SIDEBAR Fall/Winter 2025

Rights Journey

Building Momentum: How the “Women in the Law Networking Night” Became a Must-Attend Event

Closing Arguments on 2025: A Year in Photos

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Serving the Profession and the Community since 1885

2025 OFFICERS

Seth Wilson, Esq. – President

Colin O’Boyle, Esq. – President-Elect

Hon. Joseph Walsh – Vice President

Mary Kay Kelm, Esq. – Treasurer

Lauren Hughes, Esq. – Secretary

Lisa Shearman, Esq. – Immediate Past President

SIDEBAR COMMITTEE

Chairs

Gregory Gilston, Esq.

Franqui-Ann J. Raffaele, Esq.

Jules Mermelstein, Esq.

MBA STAFF

Denise S. Vicario, Esq., Executive Director

Hazel Bergquist, Accounting Manager

Jessica Deazle, Lawyer Referral Service and Front Office Coordinator

Jessica Gambone, Montgomery County Law Reporter Desktop Publisher

Jim Mathias, Director of Marketing, Development, and Public Affairs

Sherry Mathias, CLE Coordinator

Joe Schiele, Facilities

Sherry Sutton, Membership Coordinator

Megan Ware, Communications and Event Coordinator

Sandy Whittington, Accounting

The SIDEBAR Committee invites articles and news information of interest. Please send content to: MBA, c/o SIDEBAR Committee, P.O. Box 268, Norristown, PA 19404-0268 or email: sidebar@montgomerybar.org

Incoming President’s Message

Montgomery Bar Foundation President’s Message 11 Technology, Esq.: Choosing the Right Tech Stack for Your Law Firm’s Operations

12 Lobster Cutlets and Potage Jenny Lind: A Look Back in Time Through Our Association’s Archives. PART 1

14 Updates from Montgomery County Family Court

16 Wellness Tips from the Wellness Committee

18 A Word from USI Affinity

19 Civil Rights Journey

22 Building Momentum: How the “Women in the Law Networking Night” Became a Must-Attend Event

24 Closing Arguments for 2025: A Year in Photos

27 Words of Wisdom

28 Making Better Fiduciary Appointments

30 A Toast to Civility

31 MCAP Happenings

32 Pro Bono Highlight: Norristown Hospitality Center Interview with Sara Pinto, Development and Operations Coordinator

33 Making a Difference Locally! Thank You to Pro Bono Volunteers + Opportunities to Get Started with Pro Bono Service in Montgomery County

35 Book Review: Envious Justice by Dennis Carstens

Restaurant Review: Manorah

Movie Review: Juror #2

WIRETAPS Member News

Upcoming Events

The SIDEBAR Committee reserves the right to edit any material submitted and/or to omit the same from publication. Most articles are written by members for members. SIDEBAR Magazine is published by Hoffmann

OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE UPDATES & INSIGHTS

Seth D. Wilson, Esq.

Montgomery Bar Association 2025 President

BUSINESS HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

ADDRESS:

100 West Airy Street

P.O. Box 268

Norristown, PA 19401

PHONE AND FAX:

Phone: 610-279-9660

Fax: 610-279-4321 & 610-279-4846

There is no better time for reflection than the end of the year. Looking back at 2025, I am filled with gratitude at the opportunity to have served as President of the Montgomery Bar Association. This past year has proven to me that the MBA is an even better, more cohesive, and essential organization than I previously understood. In an age when many associations are struggling, our MBA is thriving, and our membership should be proud of our MBA and what we accomplished in 2025.

This year our MBA excelled at doing what we do best. We hosted our committees and sections for meetings, receptions, lunch-and-learns, and more than 50 CLEs, all of which served to enhance the practice of law in Montgomery County. Our Lawyer Referral Service continued an upward trend of growth and impact in our community, connecting those in need with able lawyers ready to provide zealous representation. Our lawyers donated their most precious commodity—time—and engaged in hundreds of hours of pro bono service for Montgomery County citizens. Our autonomous Judiciary Committee vetted and recommended candidates for new judicial seats as well as the retention of existing judges. And in November, we honored more than twenty 50-year members for their five decades of tremendous service to our MBA.

2025 also brought new events that broadened our impact and enhanced our member experience. Seasoned attorneys joined newly admitted attorneys in (re)affirming our attorney oath at Law Day in historic Courtroom A. We had a beautiful garden party at the Morris Arboretum where we literally took time to smell the roses and enjoy one another’s company. We traveled to the Deep South for a transformative Civil Rights Journey, which included services at the iconic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, visits to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, and a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. And in September, we traveled to Lake George for an unforgettable weekend at The Sagamore where we were joined by 15 plus current and former judges of our esteemed Court of Common Pleas, as well as the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Perhaps the MBA’s most impactful work in 2025 centered on our community outreach efforts, highlighted by the rollout of our college-level civics programs. As lawyers and judges we are uniquely positioned to teach our constitutional framework to residents of Montgomery County and explain the importance of the rule of law, civil liberties, and the proper way to settle disputes. At a time when public struggles with civic discourse across our nation are a daily media topic, our MBA met the moment and directly engaged college students and other members of our community. Panels of attorneys and judges presented multiple seminars at Gwynedd Mercy University, Montgomery County Community College, Penn State Abington, and community centers. Our civics program has reinforced our commitment to education and outreach. I am hopeful that our association continues this grassroots work in years to come.

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MONTGOMERY BAR ASSOCIATION

ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY AND ETHICS MATTERS

James C. Schwartzman, Esq.

• Judge, Court of Judicial Discipline

• Former Chairman, Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania

• Former Chairman, Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

• Former Chairman, Continuing Legal Education Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

• Former Chairman, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 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 2022 and 2015 Philadelphia “Lawyer of the Year” Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law and Legal Malpractice Law

1500 Market Street, East Tower, Suite 1800 • Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 751-2863

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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Our civics program was made possible by one of the most vital strengths of our MBA: the longstanding, symbiotic relationship between our Bench and Bar. We are very fortunate to have a Bench that values our association. In turn, our MBA provides a forum where lawyers and judges maintain a collegial relationship that ultimately benefits the public interest. Our extraordinary President Judge Carolyn Carluccio was the driving force behind taking our civics initiative to colleges and universities. Our MBA then fostered the collaboration between the Bench and Bar that was necessary to allow this program to succeed in 2025. As President, it has been abundantly clear to me that the MBA fosters consistent collaboration between lawyers and judges, which enriches our programs, elevates our standards, and strengthens public confidence in the justice

All of our events this year have taught me that collectively, our MBA has built a community full of purpose and meaning. It is so ingrained in our DNA that sometimes we take it for granted. At our Bench Bar Conference, our speaker—the extraordinary Dr. Stuart Harris—and his wife noted how impressed they were with the collegiality of our association. They were also in awe of and inspired by all of the good work that lawyers and judges do every day, highlighted by the various treatment courts that were outlined by President Judge Carluccio during the State of the Judiciary. We should not forget that we are part of a noble profession and that our MBA plays a key role in programs that benefit the community.

I would be remiss if I did not commend our leaders on their considerable efforts in 2025. Our Board was engaged and full of vision and initiatives to better our mission. The Officers were incredibly supportive, innovative, and steadfast in their commitment to the MBA. I truly thank them for their reliable counsel and friendship. Rest assured, the MBA is in very good hands moving forward. Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to our Executive Director Denise Vicario and her extraordinary staff who are the unsung heroes of the MBA. We have been so fortunate to have Denise lead and manage the MBA for the last 5 years. She is, bar none, the best bar association executive in our Commonwealth!

The MBA will have another successful year in 2026! Incoming President Colin O’Boyle is more than up for the challenge. He will bring knowledge, diplomacy, a strong work ethic, and so much more that will inevitably make our MBA even stronger. I look forward to watching our MBA continue to thrive under Colin and the leaders who will follow. All the best to you in 2026!

Colin J. O’Boyle, Esq. Montgomery Bar Association 2026 President

This upcoming year we will celebrate our Country’s 250th Birthday—its Semiquincentennial. Throughout this year, we will work hard and play hard— celebrating the present, planning for the future, and making extra efforts to honor our history and our Country’s wellearned birthday.

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EVERYONE LOVES

A BIRTHDAY PARTY!!

History is something our Bar Association knows well. We were formally established in 1885, the same year the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor, the Washington Monument was dedicated, and Mark Twain first published in America his Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Like these great works, more than 140 years later, our Bar Association endures and remains as important as ever.

It was famously written (and perhaps more famously sung) that “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” ~ Seneca.

As I prepare to “begin” my service as MBA President, I am mindful that our Bar Association’s long success is not happenstance but the result of the many successful “beginnings” of our predecessors—past officers, leaders of committees and sections, and the working members of our Association—who have driven tirelessly with the support of MBA staff and the Court to promote professional excellence, facilitate access to justice, and protect the integrity of the legal system.

I want to express a special thank you and recognition to our Outgoing President Seth Wilson. As his year comes to an end, there is no doubt that our Bar Association is

better and stronger for his service. The billboard in Annapolis that heralded in his year was prescient, as he helped guide our Bar Association through a year of legal and political challenges that kept us rooted to our Mission. Thank you!

