2.

"We invite people to learn about these candidate ratings by visiting our website at www.philadelphiabar.org," Wilkinson said. The Chancellor pointed out that the Association's Campaign for Qualified Judges has launched a banner that appears on the homepage of the Association's website. The banner contains a link to print the candidates' ratings so voters can bring the list to the polls. Wilkinson said the Association wants voters to know "not just who to vote for but why the judicial elections are so important and why we invest so much time and energy in reviewing and rating these candidates. This is the one place for voters to find a thorough, non-partisan, objective rating of the candidates."

The Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention is independent and non-partisan. It includes lawyers and non-lawyers. Among the members of the Commission are community leaders, officials including the Chief Public Defender, City Solicitor, and the President Judges of Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court, and representatives of minority legal groups and practice groups.

The ratings by the 30-member Judicial Commission follow extensive study and investigation by the Commission's own 120-member investigative division, which includes 30 non-lawyer members. Candidates found "Recommended" satisfied a cumulative review of criteria including qualifications such as legal ability, experience, integrity, temperament, community involvement and judgment. Complete details can be found at www.philadelphiabar.org.

"The Commission completed more than 35 evaluations of candidates for the nine open seats on Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court," said Commission Chair Teresa F. Sachs. "That is an enormous undertaking involving many hundreds of interviews by the investigative division and careful review, consideration and deliberation by the Commission."

Following is the updated list of ratings.

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "RECOMMENDED" for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

Giovanni Campbell - Recommended
Derrick W. Coker - Recommended
Anne Marie Coyle - Recommended
James C. Crumlish - Recommended
Joe Fernandes - Recommended
Vince Giusini - Recommended
Daine A. Grey, Jr. - Recommended
Timika Lane - Recommended
Daniel D. McCaffery - Recommended
Kenneth J. Powell, Jr. - Recommended
Stephanie M. Sawyer - Recommended
Katie Scrivner - Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "RECOMMENDED" for election to Municipal Court:

Martin Coleman - Recommended
Joe Fernandes - Recommended
Daine A. Grey, Jr. - Recommended
Robert M. Kline - Recommended
Fran Shields - Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

Frank Bennett - Not Recommended
Deborah D. Cianfrani - Not Recommended
Conor Corcoran - Not Recommended
Leon A. King, II - Not Recommended
Rania Major - Not Recommended
Jon Marshall - Not Recommended
John J. OConnor, Jr. - Not Recommended
Tracy B. Roman - Not Recommended
Sean P. Stevens - Not Recommended
Sierra Thomas Street - Not Recommended
Dawn M. Tancredi - Not Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for election to Municipal Court:

Frank Bennett - Not Recommended
Shoshana Bricklin - Not Recommended
Conor Corcoran - Not Recommended
Henry Lewandowski - Not Recommended
Tracy B. Roman - Not Recommended

Gun Control Debate CLE May 23

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Former Mayor and Governor Ed Rendell will be the the moderator for the Thursday, May 23 CLE program "The Gun Control Debate."

Hear from Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, representatives of the NRA and the Brady Center, and other advocates for and against gun control legislation! Click here to register.

AG Kane to Speak at Nonprofit Institute May 22

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Join the Pennsylvania Bar Institute for the 11th Annual Nonprofit Institute in Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 22 as we kick off this year's Institute with a dynamic keynote address by Honorable Kathleen G. Kane, Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Be there for a day of informative and energetic discussion examining the most current issues impacting the nonprofit sector. Click here to register.

Justice O'Connor to Speak at June 12 Quarterly Meeting

Wed, 8 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will be on hand when the award named in her honor is presented to Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Anne E. Lazarus at the June 12 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon. U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, a previous recipient of the O'Connor Award, will deliver the Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Memorial Public Interest Lecture at the event.

"We are thrilled that Justice O'Connor, the first woman to sit on our nation's high court, will be on hand for the 20th anniversary presentation of the award named in her honor," said Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson.

The 2013 O'Connor Award recipient, Judge Lazarus, was elected to Superior Court in 2009 and served as a judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1991 to 2009. She also served as legal counsel to the Philadelphia Orphans Court before being voted onto the bench and practiced in the estates department at Ballard Spahr LLP.

The O'Connor Award is conferred annually on a woman attorney who has demonstrated superior legal talent, achieved significant legal accomplishments and has furthered the advancement of women in both the profession and the community.

Judge Rendell, recipient of the 2004 Sandra Day O'Connor Award, began her legal career at Duane, Morris & Heckscher, where she became the firm's second woman partner. She was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 1994 and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1997.

The Association will also honor the newest members of the Year Clubs, attorneys who have been in practice for 50 years or more.

The June 12 Quarterly Meeting begins at 12 p.m. at the Hyatt at The Bellevue, Broad and Walnut streets. Purchase tickets at philadelphiabar.org.

The June Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon is sponsored by PNC Wealth Management.

"Civil Justice Gap" Stories from Low-income Pennsylvanians Without Legal Representation to Highlight Public Hearing of Pa. Senate Judiciary Committee May 7

Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Low-income Pennsylvanians and the lawyers who help them will testify along with community and business leaders and judges at a Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee Public Hearing, "Civil Legal Representation of the Indigent: Have We Achieved Equal Access to Justice?" on Tuesday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 8E-B in the East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart J. Greenleaf (R-Montgomery, Bucks) will chair the hearing.

State and national studies estimate that a staggering 80 percent of critical legal needs of low-income people go unmet due to grossly insufficient funding and support.

Public interest agency clients with serious legal problems impacting their basic human needs and those of their families – individuals without access to an attorney or who otherwise could not have been helped without access to an attorney – will share their personal stories of struggle at the hearing. Additionally, key stakeholders will testify regarding the legal community's ethical obligations to the civil side of justice and discuss the adverse impact of the growing civil justice gap, including the economic and social harm (direct and/or indirect) when critical legal needs are unmet as well as the economic and social benefits to the community when such needs are met.

The 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association and 28,000-member Pennsylvania Bar Association are among the organizations that are part of a broad-based "Civil Legal Justice Coalition" created to work collaboratively on exploring strategies to improve access to justice. The Honorary Chair of the Coalition is Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille.

Among those expected to testify at the hearing are a number of low-income clients, and key stakeholders including Thomas G. Wilkinson, President, Pennsylvania Bar Association; Samuel W. Milkes, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (PLAN, Inc.); Hon. Chester T. Harhut, Judge, Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, and President of the PLAN, Inc. Board of Directors; Hon. Todd A. Hoover, President Judge, Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas; Rhodia D. Thomas, Executive Director of MidPenn Legal Services; Bill Rothman, Founder, RSR Realtors; Andrew F. Susko, Chair, Pennsylvania Interest On Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Board; and Elaine Strokoff, Executive Director, Downtown Daily Bread.

A second Senate Judiciary Committee Public Hearing on Civil Legal Representation of the Indigent will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Street, in the 11th floor Conference Center.

Von Seldeneck at Chancellor's Leadership Institute May 13

Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Join us for our Monday, May 13 Chancellor's Leadership Institute program, as we welcome Judith M. von Seldeneck, Founder, Chair and CEO of Diversified Search, headquartered in Philadelphia. Click here to register.

For 35 years, Mrs. von Seldeneck has been a pioneer in the search industry and a leader in placing qualified women and diversity candidates. She will discuss the value that she and her award-winning firm place on high-potential leaders with diverse perspectives and unique views, and share her personal journey and reflections on leadership. An audience Q&A opportunity will follow.

Mrs. von Seldeneck has received many industry and community awards and has been recognized by the executive search industry as setting the standard for retained executive search. She was one of two founders of the Forum of Executive Women more than 30 years ago which today is the largest association of women business leaders in the Philadelphia area. Prior to starting Diversified, Mrs. von Seldeneck served in Washington, D.C. as executive assistant to Vice President Walter F. Mondale.

Created by Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson, the Chancellor's Leadership Institute provides ongoing substantive programming aimed at assisting and developing leadership skills and tools for women attorneys, attorneys of diverse backgrounds and young lawyers so they can succeed in their careers. The Institute harnesses the wisdom and experience of some of our region's top legal minds and business leaders.

The program begins at 12 p.m. in the 11th floor Conference Center at the  Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St.  There is no cost to attend this program. Lunch is available for purchase to those who register in advance. The cost of lunch is $8 for members of the Philadelphia Bar Association and $12 for non-members. Click here to register.

