the WRITS, Bucks Bar Association, Summer 2023

CONTACT INFO

President

Lawrence R. Scheetz, Jr.

Vice President/President Elect

R. Tyler Tomlinson

Secretary

Melanie J. Wender Treasurer

Jeremy D. Puglia

Immediate Past President

Julie D. Goldstein

Past Presidents’ Representative

Jessica A. Pritchard

Board of Directors

Erin K. Aronson

Brendan M. Callahan

Jeffrey G. DiAmico

Kimberly Litzke

Christopher S. Mahoney

Tina Mazaheri

Joanne Murray

Tiffany Thomas-Smith

Jason R. Weiss

Megan Weiler

Elaine Yandrisevits

Writs Editor

Melanie J. Wender

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 WritsEditor@BucksBar.org

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Goodbye

Once again, it was my pleasure to get to talk to the people who work in our courthouse and who are

Kerri Strug to Speak at the 2023 Bench Bar Conference

Mark your calendars–the 2023 Bench Bar Conference

New

LASP’s

Jill W. Duffy joined LASP on April 3 as Doylestown

As a member of Penn Community Bank’s Executive A

I guess the basic premise of this article is my feeling

PAR: Recapture and Reuse/Reduce Recidivism

Discarded electronic material, when processed for

R.J.

Think back on the mix of emotions you felt when you

A new Bucks County partnership aims to prevent

Wills For True Heroes

Wills for Heroes returned to Bucks County on Saturday, June 24th. The program started after the September

President’s Message

Dear Fellow Members of the Bar,

It is with great pleasure and appreciation that I write my second President’s Message for the Writs. The past few months of my presidency have been invigorating and enlightening. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration for the leadership, service and hard work of our members and the BCBA staff.

The committees, sections and divisions are working together now more than ever to provide first-rate programming to record amounts of attendees at each event. The BCBA is coming together as a unified organization to provide exceptional benefits and opportunities to maximize your membership, service opportunities and social network.

For example, the Federal Courts Section and the Bench Bar Relations Committee hosted the Federal Courts Reception in June with record turnout and participation from the Bench and our members. The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Section, in conjunction with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, hosted the PA Expungement and Pardons Training CLE and we will be assisting the community with the expungement process throughout this year. The Women Lawyers Division & Young Lawyers Division ran a multi-session golf clinic at Doylestown Country Club that was a huge hit with sold out sessions each week.

In addition, the annual Honorable John J. Rufe Softball Classic was an overwhelming success this year with the largest number of players in the history of the Classic. Many of the attendees from the Classic were also a part of the New Member Breakfast that welcomed over 40 new members to the Bar Association during the first half of 2023 and pushed our total membership number well over 900 members… all records for the Bar Association.

The newly created Bar Leadership Council, which consists of the Board of Directors and the chairs of each section, division and committee, has worked extremely hard with laser focus to provide meaningful and successful

programs and events to enhance the member experience and better the County. Please accept this sincere thank you for all that you are doing for the Bar Association and our community.

I would also like to extend a genuine thank you to all of our sponsors. Our inaugural sponsorship drive has been extremely successful with 14 President Club Sponsors and numerous Director and Officer level sponsors. It is this generosity and support that enables us to maintain such a high level of programming, a pristine property and phenomenal staff.

Finally, I am thrilled to announce that a personal friend of mine, Kerri Strug, the Olympic Gold Medalist gymnast, will be the Plenary Speaker at our annual Bench Bar Conference at Skytop Lodge. Please join us for the conference from September 21–23, 2023.

Thank you again for all of your hard work, ideas and assistance this year. It has been an extraordinary year and I am thoroughly enjoying my presidency.

Please contact me at any time with suggestions and questions. Thank you for choosing to be a member of the Bucks County Bar Association. 

— Lawrence R. Scheetz, Jr., Esquire Bucks County Bar Association President

Lawrence R. Scheetz, Jr.

Bucks County Bar Association President

Finally, I am thrilled to announce that a personal friend of mine, Kerri Strug, the Olympic Gold Medalist gymnast, will be the Plenary Speaker at our annual Bench-Bar Conference at Skytop Lodge. Please join us for the conference from September 21–23, 2023.

From the Editor…

Greetings all! I hope you are enjoying this incredibly hot summer and are able to take a break from your hectic life and enjoy some down time. I am looking forward to getting away for a bit myself.

It has been busy at the Bucks County Bar Association, though. As you will see in this edition of the Writs , there have been several events. The Bucks County Bar Association hosted some of our state politicians at a lovely breakfast and it was a wonderful opportunity for a lively discussion on several important topics. I look forward to continuing this breakfast annually as it is incredibly important to continue the dialogue with our state legislators.

The Bar Association also hosted a great new member breakfast, which saw a wonderful turnout from new members and current members alike. This breakfast was hosted by our Member Services chair, Adam Tanker, and he did an excellent job organizing it. Well done Adam!

With these many breakfasts, there had to be a dinner in there somewhere. And there was! The prior presidents of the Bucks County Bar Association gathered together for the annual past presidents’ dinner. Chris Serpico happens to be a prior president of this excellent association and he wrote a lovely article about the event, which occurred at the happening Doylestown hotspot, Vela.

The Foundation always awarded scholarships, as well as recognized our mock trial winners. The Federal Courts section had their annual CLE and reception, which was very nice and several federal judges were in attendance.

As you can see, the Bar Association has been busy and will continue to be moving forward. The Bar Association is now in full swing to prepare for our big fall event, the annual Bench Bar Conference. This year, the conference will be held at Skytop in the Poconos. It promises to be tons of fun, as well as educational. However, perhaps the biggest draw is the plenary speaker for the conference. President Scheetz managed to convince the one and only Kerri Strug to come and speak at the Bench Bar

The Bar Association is now in full swing to prepare for our big fall event, the annual Bench Bar Conference. This year, the conference will be held at Skytop in the Poconos. It promises to be tons of fun, as well as educational.

Conference! As a gymnastic fan and one of the many people who watched Ms. Strug’s amazing Olympic vault, I am beyond excited and perhaps a bit star struck. Kerri Strug promises to be very inspiring, so I hope to see all of you at this conference.

With all of that said, please enjoy this edition of the Writs . A huge thank you to all of the people who took the time to write articles for this magazine. Additionally, a significant thank you to the staff at the Bar Association. Without you, this magazine would not happen! 

— Melanie J. Wender, Esquire

Need a Lawyer?

Welcome to the Bucks County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) serving all of Bucks County. The LRIS is a public service of the non-profit Bucks County Bar Association. Each year the LRIS responds to thousands of callers, referring them to attorneys with experience in the appropriate area of law or to area agencies able to provide assistance.

Persons identified as needing legal representation and who do not claim inability to pay an attorney will be referred by LRIS to a participating attorney. LRIS participation is open to all Bucks County Bar Association members having their primary office in Bucks County. You can contact the LRIS at 215-348-9413.

Melanie J. Wender Editor, Bucks Writs

GOODBYE AND THANK YOU!

By Susan Dardes, Esquire

Once again, it was my pleasure to get to talk to the people who work in our courthouse and who are dedicated to their job and the welfare of the public. Such was the case when I sat down to speak with our outgoing Court Administrator, Stephen Heckman, who retired from his position on March 31, 2023.

