theWRITS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUCKS COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2015
The Bucks County Justice Center COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY
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theWRITS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUCKS COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
CONTACT INFO President Joanne M. Murray President Elect Grace M. Deon Secretary Jessica A. Pritchard Treasurer Marijo Murphy Editorial Staff Scott L. Feldman Writs Committee H. Paul Kester Dianne C. Magee Christopher J. Serpico Meg Groff David J. Truelove Scott I. Fegley Bar Association Office Deanna Mindler, Executive Director 135 East State Street Doylestown, PA 18901 215.348.9413 www.bucksbar.org email submissions to deannam@bucksbar.org
contents SPRING 2015
President’s Message ................................................................
Page 4
The Bucks County Justice Center After many years of planning, negotiating, designing, and constructing over three phases, the Bucks County Justice Center is a reality.
................................................................ Page 6
The New Court House of 1962
Recollections of an earlier major project completed by the County of Bucks – the erection in 1962 of a new Court House on East Court Street.
................................................................ Page 10 COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY IN THE BUCKS COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER ................................................................ Page 12 2015 Election Selection Committee As the 2015 campaign season kicked off earlier this year, the Bar Association’s Merit Selection Committee was convened to plan for and organize its election-related tasks.
................................................................ Page 14 The History of Pro Bono Legal Aid Celebrate Bucks County legal community’s long history of providing legal assistance services to the poor.
................................................................ Page 18 The Tough Way to Get a Copy of the New Orphans’ Court Manual The process for delivering the manual has been an interesting journey.
................................................................ Page 20
Community Roots
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President’s Message
Joanne M. Murray Bucks County Bar Association President
It’s been a busy year so far for
roots, particularly in light of the 800th anniversary
the Bucks County Bar Associa-
of the Magna Carta. While the turnout for this event
tion, with more great things on
was impressive, we unfortunately did not have a
the horizon. The year began
sufficient number of members attend to vote on
with a once-in-a-lifetime event:
proposed amendments to our Bylaws, which will
the exhibition of 45 portraits
be presented at a later date.
of past and present Bucks County judges at the James
Our Young Lawyers’ Division recently hosted the
A. Michener Art Museum.
annual Bucks County high school Mock Trial competi-
A Judicial Legacy: Portraits from the Bucks County
tion. Once again, I had the pleasure of serving as a
Court was the culmination of many months of hard
juror and as usual was impressed with the dedication
work by our Past Presidents, led by Larry Grim, Frank
and talent of the students and their coaches. Many
Gallagher, Adrian Meyer and Judge Hart Rufe, with
thanks to all of our members who logged many hours
the assistance of Past Presidents, Jeff Trauger, Brian
coordinating and volunteering for this time-consuming
McGuffin and Barbara Kirk. The project was also
but rewarding event.
supported by the Bucks County Bar Foundation,
We continue to look for new member benefits and services to maximize the value of your membership.
under Maureen Carlton’s leadership. As usual, Executive Director Deanna Mindler and her staff are to be commended for their exceptional efforts. The portraits will be displayed in the new Bucks County Justice Center. The new Justice Center opened in mid-January with an inspirational dedication ceremony, followed by an opportunity for members and the community to tour the new facility. The Justice Center will provide our
Our various committees, sections and divisions are hard
community with access to justice in a secure, state-
at work planning programs and events for our mem-
of-the-art environment for many years to come.
bers, as well as diligently working behind the scenes
BCBA has worked hard with County judges and
on policies, procedures, and an updated strategic plan.
officials to make sure that our members have
Our CLE schedule is packed with informative programs
convenient access to the facility, along with a
in key substantive areas. We continue to look for new
comfortable lounge where you can relax and/or
member benefits and services to maximize the value of
work during breaks between court appearances.
your membership. We are excited to announce that our annual Bench-Bar Conference will be returning to the
In February, BCBA members celebrated the annual
beautiful Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort,
Opening of the Assizes with a British-themed cocktail
Spa and Marina on Maryland’s Eastern Shore from
reception. The theme was a nod to our jurisprudential
October 1-3.
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4
Save the date for our third annual Dinner and a Movie event on Thursday, May 14th. Be sure to check your email for an opportunity to win free tickets. We’ll announce the movie soon – it’s a real crowd-pleaser. We’re working on a couple of other events to squeeze in before the Summer begins so stay tuned. I encourage you to check out BCBA’s newly revamped website – www.bucksbar.org. Make sure you complete
Need A Lawyer?
your profile so your information is up to date, including your committee, section and division selections. Deanna and her staff are available to help you with
Welcome to the Bucks County Bar
this process, although the website is very user-friendly
Association’s Lawyer Referral and Infor-
and it truly takes just a few minutes to update your
mation Service (LRIS) serving all of Bucks
information. The website allows you to register for
County. The LRIS is a public service of the
events and CLEs online and update your calendar
non-profit Bucks County Bar Association.
automatically.
Each year the LRIS responds to thousands of callers, referring them to attorneys with
As always, I welcome your input and suggestions –
experience in the appropriate area of law or
feel free to call or email me any time. Thank you for
to area agencies able to provide assistance.
choosing to be a member of the Bucks County Bar Association. n
The Bucks County Bar Association has established its Bucks County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service to assist persons willing and able to pay usual and customary attorney fees in securing appropriate legal representation by referral to participants in the BCBA LRIS program. LRIS will endeavor to help an inquirer determine if the problem is legal by screening and when possible, refer non-legal matters to county, government or consumer agencies as appropriate. 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.
5
SPRING 2015
feature
The Bucks County Justice Center Scott L. Feldman
I
ts here! After many years of planning, negotiat-
There seems to be something for everyone to be ex-
ing, designing, and constructing over three phases,
cited about. The Courtrooms are functioning and the bench and bar are well accommodated.
the Bucks County Justice Center is a reality. On January 10, 2015, the largest public works project in Bucks County history opened its doors. 100 North Main
We enjoy discovering shiny, new places and things. But
Street, and its adjoining parking garage, is here to stay,
will our collective quality of life improve? Or, at the end
a proud and impressive structure mere steps away from
of the day, is the Justice Center simply a new place to
its older counterpart across the street.
go to work for hundreds of Bucks County employees? Is it just a new address for citizens to apply for pass-
Its 285,000 square feet of usable interior space is
ports, report for jury duty or appear for legal proceed-
already bustling. Its green features, improved traffic
ings? Is it anything more than a new building for attor-
flow and array of Moravian tiles are noteworthy. The
neys and their staff to file pleadings, present motions
transition of judicial systems and facilities to the new
and represent their clients? Is the Justice Center any
location seemed smooth. According to Bucks County
more stimulating to us or the community at large than
General Services, the move required some 72 tractor
a new football stadium (coming soon to Central Bucks
trailer loads and 5,064 moving crates. theWRITS
6
feature East High School) or a new mega-restaurant/bar (at the old railroad warehouse)? These questions and our collective impressions and attitudes will surely develop over time. In the meanwhile, enjoy reading Sean Gresh’s primer on the technology featured in all Courtrooms and Frank Gallagher’s recollection of the construction and opening of the “new” Courthouse a mere 50 plus years ago. In addition, here are some others’
the town center, the attractive brick, steel and glass
initial comments and observations.
façade structure projects a sense of modern sophistication and prominence. The Courtrooms are comfortable,
Thomas P. Donnelly:
well appointed, have excellent acoustics and feature
With the completion of the Bucks County Justice
increased technological capabilities. The concourses
Center the residents of Bucks County have a beautiful
abutting the courtrooms are spacious, include great
and useful modern facility fitting of the community.
views of the surrounding Borough environs and let
The new landscape supports the notion that maintain-
in an abundance of natural light. I believe the Justice
ing location was of paramount importance. Tying in a
Center sets the new standard by which all county court
historical perspective is a nice touch and renders the
facilities will be measured.
building special to those of us that love where we live and work.