Career Wardrobe to Honor Wilkinson June 5

Mon, 6 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson will accept this year’s Fashioning Futures for Women Award at Career Wardrobe's annual fundraising auction and fashion show, "A Perfect Fit: Celebrating a Story of a Suit" on Wednesday, June 5 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia. The Fashioning Futures for Women Award honors a woman who demonstrates a commitment to empowering women, inspiring confidence and assisting women pursue successful careers. The event is hosted by Marilyn Russell of BEN-FM's Women to Watch, and Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff, City of Philadelphia.

Individual tickets and corporate tables may be purchased at: http://careerwardrobe.org/donate/financial-support/a-perfect-fit/

Save the Date: Friends of Farmworkers Reception

Sun, 5 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Friends of Farmworkers will celebrate, honor and thank FOF General Counsel Arthur Read and outgoing Board members Dan Sipe, Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Kenneth I. Trujillo and Louis S. Rulli for their outstanding service to the organization. The event, an evening of cocktails and antojitos mexicanos, will take place on Tuesday, June 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tequilas, 1602 Locust St. For more information, call 215-733-0878.

"Law Week 2013" to Feature Free Legal Advice, Community Programs

Fri, 3 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association will celebrate Law Week 2013 (Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 3), with a range of free community service events presented by volunteer lawyers and coordinated by the Association's Young Lawyers Division.

Attorneys will offer free legal advice for residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, visit school classrooms, guide children on tours of the city's courtrooms, and present mock criminal trials for grade school students during the weeklong fest, which is one of the most ambitious public outreach efforts of its type in the nation. This year's Law Week celebrates the 50th anniversary of the landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, which provides the right to an attorney in criminal cases for those who are unable to afford one.

All of the Law Week activities are under the direction of Bar Association Chancellor-Elect William P. Fedullo, and are coordinated by the Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division with the help of scores of lawyer-volunteers. The Law Week 2013 Co-Chairs are Maria E. Harris of the law firm of Martin LLC, and Eileen F. Carroll of the Legal Clinic for the Disabled. The Chair of the Young Lawyers Division is Aneesh A. Mehta of the law firm of Volpe and Koenig, P.C.

The following is a schedule of Law Week 2013 activities:

Legal Advice Live!: Monday, April 29

Legal Advice Live! kicks off Law Week 2013 with dozens of Philadelphia lawyers gathering to provide free, in-person confidential legal advice to the public from 12 to 2 p.m. at four branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia: Central (1901 Vine St.); Ramonita de Rodriguez (600 W. Girard Ave.) where Spanish-speaking attorneys will be available; Haverford (5543 Haverford Ave.); and Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. (1935 Shunk St.). Attorneys will provide answers to legal questions on a broad range of topics including personal injury, medical malpractice, landlord/tenant law, divorce and child custody matters, wills and estate planning, and employment law.
Lawyer in the Classroom: Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 1

The Lawyer in the Classroom program features lawyers visiting different Philadelphia schools throughout the week to address students' concerns about the law and the legal issues that affect them as they enter adulthood, as well as to answer questions about the legal profession. On April 30, lawyers will meet with students at the Freire Charter School at 2027 Chestnut St. from 9 to 10 a.m.; William Meredith Elementary School at 5th and Fitzwater Streets from 9 to 10 a.m.; Parkway Center City High School at 13th and Spring Garden Streets from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.; Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School at 22nd and Chestnut Streets from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.; Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts at Broad and Christian Streets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Constitution High School at 7th and Market Streets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; and South Philadelphia High School at 2101 S. Broad St. from 1 to 2 p.m. On May 1, lawyers will meet will students at McCall Elementary School at 7th and Spruce Streets from 9 to 10 a.m.
Naturalization Ceremony: Wednesday, May 1

A dramatic Naturalization Ceremony welcoming dozens of new U.S. citizens will be held on Wednesday, May 1 at the U.S. Courthouse, 6th and Market Streets, at 10:30 a.m. Remarks will be provided by Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson. At the event, Babar Ahmed of Father Judge High School – the winner of the Edward F. Chacker Essay Contest – will read aloud his essay on the role of citizens in addressing our nation's economic and political problems. The contest is named after former Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Edward F. Chacker of the law firm of Gay Chacker & Mittin, PC. The winning student is awarded a $1,000 college scholarship.
LegalLine Free Legal Advice Hotline: Wednesday, May 1

Volunteer attorneys will provide free legal advice to residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties who call the LegalLine hotline from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. Area residents can call lawyers at 215-238-6333 and have their legal questions answered confidentially without a fee. The lawyers will staff a phone bank at the headquarters of the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Street, 11th Floor.
"Goldilocks," "The Big Bad Wolf" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" Mock Trials: Friday, May 3

Volunteer judges from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and attorneys dressed as fairytale characters from "Goldilocks," "The Big Bad Wolf" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" gather on Friday, May 3 at City Hall Room 653 at 9:30 a.m. to use facts from the fairytales to act out mock criminal trials for approximately 350 grade school children. Volunteers will fan out in City Hall courtrooms to act as prosecutors, defense attorneys and witnesses in the criminal trials, which include opening statements, examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses, closing arguments, and instructions of the juries. At the conclusion of each trial, the students act as the jury and determine whether the characters are guilty of a crime.
Lawyer for a Day: Friday, May 3

Volunteer attorneys from the Philadelphia Bar Association will accompany Philadelphia high school students into the city's courtrooms to witness live court proceedings at City Hall and the Criminal Justice Center as part of "Lawyer for a Day," the culminating event of the Law Week 2013 celebration.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Philadelphia Bar Association headquarters, 1101 Market St., 11th Floor, where students will gather to embark on their courtroom tours at 9 a.m. The event concludes with a 12 p.m. luncheon back at Bar Association headquarters, where Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor-Elect William P. Fedullo will welcome the students and Louis S. Rulli, Practice Professor of Law and Director of Clinical Programs at the University of Pennsylvania Law School will offer a moving presentation on the 50th anniversary of the landmark case Gideon v. Wainwright. Winning posters from the Association's Law Week Poster Contest, open to area grade schools, will be on display. Winning students receive gift certificates.

Judge Lazarus to Receive O'Connor Award at June 12 Quarterly

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Anne E. Lazarus will be presented with the Association's Sandra Day O'Connor Award at the Wednesday, June 12 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon.

U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie O. Rendell will deliver the Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Memorial Public Interest Lecture at the program and the association will honor the newest members of the Year Clubs, Association members who have been practicing law for 50 years or more. As previously announced, Justice O’Connor will also be in attendance at the meeting.

Judge Lazarus was elected to Superior Court in 2009 and served as a judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1991 to 2009.

The June Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon is sponsored by PNC Wealth Management.

20th Century Associates, 21st Century Legal Environment at April 22 Leadership Event

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Temple University Beasley School of Law Dean JoAnne A. Epps (from left), Villanova University School of Law Dean John Y. Gotanda and YLD Chair Aneesh A. Mehta are among the speakers at the April 22 Chancellor's Leadership Institute program.

The Monday, April 22 Chancellor's Leadership Institute program "20th Century Associates in a 21st Century Legal Environment" will feature law school deans and young lawyers with a discussion on expectations and trends for young lawyers.

Panelists include Temple University Beasley School of Law Dean JoAnne A. Epps, Villanova University School of Law Dean John Y. Gotanda, YLD Chair Aneesh A. Mehta and young lawyers Earthen E. Johnson and Andrew P. Reeve.

Topics include The Future of Legal Education: Law School Duration and Clinical Work Required; First Year Associate Programs: Expectations and Successes; Recent Trends for New Lawyers: the Job Market, Availability of Internships with the Courts and Public Interest Community; and How Associates Can Use the Bar Association to Develop Leadership Skills.

The program begins at 12 p.m. in the 11th floor Conference Center at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St. Lunch is available for $8 for members of the Philadelphia Bar Association and $12 for non-members. Click here to register.

Testimony of Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson April 18

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

YLD Comedy Night with Myq Kaplan May 9 at Helium

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Young Lawyers Division will present an "Evening of Comedy That Cares" on Thursday, May 9 at Helium Comedy Club with comedian Myq Kaplan, a 2010 "Last Comic Standing" finalist. The private event will benefit the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and is open exclusively to Bar members and their colleagues and friends.