Mr. Heckman, or Steve as most of you know him, has a staff of 30 under his direct supervision and he oversees the following departments: Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation, Domestic Relations, the Youth Center, the Masters Office, Court Reporters and the Law Library. All in all, there are some 500 county employees who report to the heads of these departments, who in turn, report to Mr. Heckman who reports to the President Judge.

to manage murder and capital cases. In 2015, Mr. Heckman ran unsuccessfully for trial Judge in Montgomery County, then came on board to be the Court Administrator in Bucks County. While he has enjoyed the last seven years in the Justice Center, it is time for a change of pace, he said.

When he has more free time, Steve wants to spend it with his wife, Magisterial District Judge Patricia Zaffarano, who is also considering retirement, and hopes to travel around the country with her to some 30 major league baseball stadiums. He also said that he’s looking forward to doing some volunteer work in his community and to improving his golf game.

Steve has orchestrated the delicate task of keeping all the departments aligned; overseeing their technical needs; and working on the new fit out of the fifth floor of the Justice Center, along with budgeting, case flow, and human resource needs.

Steve graduated from Penn State in 1978, and Temple Law School in 1981, then clerked for a Common Pleas judge after taking the Bar, eventually becoming an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County. While at Temple, one of his criminal law professors instilled in him a passion to become a prosecutor. After leaving the District Attorney’s office, he became a general practitioner specializing in criminal defense. He also worked part time as a Public Defender, eventually being appointed as the Chief Public Defender in Montgomery County in 2008. While acting as Chief PD, he carved out the homicide unit

So what is going to be the driving force once he is away from the Justice Center come April? Baseball! In all its glorious traditional American forms.

While growing up in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Steve played a bit of baseball at Pottsville High. He also told me that he has played in a men’s softball league, but it’s not the same as baseball, and he is now happy to be a spectator. Mr. Heckman is a huge fan of the sport and the biggest Phillies fan, ever. (He says he likes football and the Eagles, but baseball is “it” for him.) In fact, on the wall behind his desk is a birthday gift from his brother: a framed picture of the Pennant-winning 1950 Phillies Whiz Kids, with photos of, and autographed by, all the players.

When he has more free time, Steve wants to spend it with his wife, Magisterial District Judge Patricia Zaffarano, who is also considering retirement, and hopes to travel around the country with her to some 30 major league baseball stadiums. He also said that he’s looking forward to doing some volunteer work in his community and to improving his golf game.

Steve’s service as Court Administrator has been a productive and rewarding one. Mr. Heckman assisted the Bench in implementing a new individual criminal court calendar system to replace the former Call of the List

Mr. Heckman assisted the Bench in implementing a new individual criminal court calendar system to replace the former Call of the List system. With the new system, no one judge is burdened with all major felonies on his or her docket. That’s more equitable to the bench and to the defendants, and less stressful and burdensome to staff.

system, where all cases were scheduled before one Judge who then took pleas and assigned pleas and trials to other criminal judges. We have, I found out, 6 members of our bench who oversee virtually all of the criminal cases in the county. For decades, there had been no way to program the cases to fairly parcel out the most heinous crimes, such as homicides and the child sexual assault. With the new system, no one judge is burdened with all major felonies on his or her docket. That’s more equitable to the bench and to the defendants, and less stressful and burdensome to staff. He also praised Judge Baldi for his institution of a civil case management system, to expedite the speedy resolution of civil cases.

Steve said that he really enjoyed getting to know and working with our judges, some of whom started their judicial career with Steve at the helm, so to speak. He expressly singled out President Judges Finley and Bateman for their collaborative management style which closely resembles his own. Heckman worked closely with President Judge Bateman when Covid hit in 2020. Since the courts couldn’t shut down completely, many accommodations had to be made involving staffing and scheduling which was a monumental task. No doubt it was a huge adjustment to sustain the workflow of our courthouse and a stressful part of his tenure. Steve credits the Judges and his deputies, assistants and staff for maintaining the public’s access to the court system.

Mr. Heckman will definitely miss both his staff and the bench as he enters the next phase of his life. I have learned that the successor to Mr. Heckman will be Assistant Court Administrator — Senior Legal Review Officer Stephen Watson.

Sounds to me that Steve is leaving his administration in great shape, and attorneys and judges alike wish him well, with thanks and admiration. 

just a motto and our financial strength is your best defense.

KERRI STRUG TO SPEAK AT THE 2023 BENCH BAR CONFERENCE

Mark your calendars–the 2023 Bench Bar Conference will be held September 21-23 at Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains and this year’s conference is shaping up to be the best one yet! The Bench Bar Committee is thrilled to announce that Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Strug will be the Plenary Session speaker at this year’s conference!

Kerri is a personal friend of Bucks County Bar Association President Larry Scheetz. Kerri and Larry attended a Semester at Sea together during their college years and because of their friendship, Kerri has graciously agreed to come and speak to the Bucks County Bar Association membership at our annual conference.

Kerri Strug, member of the Magnificent Seven, is a two-time Olympian, gold medalist and Hall of Fame Inductee. As the youngest athlete at the 1992 Olympics at age 14, she captured America’s spirit. Four years later at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta after shocking spectators by falling & injuring her ankle on her first vault, she managed to stick the landing on her second vault before collapsing in pain, helping to secure gold for the American team. It was a moment that landed Kerri on the front page of newspapers around the world & catapulted her into the spotlight. Kerri’s

As the youngest athlete at the 1992 Olympics at age 14, she captured America’s spirit. Four years later at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta after shocking spectators by falling & injuring her ankle on her first vault, she managed to stick the landing on her second vault before collapsing in pain, helping to secure gold for the American team.

emotional performance has earned a variety of awards and accolades, from the Olympic Spirit Award to a spot on the Wheaties cereal box.

As a top inspirational keynote speaker, Kerri now shares her powerful message of determination, fortitude and self-confidence to inspire audiences across the country to overcome obstacles, believe in themselves & always go for the Gold!

You don’t want to miss the chance to hear Kerri’s story at this year’s Conference! In addition to the Plenary Session, attendees can attend 6 additional CLEs + Breakfast with the Bench, play golf or enjoy Skytop’s activities, and attend cocktail receptions & dinners while networking with Bucks County Judges & Attorneys. Registration is now open; visit bucksbar.org/calendar to register today! 

Pro Bono Honor Roll

Pro Bono Honor Roll

Scott L. Feldman

Todd Felzer

Gregory G. Lawton

Larry H. Lefkowitz

Lauren Letman

1st Quarter 2022

1st & 2nd Quarters 2023

Jan. 1 – June 30

THANK YOU for volunteering your valuable time to provide high quality legal representation to Bucks County residents. Your efforts help to ensure that there is justice for all. You obtained final Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders for victims of domestic violence, prepared wills for senior citizens, obtained bankruptcies and expungements to provide someone a second chance, and so much more. Thank you, too, to all those who provide financial assistance through donations and arbitration allowances. Your support increases access to justice. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) could not assist as many individuals without each of you.

