the WRITS, Bucks Bar Association, Fall 2024

Magnificent Moms

Honoring the women in our lives

BEST BENCH BAR EVER

at Camelback

CONTACT INFO

President

R. Tyler Tomlinson

Vice President/President Elect

Jeremy D. Puglia

Secretary

Melanie J. Wender

Treasurer

Stephanie M. Shortall

Immediate Past President

Lawrence R. Scheetz, Jr.

Past Presidents’ Representative

Robert T. Repko

Board of Directors

Erin Kernan Aronson

Brendan M. Callahan

Jeffrey G. DiAmico

Kimberly Litzke

Christopher S. Mahoney

Tina Mazaheri

Joanne M. Murray

Thomas E. Panzer

Jennifer Pierce

Mindy J. Snyder

Megan Weiler

Elaine T. Yandrisevits

Writs Editor

Travis P. Nelson

Writs Photographer

Dylan Gilheany

Bar Association Office

Heather Cevasco, Executive Director 135 East State Street Doylestown, PA 18901 215.348.9413 • www.bucksbar.org

email submissions to BucksWritsEditor@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. 2669 Shillington Road, #438 Sinking Spring,

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Convenient Locations

President’s Message

What a remarkable year we have had so far! From the lively Irish Pub at Opening of Assizes to the record-breaking Gala and the fantastic golf outing at Jericho, we’ve celebrated tremendous successes. And let’s not forget our recent Bench Bar, which was undoubtedly the best Bench Bar ever! But the fun is far from over — Trivia Night and our Annual Dinner at Doylestown Country Club are just around the corner.

Bench Bar

I’d like to extend a special thank you to Elaine Yandrisevits and the BCBA staff for their incredible work in organizing the Bench Bar at Camelback. The perfect weather, record attendance of over 155 people and generous support from our sponsors made it an unforgettable weekend. Thursday night, at the top of the mountain, was a perfect happy hour. We are pretty sure everyone finally made it down the mountain safely. Friday’s CLEs were all well done. What an honor to have Justice Daniel McCaffery as our Plenary Speaker. Folks found many fun activities to do Friday afternoon. Jeremy Puglia put together a fantastic golf outing. If only we could use that golf cannon on every hole. It was fun to see a lot of people bring their spouses and children up Friday night to really enjoy Aquatopia, the roller coaster, and the zip lines.

As we strive to reach the milestone of 1,000 members, your support is invaluable.

Membership

Our membership continues to thrive, reaching an all-time high of 968 members. Thanks to the efforts of Emily McGee, Sean Gresh, Melanie Wender, and Nicole Durso, we are actively recruiting law school students to join BCBA and hopefully find them clerkships and jobs in Bucks County. This initiative promises to positively impact the Bar Association for decades. Big thanks to Gabe Montemuro, new partner at AMM, and Adam Tanker for their great work

as Co-Chairs for Member Services. As we strive to reach the milestone of 1,000 members, your support is invaluable. Have you recently welcomed a new associate to your firm? Do you have friends or colleagues who would benefit from joining our dynamic community? If so, please don’t hesitate to reach out and share their information with us. Your referrals can make a significant difference in helping us achieve our membership goals. Let’s work together to strengthen our Bar Association and create a more vibrant legal community for Bucks County.

Building upon the momentum of the April Gala, which raised over $23,000, the Foundation hosted its most successful golf outing ever at Jericho.

Bar Foundation

Under the leadership of Jeff Liebmann and the dedicated Board of Trustees, the Bucks County Bar Foundation has achieved remarkable success this year. Building upon the momentum of the April Gala, which raised over $23,000, the Foundation hosted its most successful golf outing ever at Jericho. The event generated a gross revenue of more than $91,000 and a net profit of over $53,000, surpassing the total gross revenue of all previous golf outings from 2017 to 2022. A special thanks to Frank Sullivan and many others for their contributions to the outing’s success. Sarah Ryan, with her infectious charm and wit, encouraged us all to compete against the President on the Par 3. To continue supporting the Foundation’s important work, please mark your calendars for Trivia Night on November 14th and assemble your dream team of trivia experts (think Ken Jennings instead of Cliff Clavin).

Women’s Law Division

A special shout-out to Mindy Snyder for her exceptional leadership of the Women Lawyers Division. Her commitment to providing valuable CLEs, golf lessons through the summer at Doylestown Country Club, and other networking opportunities has created a supportive community for women attorneys that is truly inspiring. It’s always a good and uplifting time when WLD has an event. The event at Bill Goldman’s newest hot spot, Lula, was just another terrific example of fun times that Mindy and WLD have put together this year. Lisa Bothwell also deserves a lot of credit for organizing the Lula event.

Tyler Tomlinson

Bucks County Bar Association President

The Writs

Travis Nelson continues to work magic with the Writs. His “behind-the-scenes” efforts to continue delivering engaging and informative content are tremendous. His dedication to showcasing the stories and accomplishments of our members is invaluable.

Appreciation

I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Judge McHugh and all of our esteemed Judges for their unwavering support of the Bar Association. Their participation in our September 11th Board meeting was a testament to their commitment to our organization — capped off by a great lunch with both the Board of Directors and the Trustees from the Foundation to discuss some of the things we hope to accomplish in the near future. The Judges also had a strong showing at our Bench Bar. Without their attendance — it would just be another Bar event.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors and Executive Board. Their countless hours of service have been instrumental in our success.

My sincere gratitude goes to our dedicated staff at the Bucks County Bar Association. Heather Cevasco, our Executive Director, has been great to work with this year. Barbara Sauers, our Director of Operations and the backbone of our Association, recently celebrated 15 years of service at BCBA. Emily McGee continues to impress us with her ability to transform our bold marketing and recruitment ideas into successful campaigns. Dylan Gilheany ensures that our building and grounds are always in pristine condition. Kristen Norcross is doing a nice job with CLEs. Lynn Abbonizio and Joanne Focht keep us busy with LRIS

referrals. We are excited to welcome Charlene Prosser to our team to further enhance our services to our members.

Thank you all for your continued support and involvement. It has been my honor to serve as President this year. Together, we are building a stronger Bar Association for Bucks County. 

– Tyler Tomlinson, Esquire Bucks County Bar Association President

Tyler Tomlinson is a shareholder at Stark & Stark, PC and specializes in personal injury law. Tyler is the President of the Bucks County Bar Association.

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From the Editor…

“And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.” – Raquel Franco.

It seems like autumn has crept up upon us. Just a few weeks ago the weather was hot, I wore shorts and sandals every chance I had. I could ride my bike around Lake Galena with the Beach Boys playing on the speaker, mixed with sounds of kids playing and families enjoying all that the summer had to offer. Then, at the recent Bench-Bar Conference, I noticed, while chasing my many “misplaced” golf balls around the course, that the leaves were starting to change color. Since then, I have also noticed as I drive the backroads and back alleys of Bucks County, that the smells have turned from barbecue to burning leaves. Even around my own home, the scent of sunscreen as we headed off to the Fanny Chapman Pool has been replaced by any of a number of autumn-scented Yankee Candles. Yes, autumn has indeed awakened.

It seems like the first few months of the year get accorded optimistic themes of renewal and rebirth: New Year’s resolutions; spring cleaning; Lentin resolutions. Spring brings the hope of change, of new possibilities and new opportunities. Conversely, the latter months of the year get a bad rap — the sun sets sooner, the weather turns cold, we put away our shiny new golf driver (thanks Bench-Bar) and dig out the tattered old snow shovel. However, I like autumn (or “Fall” when I want to sound less pretentious). I like the colors, and the crispness. Growing up in Southern California we never had to rake leaves, because they didn’t fall. There was no crispness in the air, perhaps because the average temperature in

Like spring, autumn can too be a season of renewal. It can be a season of shedding bad habits, and of letting anxieties and tensions fall to the ground and be raked away.

Los Angeles in October is 79 degrees. Since moving to Pennsylvania 30 years ago, I have come to appreciate October, and the many soothing changes it brings. As the author L.M. Montgomery wrote in Anne of Green Gables: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

“And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.”

– Raquel Franco

Like spring, autumn can too be a season of renewal. It can be a season of shedding bad habits, and of letting anxieties and tensions fall to the ground and be raked away. Autumn can be a season of positive change, of reconnecting with friends and colleagues after sporadic summer vacations. Yes, we lose golf and the pool, but we gain apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and mazes (both haunted and merely confusing). We get to experience the post-season Phillies, the return of football, and the re-emergence of scarves and mittens, cider and s’mores, and boots and Burberry (I tend to only notice the Burberry pattern in the autumn). And regardless of where you choose to stroll around Bucks County, from Ringing Rocks, to Nockamixon, to Tyler State Park, from Bristol, to Doylestown, to Quakertown, and everywhere in between, the same trails and sidewalks you strolled in July are noticeably different now and offer reimagined opportunities to explore. Let’s think of autumn as not only a chance to clear away fallen leaves, but also to clear away some of the clutter in our lives.

In this edition we also read about some of our Magnificent Moms, plus one Famous Father that we inadvertently neglected to include in the Summer Famous Fathers edition. We read about moms driving to soccer practice in 1990s power suits, juggling work and motherhood; about moms who helped break the color barrier in the profession, moms who served in the armed forces, and several more. The recurring theme throughout this special column is that our moms are our superheroes, women who balance work and family, and thrive at both roles. Having women who are able to achieve this balance as role models for our daughters is important. It helps to break down gender stereotypes,

Travis P. Nelson Editor, Bucks Writs

We read about moms driving to soccer practice in 1990s power suits, juggling work and motherhood; about moms who helped break the color barrier in the profession, moms who served in the armed forces, and several more.

and teach young women of the resilience, self-reliance and strength that thriving in a career can offer. My own mom, while not an attorney, balanced work and motherhood, with a high maintenance child in tow (me). She used to play for me Puff the Magic Dragon, by Peter, Paul, and Mary, over, and over again, and took me to a Barry Manilow concert when I was around 7 — probably becoming the only kid in my class to know the words to Copacabana

Finally, I want to thank the several and, in some instances, first-time contributing authors to the Writs. My vision for this publication is that it serves as a medium to bring together the various spirited and eclectic members of our professional community, while also providing, especially for more newly minted attorneys, an opportunity to build their reputation and expand their network. Please continue to offer ideas for new topics and encourage associates in your firms to write for the Writs. We will have a planning meeting for the Winter edition very shortly after this edition is published, as we hope to get one more edition in before the end of 2024. So, watch your BCBA calendar for the next meeting, or just email me for more details. 