Barbara M. Kirk: The new Justice Center is impressive and beautiful in
Pat Zimmerman, Prothonotary’s Office:
the décor. I was very impressed with the use of the
We are still adjusting to our layout. We used to occupy
various decorative tiles throughout the building. I am
a square box, so things were laid out a certain way.
concerned that the courtrooms appear to be smaller
Now our space is larger, so there is more walking. Our
than those in the old courthouse. Otherwise, since the
area is also quieter with better acoustics. Our desks and
transition has just occurred, we need to wait and see,
equipment are new and top of the line. Best of all, the
and be patient for all of the “kinks” to be resolved.
Prothonotary now has shared use of a kitchen (with Family Court) and a proper place to eat.
Douglas R. Praul, Court Administrator: Anyone entering the new Justice Center will first be
John D. Lemonick, Montgomery Co. Attorney:
struck with its sense of space and light. Unlike the
Kudos to the Doylestown Borough Council, the County
old Courthouse, the new building brings daylight into
Commissioners and Architect, HOK. The new Justice
hallways, offices and even courtrooms. The light in turn
Center is a smashing success. Soaring tastefully over
imparts a feeling of spaciousness. 7
SPRING 2015
feature There are more office areas, storage space, courtrooms and assembly areas. But individual offices are smaller, hallways are adequate, but not expansive, and even judges’ chambers are diminished. Most notably, the courtrooms are compact, noticeably smaller than most of the courtrooms left behind. Even the one large courtroom is not substantially larger than Courtroom 1 in the old building. But the building does not give the feeling we have
have sprung up as people learn how to
down-sized. The nature of the site forced the designers
work together in ways they haven’t ever been
to make efficient use of every space, and eliminate any
able to before. The spirit of cooperation has been
areas that did not serve a necessary function. The overall
contagious and energizing. And while it is too
result is a building that is relentlessly efficient. It is a
soon to be certain, it is probable that productivity
building meant for work.
will increase as well.
For the first time, most offices have all their people
Most importantly, security has been greatly en-
in one room. This has created a few transition
hanced. This is apparent when you first step in the
tensions, but in most cases, friendly new neighborhoods
door, and see the screening area. But hidden away are numerous other security features. There are security cameras, secure doors and areas where
You take care of your clients, but who takes care of you?
access is limited. Prisoners move through the building without contacting either court staff or the public. Judges and court staff work in offices that are no longer open to the general public. It is a building in which every practical precaution was taken to safeguard both visitors and staff.
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theWRITS
8
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annals of history
New
The
Courtof House 1962 Frank Gallagher
T
he recent dedication of the Bucks County Justice
loss of the foot traffic created by visitors to the Court
Center and the logistical complications of moving
House and by employees of lawyers and other businesses
into it brought to mind recollections of an earlier major
that would cluster around it. As things have turned out
project completed by the County of Bucks – the erection
both sides were correct. The lack of space has remained
in 1962 of a new Court House on East Court Street.
a problem, though relieved for now by the erection of the parking garage and the Justice Center. And
I first came to Doylestown to practice with Eastburn &
Doylestown’s business district has thrived – at
Gray in February of 1958. Construction of the new Court
least partly thanks to Court House traffic.
House began in July, 1958 and ended around 1962. From my office at 20 East Court Street, next to the
Another issue was the architecture of the new build-
Family Court Building, I was in a good position to
ing. Rather than the International Style proposed by the
observe all the activity.
architects, some thought it should fit in better with the existing buildings in the town. Proponents of the modern
But the breaking of ground for the new building was
style argued that those other buildings were designed
almost an anticlimax after all the discussion of the
in the styles in vogue when they were erected – Gothic,
contentious issues it gave rise to. The most serious issue
Federal, Georgian, neoclassical, Victorian, etc., so the
was its location. Some people argued that it should be
new Court House should use the architecture of its time.
erected at the Doylestown Fairgrounds at East Court
The architects won.
Street and Swamp Road, across from Fonthill Castle and on the land where the neighborhood known as Belmont
An additional issue was the need to tear down the old
Square stands now. They urged that this location would
Court House of 1878. (For present purposes I will use
cause less congestion, would have space for parking and
“new” to refer to the 1962 building and “old” to refer
expansion, and would avoid the necessity for destroying
to the 1878 building.) The old Court House sat approxi-
the 1878 Court House.
mately where the judicial wing of the new one is located. It was designed by famed Philadelphia architect Addison
Others contended that the new building should be
Hutton in what he called the Early French Gothic style. Its
placed at the site of the existing one. Proponents of
footprint may have served as a model for the architects
this site included lawyers with offices in the vicinity and
of the new building since it consisted of a rectangular
Doylestown merchants and restaurateurs who feared the
administration wing and a circular judicial wing.
theWRITS
10
One entered it from Court Street through a small lobby
of the buildings located there. In all, the following
into an impressive two-story high gallery (with no eleva-
buildings were relocated or demolished: the former
tor). To the right or east was the office of the Prothon-
Doylestown National Bank, the Ross law office built in
otary. On the second floor, above the Prothonotary,
1829, and a ticket window for the Philadelphia/Easton
was the office of the Sheriff. It also housed the Clerk of
trolley.
Courts, Register of Wills and Orphans Court. The Recorder of Deeds had earlier been banished to the former
Ground was broken for the administration wing of the
Scheetz Department Store Building at Main Street and
new building in July 1958. Its seven stories made it by far
Shewell Avenue.
the tallest structure in the area. Once the administration wing was completed, the various governmental functions
Continuing through the gallery one entered the judicial
were transferred into it. Temporary court rooms were set
wing. Most of its space was occupied by the main court
up on the second floor. I tried a case before Judge Sat-
room. The first Judge Biester once remarked that it was a
terthwaite in the space that became the Prothonotary’s
difficult room in which to tell a lie. Its shape was octago-
office.
nal. On the wall behind the bench with its chairs for the three judges were arrayed portraits of many of the early
Then came the sad day! From a high floor of the shiny
Bucks County judges. Dark wood benches for spectators
new building I watched as a wrecking ball tore apart the
were arranged in amphitheater style facing the bench.
dark brown stones of the hallowed old one.