Myq (pronounced Mike) Kaplan is a 2010 "Last Comic Standing" finalist and has appeared on the "Tonight Show," the "Late Show with David Letterman," "Comedy Central Presents," and "Conan," among others. His CD, "Vegan Mind Meld," was one of iTunes' 10 best-selling comedy albums in 2010.

"The Comedians" magazine calls him "a comedy machine, in the best possible way. The way that some machines vend soda or prevent other machines from killing future revolutionaries - that's how Myq Kaplan does comedy: relentlessly, methodically, unblinkingly."

The event includes open bar and a buffet dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Helium Comedy Club is located at 2031 Sansom St. The early-bird deadline to purchase tickets is April 25. The last day to purchase tickets is May 7. No refunds for cancellations will be issued after May 7. Click here to purchase tickets.

Commonwealth Court Historical Society CLE May 14

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Historical Society is pleased to present the CLE program "Harm Caused by Access to Court Records? An Attorney's Ethical Obligations" on Tuesday, May 14 at 4:30 p.m.

A reception with PaCCHS members and Commonwealth Court judges and staff will follow at Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, Widener Building, 9th Floor, 1339 Chestnut St.

Speakers include Hon. Dan Pellegrini, President Judge, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania; Kristen W. Brown, Prothonotary, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania; and Samuel C. Stretton. For more information, please visit www.pacchs.org.

Download the registration form here.

Judge Rendell to Deliver Higginbotham Lecture June 12

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie O. Rendell will deliver the Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Memorial Public Interest Lecture at the Association’s Wednesday, June 12 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon.

The Association will also present the 2013 Sandra Day O'Connor Award at the program and honor the newest members of the Year Clubs, Association members who have been practicing law for 50 years or more. As previously announced, Justice O’Connor will also be in attendance at the meeting.

Judge Higginbotham was the first African American to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who also served as chief judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. A legal and civics giant and scholar, he was a lifelong champion of individual rights, with a career that spanned nearly half a century.

The June 12 Quarterly Meeting begins at 12 p.m. at the Hyatt at The Bellevue, Broad and Walnut streets.

The June Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon is sponsored by PNC Wealth Management.

Bench-Bar Returning to Revel Oct. 4-5

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Revel, the Atlantic City casino resort that hosted the Philadelphia Bar Association's wildly successful and popular 2012 Bench-Bar & Annual Conference, will host this year's conference on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5, 2013.

The Bench-Bar & Annual Conference provides attendees with the opportunity to earn continuing legal education credit while networking with colleagues and members of the bench. Hundreds of attorneys and judges are expected to attend.

Maria A. Feeley, a partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP, and Julia Swain, a partner with Fox Rothschild LLP, are co-chairs of the Bench-Bar & Annual Conference. Bench-Bar Committee vice chairs are John Encarnacion, an associate at White and Williams LLP; Scott W. Reid, a partner with Cozen O'Connor; and Mindee J. Reuben, a partner with Weinstein Kitchenoff & Asher LLC.

A new addition to this year's conference will be a Law Practice Management track among the 21 CLE seminars that will be offered. Another highlight of the weekend will be the Friday night reception at Revel's HQ nightclub. Prices for the 2013 edition of the Bench-Bar & Annual Conference are being kept at 2012 levels.

Sponsors for the 2013 Bench-Bar & Annual Conference include USI Affinity; JAMS, The Resolution Experts; Insurance Adjustment Bureau, Inc; M. Burr Keim Company; Robson Forensic, Inc.; US Claims Inc.; AppearByPhone and The MCS Group. For sponsorship information, contact Tracey McCloskey at 215-238-6360 or tmccloskey@philabar.org.

Philadelphia Bar Association Releases First Round of Ratings of Judicial Candidates for May 21 Primary Election

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, today announced the first round of results of the Association's investigation into the qualifications of candidates for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and candidates for Philadelphia Municipal Court in the May 21 primary election. The investigation was conducted by the Association's Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention.

Wilkinson noted that the list of "Recommended" and "Not Recommended" candidates is still incomplete and said additional names and ratings will be announced as investigations are completed on the remaining candidates. Wilkinson said that the ratings announced today provide the results for candidates who are on the ballot who submitted to the Association’s evaluation process by the Bar's announced deadline of December 3, 2012.

"We wanted to get these names and ratings out as soon as possible and invite people to learn about these candidate ratings. They can do this by visiting our website at www.philadelphiabar.org," Wilkinson said. Wilkinson added that the Association wants voters to know "not just who to vote for but why the judicial elections are so important and why we invest so much time and energy in reviewing and rating these candidates. "This is the one place for voters to find a thorough, non-partisan, objective rating of the candidates."

The ratings by the 30-member Judicial Commission follow extensive study and investigation by the Commission’s own 120-member investigative division, which includes 30 non-lawyer members. Candidates found "Recommended" satisfied a cumulative review of criteria including qualifications such as legal ability, experience, integrity, temperament, community involvement and judgment. Complete details can be found at www.philadelphiabar.org.

“The Commission will complete more than 35 evaluations of candidates for the nine open seats on Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court,” said Commission Chair Teresa F. Sachs. “That is an enormous undertaking involving many hundreds of interviews by the investigative division and careful review, consideration and deliberation by the Commission.”

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "RECOMMENDED" for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

Giovanni Campbell - Recommended
James C. Crumlish - Recommended
Daine A. Grey, Jr. - Recommended
Chris Mallios - Recommended
Daniel D. McCaffery - Recommended
Kenneth J. Powell, Jr. - Recommended
Stephanie M. Sawyer - Recommended
Katie Scrivner - Recommended
Fran Shields - Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "RECOMMENDED" for election to Municipal Court:

Martin Coleman - Recommended
Daine A. Grey, Jr. - Recommended
Chris Mallios - Recommended
Fran Shields - Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for election to the Court of Common Pleas:

Frank Bennett - Not Recommended
Deborah D. Cianfrani - Not Recommended
Conor Corcoran - Not Recommended
Rania Major - Not Recommended
Jon Marshall - Not Recommended
Sierra Thomas Street - Not Recommended
Dawn M. Tancredi - Not Recommended

The following judicial candidates, listed alphabetically, were found "NOT RECOMMENDED" for election to Municipal Court:

Frank Bennett - Not Recommended
Shoshana Bricklin - Not Recommended
Conor Corcoran - Not Recommended

Additional names and ratings will be announced soon.

Leaders in Government, Academia, Private Practice April 10

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Join us for our next Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor's Leadership Institute program on Wednesday, April 10 at Ballard Spahr LLP, as we hear from a panel of legal leaders in government, academia and private practice who will share their personal journey and reflections on leadership, followed by an audience Q&A.

Panelists are Richard Negrin, Managing Director and Deputy Mayor for Administration and Coordination, City of Philadelphia; Emilie R. Ninan, Managing Partner, Wilmington Office, Ballard Spahr LLP and President, North American South Asian Bar Association; and Judge Kathryn Streeter Lewis, Adjunct Professor, Villanova University School of Law and retired judge, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ballard Spahr LLP, 1735 Market St., 51st Floor. Afterward, please join us for a light reception with our panel members, sponsored by our event host, Ballard Spahr LLP. The event is free and open to all members of the Philadelphia Bar Association. RSVP required. Deadline to RSVP is Thursday, April 4. To RSVP, click HERE.

Volunteers Needed for YLD Law Week April 29 - May 3

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Young Lawyers Division will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright during Law Week from April 29 to May 3. The YLD needs volunteers to participate in its community outreach programs. Legal Advice Live! Monday, April 29: Legal Advice Live! kicks off the week with dozens of Philadelphia attorneys gathering to providving free, in-person legal advice from 12 to 2 p.m. at four branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia: Central (1901 Vine St.); Ramonita de Rodriguez (600 W. Girard Ave.; Spanish-speaking attorneys needed); Haverford (5543 Haverford Ave.); and Donatucci (1935 Shunk St.). Attorneys will provide answers to legal questions on a broad range of topics, including personal injury, medical malpractice, landlord/tenant law, divorce and child custody matters, wills and estate planning, real estate law and employment law. To volunteer please contact Ashley Kenney at akenney@griesinglaw.com or Vincent Barbera at Barberav@whiteandwilliams.com.