We look forward this year to continuing and/or expanding upon the great work of our predecessors, including advancing civics education; supporting pro se litigants through programs like HOPS and the formal launch of the LINCS; supporting our members through CLE programs, networking events, wellness initiatives, and member benefits; supporting newer lawyers and future lawyers through our Leadership Academy and Robert E. Slota Jr. Diversity, Intern & Development Program; and working with our Foundation and community members to support access to justice.

We also look forward to some new adventures and to the revival of some past programs and events. Be sure to check out the MBA 2026 Calendar throughout the year. To highlight just a few events: look to dust off your formal wear in April for our Dinner Dance (April 24); pack your best vest for viewing fall foliage at our Bench Bar Conference at Skytop in the Poconos (September 24-27); and be ready to come to the George Washington Chapel in Valley Forge for the Ecumenical Blessing of the Court service (October 1).

I hope to see you all over the course of this year and to stay with you until the closing time of each event!!

UPDATES & INSIGHTS

WHAT DOES ACCESS TO JUSTICE MEAN?

By Jacqueline M. Reynolds, Esq., Montgomery Bar Foundation President

The Montgomery Bar Foundation’s mission is to improve, facilitate and support justice and fair treatment for all. The phrase “Access to Justice” is used a lot when we talk about our MBF mission. We ask our Bar and Community Members to become Fellows and help grow our grant fund in order to provide greater access to justice. We explain that our goal is to increase the number of grants given to non-profit organizations each year, as well as increase the amount of each grant. The purpose of the grants is to provide non-profit organizations with additional funding to provide a greater number of Montgomery County citizens with the ability to access justice. But what is “access to justice”? Why is there a need to provide “greater access to justice”? What is it exactly, and why are we asking you to become part of our MBF mission?

Access to justice is a fundamental pillar of a fair, functioning democracy. It ensures that every person, regardless of income, background, or social status, can exercise their rights, resolve disputes, and protect their well-being through the legal system. And yet, for many Montgomery County citizens, justice remains out of reach due to barriers such as cost, complexity, and lack of legal knowledge. These barriers prevent those in need from getting necessary legal help. This justice gap disproportionately affects low-income and underrepresented individuals, immigrants, and vulnerable

populations. And it is happening every day across the County.

Criminal defendants have the right to an attorney, but there is no guaranteed legal representation in most civil cases, where issues like housing, employment, and healthcare are at stake. These civil legal issues often involve basic human needs—protection from domestic violence, preventing unlawful eviction, gaining custody of a child, immigration services or accessing benefits like healthcare and unemployment. When people cannot access legal advice and/ or representation, the effects can be devastating: homelessness, poverty, family separation and cycles of disadvantage that span generations.

Access to justice means more than just having a lawyer. It includes legal education, translation services, court navigators, and access to self-help tools. It means removing systemic barriers that keep people from understanding or asserting their rights in the first place. Non-profit organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to those who need it most. Unfortunately, non-profit organizations are often underfunded and overwhelmed by demand. They often need to rely heavily on public support —through donations, grants, and pro bono work— to continue their mission.

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The MBF needs you! There is a saying that “charity begins at home.” Some interpret “home” as one’s own family; others interpret “home” as the neighborhood in which they live. I suggest to you that in today’s technologically advanced world, our “home” is our County.

This year, the MBF received 15 grant applications from non-profit organizations across the County. These non-profit organizations provide a number of services to our fellow citizens which range from providing counsel to children who have been abused and/or neglected, to women who are struggling to find a path out of an abusive relationship, to seniors who have been targeted based on their age and isolation. The non-profit organizations seek to provide services for approximately 18,000 Montgomery County citizens. The fact that these non-profit organizations intend to use the MBF grant money they receive to help 18,000 citizens is incredible. It is 18,000 individuals who would have no access to justice but for the MBF’s grant program.

However, with the knowledge that there are approximately 879,000 people living in Montgomery County comes the urgency that we need to do more. The MBF grants help provide 2% of the citizens of Montgomery County much-needed services. Just think about how many more citizens we could help if each MBA member donated to the MBF this year. How many more children will have their rights protected and their voices heard? How many more women will take the path that leads to safety and security for themselves and their children? How many more seniors will recover their savings after being the subject of a scam?

The mission is not a platitude; it is a goal that we should publicize and encourage others to adopt. It is a goal that, together, we should strive for and reach. The MBF, through your generosity, will help to ensure that everyone in Montgomery County who does not have access to justice will receive the support they need.

UPDATES & INSIGHTS

TECHNOLOGY, ESQ.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TECH STACK FOR YOUR LAW FIRM’S OPERATIONS

By Gregory Gilston, Esq.

Exploring the Ethical Conundrum

Not too long ago, spending six hours in the law library researching a single issue and billing your client for that time was standard practice. Today, it could arguably border on malpractice since there are more efficient and effective legal research tools available to legal practitioners. The landscape of legal technology has changed the expectations of our clients, the optimization rates of our lawyers, and the value of law firms themselves.

Technology is no longer a luxury add-on—it is the backbone of modern law practice. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a midsize firm, your “tech stack” (the collection of software and digital tools you use to run your practice) determines more than just your billable hours. It defines how you attract clients, manage cases, deliver quality work, and ensure the long-term viability of your legal practice.

Why It’s Hard to Catch Up

Lawyers are notoriously busy. Between hearings, client calls, and the never-ending inbox, it can feel impossible to step away and rethink how your firm operates. Many attorneys know their systems are outdated but fear the downtime of moving into the 21st century. That hesitation is understandable—but it comes at a cost.

Every hour spent wrestling with outdated processes is an hour lost to client service or business development. Worse, it’s an hour that competitors—who have embraced modern systems—are using to deliver faster, better, and often more affordable services.

The Case for the Right Tech Stack

Adopting technology for its own sake isn’t the answer. The real value comes from choosing the right tools that fit seamlessly together. Think of it like building a house: your case management software is the foundation, your billing platform is the plumbing, your communication tools are

the wiring, and your research databases are the insulation. When those systems align, everything works smoothly.

A thoughtful tech stack can:

• Improve work quality: Automated document assembly, AI-powered legal research, and digital trial preparation reduce errors and raise the bar of professionalism.

• Expand client prospects: Online intake, digital marketing analytics, and client portals give firms the reach and responsiveness that modern clients expect.

• Increase firm value: A practice that runs on integrated systems is not just easier to manage today; it’s also more attractive to potential partners, associates, or even buyers tomorrow.

From Theory to Practice

Building the right tech stack is not a one-size-fitsall process. A family law practice may prioritize secure client communication and financial management tools, while a litigation boutique may focus on e-discovery and trial presentation platforms. The key is not just adopting technology but adopting technology strategically

Yes, the learning curve is real. Yes, it takes time to train yourself and your staff. But the payoff is undeniable. Firms that make the investment see dividends in efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.

Buying In

There’s a growing recognition that law firms don’t need to figure this out alone. Consultants, advisors, and peer networks are helping lawyers build customized technology stacks that match their practice areas and growth goals. The bottom line is simple: the question is no longer whether your firm should modernize—it’s whether you can afford not to.

LOBSTER CUTLETS AND POTAGE JENNY LIND: A LOOK BACK IN TIME THROUGH OUR ASSOCIATION’S ARCHIVES. PART 1

By Mark D. Turetsky, Esq., Historical Committee Co-Chair

A few years ago, the Bar Association Historical Committee retained the services of an archivist to preserve, organize and catalog our archives. For many years, our archives were a scattered collection of records, photographs and correspondence left to molder in a damp, dirt floor basement in a row house on Cherry Street in Norristown. The materials, some dating back to the 1880s, are now meticulously organized and safely stored in the Bar Building.

A visit to the archives is an eye-opening experience. The documents, records and photographs, which were never intended to be preserved for posterity, offer a portrait of what it must have been like to be a member of our Association during the first decades of the 20th century. In their own way, they are the best evidence of the history of the Association.

The archives are a browser’s delight. Among the papers and documents, particularly those dating from the time of McKinley, are menus and programs from dinners and banquets, song sheets, and itemized bills from tradesmen as well as correspondence to and from members. These items, possibly saved from a waste basket by either sloth or luck, tell a remarkable story.

The menus, for example, reveal our members’ culinary tastes and dining habits of times past and the programs shed light on then-current events and honors bestowed on prominent but now forgotten members of our legal community. The bills and correspondence not only provide a glimpse of the business and social activities of the Association but also reveal the long-ago price of a bottle of whiskey or a box of Havana cigars.

These mundane documents, when viewed with a certain amount of imagination, enable us to reconstruct a picture of the past that is often missing from the usual narrative of historical records.

It’s evident that the social aspects of our Association were an important auxiliary feature of our organization. For example, at the very first meeting of the Association in January 1886 it was suggested by an eponymous named attorney, Montgomery Evans, that “the association have a supper.” His motion was seconded and approved. Immediately thereafter having wine served at the supper

was discussed. The question was promptly voted in the affirmative by such a rousing cascade of voices a counting of hands was not required. Among our members, the archives clearly show that the “wets” always outnumbered the “drys.” They probably still do.

After the crumbs were swept from the banquet tables, it is remarkable that the records for many of these events survive in pristine condition.

These materials, while quaint, are relatable enough to cause a ripple of recognition when we recall our own experiences of the social aspects of our bar membership.

