Sidebar Winter 2023

MONTGOMERY BAR ASSOCIATION

Serving the Profession and the Community since 1885 2023 OFFICERS

Justin A. Bayer, Esq., President

Lisa A. Shearman, Esq., President-Elect

Seth D. Wilson, Esq., Vice President

Colin J. O’Boyle, Esq., Treasurer

Hon. Joseph P. Walsh, Secretary

SIDEBAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chairs

Gary J. Friedlander, Esq. Lydia Terrill, Esq.

Vice-Chairs

Gregory Gilston, Esq.

Franqui-Ann J. Raffaele, Esq.

Contributors:

Justin A. Bayer, Esq.

Joel B. Bernbaum, Esq.

Jessica L. Chapman, Esq. Jack Costello

Michelle Dempsky, Esq.

Jason Edwards, Esq.

Sarinia M. Feinman, Esq.

Gregory Gilston, Esq.

Kate M. Harper, Esq.

Aimee L. Kumer, Esq. Jim Mathias

Jules Mermelstein, Esq.

Mary C. Pugh, Esq.

Franqui-Ann J. Raffaele, Esq. Jennifer Whitehurst, Esq.

MBA STAFF

Denise S. Vicario, Esq., Executive Director

Jack Costello, Deputy 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

Megan Ware, Event and CLE Coordinator

Sherry Sutton, Membership 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

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.

Montgomery Bar Association 2022 President

Hello, My Fellow Montgomery Bar Members!

It has been a true honor and privilege to serve as the 137th President of the greatest Bar Association in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has been the most rewarding, and dare I say “fun,” experience of my professional career, and I humbly thank all of you for allowing me to serve you in 2022.

I began the year on a snowy day in January during a surge of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in our community. Many members, including my husband, were unable to attend the Annual Business Luncheon at Normandy Farms, so I was not entirely sure if the plans I had for 2022 would actually come to fruition. However, as I reflect back on the year, and think of all of the Board of Directors meetings, Committee and Section meetings, CLEs, happy hours/receptions, and countless other get togethers that have occurred at the MBA building and throughout the Montgomery Bar Association, I know that we have completely returned to the true comradery, collegiality, and connections of the MBA that we all cherish so much – it is what keeps us coming back and what I had hoped to restore for all of you – our devoted members!

I can only hope that the future of this Bar Association allows for many more events, as the one thing I have learned for sure is that “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain,” and we surely all danced in 2022.

Sarinia

The last year at the MBA included over 240 in-person and hybrid events, including Board of Directors meetings, Committee/Section Meetings, and CLEs; 364 meditation sessions, and approx. 20 other wellness/well-being activities, apart from happy hours. We had several sold-out events as well in 2022. We had a sold-out Bench Bar Conference at Skytop in the Poconos with 250 attendees, and a sold-out (first-ever) Evening at the Elmwood Park Zoo with members and their families in attendance, totaling 217 attendees. We brought back Lawyerpalooza for the first time in five years with about 200 attendees and a record number of acts, emceed by the Honorable Gary Silow, who retired at the end of 2022. He will surely be missed on our Bench and as an emcee and “roaster” at future MBA events. 2022 also brought the return of the Dinner Dance and Legal Aid Golf Classic, which had about 150 attendees for both events, and the first-ever dinner following the golf outing, as opposed to a lunch.

I would especially like to thank everyone at the MBA for always going above and beyond the call of duty – Jack Costello, Hazel Bergquist, Jessica Deazle, Jessica Gambone, Jim Mathias, Sherry Sutton, and Sandy Whittington. I would like to welcome back Megan Ware, who rejoins us as the CLE coordinator. We look forward to working with her again in 2023! And, at the helm of it all, words cannot express the gratitude I have for Denise Vicario, our Executive Director. Denise started with the MBA during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked so hard with the staff, the members, the officers, our wonderful restaurant, and the list goes on. She is truly the glue that holds the MBA together, and I could not have gotten through 2022 without her guidance, fortitude, and friendship. It will surely be an adjustment in 2023 not to be speaking to her almost every single day.

However, I am fully confident in the future of our Association, as we have the most wonderful officers that are coming up in the pipeline, and without whose support I could not have made it through my term – Justin Bayer, Lisa Shearman, Seth Wilson, and Colin O’Boyle. Their ideas for and dedication to the MBA are unmatched and I cannot wait to see what they do in 2023 and beyond. I would also be remiss if I did not thank our Immediate Past President, Jacqueline Reynolds. She has not only been a wonderful sounding board for me in 2022, but a great friend and a “BFF” for years to come.

While I will miss serving as the President of the MBA and very well may be one of the few that would do it all over again if she could, I am excited to see where my fellow officers will take us from here and what new and inventive events will be on the horizon in the upcoming years.

Lastly, as the sunset fades on 2022, and we embark on 2023, I make the call to all of you to step up and serve the MBA in any way that you are able to do so – whether it be through service to the community, chairing a section/committee, putting on a CLE, or even being an Officer of the MBA – whatever you choose, I urge you to do so, as the MBA will not disappoint – there is a place for everyone to rise to the occasion! I am thus choosing to celebrate the ending for me, as I know it precedes a new beginning for the Association.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

– John Adams

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The past four years have gone past in a blink of an eye. It feels like just yesterday that I received the call informing me that I had been selected by our Nominating Committee to serve as the next officer in the Montgomery Bar Association. Shortly after that call, many past presidents of the MBA reached out to offer congratulations and sage advice. While all those calls concluded with an open-ended offer to help, the advice offered varied. Looking back on those conversations, all the advice was valuable. However, one oftenrepeated comment was that the fall prior to becoming president would be remarkably busy. Fast forward to the fall of 2022, and I learned why the comment was so often repeated. In addition to the normal volume of bar activities were a myriad of tasks and meetings to plan for 2023. Amid those meetings, I received a friendly reminder from our excellent MBA staff that it was nearly time for me to submit this first article for SIDEBAR. I knew that I needed to plan what I wanted to write in this column.

I find that I often brainstorm best while engaged in mindless activities. Yardwork, time on a treadmill, or a commute all work well. Fortunately, our home in Worcester has no shortage of trees. A decade ago, when my wife and I purchased our home from the Honorable Stanley Ott and his wife, the trees were an appealing feature. Judge Ott even proudly told me that he took care of the leaves himself until he was in his mid-50s. Judge Ott also happens to be a graduate of Lafayette College. Having graduated from Lehigh University, and being in my mid-40s, I have another decade of leaf raking to go to avoid losing to a Lafayette graduate. The Rivalry is real, and it has provided me with ample time to brainstorm every year.

As I started raking leaves, I initially thought of the women and men who have served with tremendous distinction in the leadership of our organization. Past presidents and fellow officers who serve as a constant source of inspiration and have set the bar so high for the MBA. As a group, they are exceptional judges and lawyers and even better people. Together, through their efforts, our past leadership has helped make the MBA strong, resilient, and adaptive to meet the needs of our members. We have been blessed as an organization to have so many capable individuals guide the MBA.

Then my mind turned to the strength of our members. It is with awe that I see the devotion of our members to the MBA. Many of our members are at the very top of their respective

practice areas. Our members, including the members of our Bench, are routinely called upon by other organizations to speak on topics throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. Our members serve the community, serve our association, and make Montgomery County a special place to practice law. Even beyond the many professional accomplishments of our members are the good deeds of the MBA’s charitable arm, the Montgomery Bar Foundation, chaired by Kate Harper, Esq. In the past twenty years, our Foundation has issued grants that total nearly one million dollars to law-related charities who directly impact Montgomery County and our legal community. My sincerest hope is that in 2023, our members will have the opportunity to continue their good work and to receive the recognition that they deserve for their professional accomplishments and charitable work.

I also gave thought to what I believe is one of the most unique aspects of the MBA, and one for which we are so grateful. That is, of course, the special relationship between our Bench and Bar. That special relationship has a deep foundation built on trust and is strengthened by tradition. It is a special aspect of the MBA and one that is not taken lightly. The relationship between our Bench and Bar is the envy of every other county bar association. We will continue to foster and maintain that special relationship, and the MBA remains committed to supporting our Bench in 2023 and beyond.

As the deadline for the article grew near, and after my yard was clear, I realized that I had already heard another MBA member express what I really wanted to communicate in this column. A few years ago, I was privileged to attend an awards ceremony for our 50-year members where remarks were provided by the Honorable William Carpenter. The remarks were characteristically powerful and memorable. Judge Carpenter began by expressing his thanks to the 50-year members for their exceptionalism and service to the Bar. He then remarked that someday a roll call would be taken of each of us, and when that day comes, he will say that he is, he was, and he will always be a proud member of the Montgomery Bar Association. Perfectly said. I too will always be a proud member of the Montgomery Bar Association. The MBA is a professional, charitable, and social organization that is second to none. Thank you for being a big part of our Association, and I look forward to seeing you in 2023!

Trial Lawyers Section Update

By Aimee L. Kumer, Esq., 2022 President, Trial Lawyers Section

n December 1, 2022, the Trial Lawyers’ Section programming for 2022 came to a close with a festive holiday celebration at the Blue Bell Inn. We also used the occasion to honor this year’s Trial Lawyer of the Year, John McMahon. John is a widely-respected criminal defense attorney who never shies away from tough cases and is known for both his skill and collegiality, and is a founder and lead proponent of the Montgomery Bar’s meditation program. His selection as Trial Lawyer of the Year this year – a result of multiple nominations and endorsements – was a tribute to his dedication to his clients and the profession, and his service to this Bar and the wellbeing of its members.