– Travis P. Nelson, Esquire

Travis P. Nelson is a partner with Polsinelli, P.C., where he practices financial services regulatory law, and is a resident of Doylestown, PA. Travis is Editor of the Writs

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2024Bench Bar conference

Magnificent Moms

HONORING

THE WOMEN IN OUR LIVES.

JESSICA A. PRITCHARD

by Colin Gibbons

My mom is one of the most remarkable people I know. I realize that many people say that about their moms, but it doesn’t make it any less true or meaningful when I say it about mine. Ever since I first met her 19 years ago, all she has done is provide and care for myself and our family. Whether she is at her job working hard, helping out late at night with a school project, or just making sure our house wasn’t chaos, she did it without question. She possesses a fantastic work ethic and moral compass, which inspires me to become better. She understands the value of hard work and truly cares for the people around her. My mom has an incredible ability to understand and connect with people. She is always there to offer a helping hand, not just to our family, but to anyone who needs it. She’s instilled in me the value of empathy and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. On top of that, my mother knows how to have a good laugh. One instance always comes to mind; while she was golfing, she accidentally mistook some pond scum for some grass and drove a cart into a pond. The whole thing was basically submerged, and she was drenched in both water and embarrassment. The next day I’m pretty sure she ordered a massive picture of her next to the drowning cart and a t-shirt with the same picture. The whole thing is just a big laugh for her now. Her ability to laugh at herself and not get worked up over small, silly things is a quality I find very impactful and believe is more important than people believe it to be. In everything she does, my mom is a model of dedication and love. Her influence on me is profound and I would be nowhere near the person I am today if it weren’t for her. That is why, it’s my goal to follow in her footsteps and go to law school.

ROSEMARY SULLIVAN by Caitlin

M. Sullivan

From as early as I can remember, I knew it was possible to pursue a career in law while having a family. This is due to the person who has been most instrumental in my career path as an attorney. She is also the same person who drove me to soccer practice in her ’90s power suit, cooked my favorite meals, and read me countless Berenstain Bear books. She is my mom, Rosemary Sullivan. It’s not lost on me that I wouldn’t be where I am now — a mom of three young children and a practicing attorney — without watching my own mom balance a demanding law career while caring for her family, managing both roles with grace and determination.

My mom graduated from Villanova Law School, Class of 1983, with my Dad and my four-year-old sister in attendance, proudly cheering her on. My other sister was also in attendance — but she wouldn’t physically arrive on the scene until she was born just a few months after my mom passed the Bar Exam. About three years later, I arrived as the youngest of her three daughters. My mom started law school at a time when many fewer women were being accepted into law school than today. My dad, already a practicing attorney, was always her biggest supporter. However, as a married woman with a child, she also faced criticism from some family and friends, as well as her male classmates. Despite these challenges, my mom remained focused, graduating cum laude from Villanova Law and successfully practiced as a trusts and estates litigator for over thirty-five years. Never mind that she also always looked impeccable, dressed us in perfectly coordinated outfits with matching bows, attended all of our sports events, and created a warm and loving home for my sisters, my dad, and me. Sometimes I look back and I don’t know how she managed it all. I do know it was far from easy. Nevertheless, her perseverance, dedication to her clients, and ability to manage both work and family inspired me to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in the law. Thanks to her example, her steadfast encouragement, and unwavering support,

I never questioned that I could also have a fulfilling career in the law and a family.

I’m grateful that women like my mom, who paved the way for working moms during a time that was less supportive of them. My sisters and I are so incredibly proud to call Rosemary Sullivan our mom. She is also affectionately known as “Mimi” by her five adoring grandchildren. My mom loves being a doting grandmother. And more than that, she will serve as a role model to this new generation just as she was for my sisters and I, showing them that with resilience and dedication, they can overcome any challenges they may face.

So to the moms doing it all, and most especially my mom, thank you.

MELISSA BOND

by Millicent Bond

According to the National Association of Law Placement’s 2023 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms, Black women make up 1.03% percentage of law firm partners. As a young Black girl (who would one day go on to become an attorney), I wasn’t aware of this disparity. I also didn’t realize that the achievements of my mom, Melissa Bond, are, statistically speaking, quite rare in her field. As a child, those achievements formed my understanding of who my mom was. It wasn’t until I was about five and saw a TV show featuring a male attorney that I realized both women and men could be attorneys. In my early years, I spent many sick days, school holidays, and weekends in her office and around her practice. During these moments, I was able to observe firsthand her dedication to her work and witness the impact of her efforts on behalf of so many others in our community.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting my mom, you know she’s not a person easily deterred by challenges. She first moved to Bucks County in the 1980s to clerk for Judge Issac Garb and decided to build her own practice in the area. As someone who grew up and attended a historically Black college and a law school in the Carolinas, she lacked deep connections in the community. Her extroverted nature and generosity of spirit, however, have enabled

her to build a vast network of friends, colleagues and clients over the ensuing years. Whenever I walk through Doylestown, I almost always run into someone with a story about my mom and how grateful they are for the counsel she provided them or a member of their family.

In addition to practicing law, my mom was also an involved and active parent who always made time to attend my field hockey and lacrosse games and, when called upon, provided the post-game orange slices. As a parent of young children, I know that balancing these responsibilities was not easy, yet my mom always showed up for my special moments and managed to leave the pressures of her work behind while cheering me on. I strive to emulate these qualities with my own children and am grateful they can visit their grandmother “Queenie” in her office just as I did as a kid.

While my post-law school career has led me to the higher education field rather than the courtroom, I am so proud and grateful to have a parent who has always modeled the value of showing up for others — in every facet of her life — with energy, enthusiasm and determination.

by Michael E. Kelley

Maryjane fought to correct any injustice in her path with an optimistic joy. The law was her vocation, and it has become my own. The decades she spent fighting for parents at the Doylestown office of Legal Aid certainly attest to this calling. However, it permeated all aspects of her life.

She was fearless. She joined the Navy after a lunchtime debate over women being subject to the draft should the ERA be ratified. My mom’s response? Beeline to the recruitment office and join the JAG reserves. This story always segued nicely into her prideful boast that she (and by some measure I) wore the first summer dress whites in a maternity cut. She fondly recalled blinding hapless drivers when walking through the Navy Yard.

Within a year of receiving her bar card she successfully argued for a special election when votes serendipitously vanished from a voting

MARYJANE B. KELLEY

machine. See Kelley v. Del. County Bd. of Elections, 19 Pa. D. & C.3d 492 (Delaware Cty.1981). Since the aggrieved underdog was her father-in-law, I suspect her fee was nominal. She never let a client’s material circumstance prevent access to justice.

It was in her home office where I was introduced to her holistic practice of the law. I have fond memories of whispering after family dinner: “Shhh... Mom has a client.” I will never forget the proudly displayed handmade art she received in barter for resolving a client’s unfortunate run-in with the IRS. With her LLM in taxation, I suspect the clients were getting quite the deal.

One of my favorite yarns involves her work on behalf of an Amish client to ensure a public telephone was installed adjacent to their community nearby our then-home in Lancaster County. She recalls being showered with produce and receiving a permanent “non-English discount” at the local businesses.

I was still in high school when mom began working at Legal Aid, and she often came home perturbed at how small parental mistakes could permanently change the trajectory of a client’s life. “Sometimes it feels like they could have tried taking you from me!” Whether it was the day the sun left me baked in the back of our pickup or the fact she did not cut our hotdogs lengthwise. Maryjane knew our mistakes do not make us and fought to ensure young and naïve parents learned from their mistakes without losing their children.

I am proud to continue to follow her example in my work with Legal Aid in Norristown, where I also represent parents as part of my caseload. Her faith implored her to act on behalf of the disadvantaged, and I cannot think of a better legacy than the countless families she helped throughout her career.

BARBARA LYONS

by Daniel Lyons

I have often been described as being one of the “luckiest” people out there. I couldn’t agree more — while the luck they are referring to often has to do with scratch off lottery tickets, a carnival game, or a premium parking spot, the luck I see is the one-in-a-million good fortune I have been blessed with, being the youngest son of a passionate, generous, strong willed and unflappable woman everyone reading this likely knows — Barbara Lyons. However, despite what you know of my mom — you do not know her like I do. For example — have you ever seen her play a nun? I have! Have you ever been so scared of her that you have no idea what might happen next? (Well, maybe you have experienced that.)

It is hard to describe how much I look up to my mom knowing what she has been through, has had to deal with, and where she has come, while balancing the sacrifice of taking the time to improve her community and the community she raised her family in and continues to be a part of. I bet your friends weren’t afraid of her like mine were growing up, but only to go on and embarrass me profusely by dancing with Riley Downs (shoutout fellow attorney and current deputy public defender) at the Octoberfest at Doylestown’s Central Park.

Working as an attorney in Bucks County as Barbara’s son reinforces just how well respected and well received she is as a member of the bar and trusted mediator/arbitrator. I am frequently asked if I am related and I always respond with, “Well, it depends on how it went for you,” in a joking tone to which the other attorney only has positive things to say. I aspire to be as charitable, ambitious, and compassionate while balancing the professionalism and effectiveness of my mom, as an attorney and even more importantly, as a parent. You know her as Barbara, but my two-year-old and four-year-old know her as “Bubba.” While neither of them can read or write (that well), I am confident they would be proud co-signers of the sentiments expressed in this letter — most significantly, how lucky they are to have her as a grandparent.

I will address this last part to Barbara directly — thank you. Thank you for being there for me, for our family, and that new family I have worked on creating (with my beautiful wife — shoutout, Deanna). You are a true inspiration to not only women attorneys with your success and hard work, but to me as an attorney and parent to my children. For the readers — I apologize for this being more “sappy” than maybe the others, but please know it was more than warranted and deserved. So, Mom, are you meeting Dad and I for happy hour?

TIFFANY THOMAS-SMITH

by Luke Vando

I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a child and witnessed my mother come home so joyful because she had won her case and provided extraordinary assistance to a family, and I realized my mother is a living superhero. My mother would always make sure my brother and I were her first priority while balancing the hope and futures of clients with her intelligence. Dealing with that much weight would cause a lot of stress and my mother remained with a smile on her face and a heart full of care. Growing up seeing her elevate in her journey, climbing level to level eventually getting her own firm. My mother is the smartest person I know. I feel very confident when going to her asking anything because if she doesn’t know the answer, she knows someone who does, and that person is just a phone call away. Being that well known and respected has a lot to say about in itself, though being the son of this amazing

person motivates me to not only be like her but strive to be better. Those are huge shoes to fill. I’m so thankful for the way my mother raised me because even the stories that end up not so good either come with a lesson or a purpose. I’m very thankful for everything my mom has done for me and I live everyday with the knowledge that she did not have half the resources when she was my age that she has provided me and she ended up very successful.