THANK YOU for volunteering your valuable time to provide high quality legal representation to Bucks County residents. Your efforts help to ensure that there is justice for all. You obtained final Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders for victims of domestic violence, prepared wills for senior citizens, obtained bankruptcies and expungements to provide someone a second chance, and so much more. Thank you, too, to all those who provide financial assistance through donations and arbitration allowances. Your support increases access to justice. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) could not assist as many individuals without each of you.

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

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

Anonymous

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Abigail Bukowski

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Sheila Callahan

Roger Cameron

Mark S. Cappuccio

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Christine Cattani

Catherine Cavella

Dale Edward Caya

Daniel Ceisler

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Bryan M. Ferris

Matthew R. Finer

Robert Fravel

Crystal Fritsch

Richard P. Gennetti

Martin Ghen

Lynelle Gleason

William L. Goldman Law Offices

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Kathryn Liebhaber

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William MacMinn

Michael Maguire

Robert Mancini

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Joseph McDonald

Megan McDonald

Joseph McGinley

Joseph P. McGowan

Kellie McGowan

Adrian L. Meyer

Michael Mills

Neil Mittelman

William Moore

Jordan Morgan

Katelyn Naso

Stephen L. Needles

Brooke Newborn

Henry Dantzig

Grace M. Deon

Jennifer Dickerson

Marina Divinsky

Thomas Donnelly

William Dudeck

Gregory Javardian

Richard Newman

Susan Eisenberg

James J. Esposito

Daniel E. Kane

Morris Kaplan

Brian Keyes

Gina Kiley

Michael Klimpl

Gretchen S. Kolb

Michael Kracht

Mark S. Kruman

Fatih Oguz

William David Oetinger, III

Michael Parlow

Keith Peters

Michael E. Peters

Michael T. Pidgeon

Joseph Pizzo

Naomi Plakins

Catherine Porter

Lee A. Profy

Jeremy D. Puglia

Hayley Purcell R

Joseph Ramagli

Stefan Richter

Marc I. Rickles

Jose Roman

Jonathan J. Russell

Max Rutkowski

Yvette Taylor

Adam Tanker

Lauren Pregmon Tetreault

Kathleen M. Thomas

Sharon Timm

Eric Tobin

Elizabeth Tomlinson

Tyler Tomlinson

Jeffrey Toner

Julia R. Toner

John Torrente

Hon. & Mrs. Jeffrey G. Trauger

Jill E. Trayer

David J. Truelove

Karen Ulmer

Russell P. Sacco

Nicholas S. Salter

John Schaeffer

James M. Schildt

William E. Scott

Chris Serpico

Carol A. Shelly

Michael Shelton

Stephanie Shortall

Chris Simcox

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Sarah Steers

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A Breakfast for Political Stars

By David Truelove, Esquire

The BCBA annual legislative breakfast was held on May 19, 2023 at the Bar Association building. Among those attending were members of the BCBA Executive Board, along with Bar Foundation President Jeffrey Liebmann, and many members of the Bar Association itself. BCBA Executive Director Heather Cevasco and her staff were very helpful in organizing the event.

Legislators in attendance included State Senator Frank Farry, a staff member from the office of State Senator Steve Santasiero, and Representatives Perry Warren, Craig Staats and Shelby Labs. Rounding out the attendance was the BCBA lobbyist, Chris Lammando, from Gmerek Governmental Relations in Harrisburg.

As with prior legislative breakfasts, lobbyist Lammando provided insight into legislative issues of concern, many of which are recurring, including the proposed elimination of the requirement to publish certain legal notices in county legal journals, and taxing of legal services. With respect to the former issue, attempts have been made to educate the legislators as to the distinction between legal notices required in county legal journals, versus those that are to be published in newspapers of general circulation. At this time, it appears that the notice requirements for county legal journals are safe from elimination, but vigilance is still counseled according to Lammando. No legislation is currently pending during this session relevant to the legal journal notice elimination.

With respect to taxing of legal services, this matter has not been of prime concern to the legislature in recent sessions due primarily to the available revenue sources to assist in balancing the Commonwealth budget. However, future budget scenarios will no doubt anticipate a revival of the legal services taxation debate.

At the beginning of the breakfast, Heather Cevasco and Jeff Liebmann made presentations regarding the Bar Association, and Bar Foundation’s missions, programs and community involvement. Key initiatives were also discussed, including the Veterans’ Court program, and the BCBA’s long-standing, supportive relationship with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (“LASP”).

The legislators/legislative staff members were engaged and interested in the various BCBA programs. They also emphasized the need for coordination between their respective offices and the BCBA, regarding numerous constituent questions and concerns, including referrals for protection from abuse representation and other services that the Bar Association does provide through its various committees, sections and programs.

One overriding takeaway from the breakfast was the ongoing need to establish a structure between the BCBA/BCBF and the legislative offices, so that constituent services can be met that may require legal intervention. Notably, it is also helpful to the Bar Association to strengthen its relationship with the legislators so that Bar-related concerns, as well as legislative initiatives promoted by the Bar Association, have an effective and responsive voice in Harrisburg.

While the legislative breakfast provides an extremely helpful forum to the BCBA/BCBF, it is imperative that Bar Association members continue throughout the year to find ways to increase and improve the relationship and communications with the legislators, their offices and staff. Vigilance is important and critical. While the legislative breakfast provides a helpful initial communication mechanism, an ongoing dialogue with the legislators and their staffs is imperative. 

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.

Congratulations to Mock Trial Winners and Scholarship Recipients

By Melanie J. Wender, Esquire

Every year, the Bucks County Bar Foundation awards scholarships to deserving high school students. The Foundation has two scholarship programs, the Thomas E. Mellon, Jr. scholarship and the William Penn Scholarship. The Thomas E. Mellon, Jr. scholarship is awarded to candidates attending a four-year liberal arts school who have shown extraordinary commitment to public service and/or community service. The recipients of this year’s Thomas E. Mellon, Jr. scholarships were beyond impressive. These students had excelled in their education, engaged in their community, and appeared to have endless potential.

The William Penn scholarship is awarded to high school graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in law or a law-related field, and who have shown extraordinary commitment to public service or community service. The award recipients of this year’s William Penn scholarships met those requirements and then some.

I was lucky enough to be present at this year’s scholarship presentation. It was wonderful to see the excitement of the award recipients, as well as the pride of their parents. I loved having the opportunity to converse with these students and learn about their backgrounds and what their plans were for the future. It was also incredibly exciting to see that one of the recipients of a scholarship was the daughter of one of our own bar association members, Mindy Snyder!

In addition to the award of the scholarships, this year’s reception also included the opportunity to recognize the winners of this year’s Mock Trial Competition. The two winners were Bensalem High School and Central Bucks South. Both of these Mock Trial teams moved forward to the state competition. As a coach for the Central Bucks South team, I was enthusiastic to see those students recognized. However, as a coach, I also understand how much hard work and dedication both teams put into preparing for the competitions. In order to be successful in Mock Trial, these students have to study the rules of evidence, learn how to present direct examination and cross examination, learn their case inside and out, and practice, practice, practice! It takes so much time and dedication. The students from both of these teams show

the importance of hard work and the benefits that can come from that.