Speaking of wellbeing – earlier in the Fall, John McMahon and Marc Steinberg addressed the Section at our October meeting regarding the benefits of meditation Although a few members may have attended with the expectation of discussing the benefits of mediation, everyone came away with a greater understanding and experience of meditation and how it can improve

Otheir emotional balance, their focus, and their general wellbeing. John and Marc spoke compellingly about the ways in which meditation has enhanced their health and their professional satisfaction, and about their personal practices. They concluded the meeting by leading us all in a meditation, offering us a welcome “reset” for the afternoon.

Unfortunately, the final installment in our “For Trial Lawyers” CLE series had to be postponed to January –but members should register for, and look forward to, an informative presentation on Immigration Law for Trial Lawyers on January 17 at 12pm at the Bar Building.

This scheduling setback notwithstanding, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to serve as President of the Section this year. I am thankful that many of you lent your talents to informative and enjoyable CLE programming that has, I hope, enhanced your practices. And I am grateful that so many of you came out for our events this year, in our “welcome back” to the Bar, so that we could once again experience the collegiality and vitality for which this Bar is known. I look forward to seeing you all in 2023.

Young Lawyers Section Development Program

By Jason Edwards, Esq., 2023 Chair, Young Lawyers Section

While 2022 was an active year for YLS membership, as previous SIDEBAR articles have discussed it has been mainly a year of reconfiguration for YLS.

Accordingly, for the last YLS SIDEBAR installment for 2022, YLS and MBA leadership are excited to announce the YLS Development Program beginning January 2023.

The esteemed Nancy Walsh, the owner/founding member of tbdNOW, and program director of the MBA’s Leadership Academy, will direct the YLS Development Program.

To partake in this unique program, you must be an MBA Member less than three (3) years; attend monthly YLS Development Program meetings from 11:00 AM to noon followed by the general YLS meetings from noon to 1:00 PM, the third Wednesday of every month; and participate in various YLS activities.

The mission of the YLS Development Program is to provide young lawyers who have been MBA members for less than three (3) years a unique opportunity to:

• Foster strong relationships and network with other young lawyers through comfortable, relaxed, and wholly “new-lawyer/new-member focused” programming;

• Learn about and take advantage of the opportunities and benefits of the MBA relevant to their individual needs and interests;

• Develop skills essential to becoming successful in their respective organizations, the courtroom, and the community, including courtroom etiquette, professional basics, and effective communication;

• Receive mentorship and foster relationships with more seasoned members of the MBA;

• Become comfortable participating in and capitalizing on MBA/YLS social, pro bono, and educational activities.

More information will be provided at the beginning of 2023, but those interested in taking advantage of this exciting opportunity, please contact Nancy Walsh (nancy@tbdnowllc. com) for more information AND plan to attend the first YLS meeting of 2023 on Wednesday, January 18th from noon to 1:30 PM at the MBA (lunch will be served!).

The first YLS Development Program meeting of the year will take place on February 15th (11:00 AM – noon, immediately followed by the YLS meeting).

YLS leadership and YLS Development Program director Nancy Walsh are looking forward to a great 2023!

Career Corner

By Jennifer Whitehurst, Esq.

As a career development professional, I spend a lot of time espousing the virtues of networking – develop relationships with clients and colleagues; build confidence; find opportunities; tap into the “invisible job market” – the list goes on. At the same time, I am aware of how many people feel about networking: it’s awkward; it’s intimidating; it’s timeconsuming.

I get it. I do this for a living and even I would be lying if I said I was always 100% comfortable at every networking event. But what I can say is that networking is a skill, and, like any skill, practice leads to improvement. So, I want to share some basic tips to make your next networking event less awkward, less intimidating, and more effective.

1. Like any good lawyer, prepare.

Spend a little time preparing for the event. Give thought to your goals and the type of people you are looking to meet. If you know of specific attendees you are hoping to connect with, do some research and consider about how to connect at the event.

Spend a little time doing some selfreflection, too. Practice introducing yourself in a concise manner and think of some key talking points that might arise, like why you are attending the event or something interesting about yourself. It doesn’t hurt to take a quick glance at some industry news for topical talking points, either.

2. Be approachable, ask questions, and seek common ground.

Once inside the event, be sure to wear your nametag in an easily visible spot (generally your upper right chest) and don’t be afraid to move around the room. I like to start by approaching someone who is standing alone or by joining a large group. If you cannot find a conversation to start or join, try positioning yourself somewhere in the room where others can approach you. Stand somewhere visible to most people, like near the bar or at a high-top table in the center of the room.

Avoid areas like the coat closet, outside of the bathroom, or at the end of the food line, as these tend to be areas where people are busy and not interested in starting a conversation.

On the topic of food and drink, never go to an event hungry. Beyond the physical side effects like inability to focus or, in my case, “hanger” (irritability caused by hunger), it can be challenging to keep a conversation going between bites and difficult to shake hands holding a plate of food. Likewise, keep digital distractions to a minimum. It is tempting to assuage our discomfort at events by scrolling on our phones, but others will perceive you as being busy or disinterested.

As you start or enter a conversation, keep it simple. Introduce yourself by name and – here’s the tricky part – stop and actively listen when the other person shares their name. Try to repeat their name as much as possible throughout the conversation. People love hearing their own name (it actually releases serotonin and dopamine in the brain) and it will help you remember it after the conversation ends.

Unless you are at a religious or political event, stick to neutral topics. When in doubt, ask the person questions about themselves, like where they are from, what kind of law they practice, or if they have any fun winter plans. Keep your ear out for common ground and, if you find it, go there. Shared professional or personal interests will connect you on a deeper level and keep the conversation flowing naturally. Bonus points if you can offer your help (“I just used a great expert witness in a similar case, let me give you her name.”) or ask for help (“Do you have any recommendations for books on that topic?”).

When you are ready to exit the conversation, wait for a natural break. Address them by name and thank them for their time. Ask for their business card or to connect on LinkedIn. When in doubt, use an exit line (“I want to make

sure I say hello to everyone here,” or “I’m going to step away to grab a drink.”) You can also introduce that person to another nearby colleague or invite another person into the conversation to make the exit even easier.

3. Your connection is only as good as your follow up.

After the event, follow up with your new contacts within 48 hours by email or LinkedIn. If you offered to share specific information, do so then. Invite your contact to coffee or lunch, if appropriate and a good use of both parties’ time. Otherwise, a simple “Hello, it was great to meet you, I look forward to connecting again soon” will suffice.

Perhaps the most important part of networking success is the long-term follow up. If you hear of an opportunity that might be a good fit, share it. If your contacts post content on LinkedIn, engage with it. If they get a new job, reach out with a congratulations and ask for updated contact information. You will be amazed at the return on investment with a little time and effort to maintain these relationships.

I’ll leave you with this: don’t overthink it. Be friendly and approachable. Share information about yourself but try to listen more than you speak. People likely will not remember your sweaty handshake, lame joke, or nervous laugh (and if they do, they are probably just as sweaty, unfunny, and nervous as you). What people will remember is your kindness, sincerity, and interest in the conversation. I have no doubt that you can bring all those things to your next networking conversation and build some meaningful relationships this new year.

Jen is the Director of Career Strategy at Drexel University

Thomas R. Kline School of Law’s Career Strategies Office. You can reach Jen with questions regarding professional development and law student recruitment at jmw575@ drexel.edu.

The Equity Stop

DID YOU KNOW

By Jessica L. Chapman, Esq.

Did you know that studies indicate that an average of 80% of people abandon the resolutions they have set for the New Year by February? Are you thinking back on your own resolutions and figuring out when you stopped working towards them? We’ve all been there, I’m sure. The key, I think, is choosing realistic and manageable resolutions, and creating a game plan. How can you do that? Here are some simple steps:

1. Be as specific as possible – For example, if your goal is workout-related, instead of saying, “This year I will get into a gym routine,” map it out! Set a goal to start going to the gym twice a week for the first three months, then increase it to three times a week for the next three months, then four or five times a week for the remainder of the year. Similarly, if your goal is to read more, you could start by reading one chapter a week, then increase it to two chapters a week, or even five pages per day. Work with what fits YOUR schedule.

2. Get a journal or tracking app – This will help you keep track of your progress. Also, seeing what your next step is or how far you’ve come will help you stick to your end goal. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

3. Reward system – Make sure to write down how you will reward yourself when you reach your next goal. Rewarding yourself with something every time you reach your next milestone will give you something to look forward to. It can be as simple as splurging on something you’ve had your eye on or as fun as a weekend away with friends.

As in our jobs, creating realistic goals and setting timelines makes things much more manageable. With a game plan in mind, you will be one of the 20% who achieves their resolutions . . . or at least makes it past February!

In The Works for 2023:

1. Project Linus 2. North Penn High School Debate

Wills for Seniors

Name Change Clinic

Diversity Book Club

Women Networking Event - Collaboration with Women in the Law

Meet & Greet with Local Law School Diversity Members

Career Day at Local High Schools

ERA Rent Relief Exhaustion

By Michelle Dempsky, Esq.

Since the Covid crisis began, US Jobs Report estimates that the USA has lost working hours equal to 20.6 million full-time jobs, not including independent contractors and seasonal employees. Individuals and families affected by this income loss have faced enormous difficulties in paying rent in a timely manner throughout the crisis, resulting in a surge of evictions. To address this issue, the Federal Government dispersed $2.9 billion in funds under the Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) to the states, to assist tenants who have lost income due to Covid. The program began effective March 13, 2020, and continues through the present. However, not every county is left in the same position.

While there is no monetary limit on the amount of assistance a household can receive, the ERAP funding was not unlimited, and many county agencies have already approached the threshold on exhausting available funds. This has caused different counties to either terminate their rent relief programs, or severely limit new applications or eligibility for relief. These variations between the

counties have already caused confusion, and the most up-to-date information is critical for tenants and their attorneys to navigate this uncertain process. For this reason, we’re listing the most up-to-date information on the status of the ERA programs of nearby counties.