It is my plan to become a lawyer, just like my mother, and that is why I am applying to law school.

MINDY SNYDER

by Sophie Snyder

Everyone in Bucks County knows my mom is proud of me. She shares every one of my accomplishments, and everyone knows that I’m “Mindy’s daughter.” Now, everyone in Bucks County can know how proud I am of my mom and all of her accomplishments.

My mom, Mindy Snyder, is my superhero. I have always wanted to be like my mom when I grew up, and now that I am almost grown up, I want to be like her even more. I don’t just want to be an attorney like her, but I want to embody the qualities that I admire most in her. My mom is the most hardworking, caring, thoughtful, empathetic, and persevering person I know. She inspires me every day, and I cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me.

Since I was eight years old, my mom has raised me as a single mother while also juggling her work as an attorney. I remember when I was younger and would pester her to play Barbies with me after work. Even after a long day, she always would—even if it meant playing the only thing she knew, lawyer Barbies. She is not only devoted to her career as a lawyer but also as a mother. It was not easy being a professional woman and a single mother, but my mom did it flawlessly.

My mom is the epitome of what it means to be a strong, independent woman. She has worked so incredibly hard throughout her professional career practicing law and advancing herself as a domestic attorney. As Chair of the Women’s Law Division of the Bar Association for the past two years, my mom has brought so much inspiration to the working legal women of Bucks County, and to

myself. I am so proud to read every article about WLD events and hear from everyone who has told me just how much of a rockstar my mom is. She is truly passionate about her work and deeply cares for everyone she works with. She is devoted to being a mentor in the community and setting a wonderful example for the future lawyers of Bucks County, that will hopefully one day include me.

Throughout my life, my mom has encouraged me to work hard to achieve my goals. She never expected me to ace every exam or get accepted into every college, but she always made sure that I tried my best, just like she always has. I want to use this opportunity to say thank you Mom for everything you have done for me. You inspire me every day, even when I am away at school. I am so incredibly proud to be “Mindy’s daughter” and to have had such an amazing role model.

DIANNE MAGEE

by Kevin Magee

Disclaimer: Dianne Magee did not preapprove or authorize the following statements and would likely disagree with the next sentence (hopefully, she agrees with the rest).

The qualities that make my mom such a fantastic attorney and well-known among the readers of this magazine are the same qualities that make her a wonderful mother and grandmother.

First, Mom is wicked smart. People seeking my mom’s legal advice trust her intelligence because of her degrees from Stanford and Duke and her Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Awards. My sister and I knew Mom was smart because we could never win an argument with her. (Not for lack of trying—Katie still tries!)

Mom wouldn’t say she’s naturally intelligent (she’s humble that way). She’d probably attribute her smarts to years of making mistakes and learning from them. Beyond all the books she read us and the homework she helped with, the greatest thing Mom did to help us grow intellectually was to remind us to learn. After every loss, failed test, or mistake, Mom always said, “It’s a great learning experience.” She didn’t say this mockingly, but lovingly, understanding that life is hard and no one is immune

to its difficulties. She taught us to learn from even the most challenging moments.

Second, Mom is tough. Like the Energizer Bunny, she keeps on going. One Christmas, Mom broke her elbow slipping on black ice while delivering one of her delicious cherry pies to our neighbors. At the ER, after learning her elbow was shattered, the nurse asked her to rate her pain from 0 to 10. Mom responded, “3.” WHAT?!

A week after surgery, she went back to work (against our wishes) and re-broke her elbow. We finally convinced her to rest for two weeks. It’s not that Mom loves her job; it’s that she loves taking action, being useful, and helping people. She taught us to keep going during tough times, especially when others are counting on us.

Third, Mom is brave. She never lets fear stop her from doing what she should do or wants to do. One funny example of this was a trip to Spain. Mom had ordered a rental car to zip across the country. Like a classic American, she ordered an automatic; however, they only had a manual car. Even though she hadn’t driven a manual in over two decades, Mom smiled and told us to get in. She didn’t think about finding another rental place or cursing our luck. She saw it as an adventure. She zipped us around Spain, and while we had a few stalled moments, we enjoyed every moment together.

I’m incredibly grateful for everything my mom has done for me and for the chance to share her greatness with her peers. Although she always advised me against becoming an attorney, she was actually the one who inspired me to pursue this path. Watching her intelligence, toughness, and bravery throughout my life inspired me to tackle the challenging journey of becoming a Judge Advocate officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done for me and my family. To us, she’s more than just a great mom, grandmother or attorney—she’s our hero.

Famous Father

STEVEN A. COTLAR, ESQ.

by Andrew D. Cotlar

It is said by those who know such things that the next generation only sees farther because they stand on the shoulders of giants. During the nearly 20 years that I have been in practice with my father at Cotlar & Cotlar, I have had numerous occasions to observe the truth of this statement. Steve graduated from Dickinson School of Law in 1969, prior to its absorption by Penn State, served as a clerk to then-County Judge Edmund V. Ludwig, sporting generation-appropriate long hair, handle-bar mustache and sartorial splendor. One example of the latter even made its way to his grandson’s wardrobe: a ’70’s era white suit that would leave John Travolta envious. Steve’s commitment to social justice and equity was, and continues to be, second to none, being one of the few attorneys who, early on, would take on cases alleging race and sex discrimination in employment, or fight the Vietnam War draft. I recall fondly our first time trying a race discrimination case together against Lower Merion School District and the lessons I learned,

concerning developing a record, presenting evidence and shaping a story to accomplish a positive result. Our practice includes real estate litigation and fiduciary litigation as well, much of which I learned directly from my father’s wise counsel and 55 years of experience.

When learning that we operate a family practice, people often ask how we manage to make things work. The answer, like any partnership, is to listen to each other, respect each other’s decisions and leave room for independence by the partners. In the rare instance of disagreement, we realize that the greater project together is more important than the differences that may arise. Steve’s commitment to social justice, unshakable integrity and knowledge of the law has been an inspiration to me and to the thousands of clients of all walks of life who have benefitted from his counsel. Impressed with his youthful demeanor, which is preserved by a near-fanatical exercise regime of swimming, weight-lifting, tennis and walks in the woods, these clients frequently ask whether we are brothers. Which never fails to delight him. Were I to have a brother, there would be none better. As it is, I’m glad he is my father. 

Women Leaders of Bucks: Judge Denise M. Bowman

By Madeline Richard

Judge and female community leader,

The Honorable Denise M. Bowman has been a Bucks County resident for practically all her life. She grew up in Langhorne, and still today, Judge Bowman lives just two miles away from her childhood home, now with her husband, two sons, and family dog Shirley.

After years of practice and service to her community, Judge Bowman was elected to the bench of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Since she was sworn-in, in January of 2020, Judge Bowman has primarily served in Family Court and Juvenile Court, where she resolves disputes among Bucks County citizens in a manner that is fair and consistent with applicable law.

Prior to her election, Judge Bowman grew up in Langhorne, where she attended Neshaminy High School. She went on to complete her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware and earned her J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law. After that, Judge Bowman began an exciting and successful career in business litigation in Philadelphia before returning to Bucks County where she practiced for two prominent local firms.

Judge Bowman returned to Bucks County where she could best make herself available to raise her sons and achieve a manageable work-life balance. Beyond that, Judge Bowman appreciates how much there is to do in Bucks County. Whether she ventures to an art or history museum, attends a festival, explores one of the small towns in the area, or relaxes in one of the parks, Judge Bowman never fails to find something new to do. But, she will say, the best spot in the whole County is Peddler’s Village, where she got engaged.

Besides experiencing all that Bucks County has to offer, Judge Bowman has always offered her time back to her community. As an active member of the community, she served on numerous non-profit boards, namely the United Way and YWCA. Using her experience as a business law

practitioner, Judge Bowman also served as Chair of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Judge Bowman has always enjoyed the PBA/YLD Mock Trial Competition season. She started as a volunteer coach for Bensalem High School’s team. Now, Judge Bowman looks forward to presiding over mock trials and offering encouraging feedback to the students.

She also volunteered time on many Wednesdays as a pro bono attorney for Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. Now, when presiding over Wednesday PFAs, Judge Bowman appreciates the volume of petitions that Bucks County can resolve, all thanks to the volunteer program.

When she is not at the Bucks County Justice Center, Judge Bowman spends her time with her family, travelling, and with her friends. She, her husband, their two sons, and family dog Shirley always have a great time down the shore on Long Beach Island. But Her Honor’s most memorable island experience of all was when she and her husband went island hopping in Greece for their honeymoon.

When asked what’s the most important advice she could offer to budding female practitioners, Judge Bowman encouraged all newer attorneys to focus on what is within their control. Specifically, she said “I’d tell any practitioner to be as prepared as you possibly can. There will always be adversaries who have greater experience or are more skilled. Those things are out of your control. What is within your control, however, is the extent to which you are prepared. Never let your adversary out-prepare you.”

Madeline Richard is an associate at Bloom Peters, LLC, in Maple Glen, PA, where she practices family law. Madeline was formerly a law clerk to the Hon. James M. McMaster, of the Court of Common Pleas for Bucks County, PA.

A ROLLING STONE GATHERS NO MOSS: Trends

in the Lateral Attorney Market

By Travis P. Nelson

Steve Jobs once said: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” According to President Theodore Roosevelt: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” These quotes represent some of the sentiments that many lawyers feeling the urge to make a lateral move often feel. For some lawyers, they consider a move because they have not found what they really want to do careerwise. For others, they have not found a place to do the work worth doing. And still others believe that their current firm or platform is no longer maximizing their potential, and they are looking for alternatives. And in occasional circumstances, lawyers find themselves in a firm that is no longer viable, as Warren Buffet once quipped: “Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.”

The days when you joined a law firm fresh out of law school, worked your entire career at that firm, and then retired with a gold watch, appear to be long gone. Granted there are a few notable exceptions to this rule around Bucks County, where senior partners at firms have been under the same roof since graduation, but the trend seems to be that the only constant, is change.

In reacting to this trend, law firms of all sizes are re-examining how they attract and retain top talent. Some larger firms (AmLaw 200) are starting to look to new hiring channels for acquiring talent, such as recruiting from midsized firms instead of like competitors. Some firms have shortened the amount of time that an attorney must work to be considered for partnership. One legal recruiting company recently noted that they are seeing a decrease in so-called “service partners” (partners with substantial knowledge and experience but without a sizeable book of business), in staple areas such as mergers and acquisitions and private equity, while relying more on specialists that bring key niche areas, like white collar, finance, and regulatory law. Retaining top talent has also resulted in widening of the pay gap between the highest and lowest compensated partners. A decade ago many larger firms sought to cap this difference according to a formula that limited the highest earner to some multiple of the lowest earner, however, in recent years this has been abandoned in favor of paying top performers what the market will bear.