Poster, Essay Contests and Naturalization Ceremony – Tuesday, April 30: As part of Law Week, the YLD will sponsors a poster and an essay contest around the theme of Law Day. Winners of the poster contest receive gift certificates. The winner of the Edward F. Chacker Essay Contest – named after the former Chancellor of the Bar Association – will read aloud his or her essay at a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia, welcoming dozens of new U.S. citizens. The winner of the essay contest also receives a $1,000 college scholarship paid for by the law firm of Gay Chacker & Mittin, P.C. For more information, contact Jennifer Russell at jenniferannrussell@gmail.com or Andrew Kornblau at akornblau@lcbf.com.

Lawyer in the Classroom: Tuesday, April 30 - Thursday, May 2: The YLD sends its best and brightest minds into our local classrooms to answer questions about the legal profession and to address students' concerns about the law and the legal issues that affect them as they enter adulthood. Contact Jennifer Lin at jennifer.lin@phila.gov or Philip Amoa at pamoa@mccarter.com to volunteer.

LegalLine – Wednesday, May 1: Free and confidential legal advice will be given to those who call the LegalLine hotline from 5 to 8 p.m. Attorneys will staff a phone bank at the headquarters of the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th Floor. Contact Charece Z. Collins at ccollins@wglaw.com or Feyi Obafemi at oobafemi@cozen.com to learn more.

"Goldilocks," "The Big Bad Wolf," and "Jack and the Beanstalk" Mock Trials – Friday, May 3: Volunteer judges from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and attorneys dressed as fairy tale characters will use the facts from "Goldilocks," "Three Little Pigs" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" to present mock trials to nearly 300 Philadelphia grade school students at various courtrooms in City Hall. Spanish-speaking attorneys are needed for this program as well. Volunteer by contacting Erin Lamb at erin.lamb@courts.phila.gov or Ryan Gatto at gatto@smsm.com.

Lawyer for a Day – Friday, May 3: The culminating event of the Bar Association's Law Week 2013 celebration, volunteer attorneys from the Philadelphia Bar Association will accompany approximately 100 Philadelphia students from 14 different high schools into the Criminal Justice Center and City Hall to witness live court proceedings. Learn more from Shabrei Parker at shabrei.parker@gmail.com or Joe Fantini at jfantini@anapolschwartz.com.

Philadelphia Bar Receives Grant From ABA Access to Justice Commission Expansion Project

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association announced on March 21 that it has received formal approval from the American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education for a grant as part of the ABA’s Access to Justice Commission Expansion Project.

The grant application was submitted by Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson on behalf of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Civil Gideon and Access to Justice Task Force, with letters of support from Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pennsylvania IOLTA and the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.

The funding will be used to support ongoing efforts to create a broad-based statewide coalition including the Pennsylvania Bar Association and other key stakeholders to work collaboratively on improving access to justice; to plan and conduct a series of statewide public hearings to generate greater public awareness and understanding of the civil justice gap crisis; to identify various solutions to close the justice gap; and to explore whether Pennsylvania should implement an Access to Justice Commission.

“We are delighted that the Pennsylvania Bar Association and other key stakeholders will partner with us on this very important work, in order to explore strategies to improve access to justice, the issue of civil Gideon and the civil justice gap,” said Wilkinson “Chief Justice Castille has been very supportive of this vital work. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is expected to play a key role in this project, including providing testimony during the statewide hearings that will be planned by the legislative branch."

“The ABA grant is an important first step in the collaboration of our Task Force with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and many others to launch a series of statewide hearings on the need for counsel for low-income individuals in adversarial proceedings where fundamental needs, such as housing and a parent’s access to children, are at stake,” said Joseph A. Sullivan, co-chair of the Civil Gideon and Access to Justice Task Force. “The goals of the hearings, to be chaired by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf and the Senate Judiciary Committee, include learning much more about the difficulties many face in achieving access to justice, and hearing a broad range of perspectives on the consequences of the inability to retain counsel on families, such as loss of jobs, breakdown in family integrity and economic disruption. Our goals also include learning more about the broader impact of lack of counsel on communities and economies – both locally and statewide. We hope to educate the broadest possible audience about these issues, and the benefits of expanding access to justice to everyone in the community,” he said.

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gideon decision, we are thrilled to have this support to move forward a statewide effort to build access to justice for all on the civil side,” added Task Force Co-Chair Catherine C. Carr.

The formation of the statewide coalition will be completed in the coming weeks and a series of strategic meetings will be held to explore how an Access to Justice Commission may improve access to justice.

Access to Justice Commissions are formal entities that bring together the highest level of the state’s courts, organized bar and other stakeholders to support the expansion of access to civil justice for low-income and disadvantaged people. As of March 15, there were Access to Justice Commissions in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Most of the Commissions were created by those state’s Supreme Court.

Access to Justice Commissions have been proven to have a major impact in expanding support for self-represented litigants in the courts; increasing state-level funding for civil legal aid; developing new initiatives to increase pro bono services by attorneys; promoting collaboration and coordination among civil legal aid providers; building a commitment to pro bono and support for legal aid among law students and new lawyers; and increasing awareness among legislators and other key decision makers, the bar, the judiciary and the general public about the legal needs of low-income and disadvantaged people and the social and economic benefits of ensuring that they do not go unmet.

Statement of Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson on the Announced May 1 Resignation of Suspended Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

"On behalf of the 13,000 members of the Philadelphia Bar Association, I urge Governor Corbett to nominate, and send to the state Senate for consideration, a qualified candidate to fill the vacancy created by Justice Orie Melvin’s resignation as soon as possible, so that the state Supreme Court can be restored to its full complement of seven justices to ensure unfettered access to justice for the citizens of Pennsylvania."

Work, Life, Leadership: Conversation with Kathleen, Tom Wilkinson April 2

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Please join us for "Work, Life, Leadership: A Conversation with Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson and Pennsylvania Bar President Thomas G. Wilkinson" on Tuesday, April 2.

This program, presented by Ms. JD, the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, is geared toward young lawyers and law students. The program will begin promptly at 5 pm and will be immediately followed by a networking session at the Field House. There is no fee to attend however space is limited and registration is required by March 28. Click here to register.

The program will be held in the 11th floor Conference Center at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St. For more information about Ms. JD please visit ms-jd.org.

Get Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court; Apply By March 28

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Bar Association will move up to 50 of our members for admission to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court on Monday, May 14. The admission ceremony will be made to the full court sitting in Washington, D.C. The event will be on a first-come, first-served basis and all applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 28.

The court's requirements for a group admission ceremony are very comprehensive. To review these requirements and to download the forms for admission please visit the Supreme Court's website at supremecourtus.gov. Select the Bar Admissions tab on the left-hand side and this will bring you to the link for the Bar Admissions Form and Bar Admissions Instructions. Please read the instructions carefully. Once you have determined that you are eligible for admission, please print out and complete the Admission Form. The instructions and guidelines are very specific and must be followed scrupulously. Do not fold the application or use staples. Use paper clips only.

Once you have successfully completed the Admission Form, please mail it along with a check made payable to the Philadelphia Bar Association. The cost to attend the ceremony is $225 for members of the Philadelphia Bar Association that includes your application fee and a continental breakfast. Please include an additional $25 if you are an Association member and plan to bring a guest. If you are not a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the fee is $325. Per the Supreme Court's rule, each inductee is permitted to bring only one guest. Please send payment to: Attn: Dawn Petit, Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Do not send the application directly to the Supreme Court.

The event will be on a first-come, first-served basis and all applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. If you have any questions regarding this event, please do not hesitate to contact Dawn Petit at 215-238-6367 or dpetit@philabar.org.

34th Annual Bar Association 5K Run/Walk May 19

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

More than 1,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the 34th Annual Philadelphia Bar Association 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 19 along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

This is one of the oldest and most respected events of its kind in Philadelphia. The Run/Walk format provides the opportunity for athletes of all levels to participate in this charity event to benefit the Support Center for Child Advocates.

Many different competition divisions are available, including open run, individual run, Bar Association, legal team, corporate team, male and female and age groups. Law firms and companies may enter 5K Run teams. For an application contact Michael Berkowitz at mjberkowitz@crbcp.com or 215-567-2010 (ext 132). Deadline for team registration is May 11.

Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each age group and the overall male and female winners. A $300 prize will be awarded to any Philadelphia Bar Association runner who can defeat 13-time defending champion Neill W. Clark. The prize is sponsored by Neill's friends at Philadelphia Runner. All participants who complete the Run or Walk will receive a short-sleeve T-shirt. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are encourage to join in the Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Kids’ Dash, a 200-yard non competitive dash.