The surviving menus from these events show that food and drink, the more lavish and exotic the better, played an important part of Association gatherings. Some of the menu selections are perplexing and have no equivalent to menu items considered haute cuisine today.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, luxurious banquet foods represented a display of wealth, power, and cosmopolitan sophistication. These banquets often featured a multi-course French-inspired service, with each course showcasing expensive and difficult to obtain ingredients and labor-intensive preparations. Our vintage menus from the early 20th century highlight such French specialties and gustatory oddities as lobster cutlets, potage Jenny Lind, tomato Norfolk and bombe aux marrons. These were washed down with Mumm Champagne and Apollinaris water from Germany.

In researching this article, I was unable to find out exactly what a lobster cutlet is. I know my cutlets, and I can only imagine how large the crustaceans had to be to yield cutlets. Wikipedia supplies the answer to the mystery of potage Jenny Lind. Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” was a world-renowned opera singer in the mid-19th century who evidently inspired more than a few culinary creations bearing her name. The dish is made of mashed rutabaga, chicken stock, egg yolks, and heavy cream topped with beaten egg whites. Jenny Lind favored this disgusting mess to keep her throat and voice in top form. Why anyone would eat this mélange, let alone brag about it on a menu, is puzzling. As for Jenny Lind, someone should have told her about the Smith Brothers.

Curiously, celery holds a special place of honor on these menus because in the early 20th century celery was a symbol of wealth, status and sophistication. While I presume celery was obtainable in Norristown, our Association members favored the celery offered at Philadelphia venues such as the Hotel Vendig, the Hotel Lafayette, the Continental Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Bellevue-Stratford. Many of these venues are long gone but a few are still with us. Very rarely do Norristown establishments appear in the files other than invoices from job printers (The Times Herald was one), liquor dealers, cigar stores, stationers, and florists.

Not all affairs were happy ones. And it goes without saying that in the old days there was some risk in what you ate and where you ate it. Such was the ill-fated dinner held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on June 7, 1923. It isn’t the menu or the program from that dinner that tells the story but rather an exchange of letters to and from William Dannehower Sr., the Association Secretary, and the RitzCarlton’s general manager.

In short, all was not right in the Ritz-Carlton kitchen, and the Association suffered a collective belly ache. In Mr. Dannehower’s letter enclosing the association’s payment for the dinner, he mentions in passing, “I am sorry to report dissatisfaction of guests to one of the courses, and that a few of them suffered from consequent illness.” It reads rather mild when one considers what a letter written today—especially by a lawyer—to a hotel complaining

about a food poisoning incident would sound like. It is also a testament to the post offices’ efficiency in 1923 that Mr. Dannehower’s letter dated June 20 was received at the Ritz Carlton the next day as the hotel’s prompt response is dated June 21. This is even more remarkable as the postage for a domestic letter in 1923 was two cents.

The general manager’s effusive and unctuous reply is as remarkable as Dannehower’s rather blasé turn of phrase “suffered from consequent illness.” There is no mention in the manager’s letter of “we’ll turn it over to our insurers” or “it had to be something else” or “we can’t comment.” The general manager, after prostrating himself, fessed up and admitted the chef left the stuffing out too long and offered a refund of the cost of the meal to the afflicted diners. Unfortunately, I could find nothing in the archives to determine if the offer was accepted or of the plight of the sickened lawyers. We certainly wish them well.

Our archives are certainly not a mirror image of our Association as we know it today. Moreover, the archival material hardly leads us to embrace the lines of the old poem, “Backward, turn backward O time in your flight.” Suffice to say our archives are a valuable, important and entertaining resource as they show, in the clearest possible way, where we have been and the path to where we are today.

It was a very interesting journey and one that will continue in Part II of this article appearing in the next Sidebar.

UPDATES & INSIGHTS

CGAL Program Is Soaring

UPDATES FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAMILY COURT

By Lydia S. Terrill, Esq.

In our Fall 2024 issue, we reported on the kickoff of the new Guardian ad Litem Program, a first-of-its-kind pilot program spearheaded by Family Court Administrative Judge Dan Clifford.

The program provides funding for Family Court Judges to appoint a Court Guardian ad Litem (CGAL) in lowincome, or no-income, child custody cases. The role of the CGAL is to assist the Court with obtaining information necessary to analyze the 11 custody factors required to be addressed by Judges as part of every child custody case. The CGAL interviews both parents, and the child(ren), and submits information about the child’s education, medical and emotional health in a written report to the Judge.

Since the launch of the program last year, there have been approximately 20 CGAL appointments with reimbursement comparable to GAL’s in other Court Divisions.

The MBA Family Law Section recently conducted a second CGAL Training presented by Christina DeMatteo, Esquire, Liz Early, Esquire, Sharon Hofer, Esquire, and Maria Testa, Esquire. Attorneys interested in joining the CGAL program can still apply, even if they missed the training, and should check the Montgomery County Court website for the application process.

New Equitable Distribution Rule

On May 19, 2025, new Montgomery County Rules of Civil Procedure regarding equitable distribution went into effect as a result of a collaborative effort of the Family Court and the Bar.

The new Rule essentially offers a new optional procedure whereby a party is enabled to move the Court to schedule an equitable distribution settlement conference with a Hearing Officer prior to the establishment of grounds for divorce. “The bottom line is that litigants can

get their “engine started” sooner than later,” Judge Clifford stated.

The new Rule goes hand-in-hand with the already existing Family Judge’s Case Management system put in place three years ago by Judge Clifford. “The combination of our existing Case Management System, that the Judges are all doing, and now our new Rule, places Montgomery County at the forefront of moving divorce cases. There is no other county in Pennsylvania that provides much needed closure to families in a more expeditious process than Montgomery County,” Judge Cliford commented.

A check with Lynn Snyder, Equitable Distribution Hearing Officer, confirmed that “Just in the past few months, since the Rule has been in place, we have seen a noticeable uptick in the number of requests to be listed for settlement conferences.”

Cheryl Leslie, Family Court Administrator, points out that a grounds order will still be required prior to the scheduling of a record hearing and/or finalization of divorce by submission of a property settlement agreement.

Practitioners are encouraged to closely review the new Rule, which include Local Rule of Civil Procedure 1920.54(d), and Amendment to Local Rules of Civil Procedure 1920.51(f), 1920.73(c), and 4019.1.

Domestic Relations Veterans Treatment Court

Veterans Treatment Court, a program administered through Adult Probation and presided over by Judge Todd Eisenberg, assists veterans in the criminal Court system with providing direct access to VA support services.

After several child support enforcement proceedings involving Veterans as defendants, Judge Clifford was inspired to provide a similar service to Family Court. “These folks present as having PTSD from their military service along with lack of housing, lack of employment and

lack of therapy services. It just seemed to me that these parents, some of whom may face incarceration for the nonpayment of child support, should have the same chance to have access to Veteran’s services as do criminal defendants,” Clifford stated.

The result has been a collaborative program with Domestic Relations, Adult Probation and Judge Eisenberg. Going forward, a Veteran who has fallen behind on their support obligation may be recommended by DRO to participate in the Veterans Treatment Program. If so, that individual will work with a VA social worker to set up a treatment plan to provide services, with the underlying goal of getting that individual in a position to be able to meet his or her support obligations. This may include assistance with determining eligibility for VA disability benefits, or increased benefits, assistance with addiction or mental health issues, and assistance with housing.

The benefits of this program are both to the individual, who may be at a loss to accessing VA services, but also to their child. “The ultimate goal in support court is to collect support for the child, not incarceration. I observed Judge Eisenberg in Veteran’s Court, and he has an excellent rapport and approach in addition to the access to VA services we do not have [in Family Court],” Clifford said.

Clifford praised the collaborative effort by all involved. “The first participant we referred to Veterans Court appeared before me on a list with 25 other cases with no job, no housing and a need for PTSD therapy. I found out later that he had been awarded a Purple Heart in service to our country—I had no idea of this as he was too proud to tell me that. But, within a matter of a few sessions, Judge Eisenberg has been able to help him navigate the resources of the complicated VA system,” said Clifford.

For his part, Judge Eisenberg observed that “We have the capacity to assist Family Court to help Veterans who are struggling to get back on their feet. We are using the same model we use for other participants. Every week, the Veteran will appear in Court and update me on what progress they have made—in addition to making sure they get the treatment they need from the VA.”

Honoring Missy Boyd

Continuing a tradition started twenty years ago, the Family Law Section was proud to honor Melissa (Missy) Boyd, a founding partner of Boyd & Early Family Law, Blue Bell, at its October meeting.

Missy was recognized for her service as Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section for the 2024-2025 term.

Missy joined the ranks of 11 other Montgomery Countybased family lawyers who have served as Chair going back nearly 50 years to 1978. As part of the presentation, prior Chairs were invited to present a one-minute “hot tip” on a family law topic.

Missy’s name was also added to a plaque that is displayed at the MBA Building and honors the prior PBA FLS Chairs, some of whom are pictured here.

Noting the presence of three attorneys in the audience that will be PBA FLS Chairs in future years and drawing reference to the fact that all 12 spaces on the plaque had now been filled, Judge Clifford joked that “We’re going to need a bigger plaque. And that’s a really good thing for Montgomery County.”