This focus on firms attracting top talent and partners considering greener pastures is alive and well in Bucks County, where the competition for the best and brightest matches the national trend. Thomas Donnelly, of Antheil, Maslow & MacMinn (“AMM”), suggested that talent “are generally seeking an environment in which they are supported in terms of service to any transferring clients, legal knowledge, and training, but also in their personal professional development within the practice of law as a business.” According to Mr. Donnelly: “Without exception, laterals that have joined our firm are focused on the long-term implications of the relationship.”

The market is also seeing geographic movements, with associates and partners opting to relocate to locales with a lower cost of living, where their law firm salaries can go further.

In January 2024, Liebmann Family Law, led by legendary family law attorney Jeffrey Liebmann, merged his firm with and into Curtin & Heefner, LLP, another Bucks County powerhouse law firm, with an already diverse practice. For firm leader Jeffrey Liebmann, the leading factor behind the move was getting back to the practice of law. Mr. Liebmann said: “Those that have their own practice, solos or small firms, know that the biggest challenges of running a law practice of any kind have little or nothing to do with the law.” Like with the management of any law firm, Mr. Liebmann notes that the administrative and staffing issues can become overwhelming. As for why Curtin & Heefner wanted Liebmann Family Law, Mr. Liebmann says it was his firm’s profitability, and the quality of the work the firm produces.

The market is also seeing geographic movements, with associates and partners opting to relocate to locales with a lower cost of living, where their law firm salaries can go further. Instead of making a given salary in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Miami, laterals are moving to Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, or other areas (like Bucks County!). Attorneys in these areas also tend to carry a lower hourly rate – a factor embraced by cost-conscious clients.

The demand for lateral talent has also been driven by expectations in the economy and governmental action. In early 2024, there was a certain measured optimism about growth in the economy, which resulted in a resurgence in M&A activity, and deals. However, doubts in the economic recovery has led to increased hiring in countercyclical practice areas, such as regulatory law, bankruptcy, litigation, and labor and employment litigation.

In July 2024, a group of over 40 lawyers from Holland & Knight LLP jumped ship to start the Philadelphia office of Polsinelli, P.C. (a Kansas City, Missouri-based firm with well over 1000 lawyers across 24 offices). That group had conducted an in-depth review and due diligence on a variety of firms. The group of lateral partners and associates was led by former Reed Smith partner, former Holland & Knight Philadelphia office managing partner, and current Polsinelli Philadelphia office managing partner, John Martini, who noted: “We searched for a firm with a strong energetic process-oriented management team that had a clientcentered vision and a proven track record for realizing that vision. It was also important that that management team had a plan for increasing the effectiveness and profitability of all the lawyers on our team.” Mr. Martini also noted: “Office

coverage in most of the major markets within the US was very important but we generally preferred ‘US only’ firms to international firms because most of our clients already have preexisting relationships abroad and we have the ability to lead a strong group of ‘A players’ from multiple jurisdictions to handle even the most complex international matters.”

Lateral groups are also focused on a platform that will embrace the entire practice group or merging firm, instead of cherry-picking only a few members of the group. Mr. Martini, of the Polsinelli law firm, noted that his search was focused on a firm with a platform that would embrace the entire team that wanted to transition. Mr. Martini’s dedication to uplifting the careers and practices of all members of his team has earned him a Godfather-like devotion from his colleagues. Similarly, Mr. Liebmann believed in preserving the collegiality of the team in his merger into Curtin & Heefner. According to Mr. Liebmann: “I wasn’t going to even consider the move if the landing firm didn’t want all of us. We have worked as a family together for many, many years. If the landing firm didn’t want all of us, then that was it. If everyone in our office wasn’t on board, then that was it.”

and appreciate having attorneys with different strengths and specialties to bounce around ideas. To that end, we are looking for attorneys with skills that complement our current practice areas.”

Grace Deon, the managing partner of Eastburn & Gray, P.C., a Doylestown firm with over 140 years of history, notes that a key challenge for that firm, as with all firms, is integration of new lateral attorneys. To assist in the transition, Eastburn and Gray has implemented a mentorship program where seasoned firm attorneys actively mentor laterals and they take a special interest in their integration into the firm. Ms. Deon notes: “In many ways, lateral hiring is the key to geographic expansion. As such, the successful integration of laterals is critical to business operations. Onboarding laterals and understanding their business and unique needs are essential to their success at the firm. We aim to provide professional support tailored to the lateral’s individual needs, as well as in the areas of human resources, accounting, technology and marketing throughout the onboarding process.”

As we continue to move into the postpandemic era, attorneys are becoming more introspective, taking a look at what they are doing, and where they can be doing it – where do I want to be in 5 years, and will my current firm help me to get there?

Law firms are also focused on making themselves attractive to new talent, but doing so in a targeted, responsible manner. Thomas Donnelly, of AMM, noted his firm’s focus on the overall candidate, rather than merely looking at the numbers: “When we speak to a lateral, while the potential candidate’s ‘book’ is certainly an important aspect of the discussion, the more critical factors are legal acumen, practice integration and cultural fit. These guiding principles have held true whether we are speaking to high originators or lawyers with only a few years of experience.”

Attracting top talent while maintaining the strong firm cultural identity has also been a key consideration. This is reflected at Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel LLP, where Doylestown office partners Hillary Moonay and Kellie McGowan commented: “At Obermayer, when looking for attorneys to make a lateral move, we are primarily focused on collegiality and maintaining firm culture. As a firm, there is an emphasis on work-life balance and a sense of community within the office. We celebrate everyone’s wins together

At other firms, such as Stark & Stark, the focus is simple: helping attorneys grow their practice. Stark & Stark partner, and Bar Association President, Tyler Tomlinson said: “At Stark, we look for strong attorneys that want to grow their practice. Stark provides attorneys with everything they need to help their clients.”

In terms of trends in 2025, several top legal recruiters believe that we are going to see a lot of lateral activity at all sizes of firms. As we continue to move into the post-pandemic era, attorneys are becoming more introspective, taking a look at what they are doing, and where they can be doing it – where do I want to be in 5 years, and will my current firm help me to get there? Recruiters are also seeing less firm loyalty, with attorneys focusing more on their own practices. This is consistent with the notion that clients “hire lawyers, not firms.”

Leading attorney recruiter Gary Miles, of Miles Partner Placement, noted that two of the biggest reasons why partners move to other firms are compensation and platform. The compensation part is easy, as unless you are working for the government or a non-profit, you are in this business for

the pay. As for platform, Mr. Miles notes that lateral partners are looking for a platform that will help them build their brand and their book. This includes having a solid support system in place at a new firm, such as associate support structure, paralegals, and secretaries, as well as ancillary groups that the lateral may not practice in, but the client needs. Mr. Miles notes that when it comes to law firm size, “bigger is not always better.” Rather, laterals look for a firm that is more willing to offer a tailor-made support, and that will invest in the lateral’s future. According to Mr. Miles, it is not just about brand or footprint, while those are important considerations. Rather, he notes, “it is about how the platform will suit the group’s practice.” Mr. Miles’ perspective is consistent with that of Jeffrey Liebmann, who also focused his search for a merger partner on platforms that would support his team, would be committed to the practice area, would be a good fit, and where his crew would enjoy the people with whom they would work going-forward. According to Mr. Liebmann: “We had all worked too long and too hard not to make absolutely certain that where we potentially landed was a good fit for all of us and a good fit at the firm at which we were landing.”

As noted above, the only constant in the attorney job market is change. Recruiters are certainly a great option, but it is also important to develop a network of contacts at firms. As a potential lateral candidate, having this network will be indispensable in learning of new positions as they arise, and will help in getting an insider’s perspective on whether a potential new firm platform will be suitable to one’s practice. From a law firm management and retention perspective, it is important now more than ever to keep the firm nimble and able to act and react to changes in the market, and the needs of your talent. I recently heard it said: “The grass isn’t greener on the other side, it is greener where you water it.”

This point may serve as a lesson for law firm management: The best way to keep your firm competitive in attracting and retaining talent is by making it an environment where attorneys want to work, from the quality of the platform and level of compensation, to collegiality and camaraderie. I have had the pleasure of teaching as an adjunct at Villanova and Temple law schools since 2010, and the best job search tip I have offered my students is this: You will likely spend more of your waking hours with your work colleagues than you will with your family, your friends, or your dog or cat, so they had better be people who you can get along with at a firm that is worth it. If not, then move on to another firm that is worth the personal sacrifice. 

Travis P. Nelson is a partner at Polsinelli, P.C., where he practices financial services regulatory law. Travis is also the editor of the Writs, and a resident of Doylestown, PA.

BUCKS COUNTY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE DIVERSION PROGRAM

By Lauren Landamia

There are a number of mortgage foreclosure prevention resources available for Bucks County residents. One such resource is the Bucks County Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program. Created in 2009 by attorney Barbara Lyons, the Diversion Program has aided thousands of families with avoiding foreclosure through the scheduling of free conciliation conferences. These conferences are held once a month at the Bucks County Bar Association and are mediated by attorneys, who volunteer their time to this wonderful service.

While there are many parts to my job as the Diversion Program Coordinator, such as interacting with attorneys, mediators, housing counselors and Kristen Norcross at the Bar Association, the most important part is speaking with the homeowners and determining Program eligibility. If a matter is eligible, an Order for Conference is prepared and filed on the homeowner’s behalf. By generating this Order, a stay of foreclosure proceedings is put into effect for at least twenty days following a conference. Among my coordinating duties, I also provide homeowners with contact information for housing counseling services. One such agency is the Credit Counseling Center, which provides free foreclosure prevention services for Pennsylvania residents. Upon completion of a conciliation conference, I collect and review the case files and prepare follow-up Orders based on the mediator’s recommendations, whether that be removal from the Program, settlement of the case, or rescheduling additional conferences for a later date. This process then repeats every month thereafter.

The ultimate goal of this service is to avoid foreclosure and keep residents in their homes, where possible. It is a collaborative effort to successfully retain an individual’s homeownership, and I am proud to be a part of the team that makes this happen!

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Ashley Tedesco

As part of the Writs’ continuing mission to introduce new members to the Bucks County Bar Association, we will feature a regular column on a new member. This edition’s profile is on Ashley Tedesco, an associate at Repko Law LLC, in Doylestown, PA.

The Writs: Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Havertown, Pennsylvania, right outside of Philadelphia with my parents and younger sister. I graduated from a small high school, Friends Central, and from there got my Bachelor’s degree in Government & Law and English at Lafayette College. I then returned to the Philadelphia area and went to Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia, where I received my J.D.

The Writs: If you are from Bucks County, what made you decide to live or work here?

While I am originally from Delaware County, PA (Delco), I immediately fell in love with Bucks County and became more familiar with the area after I met my boyfriend who grew up in in Churchville, PA and started spending more time here. I really loved the rural small town feel of Bucks County and could instantly see myself living and working in that atmosphere.

The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?

Growing up, like many others, I had several informative experiences that sparked my interest in becoming an attorney that related to not being able to fight for the rights of others or people in my life that I cared about, including but not limited to relatives who had experienced substandard medical procedures. Additionally, there were people in my life who had felt that they had been unjustly laid off from work, but did not have the resources or legal knowledge to fight back. Ultimately, it was experiencing injustices family members had confronted related to the legal system that inspired me to obtain my legal degree.

My greatest role model and inspiration in life is my mom. She has been a lower school physical education teacher and coach for over forty years on the Mainline and has provided

me with every opportunity and inspiration in life and I cannot thank her enough.

The person that most inspired me to become an attorney specifically and is also a major influence in my life is my aunt, Kathleen Moore. She is an extremely successful civil litigator in Western Massachusetts and was kind enough to let me intern with her while I was an undergraduate student, which solidified my decision to attend law school.

The Writs: Describe a day in the life of your practice. No day looks exactly the same in the practice of family law, and I have found that I need to be prepared for whatever each day brings. However, depending on the day, I may have a child support or custody conference to attend. If it is a Wednesday, a PFA hearing. Additionally, I try and do whatever I can to assist my colleagues Robert Repko and Shannon Kanavy if they need additional support in one of their many ongoing cases.

I focus my practice exclusively in the area of family law, including child support, alimony/spousal support, protection from abuse, divorce, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Again, no day is quite the same in family law and every day seems to bring some sort of unique surprise with it but that is what makes family practice interesting and surprising, and I enjoy getting to learn something new every single day.

The Writs: What was the most interesting case/ matters that you have worked on in your career?

It is worth noting that some of the most interesting cases I have encountered while practicing family law, and the cases I have learned the most from professionally, are also unfortunately the cases in which clients are dealing with tremendously difficult personal situations. For example, while I was working at the Temple Legal Aid Office a case required me to research and apply the doctrine of standing pursuant to in loco parentis; which is not something I have encountered many times in my practice yet in Bucks County. The phrase in loco parentis refers to a person who puts himself/herself in the situation of assuming the obligation incident to the parental relationship without going through the formality of a legal adoption; in that case it was a maternal grandparent which was a unique challenge.

The Writs: What made you want to go into your field of practice, and where do you see yourself in five years?

During my time at Temple University Beasley School of Law I was lucky enough to intern with Attorney Sarah Katz and be actively involved at the Temple Legal Aid Office, where I assisted in the representation of low-income family law litigants in the Philadelphia area. It was there that I was able to gain valuable hands-on experience and exposure to family law and solidify my interest in my current field of practice.

In five years, I hopefully see myself continuing to practice family law in the Bucks County area and striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others during their time of need through my practice of law at an even greater level then I am currently, and growing my practice.

The Writs: What is your favorite fictional character from the legal profession? What is your favorite movie that portrays the legal profession?

“Jack McCoy” is my favorite fictional character from the legal industry, and Law & Order was the first legal or true crime show I watched growing up and is still one of the best.

My favorite movie that portrays the legal profession would be “My Cousin Vinny” only because Joe Pesci makes me laugh every time I watch it.

The Writs: What has been your favorite place to travel to and why?

Nashville, Tennessee. I was fortunate enough to travel there for my birthday this year with a group of friends. We really enjoyed the live music on Broadway and climbing infinite flights of stairs to hear each different band play and then finally making it up to the rooftop. We also took a day to tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery which was amazing. I would love to go back again soon.

The Writs: What advice would you give a law student to help prepare for a career in Bucks County, and specifically in your area of practice?

I would say if you are not a Bucks County native, working in a Legal Aid office or law firm in some capacity prior to practicing family law in this area would be extremely helpful

prior to beginning your practice in Bucks County. It would have been a great way to acclimate myself to the area. Each county has its own quirks and specific ways of doing things administratively, and having previous experience here would have helped the learning curve tremendously.

In terms of preparing to practice family law generally, be prepared for the unexpected and be ready for what each day and client brings. Make sure to always stay organized and never be afraid to ask questions.

The Writs: What do you do when not practicing law?

My boyfriend and I just purchased our first home in Southampton, PA. Recently all of our free time since settlement in July has been dedicated to gutting the entire home with the help of our family and friends. Hopefully it will be move-in ready soon.

The Writs: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?

My favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County is La Stalla in Newtown, as they have amazing Italian food and delicious drinks as well. Also, Berardi Brothers in Southampton have some of the best cheesesteaks I’ve ever had.

WILLS FOR HEROES VOLUNTEERS

MANAGING PARTNER’S CORNER

Hill Wallack, LLP

By David J. Truelove

For me to say that Hill Wallack “is a great place to work,” would be accurate, but also insufficient, if not somewhat hackneyed. Indeed it is, but much more. As the Administrative Partner of Hill Wallack’s Yardley office, I can offer a perspective that supports the statement, but will, hopefully, provide more depth and substance.

First, even though this is a “managing partner’s” column, our firm has one firm-wide managing partner, my good friend Mike Kahme, who operates out of Hill Wallack’s main office in Princeton, New Jersey (otherwise known as the “Mother Ship”). Yardley is the second-largest office, by staffing level numbers, among the nine firm locations, including the most recent opening of our Florida office. With the firm’s growth, we’ve managed to maintain a smaller-firm vibe, which serves us well for purposes of attorney and staff retention.

In Yardley we are the primary legal home for over 20 attorneys and provide services to a variety of public- and private-sector clients throughout the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area, with a litigation presence in nearly all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Many Yardley-based attorneys (including yours truly) also maintain practices in New Jersey, as well. Firm practice areas include banking, commercial litigation, foreclosure, real estate, insurance defense and coverage, labor and employment, representation of numerous public entities (municipalities, school districts, county agencies and departments, authorities), estate planning, workers’ compensation and general litigation.

The Bucks County presence was initially championed and developed by office Founding Partner Frank Sullivan who, like some newly-minted professional team owner, looked around and assembled a group of talented, hard-working and client-centered attorneys from other county and regional firms. Frank’s vision shows in the results, with a group of dedicated lawyers and staff who provide responsive and energetic representation to a large diverse

client base. Also important is the involvement of many attorneys and staff in community and charitable organizations, such as the Chambers of Commerce, Catholic Charities, Synagogue and church boards, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, and regional food banks, as well as serving as youth coaches and mentors. Four firm partners (Frank Sullivan, Tim Duffy, Barbara Kirk, and David Truelove) have served as BCBA Presidents, and Tim Duffy currently serves as treasurer of the Bar Foundation.

Many firm attorneys boast backgrounds as former judicial law clerks, and many have also served in public sector roles in the offices of District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and County Solicitors. The breadth of experience and knowledge provides our clients with perspectives that promote and support their interests. This is further evidenced by the teamwork and cross-practice group collaboration characterizing the firm and, particularly, the Yardley office.

Now that I have identified our credentials, it’s much more important to demonstrate the strength of our office, namely, the character and commitment of our attorneys and staff. Hill Wallack dedicates itself to being not only a “good” place to work, but also a progressive and accepting place to work. Years ago the firm started (and maintains) a Women’s Initiative, an effort to provide support and encouragement to women in practice. The firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative has evolved and developed to recent recognition for Mansfield certification, for which few firms qualify, after rigorous review.

In Yardley we enjoy office social events and gatherings, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones, and engage in other firm-wide endeavors, some of which may involve seasonal competition related to the NFL season and March Madness—for recreational purposes, only, of course. An occasional outing on a local golf course provides relaxation and comic relief, and firm attorneys and staff may find it appropriate to knock off

work a bit early to relocate to a local pub or watering hole. We truly enjoy one another’s company.

Our work model is flexible—we recognize that work schedules provide the opportunity for work/life balance, including hybrid and alternative schedule availability. As long as the clients’ needs are met and satisfied, we recognize that required in-office presence is not a requirement, although an old head like me prefers the personal face to face interaction.

The practice of law, both for attorneys and staff, provides enough stress on its own, so that coming to work, whether in person, or remote, should not add to that stress. Otherwise, it’s counterproductive, bad for business, and a short-sighted employment practice. For over thirteen years I’ve had the pleasure to work with acquaintances who have become good friends. It’s a great law firm home. 

David J. Truelove is the administrative partner of the Yardley office of Hill Wallack LLP, where he practices public sector (county, authority, school and municipal) law, labor and employment law, and complex litigation.

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LAW CLERK PROFILES

Caity Rogowski and Ryan Wirsch

The Bucks County Bar Association is extremely proud of its members who serve as judicial law clerks. Many of these clerks are newly minted from law school, and display incredible promise to serve as future leaders of the Bar Association. As a recurring column, the Writs will feature profiles on a few members of the current clerkship class. In this edition, we are proud to present Caity Rogowski, law clerk to Hon. Jordan B. Yeager, and Ryan Wirsch, law clerk to Hon. Matthew D. Weintraub.

Caity Rogowski

The Writs: Tell us about yourself. Hi there. I’m grateful to currently serve as the law clerk for the Honorable Jordan B. Yeager. The short version of my story is that I graduated from Penn State in 2011 with a double major in Dance and Journalism. I spent the first eight years of my professional life as a public relations Goldilocks, hopscotching my way through the industry working in nonprofit communications, digital grassroots and public affairs, and corporate content strategy. Along the way I was also a professional cheerleader for the Washington Capitals and a fitness instructor. Outside of work I’ve managed to surprise my mother by surviving a number of solo hiking and camping stints in a variety of venues, including but not limited to Alaska and the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe. Happy to flesh out those twists and turns in greater detail at the next BCBA event where we cross paths, if anyone is interested!! I also like telling people that I am an Enneagram Type 1 and I recently discovered in law school that I am now an ENFJ (after identifying as an ENFP for the first chunk of my professional career).

The Writs: If you are not from Bucks County, what made you decide to live or work here?

I come to Bucks County by way of San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia and would love to plant some roots here, if the stars continue to align. Although it may seem a bit random on paper, the decision to be here was very intentional. I spent last summer as a Certified Legal Intern with the Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, where I helped represent parents in Dependency Court in Montgomery County. I had the opportunity to spend a few days supporting the team and clients in Bucks County as well. Through that experience, I was impressed and inspired by the collaborative efforts I saw in Bucks, as well as educated about how different these cases can look from county to county. At the same time, I came to the realization that spending a year as a

law clerk would be a valuable epilogue to my “official” journey as a law student. From there, I sought out the opportunity to clerk for Judge Yeager as a way of garnering more real-life experience in the courtroom, learning more about the inner workings of the judicial system, and further developing the essential skills needed to be an effective advocate across a variety of legal topics.

The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?

Sitting here, reading the above and below responses, it may seem odd to say I never “wanted to be an attorney.” But my eighth grade English teacher would say she knew it all along! In her class we spent a few weeks reading The Giver, a book I still revisit on a regular basis. At the end of the book, our teacher held a formal Ceremony of Twelve where she gave each of us our respective “careers.” Although I was gunning to be the “Receiver of Memory,” she dubbed me “Child Advocate” – likely a result of reading through my free-form journal assignments during the same year that my parents were going through their divorce. I still have this journal, and it is quite the embarrassing read! In undergrad I was heavily involved with the Penn State Dance Marathon, and spent those years being influenced by the unfair challenges families face when battling pediatric cancer. That sparked a brief interest in potentially getting a joint JD/MSW and working within the pediatric oncology space. But without any external encouragement to further light that fire, I went with a more identifiable path to public relations (“PR”). Before long, it became tough to ignore the feeling that I was doing something I was good at but that left me personally and professionally unfulfilled. I was willing to make a jump and quit my PR career cold turkey in 2018. I bootstrapped my way through a few years as a full-time fitness professional, while waiting on the world to tell me where to go next. As life came to a pause in 2020, distractions were wiped away and perspectives shifted. It became clear to me quite quickly that there were real needs in a number of pockets of

society, and that if people like me weren’t willing to make substantial pivots, then a lot of these gaps would be left unfilled. Every day from March-early June 2020 it seemed like the world needed something: more medical professionals, more teachers, different styles of leadership at all levels of government, and at the very least more compassion and creative problem-solving to address all kinds of societal harms. I soaked in as much news coverage, documentaries, Wikipedia rabbit holes as possible. From there I developed a hypothesis that I could combine my curiosity, empathy, and drive with my storytelling, narrative-building, client relations, project management, and people skills into a potentially impactful legal career. And every day has become a new datapoint in terms of whether or not that will become true. Along the way my list of role models grows as I encounter people who are just as passionate as I am about serving as a bridge, ladder, or conduit between a cumbersome and confusing system and the people it is meant to serve.

The Writs: Describe a day in the life of a law clerk in your judge’s chambers.

A day in the life as Judge Yeager’s law clerk is a Costco-sized variety pack of legal problems (sometimes emergencies) waiting to be solved. While our main focus areas are Dependency and Civil, we also support the Court with a number of other matters throughout the month, which allows those of us in a clerk position to truly be exposed to a full spectrum of legal arenas. We are constantly reviewing memos and arguments from attorneys and pro se parties, developing our own analysis of the legal issues presented, and questioning how to best provide positive, workable remedies and outcomes to all involved. Most importantly, we approach the work we’re doing with an eye toward how the decisions we make will apply in real life, which is a nice departure from the more abstract environment of a law school classroom. Thankfully it is a very collaborative space where information and advice are easily shared among everyone on the Court staff, so no question ever goes unanswered.

The Writs: What was the most interesting case that you have worked on for your judge?

It is no secret that I find any and all of the Dependency cases interesting, but I have to say one of the early ones where we helped a high school student develop her own voice in advocating for what she wanted and needed has been the most impactful to date. I think the underlying reason I’m drawn to this kind of work is because of my own lived experience and what I’ve witnessed occur with others over the years. This has led me to understand how important it is that kids feel seen, heard, supported, and validated during their formative years, in a way that feels true to them as

an individual. So, any opportunity that we can help them along in that process is so powerful to me. That, and being able to see how people use their legal education to help advocate for kids is one of the main reasons I’m here (literally, figuratively, spiritually if you will).

The Writs: What type of law do you want to go into after your clerkship, and where do you see yourself in five years?

I cheekily told one of my law school advisors that as a 35-year-old going on career three and having lived through a couple versions of naming, achieving, and being unsatisfied by different iterations of “life plans,” that I’m done answering the “where do you see yourself in X years question.” But at the same time, the Type A planner in me will never die! My rough vision at this time is based on a solid mission statement, while remaining broad enough to allow for flexible execution. I hope to be able to practice in a way that helps unlock the mysteries and navigate the complex channels of the legal system for people who are trying to thrive in their everyday lives without increasing the burdens and harms that seem to cast a shadow of pain across society. In real terms, I envision this looks like working in a legal aid or public service capacity, ideally with courtroom exposure to see how the law is and isn’t working. From there, or contemporaneously, I plan to also focus efforts on advocating for effective policy change at a variety of levels to help alleviate some issues from that side of the equation.

The Writs: What is your favorite fictional character from the legal industry?

This is going to be a throwback but maybe it will help manifest getting the show on a streaming service near me: Ed the Bowling Alley lawyer!

The Writs: What has been your favorite place to travel to and why?

There is no living until you have gone off the grid (no cell service) driving through the glaciers, mountains, and forests of Alaska hoping that no moose, bear, or local will take issue with your presence. Specifically: the Homer Spit.

The Writs: What advice would you give a law student to help prepare for a clerkship in Bucks County?

Take the time to reach out to us or those who have clerked in Bucks in the past. I set up a handful of informational interviews with Bucks clerks the summer before I applied, and it helped prepare me in terms of setting my expectations as well as confirming that the experience aligned with what I was hoping to get from a clerkship. For me, I felt a pull to be in the courtroom, yet overwhelmed

with the idea that I would be responsible for a full caseload (aka the lives of humans) right after graduating. It seemed like there was still so much to learn about being a lawyer and I didn’t want to let anyone down by being inexperienced. Which is how I ended up becoming a poster child for our school’s Career Strategy office by spending all of 3L explaining to my friends who were still on the job hunt that becoming a law clerk made the most sense.

The Writs: What do you do when not working as a clerk?

I crochet, hike, read, bake, explore new places, and strive to win the award for most obsessive plant parent.

The Writs: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?

I haven’t really been anywhere yet so please send me your recommendations!!

Ryan Wirsch

The Writs: Tell us about yourself. Hello. My name is Ryan Wirsch, and it is my honor to serve as the law clerk to the Honorable Matthew D. Weintraub. My tenure in this capacity began as an intern in January 2024, aligning with His Honor’s elevation to the bench, and I am privileged to continue in this role through the summer of 2025.

I am a lifelong resident of Bucks County, specifically from Warrington, where I am the youngest of three siblings. My educational journey started in Central Bucks School District, where I take great pride in having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with two additional palms. In tandem, I gained significant experience working at a local restaurant and with the law firm Naftulin & Shick, throughout the completion of my legal education.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State University in 2021 and recently graduated from Widener Commonwealth Law School with my Juris Doctor in 2024. During my time at Widener, I engaged extensively in experiential learning opportunities, including externships with the District Attorney’s Offices of York and Bucks Counties, as well as the Courts of Common Pleas in Dauphin and Bucks Counties. Additionally, I acquired practical experience with local personal-injury firms Naftulin & Shick and Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer, & Kupersmith.

Most recently, I completed the July 2024 bar examination.

The Writs: If you are from Bucks County, what made you decide to live or work here?

As a native of Bucks County, I am deeply committed to advancing my legal career within the community of my upbringing. My educational journey has afforded me invaluable experiences, allowing me to engage with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This has significantly enriched my understanding and appreciation of our county and its substantial legal landscape.

The Writs: What made you want to become an attorney? Who were your role models or inspirations and why?

The pursuit of becoming an attorney has been a lifelong aspiration of mine. What began as a simple fascination or quest for independence has matured into a profound respect for the essential role that a devoted advocate plays in an individual’s life. Many individuals, for various reasons, may not have the opportunity to have their voice heard. This ongoing realization fuels my commitment to stand in support of those who might otherwise remain voiceless or bulldozed by forces out of their control.

Throughout this journey, I have been honored to receive guidance from numerous distinguished mentors across various legal disciplines. From the foundational instruction provided by Linda Shick to the invaluable insights gained under the mentorship of Jason Weiss, and further experience garnered through District Attorneys Sunday and (Judge) Weintraub, I attribute significant advancements in my legal development to these distinguished individuals and many others. Their steadfast support has been instrumental in shaping my path and aligning me with my ultimate goals. I am deeply appreciative to these professionals, who, driven by a profound dedication to the legal profession, extend their support to uplift those who follow in their footsteps—not for personal acclaim, but for the advancement of the next generation.

The Writs: Describe a day in the life of a law clerk in your judge’s chambers.

A day in the life as a clerk for Judge Weintraub encompasses a diverse and dynamic array of responsibilities, while consistently proving to be fulfilling within the realms of family and civil court. Our docket frequently addresses matters such as PFAs, non-support cases, divorce proceedings, custody disputes, relocation issues, and various civil concerns.

My primary duties involve researching legal issues, drafting opinions, preparing responses to Rule 208 petitions (one of Bucks many ‘great’ quirks), and observing litigators during courtroom proceedings. Each day introduces new challenges

and opportunities for professional growth. Engaging directly with these issues under the guidance of a distinguished legal mind is an immensely rewarding experience.

The Writs: What was the most interesting case that you have worked on for your judge?

Many of the cases on Judge Weintraub’s docket are distinguished by their frequently contentious nature, where the intensity of emotions is almost palpable. The most rewarding cases are those in which both attorneys approach their clients’ issues with a pragmatic and collaborative mindset, striving for a resolution that yields a balanced outcome, often resulting in neither party securing an outright victory or defeat.

Witnessing parties, who may never again cross paths outside the courtroom, working together towards a common objective, adds a particularly compelling dimension to these cases.

The Writs: What type of law do you want to go into after your clerkship, and where do you see yourself in five years?

I have a strong passion for criminal law, particularly in the sphere of litigation, which is why I find family court matters particularly interesting, given their frequent intersection with this field. Looking ahead five years, I envision my career firmly anchored in the community where I was raised, commited to making a meaningful impact. My objective is to remain actively engaged in the courtroom, advocating for clients and upholding the principles of the law.

The Writs: What is your favorite fictional character from the legal industry?

One of my favorite fictional characters from the legal industry is Harvey Specter, from the television show Suits. Harvey Specter is widely acknowledged for his bold and fearless demeanor, distinguishing himself through his unwavering commitment to challenge conventional norms and popular opinion. He never forgets the bigger picture. His approach to the practice of law is characterized by a potent combination of ruthlessness and remarkable intellect, always meticulously focused on achieving well-considered objectives. Furthermore, Specter’s style is marked by remarkable candor and frankness, decisively cutting through conjecture and speculation—a quality underappreciated today.

The Writs: What has been your favorite place to travel to and why?

Every year my family and I vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey, which remains a favorite place to travel and disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.

The Writs: What advice would you give a law student to help prepare for a clerkship in Bucks County?

First, I urge you to step beyond your comfort zone and embrace calculated risks as a fundamental strategy. Understand that you may encounter resistance and hear “no” on multiple occasions before achieving success. Nevertheless, stay confident, because this approach is crucial for adeptly navigating the complexities in your role and will ultimately serve you well

Second, I submit for your consideration that there comes a point at which further revisions of a brief, file, or other documents may result in diminishing returns. You can get lost and spend hours, days, or weeks on just one assignment. It is important to recognize when your work has reached its most refined state and is ready for submission. While it may not achieve perfection or reach the pinnacle of excellence, it should represent the highest quality attainable at that moment. Avoid becoming entangled in extraneous details and instead focus on conveying your message through clear and impactful statements, rather than lengthy and verbose narratives.

This profession demands both resilience and initiative. I urge you, once working, to seek guidance from others including judges with whom you may not have direct contact, when appropriate. However, do not feel compelled to reinvent the wheel. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from many legal practitioners within our community, whether they appear before the court or operate within the justice centers.

Lastly, and most importantly, I encourage you to find joy in your work and to maintain a balanced perspective. Life is too short to approach every challenge with excessive seriousness or frivolity. Strive for a measured and thoughtful approach to your duties, getting the reps in each day. Live a little.

The Writs: What do you do when not working as a clerk?

Having recently completed the July 2024 bar exam, I spend my time outside of work either golfing or chasing my Goldendoodle, Charlie.

The Writs: What is your favorite bar or restaurant in Bucks County?

KC Prime, Warrington, is the best restaurant in Bucks County (or Árdana Food & Drink, in Valley Square, by the same owners). 

events Foundation Golf Outing

Annual Hon. John J. Rufe Softball Classic

Federal Courts Section Annual Reception

By Grace M. Deon

On the evening of June 13, 2024, the Federal Courts Section of the Bucks County Bar Association held its annual reception. The festivities began with Senior Judge Cynthia M. Rufe presiding over a ceremony for a number of our members seeking admission to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In addition to encouraging the admittees to familiarize themselves with federal practice, Judge Rufe spoke about the rich history of the court, one of the original 13 federal judicial districts.

A highlight of this year’s reception included recognition of the Honorable Mitchell S. Goldberg who now serves as Chief Judge. Chief Judge Goldberg addressed those in attendance about a variety of topics, including an emphasis on the need to ensure the security and safety of members of the judiciary, including members of their families. The reception also included an opportunity to welcome judges who joined the Federal Bench over the past year: Judge John F. Murphy, Magistrate Judge Craig M. Straw and Magistrate Judge Jose R. Arteaga. The Honorable Mark A. Kearney, who chairs the court’s Community Outreach and Public Relations Committee, provided insight into the court’s community outreach programs which provide students and civic organizations with information about the role of the federal courts. Thank you to Judge Kearney for his time and efforts in the planning and execution of this year’s reception.

Even though Judge Kai Scott could not attend our annual reception, we greatly appreciated her participation in BCBA’s August CLE Marathon Day. Judge Scott, along with Judge Rufe and Louis Busico, Esquire, spoke about the nuances of Federal Criminal Practice and how they differ from state practice. Members of the Federal Courts Section are in the process of planning a CLE program that will include analysis and discussion of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Please mark your calendar for December 10, 2024 (3:30 p.m.) at the BCBA building and plan to join us. 

Grace M. Deon is the managing partner of Eastburn & Gray, P.C., in Doylestown, PA, where she practices employment law and commercial litigation. Grace is also the Chair of the Bar Association’s Federal Courts Section.

BENCH BAR 2024 : BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BENCH AND BAR

By Roxanne Zhilo

There’s something special about seeing your judge trade their long black flowing robes for civilian attire. At this year’s Bench Bar Conference, I had the chance to do just that, and it reminded me of why I choose to attend these events year after year. However, for a younger attorney like me, it was more than just a chance to exchange pleasantries; it was an opportunity to build bridges, deepen connections, and learn from the very people shaping our profession.

For those unfamiliar, Bench Bar is where the Bench (the judges) and the Bar (the attorneys) come together in a more relaxed environment, away from the daily grind of court proceedings and legal filings. This year’s event, held at Camelback Resort in the Poconos, offered the perfect setting for open dialogue, shared learning, and, yes, a little fun.

As an attorney who is ten years out of law school, but a newly-minted solo practitioner, networking can sometimes feel like standing on the outside looking in, but Bench Bar gave me the unique opportunity to connect with not only experienced attorneys but also with judges who were willing to give advice and offer perspectives on our ever-changing legal landscape.

Serving on the board of the Young Lawyers Division, I’m often aware of how young lawyers sometimes struggle to find their footing in a room full of seasoned professionals. This event, however, helps level the playing field, or rather

break down barriers. From casual dinners to educational workshops, the conference provided opportunities to not just absorb information but also to contribute to the conversation in meaningful ways. I left feeling more confident, more connected, and more energized for the year ahead.

As much as Bench Bar is about learning, it’s also about having fun. Whether it was riding the mountain coaster or watching others zip line, lounging around the pool, feeling like a kid again in the resort’s arcade, or even the moments in between sessions where genuine friendships formed, this event proves that the legal community is as much about people as it is about the law. For those wanting more formalized activities, Bench Bar offered a golf outing for the semi-pro and the highly novice alike.

For younger attorneys trying to build relationships or even establish a sense of belonging, I can’t recommend the Bench Bar experience enough. It’s a rare chance to mingle with judges, collaborate with peers, and leave not only more knowledgeable but also more connected to the profession. So, next year, when the invitation for Bench Bar hits your inbox, don’t just keep scrolling, go and experience it first-hand.

Roxanne Zhilo is the founding partner of Zhilo Law LLC in Feasterville-Trevose, PA, where she practices business law.

YLD Happy Hour

BUCKS COUNTY PRO BONO HONOR ROLL

APRIL 1 - SEPT. 30, 2024

THANK YOU for volunteering your valuable time to provide high quality legal representation to Bucks County residents. You provided pro bono representation in Protection from Abuse Court every Wednesday. You assisted clients with wills, divorce, custody, and bankruptcy. You volunteered your time for the Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program, went to landlordtenant court to prevent eviction, and helped veterans and first responders with Wills for Heroes. Thank you, too, to all those who provided financial assistance through donations and arbitration allowances. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) could not assist as many individuals without this support. Your efforts help to ensure that there is justice for all.

Anonymous (2)

Jacqueline Alexander

Lidia Alperovich

Maureen Anderson

Wendy Ashby

Timothy Barton

Cynthia Bashore

Keith Bidlingmaier

Raymond Bily

Roela Boci

Melissa Bond

Chloe Boudazin

H. Jeffrey Brahin

Matthew Brittenburg

D. Keith Brown

Paul Brownstein

Abigail Bukowski

Sheila Callahan

Roger Cameron

Melissa Cantwell

Bill Casey

Tracy Cassel-Brophy

Jahn Chesnov

Patricia Cooley

Daniel Cooper

Andrew Cordes

Jennifer Courtney

Henry Dantzig

Jennifer Dickerson

Marina Divinsky

Shannon Dorman

Danielle Drier

William T. Dudeck

Susan Eisenberg

Adam Fein

Bryan M. Ferris

Matthew Finer

Rachel Fingles

Adam D. Flager

Michael Frisbie

Lindsay Garrels

Martin Ghen

Vincent A. Guarna

Kevin Hand

Virginia Hardwick

Judith Hayman

Heather Hines

Robin Holmes

Randall Hugo

Jamie Jamison

Shannon Kanavy

Morris Kaplan

Brian Keyes

Gina Kiley

Barbara Kirk

Mark S. Kruman

Gavin Laboski

Denis Lanctot

Larry Lefkowitz

Jeffrey Liberman

Marc Lynde

Dianne Magee

Rich Magee

Christopher Mahoney

Russell Manning

Matthew Marchini

Bill Marx

Richard Maurer

Tina Mazaheri

Joseph McGinley

Diane Mellott

Adrian L. Meyer

Josha Meyeroff

Greg Mitsch

Gabriel Montemuro

William Moore

Doug Mormello

Sandra Morris

Robert B. Murray, Jr.

Stephen L. Needles

Brooke Newborn

Richard Newman

Lindsay Norton

Stephen Pastor

George Patsalosavvis

Lisa Patterson

Keith Peters

Michael T. Pidgeon

Jennifer Pierce

Lee A. Profy

Jeremy D. Puglia

Hayley Purcell

Karen M. Quinn

Joseph Ramagli

Harry B. Reese

Stefan Richter

Jose Roman

Kate Roth

Jonathan J. Russell

J. Michael Ruttle

Jen Ryan

Russel P. Sacco

Michael Saile

William Schaefer

John Schaeffer

Linda Schick

James M. Schildt

Chris Serpico

Carol A. Shelly

Michael Shelton

David Silver

Chris Little Simcox

Arlene Simolike

Ronald J. Smolow

Mindy J. Snyder

Jeffrey Solar

Amir M. Stark

Stephanie Stecklair-Tarantino

Joel Steinman

Christopher Steward

Marc Stolee

Francis Sullivan

Ashley Tedesco

Michael Terkanian

Kathleen Thomas

Tiffany Thomas-Smith

Elizabeth Tomlinson

Tyler Tomlinson

Jeffrey Toner

Julia R. Toner

Samuel Totaro

Hon. Jeffrey G. Trauger

David Truelove

Sonam Vachhani

Henry E. Van Blunk

James C. Veith

Daniel R. Walworth

Doug Wayne

Sara Webster

Jeremy A. Wechsler

Megan Weiler

Maris Weiner

Jason R. Weiss

Melanie J. Wender

Allison Wickman

Jeffrey Williams

Keith Williams

Peter Williams

Shari Gelfont Williams

Donald Williford

Steven E. Wolfe

Jeffrey Wong

Paul D. Woosley

Laura Zartman

Note: Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the Bucks County Pro Bono Honor Roll from April 1 - Sept. 30, 2024. To provide feedback or report an error, please contact Megan Reinprecht at mreinprecht@lasp.org.

