New Matter

CCBA Officers

Brian L. Nagle, President

Donald B. Lynn Jr., Vice President

James Doyle, Treasure

Catherine H. Voit, Secretary

New Matter Committee

Maria Janoski, Editor

Rami Bishay

Mark Blank, Jr.

Charles T. DeTulleo

Shannon McDonald

John McKenna

Mary Wade Myers

Sara Planthaber

Karyn L. Seace

Bill Wilson

CCBA Staff

Greg Nardi Executive Director

Melissa Willson Communications, Events, and Marketing Manager

The Chester County Bar Association’s quarterly publication, New Matter, has been provided to Bar Association members for four decades. A valuable aspect of CCBA’s membership, New Matter aims to provide our members with information pertaining to current issues facing the practice of law, historic legal issues, continuing legal education opportunities, Chester County Bar Association activities, programs, meetings, functions, practice tips, procedures for attorneys, and items of personal interest to our membership.

The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific legal or other advice or recommendations for any individuals. The placement of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement by the Chester County Bar Association.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the expressed written permission of the publisher or editor.

FIND

Brian L. Nagle, Esquire President Chester County Bar Association

Dear Esteemed Members of the Chester County Bar Association,

As we reach the mid-year mark, it is with great pride and gratitude that I must reflect on the exceptional support and camaraderie displayed within the CCBA and our legal community. Your unwavering commitment to one another, the legal profession, and Chester County has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and orchestrated numerous successful events that have further strengthened our bond.

One of the standout events this year was the Spring Bench Bar Conference, where our Bench, members, and other legal professionals came together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and foster meaningful connections. The enthusiasm and passion exhibited by all attendees was truly inspiring. It’s great to run into one another throughout the low-key but engaging event.

The support that our membership and the community provided to the Foundation at this year’s CCBF Key Gala was outstanding. This year’s live auction set in the newly renovated ballroom of the Downingtown Country Club was particularly impressive in terms of the amount we raised to support the grant programs that benefit our community. Many thanks to Michelle Bernardo-Rudy, the Board of the Directors of the CCBF, and the Key Gala Committee for making this year’s event particularly special.

Another memorable event that showcased our strong sense of community was the Bar Sail in Annapolis. It provided a refreshing and relaxing opportunity for members to unwind and strengthen relationships beyond the confines of the courtroom. These interactions outside the professional sphere are integral to fostering a supportive environment where members can thrive both personally and professionally. Please encourage our younger members to participate in this great event –calling all young captains for next year!

The beginning of the summer was marked by our first ever CCBA Job Fair, held in our lower level on June 8, 2023. We had at least 25 legal and paralegal job candidates who visited about 13 different employer tables. It was thrilling to see employer and potential employee boots on the ground in West Chester. Tables were hosted by law firms, large and small and everything in between. One potential employee, and quite a good prospect, drove from 2 hours away to be there. I received a lot of positive feedback from members, and we learned a few things to implement for next year. I hope this event can be a resource for our membership and jobseekers for years to come. From chatting with members that day, and learning from members at our managing partners breakfast, it’s clear that we all face challenges finding and retaining talent. My goal is to see our Association offer a platform and some opportunities to help in the effort.

Just before the Job Fair, CCBA Family Movie Night was well attended with a picnic in the early evening, followed by a large screen showing of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Malvern Memorial Cabin was the perfect spot for this fun summer event. Meanwhile, after lots of hard work running the Mock Trial Competition, the YLD is continuing with its recent pace of events, including happy hours, and meetings that are so well attended, they had to move to a larger room! I’m looking forward to co-captaining the newly named “ELD” division (Experienced Law Division) with former CCBA President John Fiorello. The YLD will have their hands full with this not-so-old group!

The Bylaws Committee and the Board of Directors are working hard and meeting regularly now to formulate a sensible CCBA Bylaws change to improve our judicial plebiscite. I think the membership will be pleased with the proposal that will be circulated in advance of our annual meeting and proposed at the annual meeting in accordance with our Bylaws.

Finally, while there are really too many exciting happenings to report on all of them here, I want to extend a special thanks to our Federal Court Section and especially its Chair Lou Kupperman as well as our Executive Director Greg Nardi and our staff for their work to plan the first Induction Ceremony and Reception for the members of the Bench of The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Seven members of our Federal Bench attended, together with numerous members of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, Row Officers, County Commissioners, State Representative and other dignitaries along with a strong showing from our membership. About 10 young lawyers were moved for admission into the Eastern District Court by District Attorney Deb Ryan, Member Eric Brown and Mr. Kupperman. The Honorable Mark A. Kearney presided, and His Honor delivered a rousing address, including an incredible story about George Washington and some wise words that our members all took to heart about each of our roles and duty to respect and defend our independent Judiciary. The energy and momentum of the event, I know, was an inspiration to all who attended.

The Fall Bench Bar Conference promises to be another enlightening occasion, where we shall continue our tradition of knowledge sharing and collaboration. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is a beautiful location that has a lot to offer the attendees. The conference has always been a highlight of the year and this year promises to continue that tradition. I very much look forward to seeing you all there as we wind down summer on the Chesapeake!