O'Connor Award Nominations Due April 1

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Women in the Profession Committee is seeking nominations for the 2013 Sandra Day O'Connor Award. The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 1, 2013.

The award is conferred annually on a woman attorney who has demonstrated superior legal talent, achieved significant legal accomplishments and has furthered the advancement of women in both the profession and the community.

The committee established the award in 1993 to recognize the important contributions that women attorneys in Philadelphia have made to the legal profession.

That year, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor presented the first award to U.S. District Court Senior Judge Norma L. Shapiro. The award has since been presented to the late Juanita Kidd Stout, former justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; Deborah R. Willig, first woman Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association; Professor Marina Angel, of the Temple University Beasley School of Law faculty; Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Dolores K. Sloviter (former Chief Judge); U.S. District Court Judge Anita B. Brody; Leslie Anne Miller, first woman president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association; Lila G. Roomberg of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP; the late Judge Judith J. Jamison; Ellen T. Greenlee, chief defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia; former Chancellor Audrey C. Talley; U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Marjorie O. Rendell; former Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Phyllis W. Beck; Roberta D. Pichini of Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig; Lynn A. Marks, executive director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts; Roberta D. Liebenberg of Fine, Kaplan and Black, R.P.C.; JoAnne Epps, dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law; Stephanie Resnick of Fox Rothschild LLP; U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; and former Chancellor Jane Leslie Dalton.

Please send nominations to the attention of Dawn Petit, at dpetit@philabar.org. All materials must be submitted electronically via email. Click here to download the nomination form.

Trailblazing Women in Government, Business March 14

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Join us for our next Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor's Leadership Institute program, as we hear from a panel of trailblazing women lawyers in government and business who will share their personal journey and reflections on leadership, followed by an audience Q&A. Afterward, please join us for a light reception with our panel members, sponsored by our event host, Fox Rothschild LLP. The event begins at 4 p.m.

Speakers include Risa Vetri Ferman, District Attorney, Montgomery County; Pennsylvania state Rep. Kate M. Harper; Hon. Renee Cardwell Hughes, chief executive officer, American Red Cross of Southeastern PA; and Kathy Manderino, senior vice president, Interact.

The event is free and open to all members of the Philadelphia Bar Association. RSVP is required. Deadline to RSVP is Monday, March 11. To RSVP, click here.

DA Kicks Off Chancellor's Leadership Institute Feb. 27

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Join us for the official kickoff of the Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor's Leadership Institute, on Wednesday, Feb. 27 as we hear from Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams, the first African-American District Attorney in Philadelphia and in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. District Attorney Williams will share his personal journey and reflections on leadership, followed by an audience Q&A session.

The program begins at 12 p.m. at The CLE Conference Center on the 10th floor of the Wanamaker Building, Market and Juniper streets. The event is free and open to all members of the Philadelphia Bar Association. An RSVP is required to attend this brown-bag program. Click here to register.

The next Chancellor's Leadership Program will be Thursday, March 14 at 4 p.m., as we welcome a prominent panel of leaders including Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman; Pennsylvania state Rep. Kate Harper; former Pennsylvania state representative and current senior vice president of Interact Kathy Manderino; and former Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge and current American Red Cross of Southeastern PA CEO Renee Cardwell Hughes. The location will be announced soon.

Statement of Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson on the Conviction of Suspended Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

"This is a sad day for the justice system in Pennsylvania," said Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Chancellor of the 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association.

"Jurors in the trial of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin have found that she is guilty on six of the seven counts against her.

"Today’s conviction only underscores the need for changing the way appellate judges are selected in Pennsylvania. When judges are forced to engage in election campaigning requiring large sums of money to be raised, citizens become concerned that those judges are then beholden to campaign contributors, party officials and special interests. As a result, many citizens question whether they will receive fair treatment in a court of law.

"The Philadelphia Bar Association has long supported a merit-based, appointive system of selecting appellate court judges. Through such a system, the best qualified candidates are sought out based on stringent standards, and those who are unqualified to serve are eliminated from consideration.

"The time has come to stop electing appellate court judges, to restore the confidence of the electorate in our judicial system, and to open the process to a wider and more diverse pool of well-qualified candidates, by adopting a system of merit selection for the election of judges in Pennsylvania.

"We are hopeful that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will soon return to its full complement of seven justices."

Chancellor Urges City to Delay Implementation of Conflicts Counsel Reforms

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson sent the following letter Feb. 21 to Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Everett A. Gillison urging the City to delay implementation of proposed reforms in the system of providing legal representation for indigent defendants, in order to more thoroughly consider possible models and alternatives.

Click here to read the Chancellor's letter.

New Jersey Supreme Court Opens the Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center for 2013

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center is now open, and attorneys are encouraged to register and pay any required fees by April 26, 2013. An electronic notice about the online system has been sent to each attorney who previously registered on-line. In addition, a User ID and temporary password has been mailed to each attorney who has never used the online system to facilitate a transition to the online process.

To complete your registration and pay online, go to www.njcourts.com/attyreg, click on “Attorney Online Registration and Payment Center” and follow the on-screen directions.

Pursuant to Rules 1:20-1(b) and (c), 1:28-2(a), 1:28B-1(e), and1:42-2(b), attorneys licensed to practice in New Jersey are annually required to pay an assessment and file a registration statement in a form prescribed by the Administrative Director with approval of the Supreme Court. The New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection ("Fund") collects the assessment; the money collected supports the Fund, the disciplinary process, the Lawyers Assistance Program and the Board on Continuing Legal Education (BCLE). If you did not receive your log-in information or if you have questions concerning registration and billing, please contact the Fund at (609) 292-8079 or CPF.Mailbox@judiciary.state.nj.us.

In addition to the annual registration requirement, attorneys maintaining a plenary or limited license to practice law in New Jersey must participate in a program of continuing legal education (CLE) in accordance with Rule 1:42. Beginning with the 2013 attorney registration, a noncompliance fee of $50 will be assessed against attorneys who report that they did not complete the required courses by the deadline for course completion. An additional $50 (for a total of $100) will be assessed against attorneys who fail to complete their CLE courses within the grace period given pursuant to BCLE Reg. 402:1 and against attorneys who fail to report regarding compliance at all.

The Court approved amendments to the CLE regulations, including those related to alternative verifiable learning formats and reciprocity. In addition, certain fees were changed. Please review the Board on Continuing Legal Education’s regulations at www.judiciary.state.nj.us/cle/. If you have questions concerning CLE, please contact staff to the BCLE at SCTCLE.Mailbox@judiciary.state.nj.us or 609-633- 9733.

Ginsburg Essay Entry Deadline is May 8

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Entries are now being accepted for the Philadelphia Bar Association's 2013 Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Pursuit of Justice Legal Writing Competition.

Candidates may submit a law review quality submission on any topic relating to rights, privileges and responsibilities under federal law. The Bar Association recognizes the importance of excellence in legal analysis and writing skills, and seeks to award a student enrolled in an American Bar Association-approved or provisionally approved Philadelphia-area law school for authoring a top-quality competition submission. Entries must be received by Wednesday, May 8 at 4 p.m.

This competition is open to full- and part-time law students who are in their second or third year of study during the 2012-13 academic year at one of the following six institutions: Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Rutgers University School of Law – Camden, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Villanova University School of Law and
Widener University School of Law (Delaware Campus). Part-time law students in their third or later year of study are also eligible. Students must be in good standing at their institutions.

The submission may not have been published previously, although it may have been prepared in connection with a law school course or for a law journal. The submission also may not have been submitted for any other competition during the time when it is under consideration for this competition, until after the time when awards are announced. The submission must be the work of one author alone (joint submissions will not be considered), and the author must certify that the submission has been prepared without substantial editing from others.

The chair of the competition is Bar Association Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson, a partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker.

The author of the winning submission will receive a cash award of $2,500, and have the essay published in The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine, on the Bar Association's website and/or in an appropriate Bar Association publication. The winner will be invited to a Quarterly Meeting of the Bar Association, at which time the award will be presented.

All entries should be sent to Dawn Petit, c/o Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. For more information, contact Petit at 215-238-6367 or email dpetit@philabar.org.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COMPETITION RULES

Job Announcement: Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

INTRODUCTION

The Philadelphia Bar Association (the "Association") announces a national search for a successor to its long-serving Executive Director, who will retire at the end of 2013.
Founded in 1802, the Association is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States. It is devoted to serving the interests of its 13,000 members and to improving access to justice for the Philadelphia community.