What I gathered from this reception was that the future is brighter than I may have anticipated. With young people this impressive, the future seems in strong and capable hands. Congratulations to all of these students and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Additionally, congratulations to the parents on a job well done! Their hard work did pay off. 

In order to be successful in Mock Trial, these students have to study the rules of evidence, learn how to present direct examination and cross examination, learn their case inside and out, and practice, practice, practice!

The William Penn scholarship is awarded to high school graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in law or a law-related field, and who have shown extraordinary commitment to public service or community service. The award recipients of this year’s William Penn scholarships met those requirements and then some.

On May 25th, the Bucks County Bar Association’s Past Presidents gathered for their annual dinner at the ultra chic Vela restaurant on Veterans Lane in Doylestown. (If you don’t recognize the name, “it’s the one near the Fine Wines and Liquor Store”).

In accordance with tradition, the responsibility for hosting this year’s event fell to the Bar Association President who had served five years earlier. Claiming that honor was outgoing Chair of the Bar Foundation, Jessica Pritchard. As expected, she did an exceptional job as host, but kudos should also be accorded to Kelly Myers, the BCBA’s liaison for education and special events, as those who attended were feted to a cocktail hour, featuring scrumptious apps, followed by dinner and dessert.

Twenty-five former presidents attended the dinner, including three current judges; Jeffrey Finley, Jeffrey Trauger, and Brian McGuffin. Considering there have been a total

Vela of Doylestown Hosts Annual Past Presidents’ Dinner

By Chris Serpico

of eighty-three lawyers who have served as President of the Bar Association since its inception in 1884, that’s a pretty impressive showing. It was particularly gratifying to see Past Presidents Jeffrey Bahls (1987-1988) and John Kerrigan (1988-1989) turn out since their tenures ended more than thirty years ago!

Although the evening was intended to allow attendees the opportunity to mingle with old friends and colleagues over a drink and a delicious meal, we were given updates on the BCBA State of the Union by current President Larry Scheetz and encouraged to support the good work of the Foundation by Ms. Pritchard.

As has often been said, the best perk of serving as President of the Bucks County Bar Association is being eligible to attend the annual Past Presidents’ Dinner. It almost makes the time and energy devoted to serving the Association for one year worth it! 

NEW FACES – AT THE –

NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST

By Adam Tanker, Chair of the Member Services Committee

On May 12, 2023, I had the pleasure of hosting a breakfast for new members at the Bar Association in Doylestown. This relatively new tradition is held twice annually and was started last year under Jen Ryan’s tenure as Chair of the Member Services Committee. For the first breakfast of 2023, we were lucky to have over 30 attendees.

The breakfast is a great opportunity for new members to see the wonderful facilities such as the useful conference rooms and meeting spaces and to meet the friendly staff. In addition, new members learn about all the amazing member benefits, interact with members of the Bar Association leadership, and learn how to get the best out of their membership. The breakfast also encourages new members to sign up for committees and sections and to become active within the Bar Association.

After opening remarks by Heather Cevasco, the eloquent Executive Director, which covered the mission of the Bucks County Bar Association and the Bucks County Bar Foundation, the Officers, Board of Directors, and Section and Committee Chairs in attendance spoke about what the Bar Association meant to them. Additionally, they commented on the circumstances that led them to become active within the Bar Association. They also discussed doors that were opened, and opportunities presented to them as a result of their membership.

Before and after the presentations, new members had the opportunity to network with each other and members of the bar association leadership.

In preparing my remarks to give at the breakfast, I was reminded about all of the benefits afforded to members of the Bar Association such as discounted CLE fees, discounted rates on meeting room rentals, access to the Club Room and Carriage Room for informal meetings or a place to

In preparing my remarks to give at the breakfast, I was reminded about all of the benefits afforded to members of the Bar Association such as discounted CLE fees, discounted rates on meeting room rentals, access to the Club Room and Carriage Room for informal meetings or a place to relax over their lunch break while in court, free parking, access to LawPay and Caseroads, advertising discounts for the WRITs, access to the Lawyer Referral and Information Services program, access to the membership Directory and discounts from over 20 local retailers. This is in addition to the networking events, softball game and of course, the fantastic Bench Bar Conference.

relax over their lunch break while in court, free parking, access to LawPay and Caseroads, advertising discounts for the WRITS, access to the Lawyer Referral and Information Services program, access to the Membership Directory and discounts from over 20 local retailers. This is in addition to the networking events, softball game and of course, the fantastic Bench Bar Conference.

By the end of the breakfast, the new members in attendance were primed and ready to reap all the benefits of their membership in the Bar Association and were informed as to how they can become active. I enjoyed hosting this breakfast, and I look forward to the next one in the Fall of 2023.

Jocelin

Jocelin A. Price

AND MACMINN

Price

New Bucks County Bar Foundation Trustees

Heather A. Hines, Esq.

Executive Vice President–Chief Legal and Risk Officer, Corporate Secretary at Penn Community Bank

As a member of Penn Community Bank’s Executive Leadership Team, Stephanie identifies and manages enterprise risk and compliance, and drives the overall legal strategy for the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, including governance, corporate law, banking and trust matters, commercial transactions, litigation, insurance, and a wide range of contract negotiations across all business functions. Outside of the office, she serves as a member of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Legal Affairs Advisory Committee, a mentor with the Mount St. Joseph Academy’s Firebirds 433 all-girl robotics team, a volunteer and board member with Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and as a board member of the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County. Stephanie holds an undergraduate business degree from Villanova University, and a law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law.

Associate Attorney at Kardos, Rickles & Hand, P.C.

Heather is a persuasive litigator backed by dual-state licensure (PA, NJ) and over 15 years’ experience in assault, motor vehicle and property-related matters. Attorney Hines passionately represents victims’ interests, working diligently to analyze case merits, minimize risk and drive positive resolutions in civil and criminal matters. She has proven success in negotiating advantageous agreements and achieving favorable verdicts. Heather is a member of the Bucks, Montgomery & Pennsylvania Bar Associations. Heather is also the Secretary of the VIDOCQ Society, and a Board Member and Advisor of the Cold Case Initiative. Heather holds an undergraduate degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and a law degree from Widener University School of Law. 

Stephanie M. Schwartzberg, Esq.

Introducing Jill Duffy as Legal Aid of Southeastern PA’s new Doylestown Managing Attorney

Jill W. Duffy joined LASP on April 3 as Doylestown Managing Attorney. Before joining LASP, Jill worked for eight years at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children of Mercer and Burlington Counties in Ewing, NJ, where she served as Advocate Recruiter. In this role, she worked with the CASA team to fulfill CASA’s mission to recruit, train and supervise community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system with the ultimate goal being a safe, stable and permanent home for each child served.

Prior to CASA, Jill was an associate attorney for Oswald & Zoschak, P.C. (formerly, Teich, Groh & Frost) in Lawrenceville, NJ from 1994-2015, where she worked with clients in complex family situations such as divorce, custody, and domestic violence. Additionally, she assisted family law clients with other legal needs such as basic estate planning, landlord-tenant disputes, and bankruptcy proceedings. She also handled termination of parental rights cases pro bono. After law school, she served as Judicial Law Clerk to Hon. F. Lee Forrester and Hon. Anthony J. Parrillo in Mercer County Family Court for the Superior Court of New Jersey.

Jill holds a J.D. from California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. She has lived with her family in Washington Crossing, PA for over 25 years and looks forward to serving the Bucks County community.

Jill can be reached at 215-770-4056 or jduffy@lasp.org. 

New LASP Doylestown Managing Attorney Jill Duffy (at left) with Carol Wilbur, Doylestown Office Manager, and Rhonda Sherrod, Staff Attorney, at LASP’s Staff Retreat on June 28.

A SURVIVOR’S GUIDE TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW

By Michael D. Kracht

I guess the basic premise of this article is my feeling that practicing law doesn’t need to be this hard. It starts in law school where this dog-eat-dog mentality gets started. I can’t say it was an overt part of the process; just something that seemed to happen to most of us as we struggled to find our place. The race for grades, prestige, recognition, while all fine in and of themselves, set the stage for putting us on track for less than a fulfilled professional life.

That was a long time ago, but in many ways, the practice of law, to my way of thinking, has been an extension of this process. I’ve known too many lawyers who are not very happy, but remain clueless about what to do about it. So, as a group, we drink too much, eat too much, divorce too much; well, you get the picture.

Here, at the end of my life’s work, I think we’ve lost track of some things that are vital to our sense of wellbeing, worth and belonging. All too easily, we’ve lost perspective on the most important things to us, thinking they will always be there. Then, one day, we look up and many of those things are either gone or nearly lost.

This isn’t brain surgery. I don’t think it’s impossible to keep in touch with your better angels. I also think doing so makes us all better attorneys and better people.

However, before I go any further, let me admit that I have often failed to keep much of the below in mind as I’ve practiced these many years.

I. YOU CAN DISAGREE WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE.

Work hard to find common ground with the attorneys you deal with. Finds things to talk about outside of the matter at hand. Over the years, I’ve tried to ignore the last communication if it was rocky. It’s surprising what happens when you don’t take the degree of discord up a notch.

Taking the bait all too frequently results in phone calls not being returned, cases not be processed to conclusion

and costs ranging out of control. Many years ago, a particular attorney whom I had never met, told me in our first phone call that he hoped I had a copy of Dunlap/ Hanna as he was going to file every motion in it. As might be expected, we could not work out our differences and we often ended up in court. I was not surprised that he had zero credibility with the bench, all to the detriment of his client.

II. LISTEN. As highly educated professionals, it’s easy to think, act and talk like you’re the smartest person in the room. True or not, virtually everyone you work with (ie. Staff/clients) brings expertise and experience to what you’re doing. They will quickly pick up on whether you’re truly listening to them or not. Failing to do so will be at your own peril as they will likely shut down and not provide you the help they otherwise would like to provide. In doing so,

they will also appreciate your expertise that much more. Doing that with your clients will also help then retain ownership of the matter.

III. BUILD YOUR PRACTICE THROUGH YOUR PASSIONS.

I can trace many of my best clients through my involvement with local organizations. I’ve also seen that when you build a relationship with a person in that way, working as their attorney brings a level of trust that is invaluable.

IV. EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS AND LET THEM DO THINGS TO SAVE THEMSELVES MONEY. Often, as attorneys, part of the process of developing a strategy requires getting information. I try to get my clients involved in this process. In doing that, they can become your colleagues in the matter and come to see that you’re not going to be billing them for every last thing that can be done.

V. TAKE THE TIME TO WATER THE FLOWERS. This may sound silly, but I’m dead serious. Throughout the work day, I have tried to create space at my office where I can get my head back on straight and just appreciate the beauty of what’s around us. I get an incredible amount of solace out of doing things around the office that feeds my need to be in touch with things green. If you’re not a gardner, try a walk around the block.

VI. NEVER ASK ANYONE TO DO SOMETHING UNLESS YOU’RE WILLING TO DO IT. Our staffs are extensions of us. If you’re asking them to tell people things you know aren’t true, you’re laying the groundwork for a workplace that is not honest. Good people will only do that for so long. As important, don’t count on those folks having your back.

VII. PLAN TO BE PROUD. Let’s face it, we practice in a profession that has its problem children. However, that doesn’t define us or what we do. However, it can. If you are guided by greed, power and prestige, it is highly likely that you’ll fall victim to the things we like least about other lawyers. So, if you don’t want to be seen as greedy, don’t be. If you want to be seen as someone that can be relied upon, don’t lie (even about small things). Additionally, don’t set your staff up to tell little lies to keep you out of trouble. They’ll respect you less and you’ll increasingly not like the person you’re seeing in the mirror every morning.

VIII. DON’T BE AFRAID TO LAUGH/BE YOURSELF. It is well known that laughter/humor relieves tension/stress. We all know how much we need some help in that arena. In my experience, I think everyone around us appreciates an attorney who can add levity to a situation. Even better if you can laugh at yourself. It exposes your humanity

As highly educated professionals, it’s easy to think, act and talk like you’re the smartest person in the room. True or not, virtually everyone you work with (i.e. Staff/clients) brings expertise and experience to what you’re doing. They will quickly pick up on whether you’re truly listening to them or not.

and a bit of humility all at once. I firmly believe it also is a nice way to build trust. The opposite also exacts a cost which can be very destructive. It leads to burn-out and a low amount of job dissatisfaction. That kind of behavior also allows others to “lighten up” and, by doing so, benefits everyone around you. A perfect example of this kind of behavior is Chris Brill. In our many cases together over the years, Chris has always found ways to bring laughter into almost every conversation, which brings me to my next topic.

abilities, be honest about that. I’ve referred many clients out over the years who came back to me because they knew I had their best interests at heart.

IX.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS.

Every day of your practice, especially here in the burbs, you are creating and building relationships that you will have for the rest of your professional life. Nurture them; take time to ask about families and interests. It’s more likely that you and opposing counsel will find common ground in a case if you’ve found common ground as people. The opposite is also true. If you can barely stand to talk to someone, how likely do you think the two of you will be able to resolve something amicably?

XI. TRY NOT TO TAKE STRESS HOME. This may be one of the toughest things to do well. We can’t unscrew our professional heads, leave them on the desk and put on our “kinder/gentler” heads before we go home. However, we can do something about it. Drive a different way home. Learn to appreciate the beauty of where we live and work. For years, after a day in court, I always drove down State Street in Doylestown, an area that has and continues to bring me great joy. Go for a run/walk. Whatever works for you, is going to be a much needed gift to those you love. Also, try to unplug professionally when you can.

We now live in a world that allows for real time connection to most everyone. If you let your practice do that to you, you’ll not be giving your mind nor your body time to rest, time to rejuvenate, time to nurture all that makes the work worthwhile.

X.

DON’T TAKE CASES FOR

THE WRONG

REASONS.

I get it; we all need to make a buck. For the associates among us, there’s often billing requirements that aren’t easily met. However, let me urge you not to do a couple of things. Clients too often are more concerned about winning than hearing your unvarnished honest opinion about something. However, that’s what they deserve. If a case looks/sounds like a problem, be honest about it. No client will hear that well after they are several 5 figures into a matter. It also postures you very poorly in helping take the case where you think it needs to go. Also, if a case is clearly outside of your

XII. FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS. From my early years as an attorney, I have striven to always find time to do those things that feed me. I happen to love sports and coached baseball for many years. I have found and volunteered at many community organizations who’s focus attracted me. As I did that, a funny thing happened. More and more people who had met me in that way started to use me and our firm for their legal needs. It also opened up an opportunity for me to put my legal skills to work for many organizations, giving me a strong sense of fulfillment 

Every day of your practice, especially here in the burbs, you are creating and building relationships that you will have for the rest of your professional life. Nurture them; take time to ask about families and interests. It’s more likely that you and opposing counsel will find common ground in a case if you’ve found common ground as people.

PAR Recapture and Reuse/Reduce Recidivism

DISCARDED ELECTRONIC MATERIAL, WHEN PROCESSED FOR RE-USE, REVEALS ITS VALUE. This is true for people as well as E-Waste. Responsible E-Waste recycling is a growth industry globally. Repurposed, stripped down components of cell phones, Game Boys and computers are a valuable commodity.

Since a healthy market for components exists, separation technology to divert it from landfills has improved. E-Waste is a heavily regulated industry, requiring strict environmental safeguards.

End of life devices must first enter the recycling stream. However, the collection and transport of such material is a challenge. E-Waste must be delivered to a licensed recycler for component removal before processing and reintroduction. Collection and transportation of the material is labor-intensive and suffers a job shortage.

In an hour at an E-Waste drive-by, 150 cars can line up to drop off wires, cords, phones and computers. 600 cars are the norm in the 4-hour span of such collection events.

Enter PAR Recycle Works, a workforce development program for the former incarcerated that provides a pool of trained, untapped talent for this work. Upon their release, candidates trained in the E-Waste industry are employed by PAR to collect, sort and transport the material. Sale proceeds funds salaries.

PAR’s offers transferable skills and entry level temporary employment to citizens returning to society through education, guidance and support. Since 2021, PAR has provided over 4,200 hours of educational training. As a result, PAR workers smoothly transition to permanent positions as they obtain certifications, in Warehousing,

OSHA , Forklift operation and Commercial Driver’s Licenses, jobs for which there are shortages.

PAR prepares inmates by providing courses in digital and financial literacy, future planning and work life balance, interviewing and test taking tips. For many ex-convicts this is their first job.

Since 2016, 175 former inmates have been hired by PAR. Only three have re-offended, less than a 2% recidivism rate. Whereas in Philadelphia approximately 9,000 people are incarcerated at any given time, 6,500 of those return to prison in the first 3 years of release.

PAR understands the hardest challenge on the outside is finding and maintaining “Probation Friendly Employment.” Solid employment means money for an apartment, health insurance, child support and a future. PAR’s impact on the community is both social justice and environmental sustainability.

For seven years, Maurice Q. Jones, a former inmate and Navy veteran, has run PAR. His take: “It’s easy to get in trouble. It’s hard to stay out of it. PAR is committed to protecting our precious, human and material resources for the betterment of our communities.”

PAR’s clients include the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson Medical Center, IBX, Chestnut Hill College and many others. Most municipalities host annual E-Waste Collection. When your township has one, use PAR. Help those men and women now buried in jail find their value. 

NANCY LARKIN TAYLOR Bucks For Kids Executive Director

nancy@bucksforkids.org | 267-980-4313

Bucksforkids.org

Foster Children Obtain College Degrees and More with the Help of The R.J. Leonard Foundation

By Sarah A. Steers, Esquire

Think back on the mix of emotions you felt when you opened the letter from your dream law school and saw that one fateful word: “Accepted.” Your body probably flooded with a mix of excitement, relief, and joy (not to mention a little bit of fear).

Now imagine how powerful those emotions must be for a young adult recently aged out of the foster care system, upon finding out that he’s been accepted to his top choice master’s degree program. A dream that seemed inaccessible now rests within reach, thanks to the R.J. Leonard Foundation (“RJLF”).

The RJLF is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Doylestown. Each year, it admits a small cohort of young adults formerly housed in the foster care system and bestows upon them the title “Fellow.” Fellows are selected, in part, for an interest in continuing educational opportunities.

The RJLF matches each Fellow with a dedicated Mentor — someone who can serve as an active listener and a pragmatic advisor. Working with business partners and donors in the Bucks and Montgomery County communities, the RJLF also helps each Fellow find meaningful jobs and internships, identify reliable modes of transportation, try new cultural programs, and engage in professional development opportunities.

Educational scholarships are vital to the RJLF, and to the Fellows themselves.

Jack, a recent RJLF Fellow, wasn’t prepared to embrace his own potential until coaxed by his Mentor. College wasn’t on the table. But Jack grew to trust his Mentor after bonding over a shared love of football, and decided to give Bucks County Community College a try. After earning his Associate’s Degree, and with the encouragement of his Mentor, Jack transferred to a four-year degree program and received a B.A. in Social Work. The RJLF continued with scholarship assistance. With a now deep-rooted sense of confidence, Jack was recently admitted to the University of Missouri Kansas City’s School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences to begin his Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Jo Leonard, the founder of the R.J. Leonard Foundation, knew achievements like Jack’s were possible if young adults were given positive, proactive one-on-one attention and a financial boost. When she learned that only 3% of young adults formerly housed in the foster care system graduate from college, she knew a local, education-focused organization would be a meaningful way to change lives — not only the immediate lives of the Fellows, but also lives in future generations. Education improves minds and nurtures each Fellow’s sense of value and dignity. But it also provides each Fellow with better long-term job opportunities, allowing success to flow to their future families and helping to break intergenerational cycles of trauma and poverty.

With education — often, college — a goal for RJLF Fellows, it’s important to remember that young adults formerly housed in the foster care system aren’t just struggling with their first major term paper. These young adults are working to pay rent while simultaneously

teaching themselves basic life skills. It’s the sort of life that could overwhelm a 19-year-old with no support system. That Ms. Leonard built a multi-pronged, collaborative approach into the RJLF is a testament to her knowledge of the myriad ways young adults need assistance as well as her dedication to the organization’s mission.

But just as the RJLF Fellows rely on support from their Mentors, the continued operation of the RJLF depends on support from the Bucks County community.

First, the RJLF needs donations to fund educational scholarships for deserving young adults. Ms. Leonard asks the lawyers reading this article — folks who recognize the importance of life-long learning — to consider donating to the RJLF if education is a value in your household. Second, the RJLF would like to build a stronger, more sustained network of businesses that could provide internships and professionals who would be willing to serve as Mentors.

RJLF scholarships and Mentors propelled Elizabeth to a B.S. in Nursing from Drexel University, after completing coursework at Montgomery County Community College. Dedicated and hard-working, Elizabeth turned to her two Mentors when she needed encouragement and pushed forward with the help of educational scholarships and a transportation scholarship. The RJLF didn’t make Elizabeth the woman she is today — Elizabeth did. But the RJLF gave her the boost she needed to cement her career and find stability for her family. Members of the Bar Association recognize the good that the RJLF is doing for young adults (it was the recipient of the 2022 “Phone Calls with Santa” YLD fundraiser). If anyone is looking to do more for a dedicated, homegrown nonprofit, the R.J. Leonard Foundation may be a good fit. 

Each year, it admits a small cohort of young adults formerly housed in the foster care system and bestows upon them the title “Fellow.” Fellows are selected, in part, for an interest in continuing educational opportunities. The RJLF matches each Fellow with a dedicated Mentor — someone who can serve as an active listener and a pragmatic advisor.

EVICTION PREVENTION

Pro bono attorneys have a role in new community partnership launched in July 2023

By Marion Hoffman Fraley, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA Communications Director

A NEW BUCKS COUNTY PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO PREVENT EVICTIONS AND HELP TENANTS.

Evictions can have devastating short- and long-term impacts on renters, including homelessness and negative health outcomes, and can severely limit future housing opportunities.

The program launched July 27 in Lower Makefield Township. The Bucks County Bar Association Pro Bono Committee, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP), and the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) are collaborating on the effort, with support from the Bucks County Department of Housing and Community Development. The project is occurring in Magisterial District Court 07-1-11 in Judge Corryn Kronnagel’s courtroom, located in Morrisville.

Pro bono attorneys are invited to volunteer for the project! A CLE held May 8 at the BCBA provided background on landlord-tenant law and the roles of each partner. Ron Smolow, Esq., and BCBA Pro Bono Committee co-chair Shari Williams, Esq., moderated the panel, with presenters including Kari Howatt, Housing & Site Supervisor for BCOC; Tesla Thomas, LASP Staff Attorney; Robert Kim, LASP Staff Attorney; and Judge Kronnagel.

Bucks County’s program is modeled partly on the Eviction Prevention and Intervention Coalition (EPIC) in Montgomery County, which started in 2017 in one courtroom and is currently in eight courtrooms, including three in Norristown, two in Pottstown, and one each in Lansdale, Jenkintown and East Norriton.

The new Bucks County program will provide mediation ahead of the eviction hearing. If an agreement between landlord and tenant cannot be reached, the program will provide free legal representation to individuals who do not have an attorney and who volunteer to participate. LASP and pro bono attorneys will provide representation.

Howatt explained, “The tenant mediation pro bono project is really coming out of our housing services program,” she explained. Eligibility criteria is based primarily on income. Every week, Sharon Reed at BCOC will receive the names of tenants who are scheduled for an eviction hearing in Judge Kronnagel’s courtroom. Sharon will reach out to tenants individually and also reach out to their landlords. If the landlords are willing to work with the program, BCOC may be able to utilize funding,

in combination with tenant contributions, to see if tenant and landlord can avoid going to court altogether.

If an agreement is reached, Kari noted, it would be communicated with the tenant’s LASP or pro bono attorney, as well as the court, and the hearing would not need to take place. If no agreement is reached, or if a landlord is not willing to work with funding that BCOC has available, then the hearing would happen as scheduled. The tenant would have the opportunity to have free legal representation through LASP or a pro bono attorney, though tenants will have a choice as to whether or not they participate.

“The goal of the program is to really work with the landlord and the tenant to try to avoid the eviction altogether,” Howatt said. “The Bucks County Opportunity Council and Sharon specifically are very familiar with a lot of landlords in the county. We have relationships built with them so we feel strongly that we can avoid a lot of evictions.”

Thomas noted that the lease, written or verbal, is a key document. She then provided a primer on landlordtenant law and case law, including the PA Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, Manufactured Home Community Rights Act of 1976, the implied warranty of habitability as defined by Pugh v. Holmes (1979) and Fair v. Negley (1978), the PA Rules of Civil Procedure, Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. She also outlined the landlord’s notice to vacate and the complaint.

Kim discussed defenses for renters, including improper notice to quit and violations of the implied warranty of habitability. The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 requires that landlords give notice to vacate via mail. Text message or face-to-face notice is not sufficient, he said. “The implied warranty of habitability is a defense for non-payment of rent.

“If you’re paying $1,000 in rent for a location and that location doesn’t have water services, then the law says that the rent should be zero,” Kim said. “You can’t evict for non-payment if the rent should be zero because you are not providing essential services like water, heat and a safe, habitable area. It’s not meant to say there’s a wood chip on a cabinet so I’m not going to pay any rent...” Infestations of bugs also were discussed. “It’s up to the judges to make that final interpretation,” Kim said.

The law allows the landlords to then make repairs and gives them a reasonable amount of time. Reasonable is never defined in statute, but Kim observed that in general,

two weeks to a month for non-emergency repairs and a much shorter timeframe for emergencies, such as no heat in -20 F weather.

Kim also suggested that pro bono attorneys be aware of Fair Housing Act provisions as a possible defense. “For the most part, no landlord can discriminate on the basis of protected classes. And in the cases of discrimination, they also need to make sure that a disabled person is able to enjoy the premises equally as an able bodied person,” Kim stated. Emotional support animals can be a gray area. “The Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Act require reasonable accommodation requests to state that if there’s a no-pet policy at the apartment, but somebody has a medical need to have an emotional support animal, then that emotional support animal must be accommodated to a certain extent.” That might mean one emotional support cat, but not 20, is reasonable, he said.

From left: Tesla Thomas, Robert Kim, and Shari Williams.

“The goal of the program is to really work with the landlord and the tenant to try to avoid the eviction altogether. The Bucks County Opportunity Council and Sharon specifically are very familiar with a lot of landlords in the county. We have relationships built with them so we feel strongly that we can avoid a lot of evictions.”

Judge Kronnagel offered some insights on landlord-tenant matters from the bench. “Obviously, I can’t advocate for one side or another, but to both sides. I would say from my perspective, the most important thing is our forms and timing.”

Williams shared some of the inspiration for the program as BCBA Pro Bono Committee co-chair. The clients who will be served are struggling, often living paycheck to paycheck she noted. “Hopefully we, with this program, can help them and get them to the right resources, so that we have people who are not homeless, as a result of something that we could have done to try and assist with the courts. … We want to provide access to the court with our representation. That’s our goal.” Noted Williams, “The intent here is to use all of the resources in the community to try and for everybody to work together.”

Smolow noted the importance of the work. “This is an extraordinary community effort. As a longtime member of the BCBA, I think this is an important expansion of the Bar’s Pro Bono activities,” he said. “Our Committee is very grateful to our volunteer lawyers and BCBA’s leadership, the energy and hard work of LASP & BCOC, and the support of the Bucks County Department of Housing and Community Development.”

Pro bono attorneys who wish to learn more or sign up to volunteer can contact Jennifer Pierce, LASP Pro Bono Director, at jpierce@lasp.org, or Megan Reinprecht, LASP Community Engagement Unit Staff Attorney and Bucks County Pro Bono Coordinator, at mreinprecht@lasp.org.

National Issue

Each year, 44 million American families have eviction cases filed against them in court. These cases can have severe consequences, including homelessness and housing insecurity, harms to individual and community health, and compounding costs that can increase renters’ financial distress.

Only about 10% of renters facing eviction have legal representation — compared with 90% of landlords — leaving them with little or no assistance to navigate the civil courts and causing delays and procedural errors that can impede the fair review and resolution of a case, often at great cost to courts, litigants, and taxpayers.

“How Courts Can Better Manage Eviction Cases”

— Pew Charitable Trusts

Bucks County Lens

Bucks County has had 4,989 eviction filings since May 1, 2022, with a renter population of 75.59% white, 10.31% black, and 8.99% Latino.

This represents filings against 9.07% of renters, which compares with filing rates of 7% across Pennsylvania over the past year.

— Eviction Lab at Princeton University

Further Reading

Eviction Lab: https://evictionlab.org/evictiontracking/pennsylvania/

Threats of evictions in the USA: A public health concern by Abdullahi Tunde Aborode. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC9486371/

FEDERAL COURTS CLE, RECEPTION

Wills For True Heroes

By Linda Bobrin, Esquire

Wills for Heroes returned to Bucks County on Saturday, June 24th. The program started after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks when a small group of lawyers, looking for a way to help their local fire department in Columbia, South Carolina, realized there was a real need for estate planning services for first responders. Since 2001, the Wills for Heroes programs have grown in several states around the country.

Attorneys and bar associations across the United States have requested assistance with implementing the Wills for Heroes programs in their communities. It became a project of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in 2007 and 2008.

Despite the inherently dangerous nature of the job of first responders, an overwhelmingly large number of them do not even have simple wills. First responders selflessly devote their lives to serving their communities and are prepared to and often do pay the ultimate price in the line of duty. The relatively low number of first responders who have wills also speaks to the selflessness of first responders; the very nature of their profession is to think of others first, to put the good of the community before themselves. Avoiding the thought of ‘what happens if I die’ is, for many first responders, an occupational necessity.

Since the pandemic the Pennsylvania Bar Association has been bringing the Wills for Heroes program back to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in partnership with Philadelphia-based law firm Ballard Spahr LLC and now, I’m happy to say, to Bucks County, through the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, Linda Bobrin. We successfully held our first event at the Newtown Township Municipal Building on June 24th and we are in the process of planning our next event for the fall of 2023, likely at the Bucks County Bar Association Building in Doylestown.

Wills for Heroes provides free basic estate planning documents to a variety of heroes, including police, fire, emergency medical personnel, other first responders, military veterans, and the essential personnel we celebrated

during the pandemic. Wills for Heroes provides those on the front lines protecting our personal safety with the tools they need to prepare adequately for the future.

During our June event we prepared 39 wills for our local heroes during the course of the day with the help of approximately 20 local attorney volunteers. We also had 3 volunteer notaries and 2 law students as well as 2 volunteer witnesses and 2 college students helping with registration. We were fortunate to have our partners, David Trevaskis, Esquire, from the Pennsylvania Bar Association as well as Carolyn Capobianco from Ballard Spahr LLC, both experienced Wills for Heroes veterans, to handle any problems or issues.

Anyone interested in volunteering for a future event can email Register of Wills Linda Bobrin at lbobrin@ buckscounty.org. In addition to providing a valuable service to our heroes, attorneys who participate receive 2 CLE credits at the beginning of the event, 1 substantive and 1 ethics. 

Young Lawyers Division: The Revival of the Summer Happy Hour

By Megan Weiler

Judge John J. Rufe Softball Game

On July 12th, the YLD hosted its annual “Summer Happy Hour.” Historically, the YLD Happy Hour was a staple to Bar Association’s summer social calendar. In recent years, the pandemic caused this event to lose steam. However, this summer the YLD successfully revived the event!

Vela provided a perfect venue for this event, with its modern interior décor and private event room. The food was exceptional, as expected, and the upscale selection of cocktails provided a refreshing break to the steamy summer heat. More importantly, though, the YLD was honored to host several members of our esteemed bench to network and socialize with our members.

The purpose of the YLD Happy Hour is for young lawyers to network with each other, other members of the association, and our bench. It was a joy to see so many members come out, as well as some of the Bucks County Bar Association’s sponsors. It was also exciting to see new faces at the happy hour! A few new members showed up and they were, of course, showered with attention and encouraged to get involved in the Bar Association.

This event continued the mission of our motivated chair, Elaine Yandrisevits, to bring back the large YLD participation in YLD events which we saw pre-pandemic. Already this year, the YLD rounded up over 30 players for the annual John J. Rufe softball game in June — perhaps the largest ever — and is looking forward to an even stronger participation at our inaugural Trunk-or-Treat event come October. The turnout for that event will maybe exceed the turnout for this happy hour!

A huge thank you to Antheil Maslow & MacMinn, Stark & Stark, and Princeton Brain & Spine for sponsoring our Summer Happy Hour this year! 

Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine

The board-certified neurosurgeons and our skilled physiatry, sports medicine, chiropractic, and physical therapy clinicians at Princeton Brain, Spine and Sports Medicine provide full service brain, spine and musculoskeletal care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Our goal is to restore your clients to optimal health after an injury or accident.

While we specialize in treating concussions and spinal injuries, we offer conservative intervention and surgical management for these conditions — and more. Our full-service team treats everything from general medical management to therapeutic care, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, sports medicine, EMGs and surgical services.

Full-Service Evaluation, Treatment and Case Management

We understand that patients involved in work-related injuries require specialized treatment plans. Our goal is to restore clients to optimal health after an injury or accident. We are committed to ensuring clients receive the most clinically appropriate treatment, which may or may not include minimally invasive surgical procedures and traditional open surgery.

Our experienced physicians and staff have fostered positive working relationships with workers’ compensation adjusters and case managers and are familiar with New Jersey and Pennsylvania guidelines for at-work injuries. We are contracted with most major New Jersey Compensation Carriers. Our dedicated workers’ compensation department ensures that patients, attorneys, case managers, and insurance adjusters receive efficient, responsive service. We do provide need for treatment evaluations as well as second surgical opinions.

We work daily to deliver the individual treatment plans and administrative attention your case deserves.

With offices throughout New Jersey & Pennsylvania, Princeton Brain, Spine and Sports Medicine is the primary

neurosurgery group at several New Jersey hospitals, including Capital Health Systems, Penn Princeton Medical Center, CentraState Medical Center, Hunterdon Medical Center, Inspira and Salem.

Trust our team of injury experts to take appropriate care of your client. We welcome referrals for most brain and spine disorders and accept most major insurance providers including Medicare & Medicaid. We accept referrals for evaluations by both defense and plaintiff attorneys for expert review and/or treatment. We accept direct referrals from the work compensation nurse case managers/adjusters.

Contact our legal team at Princeton Brain, Spine and Sports Medicine

To learn more about workers’ compensation and personal injury services & our practice:

Carol Slack, Head of Legal Department: Direct: 732-813-0020

Email: c.slack@princetonmmi.com

Denise Fox, Head of Workers’ Compensation Department: Direct: 215-795-3015

Email: d.fox@princetonmmi.com

Bridget Quinn, Marketing Manager for any personal injury referral: Email: b.quinn@princetonmmi.com

Website: www.princetonbrainandspine.com

Freehold

901 West Main St. Building A, Ste. 267 Freehold, NJ 07728

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