Chester County: United Way of Chester County announced changes to the Chester County Emergency Rental Assistance Program on October 10, 2022. The announcement from United Way states: “Beginning Monday, October 10th, Chester County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is taking a pause from processing new referrals, to allow the organizations that are administering ERAP to work through, review and support everyone that is currently in the system and that qualifies for emergency rental and utility assistance. The pause in new referrals is expected to continue until November 15th, after which time only those households with an eviction notice or utility shut-off notice will be referred for ERAP assistance.”

Delaware County: Delaware County’s Emergency Rental Assistance (Delco ERA) program applications CLOSED Saturday, September 10, 2022. Applications filed on or before September 10, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. will continue to be processed until funds run out. Delco ERA also noted in a September 7, 2022 Facebook post: “Delaware County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Delco ERA) is approaching 100% expenditure of its allocation of $76,397,830 in ERA 1 and 2 funds. On Saturday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m., Delco ERA will no longer accept registrations for first-time or subsequent assistance. For those who have already registered, we will continue to process applications until all available funds are exhausted. We will continue to process grants with the remaining funds and send out a notice when all funding is exhausted.”

Bucks County: On September 2, 2022, Bucks County announced changes to the Bucks Emergency Rental Assistance (BERA) program. The BERA webpage states, “Effective 9/2/2022, eligible tenants can receive 3 total months of financial assistance, including utilities, with up to 1 month of prospective rent assistance. This financial assistance is one time only, and additional funds will not be made available. Due to time-limited additional funding availability, tenants that applied to the BERA program and utilized all available funds prior to Sept. 2, 2022 may be eligible for additional financial assistance for any additional utility and/or rental arrears through the month of September 2022.

Tenants should reach out to their assigned reviewer or to the BERA Helpline at 888-50-BUCKS to determine eligibility for this limited time funding and complete the Additional Fund Request.”

Montgomery County: Your Way Home of Montgomery County’s Emergency Rent and Utility Coalition (ERUC) is currently still accepting applications, with priority given to households with active eviction cases or pay and stay judgments. The funding is expected to last through the end of December, 2022. However, the depletion of ERA funding may result in new restrictions or limitations being implemented in January or February of 2023, and all tenants who may qualify are encouraged to submit an application prior to the end of the calendar year, so that new restrictions do not limit available assistance. More information can be obtained at: https://yourwayhome.org/eruc.

To be eligible, a Montgomery County household merely must show that (1) one or more individuals in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) the household can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability, and (3) the household must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income at the time of application.

To apply, residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898-211. Applications can be done over the phone, in person, emailed, or a combination. Residents can also reach out to one of six partner organizations below to learn more about the program and apply:

ACLAMO: www.aclamo.org, (610) 277-2570 (Norristown) or (610) 970-2134 (Pottstown).

Family Services of Montgomery County: ERU@fsmontco.org or (610) 630-2111 x235.

Manna on Main Street: www.mannaonmain.org/need-help/ getting-help or call (215) 855-5454.

CADCOM: Visit www.cadcom.org/pre-screen-form-eruc-cadcom.

Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities: call (484) 3935441 or www.pottstowncluster.org/covidrentutilityassistance.

By Joel B. Bernbaum, Esq.

It’s that time again! You are looking in the mirror or at the scale in the morning and wondering why your clothes are tight; you feel sluggish, burnt out from Covid-19 and the Election news…and figuring out what to do with the gift cards, credit from returns, and your gift lists sitting on your night table. Here are this year’s suggestions from the team at Bites & Bytes. Well, not exactly a team…me.

Smartphones – Stay with your carrier if you want, but remember that you own your phone number and can port it to any new carrier. Look for features you need, not what you want. Look for trade-in deals. One reason to change carriers is that you can take advantage of being a “new” customer. Stay with the major brands: Apple iPhone, Samsung, and Google.

Tablets – A great alternative to laptops, e-readers, and old desktops. Great portability, ease of use and features that rival your old desktop. I haven’t had a laptop for 10 years. The price is right, too.

Headphones – A must-have and a great gift. Under $50 and a terrific gift for the kids. More expensive types from Apple, Bose, Sony, and others now come with noise cancelling and other audiophile features. Great for travel, privacy and just listening to podcasts at night.

Smart Watches – These are becoming a must-have device. Many include health monitoring features such as downloading your medical reports, records, etc., directly from your health care providers. Also, keep track of your workouts, runs, walks, etc. Some allow you to answer your phone, load calendars and other reminders, and much more.

Smart Home Devices – Turn on your lights, find out where your deliveries are, answer questions, call your family and friends without using your phone, use as a walkie-talkie and much more. Prices have come down, features get better.

Smart Lightbulbs – See above.

Home Entertainment – Bluetooth speakers are great for patios, camping, extending your music listening around the house, and replacing expensive stereo speakers. All price ranges are available. Listen before you buy, but don’t worry about the specs. The name brands are all good. Pay attention to ease of wireless connection.

Streaming Service Subscription – How about buying a one-year Netflix subscription as a gift instead of a gift card? Better yet, one for you and one for a friend.

Echo Show 10 – Better than Facetime. Great for parents with kids living away or grandparents to talk to the grandchildren.

PureVis Self-Cleaning Water Bottle – Great idea; gets rid of the goop and grime build-up.

Bose Audio Sunglasses – I know, don’t laugh, these are cool and perfect for hiking, long walks, or other outdoor exercise.

POLAROID – New I-Type Instant Camera – Who knew? A polaroid digital camera. All the digital features in an instant camera.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug – $25 for an easy way to keep your Java hot!

ETAPE16 – D – Digital Electronic Tape Measure. Accurate and easy to use.

Fit Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds – These keep getting better and better and the price keeps coming down.

Most of these items can be found on all the usual internet sites…shop around and you’ll find a good deal. Remember if it looks too good, it’s a scam.

Enjoy the Internet, E-Mail, and social media, but “Let’s be careful out there!”

Please send your questions and comments to me at: joel@bernbaumfamilylaw.com.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine

By Gregory Gilston, Esq.

When I was an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, my buddies and I used to frequent a local Peruvian joint near the campus in College Park. When I moved to Philadelphia in 2014, one of my biggest regrets about leaving the DC metro area after college was that I would no longer have access to this particular restaurant. To my surprise, shortly after I arrived in Philadelphia, so too did this Peruvian paradise. As I continued to frequent this fast casual spot, I became intrigued with the cultural cuisine, and captivated by the overwhelming flavor compressed in every dish.

When I was tasked with writing this feature and reviewing a restaurant in Montgomery County, I immediately knew that I wanted to expand upon my exposure to Peruvian cuisine. Little did I know that I would encounter such an incredible BYOB restaurant nestled in the middle of a busy block in Ambler, PA. Ever since 2021, Geronimo’s has been serving up authentic Peruvian comfort dishes with market-fresh ingredients, in an enjoyable space with a peaceful yet vibrant ambiance. Their menu features a selection of dishes, all made in-house by their team of talented chefs.

During my first (and definitely not my last) visit to Geronimo’s, I was joined by my wife and my business partner. It just so happened that this was their first in-person meeting, and it was a very enjoyable evening, amongst two very important people in my life.

We each enjoyed an appetizer to start. My wife ordered the Geronimo’s salad, which she claimed to include “some of the freshest ingredients she’s ever had.” This is high praise from a Sweetgreen addict. My business partner, Dean, ordered the Seafood Ceviche. It took him no time at all to finish this tasty dish, and when the waiter attempted to clear his plate, Dean replied by asking for just a few more minutes to “finish the sauce.” Yes…. Apparently, it was that good! I started the meal with the Shrimp Chowder which was truly delicious as well. The shrimp in the soup was extremely fresh, and the broth was light

131-A E. Butler Ave. Ambler, PA 19002

www.geronimosambler.com (215) 641-0900

yet flavorful. During the appetizer portion of the meal, the waiter also brought over some baked and salted Inca Corn to snack on, as well as some fresh bread complemented by a sweet butter made in-house.

For the main meal, we all chose slightly different dishes; everything was so delicious. We ordered the Pollo Al Limon – a tender grilled chicken breast sauteed in a thick lemon sauce, with onions and yuca, the Salmon a La Chorrillana – a perfectly cooked salmon filet with sautéed red onion, tomato, and Peruvian yellow chili on a bed of potatoes, and the Pulpo Al Oliva – grilled octopus with botija olive sauce and avocado. The grilled octopus was the best I have ever had, bar none.

For dessert, we shared the Lava Cake served with lucuma ice cream, and the Crème Volteda aka creamy Peruvian Flan – a staple of the Peruvian culinary experience. “Delectable” is the only word that could do justice for these two dessert dishes.

We truly enjoyed every minute dining at Geronimo’s restaurant in Ambler. If you make plans to dine there in the future, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance; we were the first people in, but definitely not the last people out. The dishes are sizeable, but a bit pricier than anticipated. The menu is a bit small, although they do offer some special dishes to add variety to the menu. Even then, there are enough options on the menu to create a worthy selection of appetizers and entrees from the ground, the land, or the sea. Ultimately, no dish on the menu will disappoint. The service was excellent, and so too was the BYOB option.

If you have something or someone special to celebrate, Geronimo’s is the place to go. A night wining and dining at Geronimo’s is a night well spent.

BOOK REVIEW:

Filthy Rich Lawyers: Book One: The Education of Ryan Coleman –

It’s not a novel. It’s a lifestyle.

by Brian Felgoise and

David Tabatsky

Review

By Jules Mermelstein, Esq., author of Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue

This novel, which I will call Filthy Rich Lawyers for short, has been described as a satire on the field of class action lawsuits, and particularly, the attorneys and judges involved in those suits. It certainly begins that way but the satire continues to include all judges, the judicial system, the government, the pursuit of what some call “success,” extravagant wealth, the NFL, and other societal issues. It gradually also turns into a thriller.

Brian Felgoise, the co-author who is an attorney with experience in various areas of the law, including class actions, has his law office in our county, located in Jenkintown. He also wrote about what his inspiration was to create this novel, which you can read at https://www.filthyrichlawyers.com/ home/1dlm7dymbo7ydf8fyyv9n0nx3jnb1h (or find it on the filthyrichlawyers.com website if you don’t want to copy the URL).

Ryan Coleman, who Felgoise admits is modeled loosely on himself, is a young attorney trying to succeed. In his mind success includes earning a great deal of money while helping people. When he comes to the attention of an established class action attorney who takes him under his wing, he has to wrestle between the ideas expressed by this attorney, and others this attorney introduces him to, and his conscience, which is firmly ensconced in his head in the voice of his mother.

In addition to the class action field and what actually constitutes “success,” this novel touches on issues of drug use, sex work, death by suicide, and the job of “fixer.”

Some quotes that bite, and some just humorous, from this novel:

Smalley was the quintessential example of a lawyer who became filthy rich by exploiting corporate greed and the judicial system for his own best interests, without really affecting any significant change or improving the problem at the center of the action.

Ryan Coleman, in a struggle between the desire for financial success and his conscience, asks Smalley a question: “So, Bob, what’s your view of being a class action lawyer where, you know, lawyers make all of the money, and the Class Members get next to nothing?”

“Coleman, listen to me. I do not give a shit about Class Members. You hear me? I am only concerned with the riches that I develop from the practice of law. Boom! That’s it.”

Ryan Coleman eventually becomes a “fixer” for a class action attorney who is even richer than Smalley. He continues to wrestle with his conscience while doing so.

Anyway, while I was plotting a crime in one half of my brain, I was trying to legitimize my actions in the other half, as if I had a conscience or something.

This is an excellent read that, through satire and humor, leads the reader to consider more serious issues involved in our various power systems. I strongly recommend this novel, which ends quite surprisingly.

When will you find out the ending? I will answer that with a phrase that occurs throughout the book: “In due time.”

MOVIE REVIEW

Knives Out

By Franqui-Ann J. Raffaele, Esq.

When you start practicing law, many attorneys realize actual practice isn’t like the movies, or even tv shows for that matter. As an estate planning attorney, one might expect to find oneself in a room addressing a grieving family member as you read out the Last Will and Testament of the Decedent. The family members are shocked and outraged by the Decedent’s wishes – blindsided by the disposition. In actual practice, that’s more of an exception than the rule.

Knives Out hosts such a familiar scene. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film was released in 2019 and stars an array of famous actors, including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, and the late Christopher Plummer to name a few. The Knives Out movies take inspiration from Agatha Christie novels, the Hercule Poirot films, and is reminiscent of The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. The film follows the investigation

of Benoit Blanc, “the Last of the Gentlemen Sleuths” and one of the main protagonists in the film.

Detective Blanc is mysteriously hired to investigate the death, a seemingly straightforward suicide, of a highly successful crime author, Harlan Thrombey, a day after his 85th birthday. At his death, you meet Harlan’s family – a menagerie of eccentricity, combative in nature, and each holding a secret they’re dying to keep. Harlan’s death throws the family into a fight over the empire he built, including the estate’s most significant asset, a publishing company called Blood Like Wine. As the Detective narrows in on his suspect, each scene adds a new piece to the puzzling death. He enlists the assistance of a nurse who treated Harlan up until his death, Marta, who suffers from a medieval “regurgitative reaction to mistruthing.” The Detective’s investigation takes a turn in a classic scene of a family gathered around the lawyer as

he reads the Last Will and Testament of the late even-handed patriarch.

With twists and turns, Knives Out presents a modern take on a classic whodunnit. If you can’t get enough of the murder mysteries, a fan of Agatha Christie, or fascinated by the Hercule Poirot tales, this movie is well worth a watch.

For those that can’t get enough of Detective Blanc, Netflix released Glass Onion: A Knives Out Tale on December 23, 2022.

A Word from USI Affinity | My Benefit Advisor

EMPLOYEES HEIGHTEN THEIR FOCUS ON BENEFITS

It comes as no surprise that there has been a shift in priorities for many employees over the past year. The things individuals thought were important as little as two years ago no longer seem so critical, while some issues now have come into the forefront and are deemed to be absolutely necessary.

Decision makers for employee benefits have taken notice and are responding with a revised menu of benefit options. Primarily, they’re focused on enhancing benefit selections, rounding out wellness coverage, boosting mental-health coverage and adding childcare programs and telehealth options.

Employers are generally mindful of how financially stretched their employees might be and are trying to limit how much they add to their burden. Instead of raising benefit levels for all employees across the board, it may be beneficial to develop a more targeted approach and let individuals select the benefits that are best suited for them, through a voluntary benefit package as an example.

One thing is clear however… in today’s economy employees have shifted their perspective on compensation, focusing intensely on the employer-sponsored benefit portfolio.

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.

MCAP UPDATE

By Mary C. Pugh, Esq., Executive Director, MCAP

MCAP held its 12th annual Salute to Heroes Dinner Dance & Auction on Saturday, November 12, 2022, LIVE at the Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel. More than 170 family members, friends, and members of the local legal community gathered to celebrate the Honorable Cheryl L. Austin for her dedication and service to the children and families of Montgomery County. Together we enjoyed learning about Judge Austin’s remarkable life, especially her ongoing commitment to service. Guests also toasted MCAP’s volunteer attorney advocates for the thousands of hours they donate each year to their MCAP cases. The event –which included silent and live auctions, delicious food and drink, dancing, and a photo booth – raised critical funds for MCAP’s work to provide free legal services to child victims of abuse, neglect, and trafficking in Montgomery County. Next year’s Salute to Heroes is already on the books for Saturday, November 11, 2023 – please save the date!

After she was born, she and her sister, Ginger, were enrolled in the Puppy Prison Program at the State Correctional Institute Pine Grove where the inmates teach the dogs socialization and obedience skills along with intense training to be service dogs for individuals suffering trauma and/or with physical or cognitive disabilities. Luckily, New Hope Assistance Dogs chose MCAP as the recipient of Nutmeg!

Nutmeg was “paroled” in August 2022 and has continued her training to be a therapy and comfort dog. Nutmeg will come to work every day at MCAP and accompany MCAP attorneys when meeting with our kids, or when kids are being interviewed, or testifying. Nutmeg will also be available to help our partners with their clients who need a comfort companion to navigate the confusing and traumatic legal arenas. We are thankful to the MCAP Board of Directors, the Montgomery Bar Association Executive Director Denise Vicario, and President Judge Carolyn Carluccio for their enthusiastic support of this project. Nutmeg’s first day of work was December 5, 2022. MCAP obtained Nutmeg with the generous support from The Walmart Community Grant Program and a personal donation from Razvan Ionescu. For more information about Nutmeg, contact our office.

Thank you!

MCAP is excited to announce the addition of our newest staff member, Nutmeg. A 1-year-old female goldendoodle, Nutmeg came to MCAP through the New Hope Assistance Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit organization located in Warren, PA dedicated to enhancing and comforting the lives of individuals and educating the public about the benefits of trained therapy and comfort animals.

Like most nonprofits, businesses, and families, COVID and its collateral consequences negatively impacted MCAP in many ways. We experienced an explosion in the number of cases and children we served. In 2021, MCAP represented and provided legal services to 775 children in 536 cases, the greatest number of children/cases MCAP served in one year. For 2022, we are on track to surpass our 2021 record- breaking numbers.

On behalf of MCAP’s board and staff, thank you for your support and commitment to keeping children safe. Wishing you and your families warm wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season. To donate to MCAP visit our website at www. mcapkids.org – you can direct your donations for the care and maintenance of our Nutmeg.

Montgomery Child Advocacy Project’s (MCAP) mission is to end and prevent child abuse and neglect in Montgomery County through legal services, advocacy, and education. MCAP operates as a pro-bono model with 140+ professional attorneys (trained by MCAP) on our roster who donate approximately 8,000 hours to our child clients’ cases each year. Since our founding in 2004, MCAP has provided free legal services for more than 6,200 children. To learn more please see our website at www.mcapkids.org.

MCAP honors the Honorable Cheryl L. Austin at Salute to Heroes Dinner Dance & Auction!

Welcome to the newest addition to our MCAP family.

U.S. District Court For the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Convenes at MBA to Establish Civics Engagement Initiatives

By Aimee L. Kumer, Esq., Chair, Federal Courts Committee

On November 1, 2022, the Montgomery Bar hosted the United State District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s Working Groups for Community Engagement. Several members of the federal and state bench, and numerous bar leaders from across the Eastern District, convened in the dining room of the Bar Building for a “working” dinner, during which information and ideas were exchanged about fostering and improving engagement with the community, and increasing community education about the role of the independent judiciary. The working groups are part of an initiative of Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez aimed at promoting outreach to the community, by members of the bench and bar, regarding the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence. These working groups have focused their attention on three primary topics: Primary and Secondary Schools; College and Adult Education Efforts; and Jury Participation and Education.

The Primary and Secondary School Group has focused on bringing attention to and revitalizing civics education programs. Many of these programs had been thriving prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but came to a rather abrupt halt in 2020, and are only recently resuming. These programs – which often feature judges and attorneys visiting school classrooms to explain the role of the judiciary and the core principles underlying the legal system – are an important means of establishing relationships with the community and advancing civic education. During the working dinner, it was reported that the judges of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are exploring future involvement in the Advancing Civics Education program (www.ACEcivics. org), to send their judges into classrooms in Philadelphia, together with Bar members, to support civic education. They are also exploring involvement in the Law and Justice Mentoring Program through the Pepper Center for Public Service, which is aimed at connecting black, indigenous and people of color

(“BIPOC”) students within the School District of Philadelphia to pre-law opportunities and mentorship. Lawyers and judges from Montgomery County and other counties outside of Philadelphia also reported on the resumption of these programs.

During the meeting, Judge Restrepo of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals also announced that the Third Circuit will continue the fifth and sixth grade essay contest, which began last year. The contest solicits essays from fifth and sixth grade classes on civics topics – this year’s topic is, “Why the Right to Vote is important to me and to our country.” The contest is open to all fifth and sixth grade classes in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each class should submit just one essay, which are due by Friday, March 31, 2023.

The College and Adult Education Working Group has focused on programs to increase civic engagement and education among college programs and adult learners, and on promoting opportunities for engagement by marginalized groups in the judicial system. This includes a mock sentencing exercise (similar to mock trials, and performed by college students); efforts to increase internship opportunities for international college students within the courts, government agencies, law firms and bar associations; and adult education efforts with community colleges, spearheaded by Judge Cynthia Rufe.

Lastly, the Jury Participation and Education Working Group has been working to develop ways to increase juror participation and engagement, and to educate jurors and their employers on the importance of jury duty and need to support jury service. Many of the impediments to juror engagement are rooted in the economics of jury service – an issue that the judiciary itself is not able to remedy directly – and as such is a complex but vitally important issue to address equal access to justice. The working groups will be continuing their work into the new year – with robust participation from the Montgomery Bar and members of its bench.

As we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic we find ourselves in a challenging economic environment. Supply chain issues, scarcity, and inflation have combined to cause a perfect storm of price increases of everything from groceries to housing. As is often the case, those most vulnerable in our community are the ones who suffer the most.

During this season of giving – and throughout the year – our members continue to step up to lend a helping hand to those in need. While we tend to focus on the difficulties and challenges in our world, let’s take a few minutes to highlight the good being done by our members every day. So many of our members give back through pro bono work, serving on boards of community organizations, and volunteering at various community events. Here is just a small sampling of the charitable work being done by our members not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

The Montgomery Bar Foundation (www. montgomerybarfoundation.org) is the charitable affiliate of the Montgomery Bar Association; it supports law-related educational, charitable, and humanitarian projects throughout Montgomery County, PA.

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (www.naacpldf.org) is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. It works to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.

We wish everyone a meaningful, peaceful, healthy and joyous holiday season.

Jeffrey S. Feldman, Esq.

The Feldman Firm

This year, The Feldman Firm, LLC celebrated #GivingTuesday and the holiday season by once again making contributions to three charitable organizations. This year, the Firm has made donations to Sara’s Smiles Foundation, the Montgomery Bar Foundation, and The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

Sara’s Smiles (www.saras-smiles.org), based in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, honors the memory of Sara Kate Burke, Jeff Feldman’s niece, by brightening the spirits of pediatric cancer patients in hospitals and care facilities around the country.

Friedman Schuman, PC has proudly supported charitable initiatives in Montgomery County and Philadelphia for decades. In 2022, the firm donated to Maccabi USA, an organization based out of Philadelphia, that promotes support for Israel and Jewish continuity through athletic, educational, and cultural experiences for participants of all ages. Friedman Schuman was a Platinum Sponsor of the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams representing the USA for the Maccabi Games in 2022. We are proud to announce that this was the first year that Team USA fielded a women’s team in the Maccabi Games. Many of our lawyers who are members of the Montgomery Bar Association also donate annually to the Montgomery Bar Foundation. Their donations to the Montgomery Bar Foundation are used to help underprivileged children, homeless, victims of domestic abuse, and families in need in Montgomery County. Friedman Schuman is very pleased to share that attorneys at our firm

give back to our community by providing pro bono legal representation throughout the year, as well. Many members of our staff and attorneys have causes that are near and dear to their hearts that they individually support. Some of these organizations include:

• Wissahickon Trails

• Last Chance Ranch

• AJC- Relief for Ukraine

• Bridlewild Trails

• Abramson Senior Care

• Jefferson Health

• Emily’s Entourage

All of us at Friedman Schuman feel incredibly fortunate to be able to support and give back to many wonderful organizations serving our local community each and every year.

Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer is delighted to continue working with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in spreading holiday cheer to local families. This year attorneys and staff provided Thanksgiving dinner baskets that included non-perishable food items and gift cards for families to make additional purchases.

The Kane Pugh Team helped spread a little warmth this winter season by donating new coats to children and individuals in Montgomery County. The Holiday Drive is just one of our favorite ways to give to the community. As we have done in the past, this year we worked in collaboration with the Office of Children and Youth Services to provide items from “wish lists” to families known to be in need of assistance.

Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin enjoys sharing. We once again are happy to do our part this holiday season. For Thanksgiving, we took up a collection of non-perishable items and had them delivered to Laurel House. (Laurel House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency offering an array of services to support those impacted by domestic violence, while also providing prevention and education services to the general community.) And for the Christmas holiday, our firm adopted three families through the Kelly Ann Dolan Foundation, presenting each family with a variety of gift cards and well wishes. (The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund is a non-medical resource center that provides advocacy, education, information, and financial assistance for needs not covered by insurance to families caring for terminally, critically, and chronically ill, severely disabled, or seriously injured children.) ‘Tis the season, and we are thankful for the ability to participate and give to others. All of us at HRMM&L wish you, your families and your firms a very happy holiday.

Kane Pugh is proud to have lawyer advocates serving the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, “MCAP.” Our child advocates donate countless hours to help abused and neglected children. Many of our attorneys dedicate their time and experience to strengthen Boards of the various professional associations they belong to, such as the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation, Montgomery Bar Foundation, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and peace in the New Year!

This holiday season, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman King of Prussia has continued their longstanding tradition of making food and monetary donations to the Patrician Society of Norristown, a non-profit organization that has been serving the economically disadvantaged in the greater Norristown area for over 40 years. The office food drive was again led by Marshall Dennehey Administrative Assistant Mary Pat Kielinski, who has been coordinating the collection and delivery effort for 20 plus years. Marshall Dennehey King of Prussia stands with the

The Giving Issue

Continued from page 21

Patrician Society and their important mission to provide food, clothing and shelter to the good people of our community who need assistance, especially during these economically challenging times.

“Service to others is the rent you pay here on Earth.”

Muhammad Ali

At Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C., it is our firm’s mission to use our resources to make a difference in the communities we serve. In 2022, we were fortunate enough to have several opportunities to do so:

During the holiday season our firm will continue its partnership with the North Penn Valley Boys & Girls Club to purchase holiday wish list items for a Montgomery County family in need.

Our entire team participated in a firm-wide day of service where we packed 100 bookbags with school supplies for donation to a community outreach organization that will give them away as part of their annual drive for in-need elementary students in Philadelphia.

Over the summer we co-hosted a free movie and refreshments community night for the local residents of the Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park in North Philadelphia. The park opened in August 2021 and was dedicated to four victims who were struck by a carjacker and killed in 2014 as they raised money for a new playground. Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette made a six-figure donation to the City of Philadelphia in honor of the family and continues to support community events at the park.

In honor of Juneteenth, we provided pro bono legal services to Mill Creek Urban Farm, a black-owned environmental education center located in West Philadelphia, in establishing their business entity.

Our firm also made contributions to several charitable organizations, including Stephen’s Rise & Grind, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the stigma associated with mental illness and providing financial assistance to increase access to vital mental illness treatment; the Montgomery Bar Foundation Legal Aid Program; and continued our longstanding support of the Montgomery Child Advocacy Program.

We are looking forward to pursuing even more opportunities to give back in 2023.

Karen & Ben Sanchez

For the past 8 years, in concert with a group of our friends, we have held a Thanksgiving “Turkey and Food Drive” and

“Holiday Gift Drive.” What started as a simple effort to gather a few extra “turkey coupons” so that more folks in need could have a real Thanksgiving dinner has grown into an event that supplies hundreds of turkeys, hundreds of pounds of additional food and so many dollars in grocery gift cards for the Family Promise Food Pantry in Abington – all provided by the generous donations of our amazing community. Our first year’s Turkey Drive donors were so generous that they began asking us how people would feed themselves and give their families a nice holiday season after Thanksgiving, so we conceived of a Holiday Gift Drive to help match families in need with people willing

to supply them with a wish list of gifts (often, heartbreakingly, the most basic of necessities) and again those donors answered the call. In a time where the commercialization and pace of the holidays can sometimes disgust and exhaust, this process always brings us back to reality and re-inspires us to the goodness in people and their love and care for the grateful others in our beloved community. We couldn’t possibly thank all of the family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and strangers who donate, and who assist us in the logistics of getting food, gifts, toys and gift cards to the community members who need it, but we try to convey our gratitude for what one mom said as she held up one bag of food donation and one bag of toy donation, “This IS my Christmas. What you gave me is all I have to give to my kids this holiday.” We can’t help but be grateful for all we have this time of year and all year through.

While 2022 has been a busy year at Timoney Knox, we have remained steadfast in fulfilling one of our core missions: giving back.

In celebration of our 100th year, we worked with the Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission to donate 100 trees to the community. This will help create a greener future, replacing

hundreds of trees lost in the township due to destruction from the September 1, 2021 tornado. We also view this initiative as symbolic of longevity.

We supported the Montgomery County Critical Incident Stress Management Team (Montco CISM). The mission of this team is to help the township’s citizens cope with emergencies such as terrorism, natural disasters, and wide-scale trauma.

Timoney Knox continued its commitment to the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, which aims to prevent and address child abuse in Montgomery County through legal services, advocacy, and education. This year we continued our support of the Montgomery Bar Foundation Legal Aid program, whose mission is to facilitate access to justice and protect the integrity of the legal system.

We have also continued to support the Arc of Philadelphia in its mission to advocate with and for all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For the past two years, attorneys from our Students’ Rights practice group have presented to parents of children with special needs in an effort to inform them of their educational and legal rights, so that their children can receive an appropriate education.

Since the founding of the Kelly Ann Dolan Memorial Fund in 1976, Timoney Knox has proudly supported and served on the Fund’s Board. This non-profit organization offers financial assistance for families caring for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and injuries. We are humbled and heartened by their impact: more than 27,000 families in crisis have received the help they so desperately need. In 2022, our firm adopted two families and provided gift cards for all family members.

The firm continued its longstanding support of the Wissahickon Trails. Timoney Knox has supported this organization since its inception, both financially and by having an attorney sitting on its board. We are proud to support Wissahickon Trails and its efforts to protect our land and waterways. They take great pride in developing this important natural asset.

Longevity is something we value and embrace. Our ongoing participation in these communities and with these organizations is not only deeply fulfilling but is an essential investment to building a brighter and better future.

the creation of the Wisler Pearlstine Charitable Fund (The Fund) in celebration of its milestone 75th anniversary. This year, through The Fund, Wisler Pearlstine distributed $25,000 in grants to organizations across Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties, including Kids Against Hunger Philadelphia, Angel Flight East, Face to Face, Tabor Services, Inc., Variety - The Children’s Charity of Delaware Valley, Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) and Bringing Hope Home, Inc. Each of these organizations provide vital services, supporting children and families throughout the region in various capacities. Additionally, Wisler Pearlstine is proud to sponsor several community events throughout the year.

This holiday season, in keeping with its long-standing tradition, the Firm collected toys for local children and families served by the Daily Bread Community Food Pantry in Collegeville. It also provided support for area families battling cancer, via Bringing Hope Home, Inc., to help alleviate some of the financial burdens of the holidays.

Individually, Wisler Pearlstine attorneys and staff continue to serve as leaders in their communities, giving of their time to support community organizations, and causes near and dear to their hearts, through volunteering, board service and sponsorship of local fundraisers.

Year after year, Wisler Pearlstine, LLP strives to make a difference in the communities it serves through charitable giving.

In 2020, the Firm reinforced this annual commitment with

And last but certainly not least, the Montgomery Bar Foundation continued its annual tradition of awarding grants for justice-related causes. The MBF hosted a holiday luncheon on December 12th, during which $76,000 in grants was presented to 11 local non-profit organizations. Additionally, the MBF presented a check in the amount of $62,000 representing from the Legal Aid Golf Classic to Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. That’s $138,000 awarded by the Foundation in 2022, ensuring equal access to justice in our community. Thank you to our Montgomery Bar Foundation Fellows, without whose support these grants could not have been made. To learn more about becoming a Fellow, visit www.montgomerybarfoundation.org!

MBF Fellows Support Important Work for Our Courts and Citizens

Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy will never forget that day in a Montgomery County Courtroom where, as a young Assistant District Attorney, she was observing a sexual abuse trial and the victim, a seven-year-old girl, got ready to step down from the witness stand after testifying. The little girl looked around the courtroom, took a breath, and bravely walked past the defense table where her mother sat with her boyfriend that the little girl had just implicated with her testimony. As she walked down the courtroom aisle, all alone, seeing a sympathetic face, she simply sat down near that Assistant District Attorney who had the sudden, painful realization that the little girl thought she had no one else in that courtroom on her side.

If that happened today, a Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) advocate would be there with that young victim, to hold her hand, to offer her a seat in the courtroom, explain what was happening and to advocate on her behalf. MCAPS are lawyers who volunteer their time to advocate for child victims of abuse, neglect and trafficking in the courtrooms every day. The Montgomery Child Advocacy Project professional staff vets the MCAPS, trains them how to represent the children, introduces them to victims who need their help and advocates for an end to child abuse and neglect.

MCAP has MBA past President Mary Pugh as its Executive Director, and former Montgomery County Detective Mary Anders as Deputy Executive Director. Staff Attorneys Sharon Jones Hofer, Eileen Schaeffer and Angie Polizzi and Program Coordinator Patricia Teaford round out the office team. They are assisted by 125 volunteer lawyers from the Montgomery Bar Association who meet with the child victims, help investigate their cases, attend court dates with them, explain what’s going on in age-appropriate ways, and make sure their voices and their concerns are clearly heard in the courtroom.

If you can, consider volunteering with MCAP to help them do this important and often unappreciated work. If you can’t spare the time, then remember that you can support MCAP and other non-profit organizations who support justice and fair treatment for all in and outside our courts by contributing to the Montgomery Bar Foundation.

The organizations your Montgomery Bar Foundation contributions support are often overlooked. Most people will

never experience a sexual abuse trial, thankfully, and might never even be inside a Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas courtroom. Most people in Montgomery County will never need to know that the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, the Senior Law Center and Laurel House exist, but, as an example, if someone needs help with a domestic violence event and a sudden need for safe housing, Laurel House is there and never too far away.

The Montgomery Bar Foundation, with your contributions, has supported these organizations and others like Your Way Home, which works to help those suddenly homeless find affordable housing, and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA which provides free, civil, legal help to those who need it and cannot afford it.

These are not big national nonprofit organizations, but they are often serving people in and around Montgomery County with pro bono legal services and other essential help so that all see justice and fairness. By all means, if you can, volunteer as a pro bono attorney to help an organization like this do its work. If you can’t, become an MBA Fellow or just make a contribution to the Montgomery Bar Foundation so that, with your fellow members of the Montgomery Bar Association, we can work together to make sure this important work happens and there is fairness and justice for all. Our grants are not huge, but we do what we can, and with your help, we can do even more.

MBA Members can enroll in the MBA Fellows Program, or make a payment towards an existing Fellows contribution right on the MBA website. By joining the regular Fellows Program, you agree to contribute a minimum of $250.00 per year for five (5) years, or contribute a total amount of $1,250.00. Younger lawyers have a more affordable alternative. MBA Members who belong to the Young Lawyers Section are eligible to join our new Young Lawyers Fellows Program for just $10 per month. To recognize this, all MBA Fellows are given a special designation on their nametags at MBA events.

We have the ability to make grants to appropriate organizations from our investment earnings as well, but there’s no doubt that the MBA Fellows keep the Foundation and a few of its grantees going. Please join us. No seven-year-old should ever have to be all alone in one of our courtrooms.

Norristown Outreach Connects Homeless With Legal Aid

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

From left – Andrew Green, Villanova law student & LASP intern; Charles Burrows (seated), LASP Disaster Relief Staff Attorney; Gabriela Amado, Villanova law student; Erika Felpel, LASP Pro Bono & Helpline Paralegal; Jack Christmas, Villanova law student; Kathryn M. Palladino, LASP Staff Attorney & Montgomery County Pro Bono Coordinator; Richard A.J. Prebil, LASP Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney; Olivia Beach, Villanova undergraduate student; Michael E. Kelley, LASP Norristown Managing Attorney; Andrea Solis Canto, Villanova law student; Carolyn E. Johnson, LASP Regional Housing Unit Interim Supervising Attorney; and Stephanie Sena, Villanova Anti-Poverty Fellow. Students not pictured: Villanova students Patrick “PJ” Brogan, Keara Donahue, Brooke Githens and Isabella Graci.

NORRISTOWN – LASP conducted a legal outreach Oct. 20 at Norristown Riverfront Park. Carolyn Johnson, Interim Supervising Attorney for LASP’s Regional Housing Unit, coordinated the outreach with Villanova Anti-Poverty Fellow Stephanie Sena. LASP attorneys and paralegal worked alongside Professor Sena and her students to help 15 local residents who are unhoused.

During the outreach, Mark Boorse, Director of Programs at Access Services, told LASP staff members that about 600 people are currently sleeping outdoors in Montgomery County, including 100 in Norristown. This represents a significant increase in the last two years, he noted. Causes include the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County, Hurricane Ida, COVID-19, and inflation.

1500 Market Street, East Tower, Suite 1800

• Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 751-2863

MBA & Montgomery County Prothonotary Host Virtual Name Change Clinic

By Ann Cornell, Outreach and Communications Director, Montgomery County Prothonotary’s Office

Just as the Beatles got by with a little help from their friends, the Montgomery Bar Association’s and Montgomery County Prothonotary Office’s collaborative efforts yielded a successful pro bono name change clinic for adult County residents this past October.

Seven pro bono attorneys assisted 11 Montgomery County residents with their name change petitions via Zoom. The attorneys also answered assigned clients’ questions and provided advice about the name change process. Ten clinic participants moved forward with their name change petitions and attended their respective hearings in mid-December.

While the Montgomery County clinic was open to all County residents, there was a deliberate effort to invite transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals.

“I am dedicated to reaching out and supporting those in our community who have for far too long been ignored and discriminated against. (This) name change clinic is just one example of how our office is inclusive and supportive of all Montgomery County residents,” Prothonotary Noah Marlier said.

Pro bono name change clinics are hosted throughout the U.S., but this was the first time a Montgomery County government official and the MBA spearheaded this type of event.

Executive Director Denise Vicario said the MBA was “delighted to host its inaugural name change clinic. The MBA sponsors legal clinics throughout the year, and it is terrific to add a name change clinic to the complement of our pro bono initiatives.”

Planning started in the spring after Noah approached Denise about a partnership. The two assembled a small

team – Legal Aid of Southeastern PA attorney and MBA member Michelle Dempsky, MBA CLE and Events Coordinator/Executive Assistant Tim Murray, and Prothonotary Office Outreach Director Ann Cornell – who met periodically to help take the clinic from concept to reality.

The MBA and the Prothonotary’s Office tackled tasks in their respective spheres. The MBA’s projects included soliciting volunteer attorneys, publishing and managing the intake form, and planning and hosting the CLE ahead of the clinic. Noah served as the CLE moderator and Michelle and her Legal Aid colleague, Erica Briant, co-taught about 20 attorneys who attended the hybrid session. Noah also coordinated with President Judge Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio to waive the filing fee for clinic participants.

There was a multi-channel approach to getting the word out to potential participants. Main Line Health and Einstein Pride partnered in the effort to let County residents know about this opportunity. Area legislators’ offices, including Reps. Ben Sanchez’s, Nancy Guenst’s and Joe Webster’s, shared news of the clinics to their constituents on social media. Flyers were posted around the County in libraries and coffee shops. Ursinus College’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Montgomery County Community College also told students about the clinic. Pre-clinic publicity got an additional boost with stories from WHYY and The Reporter

Michelle noted that the name change petition paperwork can be handled pro se. However, some name change petitioners can find the process confusing or overwhelming – particularly if they have little or no experience with the court system. One of the name change participants looked particularly relieved during their session as they received an attorney’s guidance, she said.

The hearing day, Dec. 14, was full of smiles after the Court approved all of the petitions. The clinic’s participants and their supporters packed Video Room 2 and the hallway as they patiently waited for their respective hearings. Michelle and fellow attorney Ellen Fischer were there to represent their respective clients, and Denise, Noah, Ann, and Judge Carluccio were also in attendance to meet and congratulate the clinic’s participants. It was gratifying to see the end result of months of work, and to know the clinic helped several people in the community.

“Thank you for everything! This was the best,” one petitioner said emphatically after the hearing.

The MBA and Prothonotary Office members are thrilled that their first-ever clinic went so well. They also thank the people who provided advice and guidance along the way. Prothonotary Office Operations Coordinator Claire Hart answered questions about the minutiae of filing a name change petition, including what a filer needs and what an attorney should know. Philadelphia Bar Association members, attorneys Andrew Slom, Ian Evans, and Krystal Kane, who led their own name change clinic for Philadelphia residents, provided invaluable advice and best practices for the Montco clinic.

All organizers are looking forward to offering more name change clinics in 2023!

MBA Leadership Academy ’22 Focuses on Personal Development and Member Engagement

Each year, the MBA selects a group of its best and brightest young lawyers to join the prestigious Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a year-long course, run by Nancy Walsh, that lets a selective group identify their individual strengths and weaknesses while working through a project intended to better the bar association. This year, leadership academy tackled the issue of membership attraction and engagement, presenting their recommendations to the MBA Board of directors at their October 20th meeting.

Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, a leading law firm in the MBA, sent two of its lawyers to be part of the 2022 Leadership Academy, John F. McCaul and Annie L. Neamand.

Here is what John McCaul had to say about Leadership Academy this year:

“Going into Leadership Academy I thought I knew what my strengths were and that this would be a great networking opportunity. The networking was exactly what I expected and I met a lot of great people. But the real value was the day Nancy broke down everyone in the class with various tests, like Meyers-Briggs. You got a pretty clear composite of your strengths and weaknesses, down to a T. The project almost becomes a caricature of everyone’s composite, particularly the strengths because we’re encouraged to maximize those and stay away from our weaknesses as best we can.

That advice—maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses—is gold. It sounds so basic but, for a long time, I had always tried to focus on my weaknesses so as to raise the floor. In reality, it’s wasted energy to think like that. For one, if you’re working on your weaknesses, you’re basically working harder to be average. But, more obviously, you aren’t enhancing your strengths, the things that can set you apart from everyone else. If you surround yourself with others whose strengths make up for your own shortcomings, you can really advance far. When you realize everyone in your group brings different strengths (or added value), it’s a lot

easier to row the boat, so to speak. But until you uncork your group’s individual strengths and weaknesses, all the motivation and communication in the world won’t matter because assignments are disjointed and there is little cohesion. That was the value, to me at least, of the Leadership Academy. Know your own strengths and weaknesses and then find your teammates’ and delegate accordingly to accomplish the goal. That is true leadership and those are lessons I can carry with me to my own practice.”

Annie Neamand viewed the past year similarly but also shared additional insight on her experience:

“We joined LA to meet new people, to learn about the MBA, and to learn about ourselves. We learned everything we set out to, and more, thanks to the gentle guidance of the MBA and especially, Nancy Walsh. I’ve made great friends, I’ve become more confident as an attorney and as a leader, and I’ve learned that I’m lucky to be barred here in Montco, where I am surrounded by likeminded attorneys who wish the best for those around them. Throughout the last year, I have been continuously impressed by the support and encouragement of the MBA, especially that of Nancy Walsh. Nancy pushed us to the outer limits of our comfort zones and held our hands as we grappled with some interesting self-truths. At every step of the way through our project, people in leadership positions at the MBA extended genuine offers of assistance and made us feel like we were truly a part of something bigger. I enjoyed my time in Leadership Academy and am sad that my time there has come to an end. I am certain, though, that the friends and connections I made will last.”

All of the members of this year’s Leadership Academy (Elena Baylarian, Marni Berger, Jessica Chapman, John Higgins, Megan Knoll, Chris Manno, Brian Newman, and Elizabeth SchmidtJerdon) wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to Nancy Walsh and the MBA for their support and guidance this past year. The MBA’s future looks bright, thanks in part to the contribution of these young, hardworking attorneys!

MBA Teams Up with Senior Law Center to Host Wills for Seniors Clinic

The Elder Law Committee, along with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, partnered with Senior Law Center to host a Wills for Seniors clinic on October 6, 2022. The clinic was once again held at the Montgomery County Senior Adult Activities Center (MontCo SAAC) in Norristown. Our volunteers were able to assist a number of low-income seniors by preparing wills, living wills, and healthcare powers of attorney at no cost. Thank you to all who volunteered their time to help the community!

From The Clerk of Courts Office:

PAC Filing:

• There is a Direct Link for PAC Filing on our Clerk of Courts homepage https://www.montcopa. org/307/Clerk-of-Courts and use your Supreme Court ID #.

• If there is a filing fee involved – you cannot PAC file, instead file in person or by mail.

• Our office cannot answer questions about how to use PAC filing and should be directed to Court Administration.

Other Helpful Information:

• Any changes in contact information; such as new address or joining a new firm, does not get changed at the Clerk of Courts Office. Attorneys must go through the Disciplinary Board to make those changes.

• Withdrawal of Appearances do not occur automatically. Attorneys must perform the appropriate filing and file their Withdrawal of Appearance electronically or in-person at our office.

Past Presidents Dinner October 19, 2022

Pictured: Standing (L to R): Seth D. Wilson, Justin A. Bayer, Bruce Pancio, Mark C. Schultz, Michael F. Rogers, Hon. Mark A. Kearney, Sarinia M. Feinman, Keith B. McLennan, Cheryl L. Young, Eric B. Smith, Patrick J. Kurtas, Stephen G. Yusem, Paul C. Troy, and Jacqueline M. Reynolds.

Seated (L to R): Gregory R. Gifford, Mary C. Pugh, Donald M. Martin, Carolyn R. Mirabile, Marc Robert Steinberg, Hon. Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio, and Colin J. O’Boyle.

Judge Carolyn Carluccio Launches PA Supreme Court Bid

Our very own Judge Carolyn T. Carluccio announced her Republican candidacy for Pennsylvania Supreme Court today. The incumbent Common Pleas Judge from Montgomery County aims to bring experience unmatched, proven temperament, and unquestioned impartiality to Pennsylvania’s highest court.

“I’m running for two reasons. First, I have a passion for the law. The American system of justice is exceptional as we are all equal under the law,” said Carluccio. “Second, like all Pennsylvanians I want a justice system that is fair and impartial.”

Judge Carluccio was elected to the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court in November 2009, where she has served with distinction on the Family, Criminal and Civil Court benches. Last year she was unanimously chosen by her peers to serve as the Court’s first female President Judge in the County’s history. In her second year on the bench, she was President of the 2,000-member Montgomery Bar Association.

“For 13 years, I have had the privilege of presiding over criminal, family, civil and some juvenile cases,” continued Judge Carluccio. “This diverse court experience can serve as an asset to Pennsylvanians seeking experienced judges for our highest court.”

As the county’s first female President Judge, Carluccio exceeded all expectations.

“Clearly, I was overwhelmed with their faith in me. I was very excited to work with all of my colleagues and other members of the court and the bar to move forward together,” said Carluccio. “The fact that the members of my bench unanimously chose me was also very humbling, comforting and encouraging.” Since becoming the President Judge, Carluccio has effectively and efficiently made changes in the way the court does business to clean up backlogs in the system created during the pandemic.

Carluccio is a past president of the Montgomery Bar Association and has served on more than 15 committees of the association, including chair of the community outreach committee with which she helped spearhead the Courting Art initiative aimed at adorning the walls of the courthouse with paintings by local artists. She also jointly began the Leadership Academy, mentoring and teaching younger lawyers leadership skills both in the community and in the bar. Carluccio has earned the Bar’s Past President’s Award, Committee of the Year Award for Women in Law, and for the Leadership Academy, and received the coveted Margaret Richardson Award.

Judge Carluccio began her legal career as a Federal Assistant United States Attorney prosecuting largescale drug dealers, bank robbers, and money launderers. Her work earned her recognition from the United States Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

“Drug dealers are lawbreakers: plain and simple,” continued Judge Carluccio. “I have experience putting dangerous criminals behind bars. I know what prosecutors need from judges to keep our streets safe.”

Judge Carluccio served as the first female Chief Public Defender for

Montgomery County, where she managed a team of 35 staff and attorneys, was the Chief Deputy Solicitor for the County and served as the Acting Director of Human Resources.

“I was proud to be the first female Chief Public Defender in my county’s history,” continued Judge Carluccio. “The position instilled in me a passion to ensure those with a diminished voice in our criminal justice system are heard.”

Judge Carluccio earned her Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson College and her Juris Doctor Degree from Delaware Law School. Carluccio’s Court Admissions include: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of Delaware, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court.

“Pennsylvanians want qualified and experienced judges. I have been lucky to enjoy and thrive in every position I have held in the law and I believe my varied experience as a litigator, a judge and a leader makes me uniquely qualified,” said Carluccio.

A life-long resident of Montgomery County, Judge Carluccio is married to her husband with three adult children: Andrew, Charlie and Joseph.

Carluccio has strong roots to the Norristown area. Her mother grew up on Freedley Street and her father grew up on Marshall Street, in the east-end.

“I love Montgomery County. I was born and raised here and I have very strong family ties here. Anything I can do for the county and with the county is exciting for me and pursuing a seat on the Supreme Court seems like a natural transition for me as I have progressed in my career here in Montgomery County,” Carluccio said.

“I hope to share my enthusiasm for the law, our constitution and the rights of our citizens as a member of that great bench,” closed Carluccio.

MBA Celebrates 50-Year Members

On Friday, November 4, 2022, the MBA held a special luncheon to honor those members celebrating 50 years in the practice of law in Pennsylvania. 31 members were recognized this year, one of the largest classes of 50-Year members in our history. Each of the honorees was invited to deliver remarks during the celebration and those who did spoke of their families, careers, and experience of practicing law in Montgomery County. The intimate and unrestricted format of

Daniel P. Alva, Esq.

Paul B. Bartle, Esq.

Jerold S. Berschler, Esq.

Stuart N. Cohen, Esq. Hon. Rhonda L. Daniele

Joseph C. De Maria, Esq.

Mark B. Dischell, Esq.

Robert J. Edelmayer, Esq.

David A. Feldheim, Esq.

Jay C. Glickman, Esq.

Michael D. Goldberg, Esq.

Abraham A. Hobson, III, Esq.

Paul E. Holl, Esq.

William J. Honig, Esq.

John R. Howland, Esq.

Robert M. John, Esq.

the event allowed our honorees to simply spend time together, reuniting and reminiscing in the familiar confines of the library at our historic Bar Building, where so many memories were forged over the years.

The ceremony was recorded and shown during the Annual Business Luncheon on January 12th.

Please join us in congratulating our 2022 50-Year Members:

Marc D. Jonas, Esq. Jeffrey Katz, Esq. John J. Kilcoyne, Esq. Max L. Lieberman, Esq. Ricard P. McBride, Esq. Hon. Sandra Schultz Newman

James J. Oliver, Esq. Paul A. Prince, Esq. David S. Rasner, Esq.

Robert D. Reber, Jr., Esq. Edward M. Singer, Esq. Ernest G. Szoke, Esq. C. Warren Trainor, Esq. Ross Weiss, Esq. Thomas E. Wiener, Esq.

Lawyerpalooza

October 18, 2022 • Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA

Constitution Day

Friday, September 16, 2022 Montgomery County Courthouse, Norristown, PA

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MBA!

WIRE TAPS MEMBER News

The Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley is pleased to announce that Owner and Managing Attorney Jennifer J. Riley, Esq., was inducted into the Souderton Area High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame on Friday, September 16, 2022. As the Souderton Area High School Alumni Association explains, induction into their Hall of Fame “recognizes graduates for their outstanding contributions to society through significant career accomplishments and/ or community service.” In this way, the Hall of Fame not only honors its inductees, but also provides role models for the current and future students in the School District.

High Swartz LLP is pleased to announce that firm administrator Emily Bushnell has been promoted to executive director. She steps in for departing, Joanne DiFrancesco who was in the position for over 11 years. “I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Joanne over the last 6 years here at High Swartz. I could not have asked for a better mentor; she played a pivotal role during her time here. Joanne is well loved by all at this firm and will be sorely missed. Joanne oversaw a number of projects, big and small, contributing to the health and wealth of the firm. I fully intend to continue this momentum. These are big shoes to fill, and I’m honored to take on this role.”

Friedman Schuman is pleased to announce that Harold M. Goldner, Esq., joined our firm as a principal on November 1st, 2022. For over 40 years, Harold has assisted employers and employees navigate employment contacts, reductions in workforce, non-compete agreements, negotiations, employee handbooks, discrimination claims, and more. Recognized as a Super Lawyer for more than a decade, Harold also holds the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating standard given to attorneys ranked for their legal expertise and ethical standards. He has appeared for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and American

Bar Institute, while also having multiple professional pieces published in regional and national publications. Harold is also a former Director of the Montgomery Bar Association. He holds an LL.M in Trial Advocacy from Temple University School of Law, a J.D. from Boston University, and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. In his free time, Harold enjoys practicing the oboe and playing with the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra. We look forward to Harold bringing his knowledge and expertise to the Friedman Schuman firm. Wisler Pearlstine, LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Adam L. Fernandez, Esq., has been appointed President of the Nether Providence Township, Delaware County, Zoning Hearing Board by the Board, effective August 15, 2022. The Zoning Hearing Board hears variance and special exception requests from township residents, making decisions in accordance with the township’s zoning ordinance and Pennsylvania law. The Board also reviews challenges to the validity of zoning ordinances. All meetings are open to the public and agendas are available to residents in advance. In this role, Mr. Fernandez will facilitate meetings and help oversee all functions of the Board. He will serve in his current term through December 2025. A longtime resident of Delaware County, Mr. Fernandez has volunteered on the Zoning Hearing Board since 2011.

The Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley congratulates Madison R. Cooper, Esq., for joining the Firm as an Associate Attorney, which she achieved following her recent success on the Pennsylvania Bar Exam and her subsequent admission to the Pennsylvania Bar. In attaining her current position, Attorney Cooper continues her distinguished service with our Firm, which she began more than a year and a half ago when she joined us as a Law Clerk while a law student.

Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin is pleased to announce that J. Braun Taylor and Gaetano DiPersia have joined the firm as associates.

Braun Taylor is a member of the firm’s Real Estate practice. Braun brings great knowledge of the local real estate industry to his work at the firm. He is a Pennsylvania licensed realtor having been involved in the purchase, financing and sale of property for close to 10 years. A graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law, Braun received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh summa cum laude (B.A., 2018). While in law school, Braun served as a Teaching Assistant in courses in Federal Taxation, Legal Research and Writing and Transactional Skills.

Gaetano DiPersia is a member of the firm’s Litigation Department. A graduate of Villanova University Law School (J.D., 2022) and Villanova University (B.A., 2019), Gaetano served as an active member of the Villanova Law School Federal Tax Clinic while in law school.

Prior to joining HRMM&L, Gaetano served as a law clerk for a local firm where he conducted research on employment law issues, drafted litigation documents, assisted with litigation discovery, and handled client intake. In recognition of her career-long dedication to mentoring and the advancement of women in the legal profession and beyond, the Philadelphia Bar Association will honor Fox Rothschild partner Marilou E. Watson with its prestigious Sandra Day O’Connor Award. The award, named for the first woman justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, has been conferred annually since 1993 on a woman attorney who has achieved a high degree of professional excellence and has visibly used her position and stature in the community to mentor, promote and advance other women lawyers.

Welcome New Members

The following members have been admitted to the Montgomery Bar Association between October and December 2022:

Michael Bauder**

Thomas M. Bowman*

Victor Cochrane**

Mary Ellen Conroy

Lorie Dakessian

Domenic DeSanta**

Gaetano J. DiPersia

Thomas Dyer

Gregory J. Eck*

Edward A. Fox*

Susan M. Gibson* Adam I. Ginsberg

Leonard P. Haberman

Phil Harrison Jr.**

Hon. Renee Cohn Jubelirer

Mary Lawrence

Daniel F. Madonna*

Kathleen M. Mannard

Matthew Aron Mantell

Colleen Marsini

Kaitlyn M. Mazur

Sebastian F. Napoli

Marissa Pembroke

Leigh Segal

Upcoming Events

January 12, 2023 – Annual Business Luncheon / Bluestone Country Club, Blue Bell, PA

January 16, 2023 – MLK Day of Service

February 10, 2023 – MBA Ski Trip Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section / Location TBD

February – March 2023 – High School Mock Trial Competition / Montgomery County Courthouse

March 16, 2023 – March Madness Happy Hour / MBA Building

March 31, 2023 – Annual Memorial Service / Montgomery County Courthouse, Norristown, PA

April 14, 2023 – Dinner Dance / Union League Liberty Hill, Lafayette Hill, PA

April 18, 2023 – Delaware Valley Legal Expo / Presidential Caterers, East Norriton, PA

April 28, 2023 – Law Day / Montgomery County Courthouse & MBA Building

*The events and dates above are subject to change and this is not a comprehensive list. Please visit the Events page on www. montgomerybar.org for an up-to-date list of current events.

J. Braun Taylor Willis F. Watson, III* Leo T White*

* Returning Member ** Law Student Member

The following members are retiring from the Montgomery Bar Association:

Albert DerMovsesian Marcy C. Panzer

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