DUTIES

The Executive Director manages the affairs of the Association and supports the Association's Chancellor and Board of Governors.
Significant responsibilities include:

Supervising a staff of 25
Preparing and overseeing a budget of $4.5 million
Helping to establish and manage Association programs and policies
Working with Bar leaders to create distinctive services and strategic initiatives to enhance the value and importance of Bar Association membership
Developing new sources of non-dues income
Interacting with a diverse membership and community
Helping the Association fulfill its commitment to support and expand legal services for the needy

QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent leadership, management and communication skills
Demonstrates management responsibility with a non-profit or professional services organization, preferably with a connection to the legal profession
Bachelor's degree required. A law degree or advanced degree in another relevant field would be useful but is not a prerequisite.
High personal integrity, sound judgment and a strong work ethic are essential, together with energy, imagination and a passion for the opportunity to lead the Association through the 21st century

SALARY AND BENEFITS

An attractive compensation package will be offered, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should email a statement of interest and résumé to:

Alan M. Feldman, Esq.
Chair, Executive Director Search Committee
c/o executivedirector@philabar.org.

Use the following subject line in your email message:
Applicant for Philadelphia Bar Executive Director: [Applicant Name]

Applications should be submitted on or before April 15, 2013. Selected applicants will be contacted to arrange for interviews.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Association is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

See Job Description Here

Free Legal Advice Offered by Philadelphia Bar Association February 20

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Bar Association will offer free legal advice to residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties on Wednesday, February 20, between 5 and 8 p.m. Members of the public can access the service by calling the Association’s LegalLine P.M. hotline at (215) 238-6333.

Area residents seeking confidential legal advice will be able to speak for free with a volunteer attorney from the Philadelphia Bar Association. Attorneys are available to offer information about any aspect of the law including family law, landlord-tenant, workers’ compensation and employment law, among other topics.

LegalLine P.M. is a public service sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association, providing residents with free, quick and accurate legal advice during convenient evening hours. LegalLine P.M. is offered on the third Wednesday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. The program has existed for nearly 20 years, allowing volunteer attorneys to help thousands of callers through direct service or by referring them to an appropriate source.

In addition, during regular work hours, the Philadelphia Bar Association offers another program -- the Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) -- which provides lawyer referrals to area residents. Staff attorneys take calls from the general public and refer callers to attorneys in private practice for a 30-minute consultation, for which the attorney agrees to charge a drastically reduced fee of $30.

If callers do not need an attorney or cannot afford one, they will be directed to a legal service organization, agency or other resource for assistance. LRIS is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling (215) 238-6333.

Founded in 1802, the 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States.

Volunteers provided by White and Williams LLP

Poverty in America Discussion Feb. 28 with author Peter Edelman

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Public Interest Section, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, and the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia will host a special conversation with Georgetown University Law Center Professor Peter Edelman, author of the recently published book, “So Rich, So Poor: Why It's So Hard to End Poverty in America,” which offers an uncompromising look at the increasing poverty in America today on Thursday, Feb. 28.

Edelman will share his insights and engage attendees in a conversation about what is happening to the people behind the statistics, including the crisis of young people of color, whose possibility of a productive life too often is lost on their way to adulthood.

Registration and lunch begin at 12 p.m. at United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Lobby 2 & 3. There is no charge to attend. To RSVP, call or email Tara Breitsprecher at (215) 563-5848 x34, or at tarab@pccy.org.

Chancellor Issues Statement on Traffic Court Indictments

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association released the following statement from Chancellor Kathleen D. Wilkinson regarding the indictment announced today of nine current or former Philadelphia Traffic Court judges and others.

"This is a sad day for the justice system in Pennsylvania. The charges against these Traffic Court judges and others who have been indicted today cast a shadow on the court that compromises the ability for justice to be dispensed fairly. These indictments, while allegations are pending, raise serious concerns about equal access to justice for thousands of Philadelphians. It is imperative that the Traffic Court's sitting judges who have been indicted resign immediately to maintain the integrity of our justice system. Any implication of favoritism through a selective meting out of unequal justice merits swift condemnation.

We respect the work done by Traffic Court Administrative Judge Gary S. Glazer to enact measures to restore integrity and public confidence in the operations of the court, and believe an overhaul of Traffic Court is needed so that justice is dispensed fairly and without favoritism."

New Professional Liability Insurance Coming for Bar Members

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

With the new year comes an exciting change to the Philadelphia Bar Association's Insurance Program - a new and much-improved lawyers' professional liability product offering.

Over the course of the last year, USI Affinity, the Association's exclusively endorsed insurance broker, worked with the Association to review its professional liability insurance offering. When it was determined that improvements were needed, an RFP process was undertaken. That process included soliciting and reviewing proposals from potential new carriers, interviewing carriers and then making a decision on a carrier and product. At the end of that process, USI Affinity recommended that the program be switched from the current carrier, Westport/Swiss Re to CNA. That recommendation was approved by the Association's Board of Governors at its November 2012 meeting. Policies that renew on or after April 1, 2013 will now be written with CNA.

Part of the reason for making the decision to switch the endorsement was CNA's position as a leader in providing professional liability insurance to law firms, with more than 50 years of experience and more than 44,000 firms insured nationwide. Their underwriting and claims teams are committed to a "customer first" approach, and their risk control resources provide both up to date and very practical assistance in running a practice while avoiding professional liability claims.

Another consideration was making the new offering more affordable for Association members. CNA has designed its rates for this program to be lower than expiring premiums in the current program. In addition, Association members will benefit from a new credit providing 5 percent off a firm's professional liability premium. For each attorney in a firm who is a Philadelphia Bar Association member, the firm will receive a 5 percent credit on that attorney's pro-rata share of the firm’s premium. In addition, CNA is offering a 7.5 percent risk management credit per attorney (in the same manner as the Association membership credit) for two years after taking the risk control program given by the Association's Insurance Programs Committee. This combination should result in significant savings for program participants.

Finally, the policy form is improved over that provided under the current program, being significantly better in some areas. Full details about the new offering will be coming soon, and members will have the information needed to make an informed decision when it is time to renew their professional liability coverage. If your firm is currently insured through the Philadelphia Bar Association program with Westport Insurance Company, USI Affinity advises that the transition will take place as follows:

• In the near future, your firm will be receiving a Non Renewal notice from Westport Insurance Company. You do not need to be concerned: this is a legal requirement and simply part of the transition process to the new program underwritten by CNA.

• Your current coverage underwritten by Westport is not cancelled and you will not be without coverage. Your coverage will continue with Westport until your policy Expiration Date.

• USI Affinity will remain your broker and administrator and will transition your coverage to the new CNA policy when your current policy expires. Here is how that will work:

• Approximately 90 days prior to your Professional Liability policy's expiration date, you will receive your CNA renewal package from USI Affinity.

• This package is designed to make the transition to CNA as easy as possible for your firm. It will contain a simplified renewal application for your firm to complete.

• Simply follow the instructions included for filling out and returning that CNA renewal application and USI Affinity will transition your firm's coverage to the new Professional Liability program.

"If you are not currently with the Philadelphia Bar Association's professional liability program, we urge you to give it a long look. We think you'll agree that this new endorsed professional liability offering is a great value, and a tremendous member benefit," said Carl "Hank" Delacato Jr., co-chair of the Association's Insurance Programs Committee. "We have worked in partnership with USI Affinity to make sure that our members have access to the best products and get the best possible service. This change in our professional liability offering is another example of that focus on excellence. Our members now have access to a superior professional liability insurance offering, with outstanding coverage, services and value."

USI Affinity is a leader in providing professional liability insurance, with more than 60 years of experience, 30,000 attorneys insured nationwide and more than 30 bar association endorsements, including those of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association and many of Pennsylvania's other county bars.

Bar Website Search Function Temporarily Unavailable

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Bar Association's website search function is currently unavailable. We appreciate your patience and will advise you when the search function returns. Thank you.

UPS Chief Legal Officer McClure is March 11 Speaker

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Teri Plummer McClure, the chief legal and compliance officer for UPS Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the Philadelphia Bar Association's Monday, March 11 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon.

The Bar Association will also present the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Diversity Award at the program. The award publicly acknowledges, recognizes and honors an individual or entity that has demonstrated a strong commitment, and has made a substantial contribution, to diversity and promoting full and equal participation and inclusion in the legal profession.