The room was surmounted by a stained glass skylight. Occasionally a wayward pigeon fluttered around in the
However, a few weeks later, from the same spot I
upper reaches. I was present one day when attorney
watched a crane meticulously position the sixteen or so
John Justus Bodley, while standing at the lectern before
long vertical girders that form the circular framework
the bench, interrupted his argument, glanced up toward
of the judicial wing. Soon the construction there was
the rafters, and used a handkerchief to wipe his bald
completed, the judicial functions moved across the ramps
head.
connecting the two wings, and the life of County government settled into the groove which it followed for
In the 1950s the historic preservation movement was
53 years, that is, until when the growth of the county
not nearly as strong as it has become, but still there were
required the move of the judicial functions into the new
voices crying out for the preservation of the old building.
Justice Center.
It was clearly outdated. It was constructed when there were only one or two judges, so there was a shortage of
According to Doylestown Old and New published in
court rooms. Row offices were jammed with desks and
1904 by General W.W.H. Davis, the contract for the
filing cabinets. So there was certainly a need for a new
construction of the 1878 Court House had a price of
building. If the new building were built at a different
$71,000. The cost of the 1960s construction? As I recall
location, of what use would the old one be? So the dif-
it was $7,000,000. The cost of the Justice Center?
ficult decision was made to demolish it.
$87,000,000. When will the next expansion be needed? Perhaps never. Technological innovations may require
Since the architect’s plans for the new building envi-
fewer employees. Paperless operations may eliminate the
sioned a park between the Court House and the point
need for filing cabinets. Who knows? n
near the Civil War Memorial, disposition had to be made 11
SPRING 2015
technology
COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY IN THE BUCKS COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER Sean M. Gresh
A
eral technology training sessions for
to portable technology increases, so
attorneys to become more comfort-
does its importance in presenting your
able with the new systems that have
case in a courtroom. At the same time,
been installed in the Justice Center.
more and more of the evidence we
Below is a little of what I (and others
s the speed, power, and accessibility
who attended) picked up from those
need to present those cases is being
sessions.
stored and transferred digitally. Whether it be video surveillance in a retail theft matter,
First, let’s talk about internet connectivity. Each
a voicemail message in a custody hearing, or a detailed spreadsheet prepared by an expert witness
counsel table in the courtroom has two (2) internet
in a civil jury trial, technology now permeates almost
connections. One connects to the County network,
every presentation to a judge or jury.
and the other directly to the Internet. These are color coded (blue and white), and cables are provided
For the last several years, practitioners have found it
at the table. These are the standard CAT-5 internet
difficult to present this evidence. Our “old” court-
cables that we are all used to using in our homes
house’s cornerstone was laid in 1960. That is 10 to
and offices. As of now, there is no wireless internet connectivity provided in the Courtrooms.
15 years before the development of the personal computer. Even when PCs did come out, they were not portable enough to bring with you into a court-
While there is Wi-Fi in the building, it is limited right
room. The first “laptop,” as we know the term, didn’t
now to two areas: 1) the Jury lounge; and 2) the At-
come out until the early 1980s and weighed over 20
torney’s lounge. Both of these areas are located in the
pounds. Obviously, the designers of the Court Street
upper of the two basement levels, one level below the
building could not contemplate the heavy reliance
main entrance floor. So, if you will be in a courtroom
we would have on technology today, and designed
on floors 2-5, you will need to plan accordingly. This
its courtrooms for their analog world. Luckily, the
would not seem to be a big issue for evidence presen-
courtrooms of the new Bucks County Justice Center
tation, as if it is intended to be admitted as evidence for
are designed to handle and help practitioners manage
the record, you will need to have a hard copy with you
the complex digital evidence with which we are now
anyway.
confronted. If you wish to present evidence through a portable Dealing with a new evidence presentation system for
device, you may connect directly to the presentation
the first time can be a daunting task. Before the offi-
system by two different methods, VGA or HDMI. VGA
cial opening of the building, County Officials held sev-
is the blue connector that most of you will recognize
theWRITS
12
as the cable that connects your computer and monitor at your desk. HDMI is the connection that you probably use to connect your cable box and your HD television at home. Both types of cable are provided in the Courtroom: simply plug in and use. One word of warning, however, VGA does not carry audio. In other words, if you wish to use your device to display something that has a sound component and cannot use the HDMI connection, you will need a separate audio cable to play sound through the system. Many full size
tern in each room contains: a document camera (ELMO);
laptops (Macbook Pro, IBM compatibles) now come with
Blu-Ray/DVD/CD player; VHS tape player; and an interface
HDMI ports. Almost all IBM styled laptops also have a
screen that allows the user to choose who to show the
VGA port, but the current Macbook Pro does not.
document to, and allows the user to mark up or highlight a specific portion of the evidence.
All of these connection options will pose a problem for those of us who are using some of the most popular
The ELMO camera is of particular use in jury trials, as it
current products like the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, or the
vastly improves the process and speed by which one can
MacBook Air. Neither of these two computers has VGA
publish a document to the jury. This is a real-time digital
or HDMI. Nor do they have an “Internet” port that can
video camera under which you can place a document or
accept a CAT-5 connection for wired Internet. Both the
item of evidence, thus allowing everyone to see it on the
MacBook Air and Surface Pro 3 are designed to be largely
screen at the same time.
wireless. However, both do have USB 3.0 ports and MiniDisplay Ports. Luckily, adapters are available through many
There is a screen on the witness stand for review and
manufacturers to give you display capability (you will
highlighting of evidence by the testifying witness. There
need a Mini-Display Port to HDMI adapter) and Internet
are also review screens at each counsel table, and of
connectivity (you will need USB 3.0 to CAT-5 adapter). My
course, one on the bench for the Judge. It is of note,
advice is to plan out your evidence well in advance of trial
however, that the Judge’s screen maintains exclusive con-
so you can best prepare for your presentation needs.
trol over what is shown to the jury. The system is set up so that the Court must approve and admit any evidence before the Jury can see it.
Likewise, there are no connections present in the courtroom for use of IPads or other tablets, nor Android phones that do not possess HDMI ports, nor IPhones.
Unfortunately, space prohibits us from detailing each
Each of these will need a specific connector/adapter if
and every use and issue presented with this new system.
you wish to connect it to the system.