UPDATES & INSIGHTS

On August 27, 2025, the Wellness Committee sponsored a CLE on “Wellness Do’s and Don’ts,” with Jonathan M. Dunitz, Esq., Immediate past President of the Maine State Bar Association, and Juli Pierce, Esq., immediate past President of the Montana Bar Association, which I hosted. Jonathan is Counsel with Verrill Dana, in Portland, Maine where he practices in the areas of energy, telecommunications and natural resources, litigation and insurance coverage. Juli practices with her husband in Billings, Montana where she focuses in criminal defense and family law.

Attorney wellbeing is addressed in Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1, which requires a lawyer to provide competent representation to a client. Past ABA President Bob Carlson first emphasized the importance of wellness in 2018 and now many bar associations, including the Montgomery Bar, have created wellness committees.

Lawyers were urged to remember what makes you happy, brings joy and relaxation. The program gave ideas on how to set boundaries on work hours, when to schedule meetings with clients, and delegating tasks

WELLNESS TIPS FROM THE WELLNESS COMMITTEE

By Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Esq., Wellness Committee Chair

when possible. Lawyers should avoid isolating themselves and reach out to others, create safe spaces with friends at bar associations, and attend networking opportunities. There was also discussion of having non-alcohol alternatives at functions.

Jonathan is passionate about wellness and stated that avoiding stigmatizing wellness is important. Jonathan talked about his personal journey and how he was able to seek help when he needed it. Jonathan stated that if you are feeling depressed or have a substance abuse issue, do not stigmatize yourself and promptly seek help. He also stated that you should not stigmatize anyone with any health issues, both your colleagues or friends, and encourage them to get the assistance they need.

Jonathan feels it’s important that we talk about our mental health and

take time to take care of ourselves. As part of Jonathan’s recovery from depression, he returned to some of the hobbies he enjoyed, like photography, music, and cooking. What makes you happy will help keep you out of the lows. He stated that lawyers can live with depression, move forward and be successful lawyers.

In addition to engaging in hobbies he is passionate about, Jonathan tries to find ways to reduce stress, like hitting golf balls at the driving range until his stress is gone. Juli spoke about dance and music helping her to reduce stress. “Take breaks,” said Jonathan, as it is not healthy to sit for 8 hours a stretch. Take a walk down the hall to another lawyer’s office.

The panel covered how getting enough sleep is important for concentration and overall health. Making sure to have healthy snacks and being properly hydrated is essential. Jonathan avoids too much coffee and always carries a large bottle of water.

Setting boundaries and delegating work reduces stress. Kathleen recommended handling the most difficult tasks first thing each day, scheduling work assignments, add

to your calendar when you will leave the office, and making sure you attend bar events or complete personal tasks. She explained that you can always do additional work later in the day.

Juli discussed how we have to learn to say “no” when we feel overwhelmed, to avoid having work that interferes with your personal life. She also recommended scheduling items that are not law related.

Jonathan and Juli discussed how to create a purpose-driven practice, which aligns your professional life with personal values and purpose to improve overall wellbeing and career satisfaction, while building emotional wellness and resilience. The program emphasized that attorneys should be conscious of how work/life balance and work interactions impact others, as well as practicing with civility and professionalism.

The panelists also focused on using practice time management tools and technology to stay organized and reduce stress. Jonathan and Juli emphasized work/life balance, including carving out time to do things that make you happy.

Juli discussed that most states, including Pennsylvania, Maine and Montana, have Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Programs where a lawyer can confidentially seek help from experienced counselors. Law firms can also offer Employee Assistance Programs that offer

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mental health support.

There was also discussion of the important role of bar associations in spreading the word about the availability and benefits of meditation, having a wellness committee, holding wellness programs, and offering walks, all of which have been taking place at the Montgomery Bar. Addressing attorney wellness is a professional obligation based on our core values of professionalism, civility and service.

Technological integration in employee benefits management is crucial for enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. By leveraging digital platforms, employers can streamline the administration of benefits, allowing employees to easily access and manage their benefits information, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. This integration supports real-time updates, reduces administrative errors, and provides a seamless experience for both HR departments and employees.

However, with the increased reliance on digital systems comes

TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION AND DATA SECURITY IN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

a heightened need for robust data security measures. Employee benefits platforms often handle sensitive personal and financial information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A breach can lead to significant consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and a loss of trust among employees. For employers, a data breach can result in legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and damage to the company’s reputation.

As a result, investing in advanced cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits, is essential. Ensuring data privacy and

protection not only complies with legal requirements but also fosters a secure environment that reassures employees their personal information is safe. In this way, technological integration and data security are intertwined in maintaining an efficient, effective and trustworthy benefits system.

The Montgomery Bar Association offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at montba. mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Ray Keough at (610) 684-6932.

CIVIL RIGHTS JOURNEY

By Laurie Jubelirer, Esq.

From June 1 through June 3, 2025, a group from the Montgomery Bar Association had the special opportunity to embark on a Civil Rights Journey. Traveling from Atlanta to Montgomery and Selma to Birmingham, we were immersed in stories of the fight for racial justice and equality through the voices of the individuals who lived it, on the land they lived it.

On our first day in Atlanta, we met our phenomenal tour guide, Billy Planer, the director and founder of Etgar 36 (Etgar translates to challenge in Hebrew). He asked us a question that perfectly pinpointed the mission of my own work as an advocate for justice: “What is it that we are willing to live our lives for so when we are not here, our story will be told?”

Atlanta is the birth city of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the location of integral movements towards racial justice. We spent the morning at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, where we toured Auburn Avenue, the King Center Neighborhood and the tombs of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to attend a service at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the same location where King’s father and grandfather had once preached. We were fortunate to hear Senator Reverend Warnock, the first black Senator in Georgia, preach and lead part of the service, and learned that the civil rights movement was a faith-based movement that started in black churches. King envisioned the poor and rich living together in harmony, living by the tenant of non-violence and meeting radical hate with radical love to bring about change.

continued on next page >

CIVIL RIGHTS JOURNEY

continued from page 19

As Senator Warnock led the service, he gave a passionate sermon on the use of the word “whatever” and the utmost importance of speaking the truth and not being indifferent. The service was welcoming and rejoiceful, filled with beautiful music and soulful singing.

In Montgomery, we visited the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice, Sculpture Garden and Legacy Museum. The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) was founded by Bryan Stevenson, and the self-funded memorial, garden and museum opened in 2018. The Memorial to Peace and Justice honored the memories of men and women who were lynched between 1870 and 1950— from the time of reconstruction to the civil rights movement. The name of each victim is engraved on a steel monument, one for each county where a lynching occurred, reminding us of the violence and terror that black people endured, as well as other minorities and their allies during this shameful time in our history. Here, our guide reminded us of Rabbi Heschel’s quote: “In a free society we are not all guilty, but we are all responsible.”

The EJI Legacy Museum sits on the site of a cotton warehouse where enslaved black people were forced to labor in bondage. The museum chronicles the racial injustice in America—from slavery to Jim Crow to mass incarceration—through first-person narratives, interactive media presentations and art.

Surrounded by art and artifacts, the EJI Sculpture Garden allowed us to take a closer look at the lives of enslaved individuals. Here, we walked through authentic plantation dwellings and a train car used to traffic enslaved people, experiencing the painful story of slavery through art and sculpture.

On our second day, we stood where the Civil Rights movement began in 1955 with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, initiated by Rosa Parks’ brave refusal to move from her seat on a segregated bus. Upon visiting the Rosa Parks Museum, we experienced an interactive exhibit portraying the events of Parks’ famous refusal through holographic depictions of the bus and those on it. Following Parks’ arrest, black people organized a bus boycott, prompting a huge economic loss and leading, eventually, to integration.

That afternoon, we traveled to Selma and took a meaningful walk on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the location of part of the famous march from Selma to Montgomery. In Selma, we met 74-year-old Barbara Barge, who spoke with us about her experience as a foot soldier when she was a teenager. She heroically supported protestors who were assaulted and tear-gassed once they returned from their march.

Our last day was spent in Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama. On an eye-opening walking tour, we passed 16th Street Baptist Church, where four black girls died in a bombing in 1963, and continued walking around Freedom Park, which is located across from the church.

Following our visit to Freedom Park, we explored the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a cultural and educational research center that promotes an understanding of the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham. We enjoyed many galleries with interactive exhibits, that took us from segregation to the Montgomery Bus Boycott to protests in the 1960s to the achievements of individuals and organizations who were part of the civil rights movement.

While in Freedom Park, our group was particularly grateful to meet 91-yearold Bishop Woods, who was part of the civil rights movement from 1956 to 1963. He told us about his trip to Selma during that time and the police brutality that he and many others endured; he was part of the march across the bridge in Selma as well as a first-hand witness of the aftermath, seeing his fellow black brothers and sisters and their allies being beaten, jailed, run over, hosed and abused by the police. We were the last Etgar group to meet him before he passed away shortly afterwards. At the end of our gathering, he serenaded us with “We Shall Overcome,” “Black and White Together,” and “The Lord Will See Us Through,” words which had more meaning to us than before our journey began.

Attorney Jacquline M. Reynolds, Esq., 2025 Margaret Richardson Award Winner with Women in the Law Co-Chairs Donna Marcus, Esq., & Chelsea Dearden, Esq.

BUILDING MOMENTUM: How the “Women in the Law Networking Night” Became a Must-Attend Event

By Donna Marcus, Esq.

The Women in the Law Committee (“WIL”) held its Annual Networking Event on October 11, 2025, at the Flourtown Country Club. The evening was filled with conversation, cocktails, and light bites. Attendance at what has now become the WIL’s signature event has grown steadily through the years since it was first held in 2019.

The goal of the Networking Event is to bring together female professionals, both attorneys and non-attorneys, so they can support each other, collaborate, and maintain and create referrals. To achieve this goal, MBA members are encouraged to bring at least one female non-attorney to the event. In addition, all prior attendees are invited to the event each year, thereby allowing nonattorneys who previously attended to register on their own so MBA members can bring new non-attorney guests each year, thereby ensuring new connections are made.

The Networking Event is the brainchild of The Honorable Gail A. Weilheimer, who sought to create a way for women to support other women. Judge Weilheimer envisioned a network of women who could mutually support each other professionally. Together with then-WIL co-chairs, Lisa A. Shearman and Mary Kay Kelm, the Networking Event came to fruition in 2019, as a kick-off to

2025 Women in the Law Networking Event

the 100-year anniversary in 2020 of the ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.

The first Networking Event was held in a single banquet room at Seasons 52 in King of Prussia. It had just 53 attendees, which included approximately 25 MBA members, as well as numerous other female professional “guests” from various fields, including realtors, travel agents, and financial planners, to name a few. The Networking Event was so successful that it immediately became apparent that it must be held annually. Those who attended raved about the connections they made, both in new friendships and promising business and career opportunities. This positive momentum led to even more interest from fellow members of the MBA. After a hiatus in 2020 due to Covid, the Networking Event required a change to a larger venue beginning in 2021 due to increased attendance.

Since its inception, the Networking Event continues to grow. The most recent October 2025 event drew over 150 attendees, bringing together women from all backgrounds and careers, many of whom would not have crossed paths otherwise. In addition, attendees included numerous members of the Bench, creating an opportunity for female attorneys and judges to socialize in an informal setting. This year, attendees included three Federal Judges—including the event founder Judge Weilheimer —as well as President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Carolyn T. Carluccio and several additional judges from the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

Another perk to attending the Networking Event is access to a directory, which contains all attendees’ names, contact information, and specialty/area of practice. The directory serves as an invaluable resource to find local and trusted professionals to use or recommend. Attendees are encouraged to refer to the directory to continue to network throughout the year.

Planning has already started for next year’s Networking Event

which will be held on October 14, 2026, at the Flourtown Country Club. Be sure to mark your calendars for what we know will be yet another can’t miss evening of fun, friendship, collaboration and networking. The WIL looks forward to continuing its tradition of women supporting women.

2021 Women in the Law Networking Event

CLOSING ARGUMENTS FOR 2025: A

Year in Photos

What words of wisdom or

encouragement

can you share with fellow MBA members to start 2026

strong?

WORDS OF WISDOM

Everyone is important when you are interacting in your profession! When you are in court, it is not just the judges and counsel, court staff, court employees, and sheriffs— basically everyone deserves your respect and consideration. The same goes for the staff at your office and counsel’s office. Each person is essential and deserves recognition. Without these other individuals, our jobs would not be possible. You are building your reputation everywhere!

Let’s all try to be better at picking our battles.

In a profession that often demands precision, speed, and stamina, don’t forget the power of pause. As we close out 2025, take a moment to reflect not just on your caseload, but on your impact—on clients, colleagues, and the community. Whether you had a banner year or a bruising one, remember: growth isn’t always loud, and success doesn’t always wear a suit. Show up in 2026 with curiosity, compassion, and the courage to keep evolving. And never underestimate the value of a well-timed coffee break—sometimes, that’s where the best legal strategy begins.

Be nice to others. This includes opposing counsel. You don’t know what they are going through.

Be kind to each other.

BEYOND THE BAR

It is often said that success depends not on what you know, but on who you know. For estate planning, success depends not just on what the document says, but who you name to carry it out.

Fiduciaries, whether they be executors, trustees, guardians, or agents under power of attorney, hold enormous power over the assets and the beneficiaries. Naming the wrong person can almost guarantee disgruntled heirs and costly court battles.

As estate planners, we have an opportunity and a duty to guide clients toward fiduciary selections that not only meet their legal objectives but also their often-unspoken desire to avoid expensive court battles.

Beyond the Obvious Mistakes

I won’t linger on the clear red flags, such as appointing someone with a history of dishonesty, open hostility toward other family members, or a reputation for pettiness. If you ask your client why they want to name a particular person and the words “organized,” “honest,” or “fair” never come up, it’s our job to encourage them to reconsider.

The harder conversations come when the client’s choice is understandable on a personal level, but potentially disastrous in practice.

MAKING BETTER FIDUCIARY APPOINTMENTS

By Rebecca Sallen, Esq.

The Equality Trap

Clients don’t want to hurt their kids’ feelings. They worry that naming only one child would wrongly imply that they have favorites. So what do they do? They name all of their kids. What could possibly go wrong in that scenario? As it turns out, plenty. Many financial institutions have internal compliance rules limiting the number of authorized signers on an account, often to two individuals. And even if that hurdle is cleared, co-fiduciaries must coordinate on every decision. Too many cooks in the kitchen could make what should be a straightforward process an administrative nightmare

I saw this firsthand when a 92-year-old woman, and mother of three, died after a long illness. She had dutifully prepared her estate planning documents, believing that when she died, her estate administration would be quick and efficient due to her preparations. The problem was that she named all three daughters as her executrices. The daughters lived all over the country, and every time we had to schedule a call, we had to deal with competing work schedules and time zones, which made coordination an unavoidable challenge.

Without an appointed leader, they all had to convene, talk, and discuss to come to each and every decision. I commend them for making sure that everyone felt heard, but this also

meant that the estate administration took a lot longer than it should have and became a lot more expensive. This is a story that I share with my estate planning clients as a warning.

If your client fails to heed this warning, then consider drafting language in the document that allows one fiduciary to act without the unanimous consent of the other fiduciary, as long as such actions are in alignment with the rest of the document.

The Conflicting Interests Conundrum

Clients rely on attorneys to help identify situations where good intentions are a recipe for disaster. Consider the typical blended family, which is extremely common nowadays. The client wants their spouse to be financially secure in their later years, but they also want their children to inherit the remainder. Designating a proper fiduciary is vital. Naming the spouse as trustee invites suspicion from the children (“They’re overspending our inheritance. This isn’t what our parents would have wanted.”). Naming the child as trustee invites suspicion from the spouse (“They’re starving me to protect their inheritance. This isn’t what my spouse would have wanted.”).

In either case, the fiduciary risks accusations of biased decisionmaking, often with enough vigor

Quick Test Before Naming a Fiduciary

to land everyone in court. In these situations, a neutral third-party fiduciary can be worth every penny.

The Relationship— Responsibility Risk

Selecting a family member as the Trustee for a minor child or person with special needs requires more than naming someone who is merely trustworthy. Appointment demands careful consideration of the legal and practical consequences. Fiduciaries must sometimes say “no” to a distribution request. That “no” may be legally correct, but it can damage a lifelong relationship.

Consider a trustee who should deny a discretionary distribution to their sibling with special needs in order to preserve governmental benefits, or an uncle who should deny a request for startup capital for a new business to their nephew with a questionable credit history. Saying no might preserve the trust’s assets and be what the grantor would have wanted, but the trustee may fear that denying the request would cause hurt feelings or damage family ties.

We must help clients understand the fiduciary responsibilities that they are asking family members to take on and the grey zones that make up discretionary distributions. Being a fiduciary requires separating what

1. Will they be perceived as fair by all beneficiaries? Even the appearance of bias can fuel disputes.

2. Do they have the time and stamina for the job?

Estate administration can take hundreds of hours over months or years.

3. Can they handle complex financial and legal tasks? If not, are they willing to hire professional help?

4. Are they able to communicate clearly—and calmly—under stress? Silence and poor communication are breeding grounds for suspicion.

5. Will this appointment strain or destroy personal relationships? Sometimes protecting the family means keeping them out of fiduciary roles.

is best for the trust/estate from what the fiduciary wants to do. Being a fiduciary to a family member can mean putting your personal relationships at risk.

The Capacity Crunch

Trustworthiness is essential, but it is not enough. Being named as a fiduciary is not an honorific position; it is a responsibility. Fiduciaries have legal obligations.

Administering an estate is rarely a quick or simple task. It can require gathering assets, clearing out a home, paying bills, filing tax returns, tracking down unclaimed property and handling sometimes-contentious communications. These duties can consume dozens of hours over many months. When helping clients choose fiduciaries, as drafters we must look beyond theoretical capability. The question is not only “Who can do the job?” but also “Who can do the job now, without sacrificing their own well-being?”

I once worked with a client who was appointed executor of his parents’ estate while battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. The appointment was meant as a gesture of trust and respect, but in practice, it was a crushing, unnecessary burden at a time when his energy was desperately needed elsewhere. The other beneficiaries, who were

initially sensitive to his position, grew frustrated as time went on without the estate being resolved. Another client was the trustee for his cousin’s trust, and at the time, he worked on an offshore oil rig, where he was only available once every few months. These experiences underscored how well-intentioned decisions can unintentionally place immense strain on individuals who are neither practically nor emotionally positioned to carry such responsibilities.

We must therefore help clients think not only about who is capable in theory, but who is realistically available in practice.

So, What Is an Attorney to Do?

A fiduciary appointment is not merely an administrative detail. By carefully selecting, preparing, and documenting fiduciary roles, attorneys can help clients minimize litigation risks and ensure smoother administration.

The best estate plans are not just legally sound; they are administratively resilient. By guiding clients toward thoughtful, realistic choices and drafting provisions that anticipate practical challenges, we can help prevent the disputes, delays, and resentments that too often plague estate administration.

BEYOND THE BAR

There’s a full-scale, fully stocked British Pub in a law firm in Media. No, seriously. (How’s that for a lead?)

I recently finished litigating a case with Adam Barrist. The factual and legal issues in the case were hotly contested. Adam and his client had one view of those issues, and my client and I had a completely different one. Our clients, though respectful of the process, agreed on almost nothing.

A TOAST TO CIVILITY

By Michael Lyon, Esq., Trial Lawyers Section Chair

It was clear that this case required zealous advocacy on both sides. Adam discharged those duties for his client very effectively, and I believe I discharged mine equally as effectively. It was a case that I’m sure Adam believed he could win for his client, and it was one that I believed I could win for mine. We litigated thoroughly, and at times argued heavily. But through it all, Adam’s professional demeanor and dedication to his client’s interests shone through.

In the end, we settled the case on terms that I’m sure both clients liked but didn’t love. But when we reached a deal on principle to settle, Adam told me we didn’t actually have a deal unless I visited his pub and we had a drink together. I laughed at first…until I realized he was serious.

Some background first: Adam and his wife love visiting the United Kingdom and particularly love visiting pubs and chatting with locals there. Adam wanted to replicate that homey atmosphere back home. But why put it in an office, instead of at home? Adam thought the practice could benefit from it—he thought that by opening the Barrister’s doors to attorneys and colleagues, he could enhance the spirit of collegiality that he and I (and many others) strongly believe this practice should be about. When he was fortunate to purchase an office building, he

realized quickly that the building could house his version of a British pub here on American soil. The project had its twists and turns, but eventually he opened the Barrister earlier this year. Since then, he has welcomed numerous colleagues, friends, and even adversaries like me for a toast to cordiality and professionalism.

Lest you think this is just another ploy, though, this pub stuff works. Case in point: after finishing the Barrister earlier this year, an opposing counsel from Chicago flew into Philadelphia to take depositions in Adam’s office. He was intent on taking the case all the way to trial and promised that would be where it ended up. After the depositions finished, Adam invited the attorney into the Barrister, where they talked for hours about anything besides the case. Before they left for the day, Adam quietly suggested that mediation might be a better option than going to trial. The other lawyer— enamored with the Barrister and Adam’s good graces—not only agreed, he insisted that the mediation happen in Adam’s office so he could visit again. Two months later, the case settled after a couple of hours of mediation (with another trip to the Barrister to cap it off).

In October of this year, I went down to Media to fulfill my end of the bargain. And just like he promised, Adam fulfilled his. He welcomed me into the Barrister for a drink, a laugh, and a great example of what this practice really should be. While we toasted to civility, I was reminded of Shakespeare’s quote that adorns our MBA halls, and many others: “Do as adversaries do in law: strive mightily but eat and drink as friends.” May we, as trial attorneys, always remember those wise words.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MCAP HAPPENINGS

By William L. Baldwin, Esq., MCAP CEO

The Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, in collaboration with Laurel House, Mission Kids, the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County and the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, hosted a program called the “Red Sand Project” on July 30, 2025, to raise awareness of human trafficking by creating an art installation and providing information about resources available in the community to assist those who have been victims of trafficking. The event, attended by approximately 50 people, was held in front of the Montgomery Bar Association. For more information about this project and the impact of human trafficking on the local community, please visit www.redsandproject.org.

On August 5, 2025, MCAP staff participated in “National Night Out” at locations throughout the County. The “National Night Out” event promotes strong partnerships between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. MCAP participates in this important program annually to stand together with other local organizations and law enforcement to help build safer communities.

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Rotary Club Foundation of Norristown presented MCAP with a check for $6,800.00 at its weekly luncheon meeting. In May, the Rotary Club hosted a pancake breakfast to benefit both MCAP and the Norristown Hospitality Center. The fundraiser was a huge success and helped raise awareness among the members of the Rotary Club about child abuse and neglect in Montgomery County. On hand at the luncheon to accept this donation were William Baldwin, MCAP CEO, Mary Anders, Deputy Executive Director, and Nutmeg, MCAP’s special ambassador. MCAP is extremely grateful to the Rotary Club for its generous donation

and all that it does to support social service providers in Montgomery County.

One of MCAP’s full-time attorneys, Alex Felt, recently left the program for a position with Winter and Duffy Law. Alex did a tremendous job and helped countless children through his dedication and tireless advocacy on behalf of the clients whom he represented. While MCAP misses him, we wish him much success with his career change. However, we were fortunate to find an equally dedicated attorney to replace Alex, and we are happy to welcome Kevin R. Knapp as our new full-time lawyer. With the ever-increasing number of referrals, having Kevin on board is critical in helping us to handle our caseload. We also thank the many volunteer MCAPs who give so much of their time to represent our clients. Without our corps of volunteers, we could not provide the quality legal services which the most vulnerable children so desperately need.

William Baldwin and Sharon Jones-Hofer attended the recent Montgomery Bench Bar Conference at the Sagamore Resort in Lake George. The conference was a huge success, and we are especially grateful to Bar President Seth D. Wilson and Executive Director Denise Vicario for providing us with the opportunity to briefly address the attendees and let them know more about MCAP and its services.

One of the most important ways by which MCAP sustains itself is through fundraising, and on October 3, 2025, the organization hosted an extremely successful event entitled “MCAP Night at the Races” at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. Many supporters joined us for this lively, derby-inspired evening and enjoyed prerecorded horse races, a delicious catered dinner, raffle baskets, giveaways and more. This was a great opportunity for us to offer a fun evening for the community while raising awareness about MCAP and its mission. MCAP especially thanks the many generous sponsors who helped to make this event possible, and we are grateful to Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School for providing us with a venue to host this special fundraiser.

PRO BONO HIGHLIGHT: NORRISTOWN HOSPITALITY CENTER INTERVIEW WITH SARA PINTO, DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

By Tim Knowles, Esq., Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair

The Norristown Hospitality Center opened in 1992 as a day shelter for the poor and homeless. Although the Hospitality Center was opened by an interfaith ecumenical group of congregants, services are provided regardless of faith or participation in devotions. The Hospitality Center provides daytime shelter, breakfast five days per week, lockers, showers, mail service, toiletries, access to social workers, and workforce training to those in need.

Although it has changed locations three times, the Hospitality Center has always been located in Norristown. It recently opened in a new location at 536 George Street, Norristown, at the Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County.

The Pro Bono, Access to Justice, and Community Service Committee will be holding a year-end clothing and toiletry drive for the Hospitality Center. A complete list of supplies needed can be found on their website. Travel size toiletries are particularly useful as they can be transported easily and used at the Hospitality Center during shower hours.

Outdoor wear is also a priority during the winter months. Donation boxes will be at the Montgomery Bar Building and the Legal Aid location at 625 Swede Street, Norristown.

In preparation for the drive, we spoke with Sara Pinto, the Development and Operations Coordinator at the Hospitality Center.

• What is your position at the Hospitality Center?

Development and Operations Coordinator

• What do you enjoy about your job?

Because we have a small staff, I do such a variety of tasks to keep the Center running. I have a “desk job,” but I still get to see and interact with our guests every day and hear the impact our team has.

• What programs at Hospitality Center are you most

passionate about? Why?

Back to the basics: mailroom and showers. A refreshing shower and a secure location to send and receive mail—two things that we take for granted are provided at the Center every day.

• What events or programs are you looking forward to?

If you’re feeling unsafe in your relationship, addiction, or environment, our Seeking Safety program emphasizes developing safe coping skills rather than delving deeply into past traumatic events. It’s a presentfocused approach to regain control of your life.

• What’s the best way for people to volunteer or help?

Since we are a day shelter, we have ongoing opportunities Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm like handing out supplies, helping with showers, assisting the cook, organizing the pantry, and general organizing. If that time works for someone, they can email volunteer@hospitalitycenter.org expressing interest. We also have a list of needed in-kind donations on our website. Overall, we can always use men’s clothing, toiletries, and bookbags.

Now through December 16th the Pro Bono Access to Justice & Community Service Committee is having an adult clothing and toiletries drive for Norristown Hospitality Center. Donations can be dropped off at the Montgomery Bar Association.If you’d like to get involved in the Pro Bono, Access to Justice, and Community Service Committee, contact committee cochairs Kate Normil (knormil@lasp.org) or Tim Knowles (tknowles@wmpalaw.com).

MAKING A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY!

THANK YOU TO

PRO

BONO

VOLUNTEERS, + OPPORTUNITIES TO GET STARTED WITH PRO BONO SERVICE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

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

“Seeing kindness in one’s community provides a greater happiness boost than the absence of violent crime, mental illness, or having a much higher income.”

~ World Happiness Report

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, in her annual October letter celebrating Pro Bono Month, stated, “Pro bono service is a professional responsibility and an individual ethical commitment of each lawyer. Pennsylvania is a national leader in so many ways, including raising the bar for providing legal services to those who cannot afford it.”

Locally, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP)’s clients benefit from the generosity of attorneys who offer their expertise through pro bono service. LASP extends a huge thank you to attorneys who volunteer, whether that means taking a case or assisting in other ways throughout the year.

Pro bono attorneys help LASP’s low-income clients navigate a complex legal system built by lawyers, for lawyers. Having an attorney to assist makes the court process less daunting, regardless of the outcome of the case.

Providing pro bono service in Montco

If you are not currently providing pro bono service, there are many ways to get involved, and LASP staff will work with you to determine the best fit for each volunteer. Attorneys can earn CLE credit for pro bono service: one credit for every five hours of volunteer service, up to three credits per annual compliance period. LASP is an accredited CLE provider for education credits and pro bono service. LASP’s malpractice insurance covers pro bono attorneys and emeritus attorneys working on cases

for its clients.

Volunteer attorneys in Montgomery County work with LASP clients on wills, no asset/no fault, no-asset divorces, eviction hearings, and other legal matters such as expungements. For example, senior legal clinics provide simple wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

• Take a case. One of the most helpful ways to assist LASP clients is to take a case. LASP’s pro bono team can work directly with volunteer attorneys to connect them with an appropriate LASP case. LASP has no asset/no fault divorces available as well as estate planning cases, where clients would like a combination of a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. These cases require a modest time commitment but make a tremendous difference for clients.

• Lawyering Together pairs law students at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law with volunteer attorneys. Most of these cases involve wills, but no-fault, no-asset divorces and other legal matters are sometimes the focus. Expungements could also be handled through Lawyering Together.

• The Eviction Prevention and Intervention Coalition (EPIC) provides legal representation for clients facing eviction on the day of their hearing while also connecting them with social services. The award-winning program involves courtrooms in Norristown, Pottstown, Jenkintown and East Norriton. Volunteer attorneys can choose their preferred date of service and court location. The project’s goal is to stabilize vulnerable families and individuals

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in Montgomery County who are facing eviction. EPIC provides financial assistance to prevent evictions and offers connection to ongoing case management to identify long-term financial and social supports needed to prevent future housing instability. EPIC is a collaboration between LASP, Montgomery Bar Association, Montgomery Bar Foundation, Montgomery County Courts, the Montgomery County Foundation, Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development / Your Way Home, and YWCA Tri-County Area. The 2025 Program Report for EPIC, published in October, states, “During Calendar Year 2024, the EPIC participating courtrooms heard a total of 47.4% of the eviction cases in Montgomery County, an increase of 2.4% from calendar year 2023.”

• Legal aid outreach at Manna on Main Street in Lansdale on the fourth Thursday of the month. Join a LASP attorney in providing brief consultations and answering questions about civil legal aid for residents.

• CLE presentations to LASP staff and through the Montgomery Bar Association. First, attorneys can provide pro bono CLEs to LASP staff. For example, Cary L. Flitter and Andrew M. Milz of Flitter Milz have presented CLEs to LASP staff on auto repossessions, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and other consumer-related topics. Secondly, through the Montgomery Bar Association’s Pro Bono, Access to Justice, and Community Service Committee, LASP attorneys often team up with members of the private bar to present on topics related to volunteer service opportunities. Past MBA CLEs have addressed the Lawyering Together Program and EPIC.

• Emeritus status for retired attorneys. Retired attorneys with some time to give back can apply for emeritus attorney license status to do pro bono work. Pennsylvania Rule of Disciplinary Enforcement 403, approved in 2018, created an emeritus status for retired attorneys to provide pro bono service to LASP and other nonprofit legal aid programs. As of Oct. 15, 2025, there were 61 emeritus attorneys across Pennsylvania, with several based in Montgomery County.

New! Debt Counseling & Bankruptcy Project

LASP Staff Attorneys Michael Kaliner and Joe Diorio are recruiting for LASP’s new bankruptcy Pro Bono Project.

Through a Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), LASP will develop a Debt Counseling Virtual Clinic & Bankruptcy Project to expand access to legal aid for low-income people struggling

with debt. LASP’s centralized intake Helpline will build a pipeline to connect clients to virtual clinics staffed by pro bono attorneys. Clients will gain rapid access to legal advice and brief legal services, and connection to pro bono attorneys or LASP staff attorneys for extended representation. Law student externs will help clients overcome barriers to successfully filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Michael Kaliner, who is heading the project, outlined how the new program will unfold. “The first phase, which is in progress, is to pair volunteer experienced bankruptcy practitioners with eligible clients in order to provide them with the relief intended by the Bankruptcy Code.”

Phase 2 offers opportunities for attorneys who do not specialize in bankruptcy. Kaliner stated, “For other attorneys who would be willing to satisfy their pro bono ethical requirements at the same time as acquiring a working knowledge of bankruptcy law, the next phase will provide attorneys with the necessary training, support, software access, assistance with Court admissions and appearances, oversight and legal advice. We encourage the private bar to take advantage of this program to add another area of law to their practices.”

How to get involved

• Volunteer with LASP: lasp.org/pro-bono or email probono@lasp.org.

Further reading

• World Happiness Report 2025 (Chapter 2) https://www. worldhappiness.report/ed/2025/caring-and-sharingglobal-analysis-of-happiness-and-kindness/

• Chief Justice Debra Todd Pens Letter to Pennsylvania Bar Honoring 2025 National Celebration of Pro Bono (Oct. 8, 2025) https://www.padisciplinaryboard.org/for-attorneys/ pro-bono/pro-bono-article/3959/chief-justice-debra-toddpens-letter-to-pennsylvania-bar-honoring-2025-nationalcelebration-of-pro-bono

• Eviction Prevention and Intervention Coalition 2025 Program Report from Your Way Home Montgomery County: https://files.constantcontact.com/1e94dc40801/ f11124b6-ac9c-4ee5-b294-a31e9606172a.pdf

• Court Creates Emeritus Status for Retired Attorneys to Do Pro Bono Work (May 10, 2018) https://www. padisciplinaryboard.org/for-attorneys/pro-bono/probono-article/38/court-creates-emeritus-status-for-retiredattorneys-to-do-pro-bono-work

BOOK REVIEW ENVIOUS JUSTICE BY DENNIS CARSTENS

REVIEWED BY JULES MERMELSTEIN, ESQ., AUTHOR OF JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALL YOU PURSUE

Dennis Carstens is the author of 24 (!) Marc Kadella legal thrillers. Envious Justice is number 17 in this series. Those who read my reviews (and have a good memory) may remember that I reviewed The Key to Justice, which was the first Marc Kadella legal thriller, for the Spring/Summer edition of Sidebar.

Like the first novel in this series, Envious Justice does not disappoint. Carstens weaves together a conspiracy involving drug dealers, law enforcement, family members of the defendant, and others into a thoroughly enjoyable read.

The story revolves around an exceptional teenager who is accused of murdering two DEA agents. There is evidence he did it, such as the murder weapon wrapped inside a rag, found in the defendant’s school locker. I hesitate to give more details about the plot, since it is so deliberately, and brilliantly, laid out piece by piece by Carstens.

There is a brilliant cross-examination by Marc Kadella’s co-counsel, Jennifer Moore, of the lead investigator. It is an excellent demonstration of how to make sloppy police work a key issue in criminal defense cases. In the Kindle version of this novel, it begins on page 256 and continues for about 10 pages. As someone who won an award for being the best student in trial practice in law school, I highly recommend this cross-examination be included in every trial practice course.

The plot of this novel, as developed by Carstens, is so good that the occasional distractions by typos or misplaced words, a gun wrapped around rags is one that comes to mind, kept me enthralled. Dennis Carstens is an excellent author, and I highly recommend his Marc Kadella series for anyone involved in the criminal justice system, and any fans of legal thrillers. However, he could use a better proofreader, at least for his Kindle versions.

In case anyone who reads my reviews happens to be a federal district court judge, I will include this excerpt for your amusement:

“A federal judge has a heavy docket. At least they act like it.”

Although I have not read all 24 books in this series, by reading the first and seventeenth, I believe you can pick up any of them without having to read them in order and be thoroughly engulfed into Marc Kadella’s world.

I highly recommend this novel.

Bryn Mawr’s newest and highly anticipated restaurant, located at 64 W. Lancaster Avenue, is Manorah, a quaint BYOB boasting an impressive array of authentic Thai cuisine—ranging from dumplings, curry, and noodles to red snapper and lamb chops. Its name, a nod to the traditional Thai dance (‘manora’ or ‘menora’), serves as an interplay between the balance of honoring tradition and embodying contemporary design. I wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to try for myself their unique signature dishes and flavors, which have been generating buzz throughout the Main Line since opening its doors earlier this year.

Upon entering the restaurant, my husband and I were welcomed into the ornate, yet cozy and intimate, setting. The staff was very attentive and immediately asked for our beverage selection and if they could answer any questions we had about the menu, including recommendations based upon our individual preferences. Given that Manorah is a BYOB restaurant, we first opted to sample some of their unique sodas. My husband ordered the honey lemon soda while I selected the lychee soda, which was delicious. Both beverages were refreshing, crisp, and aesthetic, making them truly worthy of a showcase in a magazine.