– Megan Reinprecht, LASP Community Engagement Unit Staff Attorney & Bucks County Pro Bono Coordinator

ATTORNEY BRIEFS

• Antheil, Masalow & MacMinn, LLP promoted four attorneys to partner: Lisa A. Bothwell (Business Law), Lynelle A. Gleason (Family Law), Gabriel T. Montemuro (Civil Litigation), and Melanie J. Wender (Family Law).

• Travis P. Nelson joined the law firm of Polsinelli, P.C., in the Philadelphia office, where he practices financial services regulatory law.

• Nicole Durso, an attorney with Stark & Stark, P.C., was selected to the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Leadership Institute Class of 2024-25. The Bar Leadership Institute (BLI) participants will learn about the day-to-day operations, governance, resources, and staffing of the Bar Association, and will be introduced to the various leadership opportunities within the Bar.

• Carin A. O’Donnell, a shareholder with Stark & Stark, P.C., was inducted as the Vice President of the Pennsylvania Association of Justice, which is a statewide organization of trial lawyers committing to protecting the rights of injured persons.

• Jillian P. Roth has joined Stark & Stark, P.C., as an associate in the Yardley, PA office, where she is a member of the firm’s Accident and Personal Injury Group. Ms. Roth was formerly with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. 

If you are interested in contributing to this section, and highlighting attorneys within your firm, please email BucksWritsEditor@gmail.com.

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WLD Summer Happy Hour

Meet the New Veterans Treatment Program Social Worker:

By Jeffrey A. Liebmann JERARD M. JOHNSON

One of the Bucks County Bar Foundation’s proudest accomplishments in recent years has been its involvement in the hiring of Jerard M. Johnson as the part-time social worker for the Veterans Treatment Program here in Bucks County.

The Foundation spent all of 2023 working with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, and local non-profit, The Friends for Heroes Foundation, to create and fund the position of a much-needed social worker for the Veterans Treatment Program that the Court of Common Pleas runs in Bucks County. The Bucks County Veterans Treatment Program, for those not familiar, was established by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office to address the needs of veterans cycling through the county court, probation and parole, and prison system. It is, at its core, a program to give qualified veterans a second chance and not have one mistake ruin their lives; especially given that so many veterans have servicerelated issues that need addressing and treatment. Participants are supervised throughout the program and receive guidance and support from veteran mentors with the goal of reducing recidivism and helping these veterans return to their jobs and families and become productive citizens.

the court to help meet the needs of veterans that often end up falling through the cracks. Jerard, a United States Navy veteran himself, provides a full range of social and case management services to veterans in the program, and works with them and their families to help them utilize all resources available to them.

The Foundation had the opportunity to sit down with Jerard recently and talk about the his life and particularly the Veterans Treatment Program.

The BCBF: Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is Jerard Johnson?

I chose to pursue this position because it allowed me to support veterans and help veterans turn their lives around in a world where one mistake can have a lasting impact on their future and their quality of life.

I am originally from the Bronx, New York. I live in Bristol, Pennsylvania, with my wife, Ramona, of 18 years and my 12-year-old son. I received my degrees in social work from Temple University, my bachelor’s degree in 2019; and, my master’s degree in 2022. I consider myself adventurous and I will try almost anything at least once. I love to travel and have visited 16 countries and 21 states. I also consider myself very outgoing. I am always eager to have a conversation with anyone. If you see me, don’t hesitate to say hello, introduce yourself and ask me anything. I am an open book.

In November 2023, the Bucks County Veterans Treatment Program social worker became a reality as Jerard was hired, with the position funded jointly by the Bucks County Bar Foundation and the Friends for Heroes Foundation. Jerard has already provided essential, life-changing help to dozens of area veterans. Jerard’s primary responsibility was to be a liaison between treatment providers, the probation department, the District Attorney’s Office, and

The BCBF: I understand that you are a veteran. I served in the United States Navy from 2006 to 2010. I served as a Boatswain Mate onboard the USS Ponce (LPD-15). I was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, and I deployed in 2007 and 2009 in the Mediterranean in France, Greece and Spain, and in the Middle East in Jordan, Dubai and Bahrain. During my service, I was confirmed as a disabled veteran in 2010.

The BCBF: What attracted you to the position of the Bucks County Veterans Treatment

Program social worker?

I wanted to work with fellow veterans and had been searching online for the right fit based on my passion and experience. I chose to pursue this position because it allowed me to support veterans and help veterans turn their lives around in a world where one mistake can have a lasting impact on their future and their quality of life. A chance to be a part, if even a small part, in helping a veteran turn their lives around in a world where one mistake could cause irreparable harm. I’ve also had many opportunities to turn my life around thanks to others who have supported and stood by me through all my missteps and challenges. Everyone deserves that chance. The veterans I work with need someone who will not give up on them.

The BCBF: What are your duties and responsibilities as the Veterans Treatment Program social worker?

My number one priority is my commitment to the veterans. I am an advocate for veterans and act as a voice for them. I work to reduce possible relapses and to ensure their compliance with the requirements of the Veterans Treatment Program, to ensure successful completion of the Program, and, to ensure they do not ever find themselves part of the system again. I focus on helping veterans overcome life’s issues, almost always issues related to their military service, to complete the program. My work involves helping veterans to create a resume, assist a veteran with an employment issue, helping veterans to navigate financial burdens, or assisting the veterans with addiction issues, and assisting with service-related health issues. The goal of the Veterans Treatment Program is to help veterans here in Bucks County and to ensure that none of them fall through the cracks.

the movement of the veterans through the program. Participation on the Honor Roll has steadily increased throughout the beginning of 2024. March saw the highest number of veterans on the honor roll at 15, with two repeat recipients from the previous month, and two veterans from the prior month. The Veterans Treatment Program saw an almost immediate increase in participant morale due to the reinforcement and praise for their efforts from the judges and the Program team. The Honor Roll also assists veterans that fall short of what was needed to work on and accomplish by the next month. It has proved a highly useful tool for us.

The BCBF: Can you tell us about a Veterans Treatment Program success story since you have been on the job?

The goal of the Veterans Treatment Program is to help veterans here in Bucks County and to ensure that none of them fall through the cracks.

The BCBF: What do you do, specifically, for the veterans themselves as the Veterans Treatment Program Social Worker?

I have started a Veteran’s Treatment Program Honor Roll. Veterans are placed on the Honor Roll once they meet all compliance requirements. Those requirements are regular communication with probation officers, mentors, and VA social workers, attend all scheduled appointments at the VA and any outside therapy, and no negative drug and alcohol tests. The longer a veteran is on the Honor Roll, the less frequently they would have to come to court; or, they have to option of appearing in court virtually. This expedites

When I attended my first treatment court in November, I met a veteran who had gotten in trouble and had a negative experience with the judicial system. He continued to be non-compliant with the program for the next two months, and his frustration was palpable when I talked to him. I sat with him after Court, spoke about his issues, reviewed the concerns of the judge, and, convinced him that our Program team truly wanted to help him and see him succeed. I worked with him to plot a different path and that he might actually find a different result when he returned to court in a month. I contacted him regularly for that month, addressing all his issues before court. This veteran has appeared on the Honor Roll ever since it was implemented in February. His outlook has changed when appearing before the Judge. He was on the Honor Roll for five consecutive months before moving on to the next phase of the Program. This veteran ultimately served as an example to the other veterans in the program: Do the work, be compliant, get on the Honor Roll, successfully meet your goals and graduate from the program resulting in avoiding jail time and eventually get your criminal records expunged.

The BCBF: Is there a need for the Veterans Treatment Program social worker to be a full-time position?

How much more of a difference could be made if the Veterans Treatment Program social worker were a full-time position?

Social workers, in general, are undervalued – our skill sets are not perceived as a necessity. The work of a social worker takes hard work and dedication. As the social worker with the Veterans Treatment Court, I have people making

significant progress one day, and unfortunately, have them regress the next day. A crisis does not always happen during business hours Monday through Friday. Sometimes, it occurs in the evening or the middle of the night. If I fulfilled my required part-time hours and a crisis occurs after hours, a decision must be made. Do I answer the call and help that veteran knowing I will not get paid: Do I not answer only later to find out that I could have prevented someone from harming themselves or others simply because it is outside my normal working hours? That is something I wouldn’t be able to live with. I, of course, help that veteran. However, making the social worker position with the Veterans Treatment Program a full-time position would not only allow the social worker to be more effective, but it would also increase the successful outcomes for the individuals the program, and I aim to serve.

Social workers significantly affect the rates of repeat offenders because sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference.

The BCBF: The Bucks County Bar Foundation is the charitable arm of the Bucks County Bar Association.

The mission of the Foundation, among other things, is to promote and support programs, organizations, and individuals throughout Bucks County who are engaged in activities designated to foster respect for the rule of law, the advancement of rights, liberties and protections under the law, and activities which have as a principal purpose the advancement of social justice for the individuals and families of Bucks County. The Veterans Treatment Program social worker and Jerard are worthy recipients of the Foundation’s efforts and financial resources.

The Bucks County Bar Foundation hopes to make Jerard’s position with the Veterans Treatment Program a full-time position this upcoming year. This wouldn’t be possible without the generous charitable donations of all that have supported the Foundation to change the lives of as many local veterans as we are able. We hope you will continue to join us on this ride. We are grateful for your help and support. 

Jeffrey A. Liebmann is a partner at Curtin & Heefner LLP, in its Yardley, PA office, where he practices family law. Jeff is also the President of the Bucks County Bar Foundation.

Facts Matter

Especially when selecting or referring a Law Firm

Tom is a trial attorney practicing in the areas of criminal defense, domestic, personal injury and general litigation. He also counsels churches and other non-profit organizations regarding various legal issues including child abuse reporting, liability reduction and in reviewing organizational policies and practices. Tom became a partner of the firm in 2004. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County where he gained extensive trial experience, handling a variety of cases including homicide, narcotics and DUI. Tom has participated in more than 30 jury trials in various counties, including Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Philadelphia and Monroe. THOMAS A. BLACKBURN

Thomas A. Blackburn

Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC P.O. Box 1306

Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901

Phone: 215-348-2088

Facsimile: 215-348-7069

tblackburn@dhdlaw.com www.dhdlaw.com