Also at the event, Immediate-Past Chancellor John E. Savoth will be presented with a gold box, an exact replica of the one presented to Andrew Hamilton for his defense of John Peter Zenger in 1735. The gold box is presented annually to the immediate-past Chancellor and is inscribed with the message "acquired not by money, but by character."

In her role at UPS, McClure oversees all ethics and compliance, audit and legal initiatives in more than 220 countries and territories where the company does business, and advises and supports the UPS Board of Directors. McClure also leads UPS worldwide public affairs and government relations efforts advocating increased global trade, stronger business competitiveness, and improved economic growth worldwide, among many other public policies.

The March 11 Quarterly Meeting & Luncheon begins at 12 p.m. at the Hyatt at The Bellevue, Broad and Walnut streets. Click here to purchase tickets.

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Sotomayor Diversity Award Nominees Sought by Feb. 8

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Nominations are now being accepted for the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Diversity Award to be presented at the Association’s March 11 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon.

This award is to publicly acknowledge, recognize and honor an individual or entity that has demonstrated a strong commitment, and has made a substantial contribution, to diversity and promoting full and equal participation and inclusion in the legal profession. Nominations for the award are accepted from any member of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Previous recipients of the diversity award include Justice Sotomayor, the Liacouras Committee, former Chancellor Andre L. Dennis and Nolan Atkinson.

The award shall be granted to an attorney, jurist, law firm, law department, legal services organization or law school in Philadelphia, or an individual or entity that has made a substantial impact upon the Philadelphia legal community. Nominees should demonstrate a sustained and continuous contribution, or a single outstanding contribution, to diversity and full and equal participation and inclusion in the legal profession in furtherance of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Statement of Diversity Principles. Nominations of individuals should be based upon their personal contributions to diversity, and nominations of entities should be based upon programmatic activity.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8 and should be sent to Naomi K. McLaurin, Esq., Director of Diversity, Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA. Nominations will be reviewed by the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Diversity Award Committee, and the recipient will be notified shortly thereafter. To download materials, please click here.

Challenges for ICC's Second Decade Feb. 11

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Global Initiative on the Rule of Law will present "Challenges for the ICC’s Second Decade" on Monday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Pennsylvania Law School’s Silverman Hall, 3501 Sansom St.

Judge Sang-Hyun Song, president of the International Criminal Court, will offer keynote remarks. A moderated panel discussion with Patricia Viseur Sellers, special adviser to the ICC Prosecutor on International Criminal Law Prosecution Strategies and Penn Law Prof. William Burke-White will also be held. Click here to register.

Promotional partners for the event are American Bar Association's Center for Human Rights & Section of International Law; International Law Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association; and The Global Philadelphia Association.

Business Law Section Annual Reception Jan. 24

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Business Law Section will hold its Annual Reception on Thursday, Jan. 24 at Estia, 1405 Locust St. beginning at 5:30 p.m.

John B. Wright II will be presented with the Section's Dennis H. Replansky Memorial Award. Wright is vice president, general counsel and secretary of Triumph Group, Inc and a former chair of the Business Law Section. The Section established the award in recognition of Dennis Replansky's career as a lawyer and his contributions to legal, civic, religious and other charitable causes. Replansky was a 51-year-old senior partner at the law firm of Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley when he died in March 1994. He was a former chair of the Business Law Section.

Association Vice Chancellor Albert S. Dandridge III will receive the Section's Inaugural Diversity Award. The Health Care Law Committee will be honored as Committee of the Year and E. David Chanin, chair of the Business Litigation Committee, will be honored as Committee Chair of the Year.

Tickets are $50 for Section members, $60 for non-Section members and $70 for non-members of the Bar Association. Click here to purchase tickets.

Dandridge Voted Vice Chancellor

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Albert S. Dandridge III, a partner with Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, has been elected Vice Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Dandridge, voted in by Bar members in the Dec. 4 election, will serve as Vice Chancellor in 2013, Chancellor-Elect in 2014 and Chancellor in 2015.

Mary F. Platt, a partner with Griesing Law, LLC, has been elected Assistant Treasurer. Her term begins Jan. 1, 2013.

The following candidates for Bar offices ran unopposed and will begin serving in their positions on Jan. 1: Sophia Lee, Secretary; Wesley R. Payne IV, Treasurer; and Jacqueline G. Segal, Assistant Secretary.

The following five candidates were elected to three-year terms on the Association's Board of Governors:

Natalie Klyashtorny
Rachel E. Kopp
Emily B. Marks
Brad V. Shuttleworth
Dawn M. Tancredi

Seven candidates were also elected to three-year terms to the Young Lawyers Division Executive Committee and will begin serving their terms on Jan. 1. They are:

Andrew J. Kornblau
Jim Nixon
Matthew Olesh
Shabrei Parker
Jennifer Russell
Matthew T. Stone
Robert Zimmerman

Inaugural Address of Kathleen D. Wilkinson, 86th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Thank you, John.

It's been a real pleasure working with John Savoth as he charted the course for our Association this year. John, you have been a true example of character, leadership and integrity and I thank you today - as I know our members also thank you.

I am delighted to have soon-to-be Chancellor-Elect Bill Fedullo as part of our team and look forward to continuing to work with him.

It is a tremendous honor to stand here, soon to be the Chancellor of this great Association. I feel indebted to so many.

With no lawyers in my family, and only my father having completed college, I was inspired and encouraged to succeed.

I must thank my family for their support, beginning with my father, Michael - and my mom, Marie - Yesenko, who provided a caring home for me and my sister, Denise. My mother passed away three years ago, and I know she is very proud. She could tell you that my hardworking Scottish grandfather emigrated from Canada, and that my Irish grandmother - from Brooklyn - had a wonderful sense of humor.

My other grandparents emigrated from Austria and Germany, speaking no English. The youngest of five children - my dad lost his father when he was two years old, but his two sisters and two brothers took care of him, while his mother worked as a housecleaner. Two of them - Uncle Val and Aunt Mitzi - are here today.

I am very proud of my three children, Lindsey, Lauren and Michael, who like to sing and are talented in many different ways. Thank you for all the fun and for attending all those Bar events over the years!

Today, we have a historic moment for the two largest bar associations in Pennsylvania, as well as for Pennsylvania and maybe the nation. Usually, we turn to the audience to thank our spouse, but today, I must look on the dias for the President of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and also my husband, Tom Wilkinson.

I met Tom on the very first day of law school at Villanova and - after 27 years of marriage - he continues to inspire and support me to reach for my goals and aspirations.

While Tom and I didn't plan on serving overlapping terms as leaders of the state's two largest Bar associations, we are honored to serve and share a common passion for advancing the interests of our profession.

Tom and I are proud to be Villanova Law School graduates, part of Villanova Law J. Willard O'Brien American Inn of Court, and we thank the law school, and its faculty for providing a wonderful education and being a constant partner throughout our careers.

Thanks also to my firm Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, and to Dan McMahon - the Chair of our national firm, Ken Scott - the Managing Partner of the Philadelphia office, the executive committee, and the members of the firm for your friendship, encouragement and your understanding of the commitment involved in serving as Chancellor.

The Philadelphia Bar Association, chartered in 1802, is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States.

Today, our Association is more diverse than ever before. A little over 20 years ago, our Association made history when Deborah Willig broke through a barrier to become the "first" woman Chancellor. Today, I am the sixth woman to hold this position in over 210 years.

Since that time, our leadership has become more diverse.

Today more than ever, the Bar Association is committed to inclusion and diversity in serving the legal profession. At the same time, we remain committed to serve the public interest through pro bono service and our mission of promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law.

But as our Association continues to evolve, we already see the signs of a shift in the profession.

Change is upon us.

A new generation of lawyers, vast technological advances and economic challenges require reexamination of traditional notions of legal practice and expertise.

Law schools and law firms must adapt to succeed in this challenging environment.

Therefore, we must not only focus on where we've been as a Bar Association, but also where we're going.

Indeed, we must ask ourselves some difficult questions.

In this new environment, we must ask: How does the Bar Association remain relevant to our profession?

The answer isn't easy or simple.

But one thing is certain.

A more diverse and inclusive Bar Association is vital to our success - a Bar Association that allows all attorneys to get involved. To network. To find jobs. And to serve our clients effectively.

And although we have made some progress in the area of women and minority attorneys in the legal profession, we must do better.