As our goal was to experience all of the diverse options that this restaurant has to offer, our waiter

RESTAURANT REVIEW MANORAH

By Gabriella Lacitignola, Esq.

suggested that we start with the Manorah Sampler, which was our favorite part of the meal. The sampler consisted of a variety of steamed pork and shrimp dumplings, crispy rice noodle shrimp dumplings sitting on a bed of aioli sauce (I am still dreaming about this one!), chicken satay skewers, and vegetable spring rolls. While each of these appetizers was delectable, the curry-rubbed skewers were a standout. We were also treated to complimentary creamy peanut sauce, pickled onion, and other dipping spreads to pair with the appetizers, which only served to elevate the flavors of each one.

For entrees, we opted for the Shrimp Pad Thai and Garlic and Pepper Beef, which were just as flavorful as the beginning portion of our meal. A lattice egg strewn across the Pad Thai made for an ornate presentation, along with chopped peanuts, tofu, and bean sprouts tossed in a semi-sweet tamarind sauce. Likewise, the peppered beef, served over white rice, was tender and the garlic sauce simultaneously sweet and savory. Both entrees were decently portioned and were completely cleaned off by the time dessert came around.

Of course, before even stepping foot into this restaurant, we knew we had to save room for dessert— particularly the fried banana spring rolls, which were coated in powdered sugar and paired with a caramel dipping sauce. Crispy, warm, and most

importantly, sweet, the texture and taste of these spring rolls left little to the imagination. Finally, given that it is Fall, we indulged in the Pumpkin Custard, which is a traditional Thai dessert Manorah proudly serves. This dessert is a standard semi-sweet egg custard topped with toasted coconut flakes and served in a steaming, edible pumpkin slice. While both desserts were excellent, the banana spring rolls stole the show.

Ultimately, we were impressed by our dining experience at Manorah. The staff was extremely attentive, knowledgeable—and eager to recommend some of their favorite dishes to newcomers and returning patrons alike—and the dishes were unique and bursting with flavor. Whether you already enjoy Thai cuisine or this will be your first time, I highly recommend paying Manorah a visit. With its elegant and intimate ambience and diverse menu, you won’t be disappointed.

MOVIE REVIEW JUROR #2

By Matthew P. Lynn, Esq.

While the age-old 12 Angry Men remains the best depiction of jury room deliberations on film, Clint Eastwood’s film Juror #2 offers an interesting new take on the genre. In so doing, the film evokes the fundamental imperfection of the legal system and raises moral and ethical questions.

The film follows Justin Kemp, an ordinary man chosen for jury duty in a murder trial. However, as the opening arguments unfold, Kemp quickly realizes that he may be responsible for the victim’s death, having accidentally struck her with his car on a dark and stormy night over a year before the trial. With this premise established early on, Eastwood’s film focuses on process rather than plot. It explores the already complex process of jury deliberations, made ever more complicated by the fact that Juror #2 knows that the man accused of murder is, in fact, innocent.

The Imperfection of the Legal System

A central theme of Juror #2 is the imperfection of the legal system and the potentially devastating effects of “getting it wrong.” Unlike most dramas, we know from the start that the accused is innocent and follow along as Kemp tries to steer his fellow jury members away from a conviction without any deliberation as to whether the prosecution actually met its burden of proof. In this sense, the film offers a critique of the legal system’s imperfection (e.g., the inability for a jury to know exactly what happened) while its protagonist attempts to reassure his peers that those same imperfections are precisely what protects the accused and promotes justice for all.

The jurors in the film are shown to be, like all people, flawed. Each has their own individual preconceptions and bias that permeate through the deliberations. While some jurors develop and slowly change their views over the course of deliberations, others remain steadfast in their conviction to convict. Intermixed with these discussions, the film hints at the toll the proceedings are taking on the family of the accused, although this aspect of the film was not as developed.

Is Truth Justice?

Kemp struggles with the second major theme of the film, expressed within as a seemingly simple question: Is truth justice? Although the accused is innocent, he is shown to be a not-so-nice person with a prior criminal history. The film juxtaposes the accused and Kemp’s life and potential fates if found responsible for the victim’s death. Would it be justice for the accused to face no repercussions for his transgressions while Kemp (a redeemed alcoholic and expectant father) is prosecuted and jailed for a tragic accident that he was not even aware of until the current trial?

Ultimately, the film does not seek to answer the questions it raises. Instead, it asks us to make a moral judgment. While the easy answer is that the truth is, indeed, justice, one must first determine what “justice” means. On a case-by-case basis, justice may not always be satisfying. When most courtroom dramas portray justice as securing a big, unequivocal “win,” it was interesting to see a film attempt to offer a more nuanced take.

The Lawyer’s Ethical Duty

In addition to moral questions, Juror #2 also draws attention to a lawyer’s ethical duty to maintain client confidences. In the midst of proceedings, Kemp takes the reasonable step of consulting a lawyer to discuss his options. When the lawyer informs him of his potential liability for the death of the victim, Kemp elects not to disclose his involvement in her death to the Court and proceeds in his role as a juror. The lawyer, for his part, does nothing. While these interactions demonstrate the sanctity of the attorney-client privilege, it adds to the greater injustice that is occurring on screen and offers an interesting perspective on an attorney’s ethical duties.

Juror #2 does not quite reach the heights of 12 Angry Men, but it is a worthwhile watch for those looking for a jury-focused courtroom drama. It is streaming now on HBO Max.

WIRETAPS Member News

Eastburn and Gray is pleased to announce that The McShea Law Firm joined the firm effective August 1, 2025. The attorneys joining the firm include John P. McShea, III; Ralph J. Kelly; Conrad O. Kattner; and Donna Brennan-Scott.

Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford, P.C. is pleased to announce that Trial Attorney Joseph P. Birmingham has joined the firm as Senior Counsel. Mr. Birmingham brings 25 years of litigation experience to the firm and is handling civil and commercial litigation including automobile accidents, slip and falls, premises liability and general liability matters.

Wisler Pearlstine, LLP is pleased to share with you that Edward J. Hughes, a prominent Montgomery County attorney, has joined our firm as Of Counsel.

June-November 2025

Welcome New Members

Bailey E. Applebaum, Esq.

Roniqua K. Archer, Esq.

Lawrence E. Ashery, Esq.

David W. Birnbaum, Esq.

Gabriel B. Boni, Esq.

Mia Brady*

William J. Brennan, Esq.

Olivia N. Calamia, Esq.

Bailey A Callahan, Esq.

Maureen M. Carr, Esq.

Nia Coleman, Esq.

Dale A. Cooke, Esq.

Sam Cruz*

Paige S. Delia Esq.

Meredith Dominguez, Esq.

Nicole Andrea El, Esq.

Savannah M. Figueroa, Esq.

Alexandra Linna Friend*

Leslie Gallagher Esq.

Maura Gillen*

Jason L. Goodman, Esq.

Nathanael Grefe, Esq.

Caitlin Dryden Groeber, Esq.

Jonathan DeKoven Grossberg, Esq.

Spencer Cossaboon Holm, Esq.

Melody Renee Infantolino*

Damian Sean Jackson, Esq.

Jack X. Jiang, Esq.

Michael H. Kaliner, Esq.

Renate Mariel Keg, Esq.

Thomas Harper Kelly Esq.

Kevin Ryan Knapp, Esq.

Robyn D. Kotzker, Esq.

Kate R. Levin Esq.

Stacey Main, Esq.

Stefanie J. Menzano, Esq.

Hon. Dara A. Nasatir

Sean P. O’Donnell, Esq.

Laura Park, Esq.

Brandon Perloff Esq.

Marc L. Pitts, Esq.

Mark G. Plachta, Esq.

Alexia R Porche, Esq.

Hannah Emily Posencheg, Esq.

Timothy E. Possenti, Esq.

Jonathan David Quagliarello, Esq.

Amy C. Quigg, Esq.

Mickala Lorraine Rector, Esq.

Dredeir Roberts, Esq.

Jillian Paige Rotman, Esq.

Kimber Parker Schladweiler, Esq.

Cynthia J. Silver, Esq.

Kergina Singleton, Esq.

Finn L. Skovdal, Esq.

Patricia Smith*

Joseph F. Stoehr, Esq.

Alison Talty*

Maria Cutillo Teare, Esq.

Ferrell Townsend, Esq.

Dian Trabulsy, Esq.

Deanna Williams, Esq.

Gloria Hoi Mei Yu, Esq.

Edward Joseph Zanine*

*Student

Friday, January 9, 2026

Annual Business Luncheon

Blue Bell Country Club

Friday, February 6, 2026

Montgomery Bar Association 2026 AT A GLANCE

Mark your calendar for these key Montgomery Bar Association events!

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Get in the Loop Happy Hour Lansdale, PA

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Ski Trip Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section Blue Mountain

Friday, March 27, 2026

Annual Memorial Service

Montgomery County Courthouse Courtroom A

Friday, April 24, 2026

MBA Dinner Dance

Bluestone Country Club

Friday, May 1, 2026

Law Day Celebration

Montgomery County Courthouse

Monday, June 22, 2026

Legal Aid Golf Classic

TBD

Get in the Loop Happy Hour Pottstown, PA

Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 Bench Bar Conference Skytop Lodge

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Ecumenical Service

Blessing of the Court

George Washington Chapel, Valley Forge, PA

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Women in the Law Networking Night

TBD

Thursday, December 3, 2026

3rd Annual Jingle Mingle

TBD