These preceding paragraphs are meant as a primer, and are in no way a complete explanation of this system or
If, however, your evidence is of a less complex nature,
its uses. If you have any specific questions regarding your
the presentation system in the courtrooms is designed to
equipment, and how it will integrate with the Justice
allow you multiple avenues to manipulate and show this
Center’s systems, please contact the Court for more
evidence to the finder of fact. The system inside the lec-
information. n 13
SPRING 2015
merit
2015 Election Selection Committee Tim Duffy
A
public service shares with the community its members’
s the 2015 campaign season kicked off earlier this
year, the Bar Association’s Merit Selection Committee
assessment of the candidates for judicial office. It
was convened to plan for and organize its election-
is the Merit Selection Committee that oversees the
related tasks. Those tasks concern the judicial candida-
multi-step process that results in the issuance of the
cies upon which Bucks County’s electorate will vote in
views of its membership.
both the May 19 primary election and the November 3 general election. Two seats on the Court of Com-
First, the Association asks all candidates for judicial
mon Pleas will be on the ballot, as will the retention of
office to complete a detailed questionnaire, in which
President Judge Finley. 2015 is the tenth and final year
the candidates share details of their personal and
of Judge Finley’s initial term on the bench and with his
professional backgrounds and other information to
retention, His Honor will serve an additional ten years.
assist voters in learning more about our candidates.
While Judges Brian McGuffin and Ray McHugh have
The Merit Selection Committee has asked candidates
been appointed to the Bench, those appointments will
to complete the questionnaires and return them
last only through this calendar year. Their Honors are
shortly after the last day for submitting nominating
both running for election to a full ten year term which
petitions, which was March 10, 2015. The completed
would commence January 1, 2016.
questionnaires were then posted on the “Community Resources” page of the Bar Association’s website.
The primary mission of the Merit Selection Committee is to provide a forum within which the electorate can
The Association will then mail out to its members its
educate itself with regard to judicial candidates and
judicial plebiscite. All members are eligible and
thereby assist them in making informed decisions in
encouraged to vote, indicating whether a particular
the voting booth. Being as intimately familiar as we are
candidate is highly recommended, recommended or
with the judicial system and, particularly, the traits that
not recommended for the position of judge of the
make a good judge “good,” the Bar Association as a
Court of Common Pleas. The plebiscite will be mailed
theWRITS
14
out only after nominating petitions are due to make
Members will be required to complete and submit their
sure that every candidate had the opportunity to
plebiscite shortly thereafter. The last day for completed
receive and respond to the questionnaire.
plebiscites to be received at the Bar Association is May 4, 2015. Please note this is the date by which
The public will then be invited, along with the mem-
completed plebiscites must be received, not placed in
bership of the Bar Association, to a judicial candidates’
the mail. The results will thereafter be tabulated and
night at the Bar Association. The candidates will be
a press release will be issued by the Merit Selection
asked a series of pre-determined questions developed
Committee announcing the results of the plebiscite
by the Merit Selection Committee. Questions will also
to the public. n
be entertained from those in attendance, the intent being to allow those in attendance to see and hear for themselves the candidates. The Judicial Candidates’ Night presently is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, and will be held at the Bar Association. More details will follow. Brian McGuffin
15
Ray McHugh
SPRING 2015
yld
2015 Mock Trial Competition A Resounding Success Erin Kernan
T
he 2015 High School Mock Trial Competition
recently concluded, capping off one of the most successful years to date. The statewide competition is organized locally by the BCBA Young Lawyers’ Division (YLD). Each year more than 300 student teams from across the Commonwealth compete to earn the title of state champion. The winning team goes on to represent Pennsylvania nationally. Locally, organization of the competition is a major undertaking. This year, eleven teams from across the county competed for the chance to advance in the statewide competition. Most teams begin practicing in
the first time ever, YLD offered CLE credit vouchers to
late November, with the competition culminating in a
participating attorneys. Local judges also volunteer to
series of mock trials in late January and early February.
preside over the trials.
Each team is given the opportunity to participate in two mock trials, which take place before actual judges
The result is a rewarding experience not only for the
in actual courtrooms. Winning teams advance through
students, but for the volunteers as well. Larry Scheetz,
a series of rounds.
YLD Chair Elect, commented, “This year’s competition was a huge success, and YLD is pleased to offer this
YLD coordinates every aspect of the competition, in-
invaluable opportunity to local students. We would
cluding scheduling the competition’s many match-ups.
like to thank the students, coaches, judges, attorney
That task was made even more daunting this year as
volunteers and courthouse staff for making this year’s
snow, ice and school closings required many trials to be
competition one of the most successful to date.”
rescheduled. The move to the new Justice Center also presented unique challenges as YLD coordinated with
In the final round of the competition, Central Bucks
courthouse staff to accommodate the event.
West High School squared off against Central Bucks South High School, with West earning the opportunity
YLD also recruits the many volunteers who are key to
to move on. Win or lose, all the students enjoyed the
the competition’s success. This year, over forty BCBA
chance to be attorneys for a day. n
attorneys served as bailiffs, jurors and coaches. For theWRITS
16
yld
2015 Mock Trial Volunteers
JUDGES Judge Baldi Judge Bateman Judge Benz Judge Finley Judge Friedman Judge Fritsch Judge Gambardella Judge McMaster Judge Rufe Judge Snow
JURY, BAILIFFS, COACHES Hugh Algeo Rusty Allen Maureen Anderson Judge Regina Armitage Ryan Becker Denise Bowman Meredith Buck Julianna Burdo Laura Campbell Melissa Cantwell Kathryn Carlson Maureen Carlton Joanna Cerino Jim Clark Harry Cooper Stephen Cornell Anne Scheetz Damon Grace Deon Jeff DiAmico Cameron Doman Tom Donnelly Tim Duffy Joe Duome Mark Eastburn Sarah Eastburn Laura Feitelson Scott Feldman Tim Fenningham Abigail Fillman Chris Finello Garrett Gummer Shelby Hahn Felicity Hanks John Hart Elissa Heinrichs Brandon Ingraham Colin Jenei
Governor Wolf Proposes A 6.6% Sales Tax On Many Professional Services, Including Legal Services.
Olivia Jolly Chuck Jonas Shannon Kanavy Dan Keane Brittney Kern Erin Kernan Gina Kiley Patti King Emma Kline Rob Labar Gavin Laboski Andy Levin Kim Litzke Vince Magyar John Marquis Brian Marriott Joe McGinley Joe McGinley, Sr. Matt McHugh Mike Meginnis Kristine Michael Joanne Murray Breandan Nemec Will Oetinger Jon Pavlocak Michael Peters Sue Pontious Jessica Pritchard Bob Repko Bianca Roberto Jennifer Ryan Steve Sailer Rodlena Sales Nick Salter Todd Savarese Larry Scheetz Carol Shelly Mike Shelton Stephanie Sikora Charles Sipio Mindy Snyder Herbert Sudfeld Adam Tanker Tyler Tomlinson Jess VanderKam Lisa Vellan Keith Williams Jeff Wong Davy Yockey Kevin Zlock
Governor Wolf proposes a 6.6% sales tax on many professional services, including legal services. The Governor called his plan an alternative approach to last session’s Senate Bill 76, which received bipartisan support and sought to impose a 7% sales tax on legal services. The PBA strongly opposes this aspect of the Governor’s proposed budget for the very same reasons we fought hard to prevent the passage of Senate Bill 76 last year. For many Pennsylvanians, hiring a lawyer is a necessity and not a luxury item. Access to justice is a basic constitutional right that should not be taxed and treated as a commodity. Increasing the cost of effective legal representation by imposing a sales tax would impact persons of limited means who often need a lawyer to: • Obtain workers’ compensation or social security benefits that have been wrongly denied • Fight a property assessment action by their local government • Deal with a hostile landlord or tenant • Have a simple will written or probate the will of a loved one • Avoid a home foreclosure • Gain court-ordered protection from an abusive spouse or parent • Obtain fair and equal access to fundamental rights Please take a moment now to reach out to your state legislators to ask them to vote AGAINST this proposed tax. In writing your message, feel free to use the points above to show the harsh impact any new tax will have on our clients. Of course, feel free to include your own concerns or examples that are pertinent to the issue. Even a very short message expressing opposition is important and effective! 17
SPRING 2015
human interest
The History of Pro Bono Legal Aid Elizabeth Wood Fritsch, Esq.
A
s the new courthouse prompts us to celebrate the
history of the Bucks County judicial system, let us also celebrate Bucks County legal community’s long history of providing legal assistance services to the poor. The history of attorneys providing legal help to the poor is as old as the legal profession itself. Long before there were government funds to support the work of legal aid organizations, attorneys assisted those who lacked the means to hire legal help. In the second half
aid programs. By the 1960s every major city had a legal
of the 1900s attorneys concerned about the lack of
services organization.
access by many to the judicial system began to organize their efforts into societies, the first being the
The Bucks County legal community itself has a proud
Legal Aid Society of New York.
tradition of pro bono service and support of legal services to the poor and vulnerable. For many years lead-
In 1919, Reginald Heber Smith, a graduate of Harvard
ing up to 1967, the Pro Bono Committee of the Bucks
Law School and counsel to Boston Legal Aid Society,
County Bar Association (BCBA) responded to requests
published a book titled Justice and the Poor. In it he
for help from poor county residents. When federal
challenged the private bar to do its part to ensure that
funding for legal services to the poor became available
justice was accessible to all, without regard to ability
in 1967 members of this committee quickly applied for
to pay. “Without equal access to the law,” he wrote,
the funding and established the Bucks County Legal
“the system not only robs the poor of their only protec-
Aid Society (BCLAS), now part of Legal Aid of South-
tion, but it places in the hands of their oppressors the
eastern Pennsylvania.
most powerful and ruthless weapon ever invented.” National, state and local bar associations responded to
One of the first acts of the BCLAS board of directors
Smith’s call to service. The ABA established a Standing
in 1967 was to hire a full time director at a salary of
Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants and
$11,000 and two part-time attorneys. Another was
state and local bars all over the country sponsored legal theWRITS
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to find space in Doylestown, Bristol and Warminster from which to serve clients. In 1969, the directors were pleased to report that its budget was now $60,000 and outreach offices were planned for Quakertown and Ottsville. This did not mean that the issue of financing legal services to the poor was over. In fact, finding sufficient funding to sustain operations and services has continued to be the greatest challenge for Legal Aid and all who support it. Over the years, many prominent and well respected Bucks County attorneys, many of them Bar Presidents and leaders in the legal community, have been involved in leadership of legal aid in the county. Judges VanArtsdalen, Robert Mountenay, John J. Rufe, Oscar Bortner, and Clyde Waite served as employees, directors and presidents of the board. And many, many hundreds of bar members have given of their time and their money. The resulting impact of all these efforts by legal aid staff, volunteers and supporters is almost beyond measure. Looking at our records for just the last 20 years (as long as we have kept records on computer), Legal Aid has handled 37,354 cases for low income
Looking at our records for just the last 20 years (as long as we have kept records on computer), Legal Aid has handled 37,354 cases for low income and vulnerable county residents.
and vulnerable county residents. And 12,661 of these were handled by volunteers! As a result, 9454 victims of domestic violence and family members have gotten protection orders, 3097 have obtained or preserved custody or visitation arrangements with their children, and 1053 have achieved the protection of federal bankruptcy. Other benefits gained for those in need include obtaining of unemployment compensation, preservation of medical benefits and Social Security Disability, mortgage renegotiation, expungements, family reunification, preservation of rental housing, wills and powers of attorney. Attorneys have tremendous power to use their skills and expertise to do good. And they have used it in Bucks County generously and effectively. Now this is a history of which we should all be truly proud. n
19
SPRING 2015
human interest
The Tough Way to Get a Copy of the New Orphans’ Court Manual Carolyn Newsom
T
he fourth edition of the Orphans’ Court Manual is
For some unknown reason, there was no electronic
now available for purchase from the Bucks County Bar
copy of the third edition to use as a starting point.
Association. The process for delivering the manual has
Although some of the author/editors had working
been an interesting journey. One might say, much like
copies of their assigned chapters, no one had the time
herding cats. The trip has been interesting and replete
or wanted to retype the chapters that existed only on
with detours and setbacks. Would I take on the chal-
paper. For these chapters, clean copies were scanned
lenge again had I known how challenging it would be?
into pdf files and then, using Adobe Acrobat, convert-
Let me reflect on that.
ed to Word files. Now anyone who has ever used this approach is aware of how un-user-friendly these docu-
When I joined the Orphans’ Court Section as a new
ments can be. The straight text of the chapters didn’t
attorney I wanted, and in fact needed, to buy a manual
take too long to fix formats, spacing, text compression,
explaining procedures and providing sample forms. The
and problem tabs. Then the additions and corrections
third edition, published in 2005, was no longer avail-
were applied to all fifteen chapters.
able and had been under revision for about five years. The only way I could see to actually get an updated
Converting the 88 forms from paper to pdf to usable
manual was to volunteer to corral the disparate parts.
Word documents turned out to be much more difficult! It was like a law school assignment to draft documents,
Getting my arms around this project was a challenge.
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20
but was an incredible way to learn about Orphans’ Court procedures. Fixing converted Word documents turned out to be more difficult and time consuming than retyping the documents from scratch. While this took many hours it did make it easy to give the forms a more standard and undated look. Revising the standard look of the documents may turn out to be a point of contention. I asked for permission to make the documents have a standard look, but I did not ask for approval of the standard that was adopted. No one thought to ask. Studies have shown that it is easier to read san serif than serif fonts. Thus the standard font for the fourth edition of the manual is Ariel rather than the standard of the legal profession, Times New Roman. It is not difficult to change the font back to the old standard but documents may need additional spacing adjustments. My apologies for any inconvenience caused. So, would I take on the challenge again? Yes! I worked
AttornEy DiSCiplinAry AnD EthiCS mAttErS
with an interesting and talented group of attorneys, including some of the most pleasant
StAtEWiDE pEnnSylVAniA mAttErS no ChArGE For initiAl ConSUltAtion
procrastinators I’ve ever met. And finally, I now have my own copy of the fourth edition of the
Representation, consultation and expert testimony in disciplinary matters and matters involving ethical issues, bar admissions and the Rules of Professional Conduct
Orphans’ Court Manual. n
James C. Schwartzman, Esq.
• Member of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board • Former Chairman, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA • Former Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Board of the Supreme Court of PA • Former Chairman, Supreme Court of PA Interest on Lawyers Trust Account Board • Former Federal Prosecutor • Selected by his peers as one of the top 100 Super Lawyers in PA and the top 100 Super Lawyers in Philadelphia • Named by his peers as Best Lawyers in America 2015 Philadelphia Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law “Lawyer of the Year,” and in Plaintiffs and Defendants Legal Malpractice Law 1818 Market Street, 29th Floor • Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 751-2863 21
SPRING 2015
community
COMMUNIT Y ROOT S Paul Kester
A
mong the works of art that adorn the walls of my
apartment, there is a pen-and-ink drawing of a tree, made by my oldest daughter in 1975 when she was an art student in college. The drawing is of a Locust tree that stood in our backyard. It was drawn as the tree appeared in the winter, barren of leaves and seed pods. There must have been snow on the ground because there is no grass showing. So intricately are the trunks, limbs, branches and twigs drawn that the picture appears to be three dimensional. Several years ago I rearranged some of the pictures in my apartment and when I put the tree drawing in its new place, I inadvertently hung it upside down. I didn’t
The trunks, limbs, and branches – even the twigs,
notice it at the time, and, some time later a friend said,
leaves, blossoms and fruits – of the visible tree repre-
“Paul, the tree is upside down.” I looked at it for a
sented the communities of which I had been a part,
moment and said, “No, the tree is gone. What you see
and, the root system was responsible for the nurturing
is the root system that was left behind.” Fifteen years
of my life in those communities. After all, I had been
after the drawing was made, a hurricane blew the tree
born into a community – a family. The family was part
over. So clean was the break that there was no hole to
of a Quaker community – Newtown Meeting. The fam-
fill or stump to be removed. All that was needed was
ily lived in the community of Newtown. The schools I
about a bushel of dirt raked over the site and seeded,
attended, Newtown Public School, George School and
and the next year there was no sign that there had
Earlham College, were all communities. The army was
ever been a tree there.
a community, as was Temple Law School. I became a lawyer and as such was a part of the legal community.
One evening, recently, the “root system” caught my
I became the Court Administrator for the Bucks County
eye. As I looked at it, the thought occurred to me –
Courts and was not only a part of the Court commu-
”How like the life of that tree my own life has been.” theWRITS
nity, but the County government community, as well. 22
I became active in a number of other communities. I
The longer I was involved with each community, the
started one of my own – a family. And there were a
deeper the roots went. Some of the roots went back
number of other organizations with which I became
hundreds of years – family, Quakers, and Newtown and
involved.
Bucks County, for example. These roots drew nourishment from the soil that was then passed up into the
“How like the life of that tree my own life has been.”
trunks, limbs, branches and twigs of the tree. That nourishment sustained and enhanced the life of this tree and brought forth its blossoms, leaves and fruits. This tree has lasted for a long time. So, when the Woodsman comes with his sharp blade and separates me from those roots, I will no longer be
As I entered each community, the first thing that I did
visible. The root system will eventually decay, but it will
was to start sending down roots. I became acquainted
have left its mark on the communities that I supported
with the culture and purposes of the community. I
as the tree. And that is my legacy. It matters not that I
learned the routines and rules of community life. I
may not be identifiable. What matters is that the com-
made new associations and friendships with other
munities I cared about the most will continue to thrive
members of the community. Some of these ripened
and grow. That’s all I need to know. How about you?
into deep and lasting friendships.
n
Fine Antique Firearms & Rare Collectibles LLC
John B Henry is an established dealer of fine antique (pre 1898) firearms and rare collectibles that celebrate the history and artistry of exceptional discoveries from around the globe. We are actively seeking to purchase single pieces or entire estates for inclusion in our collection. We are interested in firearm collections of all kinds, with a focus on military and antique items. Our team of skilled experts is equipped to provide qualified evaluations, and we are happy to provide professional references upon request. Referrals are appreciated and valued. Please call on us for a further discussion of how we can work together successfully. Contact us at 610-566-5200 or contactus@johnbhenry.com John B Henry | P.O. Box 435 | Media, PA 19063
www.johnbhenry.com 23
SPRING 2015
education
Join Us For Another Marathon CLE Day! Earn up to 6.0 CLE credits in one day on 5 different topics! Where? The Bucks County Bar Association • When? April 22, 2015 Time
Topic
Presenter
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Avoiding Legal Malpractice 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Break/Registration
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Defending Environmental Enforcement Actions
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Break/Registration
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Strategic Planning
Nicole Antos, Esquire PBA Glenn A. Parno, Esquire Capozzi Adler, Attorneys at Law Ellen Freedman, CLM Pennsylvania Bar Association
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch/Registration
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Time Management for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Break/Registration
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Getting Paid Combo – Basic and Advanced Concepts
Ellen Freedman, CLM Pennsylvania Bar Association Ellen Freedman, CLM Pennsylvania Bar Association
Course Descriptions: Avoiding Legal Malpractice1.0 eth.
Defending Environmental Enforcement Actions1.0 sub.
In this intermediate level seminar you will learn how to
A discussion of strategies and practice tips for represent-
avoid malpractice suits and in addition to earning 1.0
ing clients faced with civil or criminal environmental
ethics credits, you may also earn a 5% discount on your
enforcement actions. Topics include Role of the state
malpractice insurance! “To qualify for the 5% discount,
and federal government in environmental enforcement;
you must meet the following criteria: 1) a one-three
Examination of the civil and criminal environmental en-
person firm must have at least one attorney attend; 2) a
forcement process; Overview of state and federal enforce-
four or more person firm requires half of the practicing
ment statutes; Identifying current trends in environmental
attorneys to attend, or a minimum of one-quarter if at
enforcement; Case studies of several recent major civil
least one of the attendees is a partner. This discount is
and criminal enforcement actions (Chevron gas well pad
not available to insureds under the Corporate Attorney
fire, Exxon Mobil Marcellus Shale frack water spill, Nor-
Policy Form. The discount will be applied only to the policy
folk Southern tank car derailment and spill); Discussion
renewal which is next processed following this program.
of recent changes in the Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Act (Act
Existing policies of renewal quotations cannot be
13) and DEP’s updated 2014 Enforcement & Compliance
“re-issued.” The discount does not apply to part time
Policy; Strategies for avoiding and defending a civil or
policies. Attendees must be on time and stay for the
criminal enforcement actions; Practice tips for handling a
entire program in order to get full credit and the
case before the Environmental Hearing Board (EHB); and
insurance discount.
Practice tips for representing a client before a federal or state Grand Jury.
theWRITS
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education Strategic Planning – 1.0 eth.
Rather, there is a proven methodology you can and
Developing a successful methodology for analyzing and
should follow. This course will take you through the series
implementing change at the firm.
of essential steps which are guaranteed to reduce your receivables and improve your cash flow. Covered topics
Time Management for Solo and Small Firm
include the emotional issues connected to managing re-
Attorneys – 1.5 eth.
ceivables for both attorneys and clients; performing credit
This face-paced session will provide solid tips, tools, and
checks; engagement agreements; timing issues; billing
tricks for taming information overload, managing proj-
follow- up; communications; and when to put the pen
ects, maintaining effective communications with clients
down. This course additionally includes details on how
and staff, and working smarter instead of harder.
to create an automated receivable follow-up program; taking credit cards; liens on files; reporting non-paying
Getting Paid Combo- Basic and Advanced
clients to credit bureaus; and pros and cons of bring-
Concepts – 1.5 eth.
ing suit to collect fees. (Note: this course is also suitable
How do you ensure you will get paid for the work you
for bookkeepers or other key office personnel who are
do? Unfortunately, there is no single magic secret to
involved in the receivable management process.)
share as to why some firms get paid and others don’t.
n
CLE Course Registration Information _________________________________________
Attorney ID #
_______________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Street Address/P.O. Box
Last Name
_______________________________________ City
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________ _______ First Name
__________ State
M.I.
_________________ Zip Code
____________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone #
Fax #
Please check the course(s) that you plan to attend:
o # 305 Avoiding Legal Malpractice
On-site registration for all courses when seating is available; food and materials not guaranteed. Registration begins ¼ -hour prior to listed course time.
o BCBA Member ($30) o Non-Member ($45) o Non-Attorney ($15)
Amount Enclosed: $________ Check #: ________ Dietary/Accessibility Needs? If so, please explain:
o # 306 Defending Environmental Enforcement Actions
______________________________________________
o BCBA Member ($30) o Non-Member ($45) o Non-Attorney ($15)
o # 307 Strategic planning o BCBA Member ($30) o Non-Member ($45) o Non-Attorney ($15)
o # 308 Time Management for Solo and Small Firm Attorneys o BCBA Member ($45) o Non-Member ($70) o Non-Attorney ($30)
o # 309 Getting Paid Combo- Basic and Advanced Concepts
o BCBA Member ($45) o Non-Member ($70) o Non-Attorney ($30) 25
Refund Policy: When a cancellation is necessary, please contact the BCBA at least 3 days prior to the course date for a full refund. Course Cancellation: Due to circumstances beyond our control, such as low enrollment or speaker cancellation, the BCBA reserves the right to cancel a scheduled course with a full refund to registrants. In the event that a cancellation is necessary, you will be notified as soon as the decision has been made. On-Site Registration: When seating is available, you may register for a course as a walk-in. Food and materials are not guaranteed for those who register within 24 hours of a program. Pre-registration is encouraged and appreciated. Questions? Please call our MCLE Coordinator at 215-348-9413 x110. “These CLE programs have been approved by the PA CLE Board for the amount of credit hours listed for each individual course in the substantive law practice and procedure area as well as ethics.”
SPRING 2015
2 015
16 t h A N N UA L
A U C T I O N G A R D E N PARTY GOE S COU NT RY Enjoy the ambiance of this 1879 mansion while: • Bidding on exciting silent auction items • Savoring luscious hors d’oeurves & buffet, wine, champagne and a specialty drink • Sampling tantalizing candies and desserts created by noted area pastry chefs and chocolatiers
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 5-8PM
• Participating in fun, country-themed activities! • Enjoying country music & entertainment!
KNOWLTON MANSION
For tickets or information contact Lisa Radin Lisa.Radin@alz.org 609.970.9157 800.272.3900 alz.org/delval
931 Rhawn Street Philadelphia, PA 19111
Proceeds benefit the Delaware Valley Chapter
theWRITS
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Media Sponsor
27
SPRING 2015
entertainment
Film Review— “The Judge” David Truelove his review is being written in the wake of the recent T Academy Awards’ broadcast, so if the tone is tired and
journey Hank embarks on, flying from
a little “filmed-out,” I offer a mea culpa. I am not a
Chicago to Evansville,
cinephile, as is my good friend and contemporary, Chris
Indiana (my mother’s
Serpico. I cannot offer in-depth analysis or some per-
home town), then
spective gained from familiarity with different directors
driving on two-lane
or genres. Nevertheless, for a few reasons which will
roads dividing
become apparent, The Judge was an enjoyable movie
elephant-high cornfields to the
experience, and one which was very personal, on a
hometown, a nearby county seat. We learn that Hank
number of levels.
and his wife are on the verge of separation, and upon his arrival in “Carlinville,” Hank has not been home
A caveat: The Judge is not a great film. It did not win
for years, and has not spoken to his father, the local
any major film awards (though Robert Duvall was
county judge (Joseph Palmer, played by Duvall),
nominated for Best Supporting Actor). The movie is,
for the same duration. As a decades-long jurist,
in an ironic way, a terrific diversion and escape.
Duvall casts a large shadow at home
It boasts a top-notch cast (Duvall, Robert Downey, Jr.,
and in the community. His own
Billy Bob Thornton, Vincent D’Onofrio, and others), and
boys refer to him not as “Dad,”
is beautifully filmed. Some critics found its plot formu-
but as “The Judge.”
laic and clichéd, which are probably valid observations. However, as an attorney (a recovering litigator), and an Indiana native (yes, a “Hoosier”) and who after several decades has experienced some of the rigors of balancing personal and professional lives, The Judge “spoke” to me. It was familiar—simultaneously comforting and unnerving. The story begins with a courtroom scene in Chicago, where high-priced criminal defense attorney Hank Palmer (Downey) is outmaneuvering a frustrated prosecutor in a pre-trial motion hearing. After the hearing Hank receives a call from his older brother, Glen (D’Onofrio), calling from their southern Indiana hometown, telling him that their mother has just died. The next few scenes display the physical and emotional theWRITS
28
The father-son estrangement is explained gradually
played by Billy Bob Thornton, in an unusually under-
during the film, revealing that Hank was a ne-er do
stated, but effective presentation. As the main theme
well (though talented and intelligent) middle son,
is developed, other stories also unfold. Hank reunites
whose teenage reckless driving cost his older brother
with an old high-school flame, who now runs the
a shot at a major-league baseball career. We also meet
local diner. Glen’s unrealized baseball career aspira-
their younger brother, Dale, who is mentally chal-
tions are also explored. Most significantly, Hank and
lenged, but who has a knack and obsession for film-
the audience learn that the Judge is suffering from
making, and watching old family movies. After their
a terminal cancer, and that he has been undergoing
mother’s funeral, Hank is ready to return to Chicago
chemo treatments for months, up to this point an
and attempt to patch up his failing marriage (and
ailment and prognosis known only to his wife. The
spend more time with his young daughter), when the
chemo treatments potentially compromise some of his
Judge is himself named a suspect in a homicide involv-
judicial decisions and affect both his memory and the
ing a former criminal defendant who appeared before
potential level of claimed criminal intent, with respect
the Judge several years before, but in this instance is
to the underlying charges, which include First Degree
killed in a vehicular incident (but allegedly not an
Murder, and Voluntary Manslaughter.
“accident.”) Hank eventually represents his father at the trial. What transpires over the next several scenes is the
The trial preparation scenes present parallel paths:
unfolding of several sub-plots, dominated by the
the personal re-connection between father and son,
eventual prosecution of the Judge, in a trial presided
and the development of tremendous (if not initially, grudging) professional respect. The trial scenes are
over by a jurist brought in from
fairly realistic (although the time between arrest and
out of county (played by the
jury selection appears extremely short, even by
“White Shadow,” Ken
efficient Hoosier standards), and of course the
Howard), and prosecut-
denouement occurs during the Judge’s riveting and
ed by an out-of-county
revealing testimony. I won’t issue a spoiler alert—
district attorney,
you’ll have to see the movie for yourself, in order to discovery the result. In the end, The Judge explores some well-worn, but still interesting themes: family tension, lost opportunity, regret, reflection and resolution. The film also highlights the concept that being in the legal business is a commitment on many fronts, and that balancing personal and professional lives can be precarious. As I walked out of the theater, I thought again that perhaps a bumper sticker should adorn all of our vehicles: “Lawyers are People, Too.” n 29
SPRING 2015
calendar Thursday –May 14, 2015 • Third annual Dinner and a Movie event Be sure to check your email for an opportunity to win free tickets. We’ll announce the movie soon – it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Thursday – June 25, 2015 • Seasoned Lawyers vs Young Lawyers Softball Game Hampton Chase Park, Jamison First Pitch 5:00 pm
Wednesday – June 3, 2015 • Federal Courts Admission Ceremony and Reception 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Seasoned Lawyers
Friday – June 12, 2015 • Annual Golf Outing
Will last years winners repeat?
Young Lawyers
The MUSIC SNOB’S Top Five List MUSIC SNOB
The top five recording artists shunned by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 1. Yes 2. The Moody Blues 3. Chicago 4. Little Feat 5. (tie) King Crimson/ Jethro Tull
theWRITS
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Wynton Marsalis
Yolanda Adams
Incognito
James Hunter Six
April 10-19, 2015 Reading, PA
Dave Koz
Terell Stafford
Spend 10 jazz- and blues-filled days and nights in the Greater Reading area! Over 120 scheduled events, plus great shopping and dining in one area, make the 25th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest your perfect spring getaway. For tickets, call Ticketmaster toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to order online.
Boney James
Brian Culbertson
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS • DAVE KOZ • INCOGNITO • BRIAN CULBERTSON • DIANNE REEVES • BONEY JAMES • PIECES OF A DREAM MINDI ABAIR & THE BONESHAKERS WITH SWEETPEA ATKINSON • THE SOUL OF JAZZ FEATURING JEFFREY OSBORNE, NAJEE, MAYSA, NICK COLIONNE, GERALD VEASLEY, BRIAN SIMPSON NEW YORK VOICES AND THE READING POPS ORCHESTRA • BILLY COBHAM ‘SPECTRUM 40’ BAND FEATURING DEAN BROWN, GARY HUSBAND, RIC FIERABRACCI • GERALD ALBRIGHT GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ CELEBRATION: KIRK WHALUM, YOLANDA ADAMS, KEVIN WHALUM, JOHN STODDART AND THE DOXA GOSPEL ENSEMBLE • MARC ANTOINE • ALEX BUGNON STRINGS ATTACHED FEATURING LARRY CORYELL, JIMMY BRUNO, VIC JURIS, JACK WILKINS, JOE COHN • PHILADELPHIA JAZZ ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY TERELL STAFFORD REMEMBERING JOE SAMPLE: BOBBY LYLE, WILTON FELDER, RAY PARKER JR., JEFF BRADSHAW, NICHOLAS SAMPLE, LIONEL CORDEW, LIZ HOGUE • BRIAN BROMBERG NICK COLIONNE • JAZZ ATTACK: RICK BRAUN, PETER WHITE, EUGE GROOVE, ELLIOTT YAMIN • MARION MEADOWS • PAUL TAYLOR • JAZZ FUNK SOUL: CHUCK LOEB, JEFF LORBER, EVERETTE HARP • FOURPLAY: BOB JAMES, NATHAN EAST, HARVEY MASON, CHUCK LOEB • KIND OF NEW: JASON MILES, INGRID JENSEN, RAY RODRIGUEZ, MIKE CLARK, JERRY BROOKS PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS LIONEL LOUEKE, GARY BARTZ • PAT MARTINO TRIO WITH PAT BIANCHI, CARMEN INTORRE • LIVE AT THE FILLMORE: TRIBUTE TO THE ORIGINAL ALLMAN BROTHERS • URBAN JAZZ COALITION • TOMMY KATONA & TEXAS FLOOD • FRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY RANIOLO • THE JOST PROJECT: TONY MICELI, PAUL JOST, KEVIN MACCONNELL, ANWAR MARSHALL • ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD FEATURING DEVON ALLMAN, CYRILL NEVILLE, CHARLIE WOOTEN, YONRICO SCOTT, BART WALKER • JAMES HUNTER SIX • MIKEY JUNIOR BAND • ANDREW NEU WITH CAROL RIDDICK, DAVID P STEVENS • DANCE HALL DOCS FEATURING BRENT CARTER • THE UPTOWN BAND FEATURING ERICH CAWALLA & JENIFER KINDER GREG HATZA & TIM PRICE ORGAN QUARTET • PAT TRAVERS BAND • CRAIG THATCHER BAND • THE ORIGINAL GROOVEMASTERS • REGGIE BROWN AND BUNCH A FUNK THE ROYAL SCAM • DJANGOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: JOSH TAYLOR,CHRIS HESLOP, BILL NIXON, MICHAEL NIKOLIDAKIS, TREY LARUE • SAX SUMMIT: NATHAN BELLOTT, SETH EBERSOLE, ANDY MOHLER, GREG WILSON • RANDY HANSEN • CELEBRATE SINATRA: LOU DOTTOLI AND THE SOUNDS OF SUNNYBROOK DANCE BAND • U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS AND MORE!*
berksjazzfest.com * LINEUP AS OF 11/26/14. SUBJECT TO CHANGE
PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST
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We’ve been around the block more than a few times... and we never left the neighborhood. We chose MileStone Bank. John Spier, President & CEO Former Co-founder, President and CEO of FirstService Bank and President and CEO of Buck County Bank and Trust.
Don Worthington, Chairman Former Co-founder and board member of FirstService Bank and CEO, President and Chairman of National Penn Wealth Management.
Kelley Cwiklinski, Executive VP/Chief Lending Officer Former Senior VP of Commercial Lending at Team Capital Bank.
Patricia A. Markel-Mulligan, Sr. Banking Executive Former Regional President of Team Capital Bank and Senior VP at FirstService Bank.
Linda J. Bishop, Executive VP/Market Planning Former Senior VP of Sales and Marketing and Retail Banking at Univest Bank.
Together we make a promise, a pledge and a covenant to help you achieve financial success now and in the future.
MileStone Bank
1980 South Easton Road • Doylestown, PA 18901 • 866.672.2655 www.milestonebank.com