Today, we as a Bar Association should not be satisfied with the percentage of minority attorneys who are law firm partners or associates.

Nor should we be content with the number of women who become partners in law firms or who remain in the profession. And of course, the same applies to LGBT attorneys.

In an environment where billable hour models and bringing in business remain the norm, law firms and legal organizations that also value leadership, mentoring, community service, pro bono work - and give recognition to all of these important aspects of being a lawyer - should have their choice of the very best and brightest young lawyers.

Therefore, next year we will launch a Chancellor's Leadership Institute to provide ongoing substantive programming aimed at assisting and developing leadership skills and opportunities for women attorneys, attorneys of diverse backgrounds and young lawyers new to the profession, so they can succeed in today's legal profession.

Through the power of partnerships, we will host these programs in conjunction with other legal organizations and Philadelphia law firms, harnessing the wisdom and experience of some of our city's top legal minds.

As one of our first Chancellor's Leadership Institute programs, we will partner with our Young Lawyers Division to present a Chancellor's Forum on the topic of "20th Century Associates in a 21st Century Legal Environment."

This program will give advice on how to prepare today's law school graduates for the realities of practicing law in the new economy. I am pleased to announce that Villanova Law School Dean John Gotanda has agreed to participate in this program.

But the Chancellor's Leadership Institute will not be limited only to programs.

We will be expanding opportunities for greater participation by all attorneys through new liaison positions for all of our Sections and larger Committees. We have already seen success with this model through our Young Lawyers Division Section liaisons.

This past year, our Association passed a Resolution supporting hearings conducted by the City of Philadelphia, at the urging of Mayor Michael Nutter and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, to examine the lack of women on corporate boards with which the City does business.

In 2013, we look forward to continuing to examine this important issue by partnering with other area groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, and The Forum of Executive Women.

I know that in the Philadelphia region, there are many talented women, including women attorneys, who are more than qualified to serve on corporate boards.

On the heels of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - and in a region known worldwide as a leading center for healthcare, pharma and life sciences - we must also be responsive to the needs of insurance and health care practitioners. We will explore the creation of a new Section to provide a meeting ground for these practitioners.

Given the public's interest in many issues surrounding education, and recent developments in the law, we will also create a Special Committee focusing on Education Law, whether in PreK to 12th grade, or colleges and universities. This Committee will provide a forum to examine important initiatives affecting our youth and the bar's role in this area.

In addition to building new areas of involvement for our members, we will re-energize existing Bar committees that foster dialogue between the Bar Association and our many valued law firms.

I am pleased to announce that Vincent McGuinness, managing partner of Cozen O'Connor, has agreed to serve as co-chair of our newly reactivated Large Firm Management Committee. Similarly, we will see reactivation of our Mid-Size Firm Management Committee.

These committees will discuss common issues and goals for lawyers at mid to large size firms.

Philadelphia lawyers represent a significant part of the Philadelphia business community. We want the City to be strong and remain vibrant. Through the Bar Association, we will reach out to the Mayor and City officials, and key governmental leaders to address our issues and goals.

Today, approximately 95 percent of large firms nationwide have established women's initiatives. Foremost on the agendas of many women's initiatives is improvement in four key areas: equity partnership, compensation, rainmaking and top leadership positions.

Accordingly, next year we will create a Women's Initiatives Task Force to delve into these key issues. The Task Force will be chaired by Caitlin Piccarello of Saul Ewing.

The mission of this Task Force is two-fold. It will create a network and foster a dialogue among leaders from women's initiatives in Philadelphia law firms and legal departments. It will also support the creation, growth and continued relevancy of women's initiatives in such firms and departments.

Make no mistake - the changes I have described are not just about creating a seat at the table. This is about positioning our Bar Association and our lawyers for the future and growing our profession by ensuring greater opportunities for every lawyer.

Of course, opening new doors of opportunity today would not be possible without those who paved the way for us.

Next year, our Association will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Award.

This award is presented annually to an outstanding woman attorney in the Philadelphia area who has demonstrated superior legal talent, advocacy for the advancement of women in the profession and a reputation for mentorship.

In honor of this very special anniversary, please join us for our June Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon on Wednesday, June 12th, an event you won't want to miss, as we welcome the first woman Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor, to commemorate this milestone in the history of our Association.

In 2013, we will also celebrate another historic anniversary, one with a profound impact on the American justice system - the 50th Anniversary of the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright.

In Gideon, the Court recognized that, in a society of profoundly unequal resources, justice can only prevail if the state provides indigent defendants with legal representation.

Our Civil Gideon Task Force will continue to study the implementation of a civil right to counsel in those areas where basic human needs are at stake, while marking this important anniversary.

But just as we look inward at our Association next year, we will also grow our reach in the community in new ways.

In 2012, we expanded our Military Assistance Program, to enable volunteer lawyers to not only provide free legal assistance to active-duty military personnel, but also to Philadelphia veterans who cannot afford or do not have access to the legal services they need.

In 2013, we will further support our servicemen and women of the Delaware Valley. We will partner with the United States Coast Guard, by providing wills on a pro bono basis. In addition, we will refer any local Coast Guard member or family member to a volunteer attorney to provide pro bono assistance in a wide variety of matters.

There are nearly 600 active duty personnel and 200 reservists who are part of Sector Delaware Bay, headquartered at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.

As a major port city, Philadelphia has a long maritime history and for over two centuries the U.S. Coast Guard has safeguarded those in peril, as America's Maritime Guardian.

There is no attorney on staff located at the Coast Guard in Philadelphia.

Our partnership with this vital branch of the U.S. military helps us to "protect those who protect us."

Joining us on the dais today, I am pleased to welcome Lt. Commander Rick Detar, United States Coast Guard, who is stationed at Sector Delaware Bay, Philadelphia, and is in charge of law enforcement on the Delaware River and Delaware Bay, down to Cape May and up to Atlantic City. I have appointed Jeffrey Moller, partner at Blank Rome, and Daniel Goettle, partner at Woodcock Washburn, to be in charge of this program. Jeff graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and has a long career as a commissioned member of the Coast Guard. Dan spent many years as a line officer and then a lawyer with the Coast Guard. Thank you!

As Philadelphia lawyers, we are the keepers of the legacy of Andrew Hamilton. We proudly represent the legal profession to the world.

As part of that legacy, we have pledged to serve with civility and professionalism. These are our greatest attributes. This is our greatest responsibility.

In my heart, I know that civility, professionalism and a strong work ethic are the attributes that contributed to my own success, and are part of who I am. By showing professionalism in everything we do, we serve as role models for young lawyers.

President George Washington was guided by 110 "Rules of Civility" that were compiled in 1595 by Jesuits for teaching children. As a teenage boy in Virginia, Washington copied the 110 rules into a notebook and carried them his entire life, including all eight years as President of the United States.

Rule #1 sets the tone: "Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those who are present."

Civility served Washington well, helping him lead a new nation. Modern lawyers can learn from Washington's example.

As lawyers, we share identities and strong values amidst our rich diversity and our nation's history.

But here in Philadelphia, the birthplace of freedom, as Philadelphia lawyers, we owe a higher obligation to honor and respect our legacy.

And so in 2013, let us all have civility and professionalism be part of everything we do as Philadelphia lawyers.

Earlier, I spoke of our agenda next year in the context of "change" - the changes that are bearing upon us as a profession.

I believe that creating new opportunities for leadership and development of our lawyers will help us meet the challenges of a constantly evolving profession.

So in conclusion, today, with your help, I ask that you join together with me so that - in the year ahead - we might give this great Association and our legal profession a bright and lasting future that we truly deserve.

Thank you.

Free Legal Advice Offered by Philadelphia Bar Association Dec. 19

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Bar Association will offer free legal advice to residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties on Wednesday, December 19, between 5 and 8 p.m. Members of the public can access the service by calling the Association’s LegalLine P.M. hotline at (215) 238-6333.

Founded in 1802, the 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States.

Leadership Gift	Blank Rome LLP Pepper Hamilton Volpe and Koenig, P.C.
Partnership Gift	Cozen O'Connor Fox Rothschild LLP Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo
Friendship Gift	Chimicles & Tikellis LLP Dilworth Paxson LLP German, Gallagher & Murtagh, P.C. Martin LLC Radwell International, Inc. Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C. Scarab Consulting White and Williams LLP
Fellowship Gift	Gay Chacker & Mittin, P.C. Law Offices of Bernard M. Gross Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP