HARRISBURG (Aug. 10, 2006) — More than 100 Pennsylvania lawyers have been named 2006-07 chairs of Pennsylvania Bar Association sections, committees and task forces.

Judge Donetta W. Ambrose of the U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania was named honorary chair of the PBA Federal Practice Committee, which promotes communication between lawyers practicing in federal courts and members of the federal judiciary and enhances professional capabilities of lawyers practicing in the U.S. District Courts in Pennsylvania. The committee also makes recommendations about federal legislation and proposed changes to bankruptcy, civil and criminal procedures and federal district court rules.

Dana Baiocco, with the law firm of Jones Day in Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Women in the Profession, which looks at the status of women in the legal profession and recommends solutions to problems that prevent women from full participation in the work, responsibilities and rewards of the legal profession.

Ann L. Begler, with the law firm of Begler Group in Pittsburgh, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, which works on current issues relating to mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution processes. The committee also conducts professional education programs and monitors legislation regarding alternative dispute resolution.

Judge Mary Jane Bowes of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh was named co-chair of the Appellate Advocacy Committee, which promotes, supports and improves post-trial and appellate advocacy through regular member dialogues, seminars, a newsletter and interactions with the courts and similar national and state organizations.

Robert L. Byer, with the law firm of Duane Morris L.L.P. in Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Amicus Curiae Brief Committee, which identifies legal issues that have relevance to the bar and are appropriate subjects for amicus curiae briefs.

Pittsburgh lawyer Bruce A. Carsia was renamed chair of the PBA Lawyers Assistance Committee, which develops programs to assist impaired lawyers, their law partners, clients and families.

Thomas L. Cooper, with the law firm of Cooper and Ziegler in Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Lawyer Advertising Task Force, which will evaluate the quality of lawyer advertising in Pennsylvania and, if determined to be necessary, formulate recommendations for changes to rules affecting advertising. It also will recommend who or what body should monitor and/or regulate advertising and how involved the PBA should be.

Edward W. Diggs, with the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham L.L.P. in Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Minority Bar Committee, which develops programs to promote the issues and concerns of minority lawyers. It also studies, reviews and makes recommendations on all legislation impacting minority citizens in the commonwealth.

Frederick N. Egler Jr., the chief counsel for litigation at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Technology Task Force. The task force will identify, recommend and develop technologies to communicate various benefits and services to PBA members and to educate members about use of current and emerging technologies in their practices.

Laura E. Ellsworth, with the law firm of Jones Day in Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the Loan Forgiveness Implementation Committee. The committee recommends ways to encourage new law graduates and young attorneys to enter public service and to encourage veteran attorneys to stay in the field when factors such as ever-growing student loan debt make such a career choice difficult.

John P. Englert, with the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham L.L.P. in Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Administrative Law Section, which works to observe and make recommendations on the effectiveness of government-issued regulations.

Ronald W. Frank, a shareholder with the law firm of Reed Smith L.L.P. in Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA International and Comparative Law Section, which focuses its efforts on monitoring treaties, immigration matters and events related to the World Court. Members of this section typically work in multi-national corporations or are exposed to legal systems in foreign countries.

J. Alan Fuehrer, a staff attorney with the law firm of Raphael Ramsden & Behers P.C. in Pittsburgh, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Gay & Lesbian Rights Committee, which studies matters pertaining to the recognition and protection of the legal rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Chris F. Gillotti, with the law firm of Gillotti Capristo & Beck P.C. in Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Judicial Evaluation Commission, which works to provide Pennsylvania voters with solid recommendations on appellate candidates through a thorough review process.

John D. Goetz, a partner with the law firm of Jones Day in Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Aeronautical and Space Law Section, which focuses on aviation law issues.

David J. Hickton, with the law firm of Burns White & Hickton L.L.C. in Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Task Force on the Pennsylvania Judicial System, which examines ways in which Pennsylvania’s organized bar and judiciary can work together to promote and enhance public confidence in the commonwealth’s judicial system.

Stanley J. Parker, with the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll P.C. in Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Civil Litigation Section, which focuses on issues that directly affect civil litigation cases in Pennsylvania courts.

James R. Schadel, with the law firm of Weinheimer Schadel & Haber P.C. in Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Professional Liability Committee, which focuses on issues concerning lawyers’ liability case law.

Jacqueline O. Shogan, with the law firm of Thorp Reed & Armstrong L.L.P. in Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Judicial Administration Committee, which studies and makes recommendations on legislative issues pertaining to the operation, procedure and reform of the state and federal court systems.

Jenifer S. Tarasi, an associate with the law firm of Thorp Reed & Armstrong L.L.P. in Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Intellectual Property Section, which is concerned with furthering the development of the law and procedures related to intellectual property.

Thomas M. Thompson, a partner with the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll P.C. in Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Business Law Section, which works to develop and study laws dealing with banking, business and nonprofit corporations, partnerships and associations. The section also focuses on business regulation law and on legal transactions of the mercantile and commercial fields, including bankruptcy, insolvency and receiverships.

J. Marie Webb, a lawyer for KidsVoice in Pittsburgh, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Judicial Independence Committee. The committee is designed to protect the integrity of the court system and to promote the fair administration of justice. It also works to respond to unjust attacks against the judiciary.

Joanne Ross Wilder, president of the law firm Wilder & Mahood in Pittsburgh, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee, which responds to inquiries from lawyers on the impact of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Bruce L. Wilder, of counsel for the law firm of Wilder & Mahood in Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Medical & Health Related Issues Committee. The committee studies matters of concern to the medical and legal professions and reviews legislation addressing ethical considerations related to these two disciplines.

Pittsburgh lawyer Tracey A. Wilson was renamed co-chair of the PBA Insurance Staff Attorney Committee, which promotes the interests of insurance staff counsel, fosters quality professional conduct and provides services to its members.

Heidi B. Masano, a partner with the law firm of Golden Masano Bradley in Wyomissing, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Judicial Independence Committee. The committee is designed to protect the integrity of the court system and to promote the fair administration of justice. It also works to respond to unjust attacks against the judiciary.

Elizabeth W. Fritsch, with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania in Bristol, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Legal Services to the Public Committee. The committee provides assistance in the creation of programs designed to provide for the delivery of legal services to indigent people within the commonwealth. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.

Gerri V. Paulisick, with the law firm of Boyer & Paulisick in Butler, was named chair of the PBA Client and Community Relations Committee. The committee formulates and implements plans for improving the image of lawyers in Pennsylvania through client and public relations.

John J. Bagnato, a partner with the law firm of Spence Custer Saylor Wolfe & Rose in Johnstown, was renamed chair of the PBA Professional Practice Standards Committee. The committee reviews the specialization process in Pennsylvania, provide a recommendation as to the extent the PBA should be involved in the process and create a proposal to implement the plan.

William I. Arbuckle III, with the Mazza Law Group P.C. in State College, was renamed chair of the PBA Editorial Committee, which oversees the publications of the association.

James C. Sargent Jr., with the law firm of Lamb McErlane P.C. in West Chester, was named co-chair of the PBA Appellate Advocacy Committee, which promotes, supports and improves post-trial and appellate advocacy through regular member dialogues, seminars, a newsletter and interactions with the courts and similar national and state organizations.

Joshua J. Green, with the law department of Highmark Inc. in Camp Hill, was named chair of the PBA In-House Counsel Committee, which works on matters of concern to lawyers employed as in-house corporate counsel.

Aji M. Abraham, a lawyer for Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Legal Services to Persons with Disabilities Committee, which works to institute statewide programs to educate the public and legal community about the legal rights of the disabled.

Alexis L. Barbieri, with the Public Protection Division, Office of the Attorney General in Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Government Lawyers Committee, which deals with matters of interest and concern to government-employed lawyers and provides them with specialized services and programs.

Norris E. Benns Jr., director of the Bureau of Program Integrity of the Office of Medical Assistance Programs in Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Health Care Law Committee, which monitors legislation and litigation that affect the health-care system.

Anthony C. Busillo, with the law firm of Markowitz & Richman in Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Labor and Employment Law Section, which is concerned with all aspects of labor relations, including the relationship between labor unions and employees. The section also monitors legislative developments and judicial decisions relating to labor law.

Judge Christopher C. Conner, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and Kathryn Lease Simpson, a partner with the law firm of Mette Evans & Woodside P.C., were named co-chairs of the PBA Federal Practice Committee. The committee promotes communication between lawyers practicing in federal courts and members of the federal judiciary and enhances professional capabilities of lawyers practicing in the U.S. District Courts in Pennsylvania. The committee also makes recommendations about federal legislation and proposed changes to bankruptcy, civil and criminal procedures and federal district court rules.

Samuel T. Cooper III, with the law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott L.L.C. in Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Loan Forgiveness Implementation Committee, which recommends ways to encourage new law graduates and young attorneys to enter public service and to encourage veteran attorneys to stay in the field when factors such as ever-growing student loan debt make such a career choice difficult.

David J. DeVries, executive deputy general counsel for the Office of the General Counsel in Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Government Lawyers Committee and was named co-chair of the PBA Public Service Institute Task Force. The committee deals with matters of interest and concern to government-employed lawyers and provides them with specialized services and programs. The task force is charged with planning events to celebrate the important role attorneys historically have played in the nation.

Andrew H. Dowling, with the law firm of Mette Evans & Woodside in Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Professionalism Committee. This committee studies, recommends and implements programs and initiatives designed to promote professionalism among members of the legal community.

Gordon A. Einhorn, with the law firm of Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin P.C. in Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Animal Law Committee, which promotes the study and understanding of laws, regulations and court decisions dealing with legal issues involving animals.

Andrew R. Eisemann, with the Law Offices of Markian Slobodian in Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which provides educational programming and coordinates statewide efforts on legal matters affecting active, reserve and National Guard military service members, retirees and veterans and their families.

Lawrence G. Feinberg of the Joint State Government Commission in Harrisburg was named chair of the PBA Statutory Law Committee, which assists any state government and PBA entity in the drafting of legislation.

Michael T. Foerster, with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Charitable Trust Division in Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Charitable Organizations Committee, which focuses on matters of concern to lawyers who are employed by or who represent charitable organizations.

Rikardo J. Hull, with the law firm of Hawke McKeon Sniscak & Kennard L.L.P. in Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Public Utility Law Section, which is charged with developing and studying questions related to public utility law in the commonwealth and the United States.

Tracy L. McCurdy, with the Department of the State’s Legal Office in Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Public Service Institute Task Force. This task force is charged with planning events to celebrate the important role attorneys historically have played in the nation.

Harrisburg lawyer William H. Nast Jr. was renamed chair of the PBA Bylaws Committee. This committee proposes changes to the PBA’s governing bylaws and reviews comments on changes to the bylaws as suggested by other entities within the PBA.

Herbert R. Nurick, with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. The committee works on current issues relating to mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution processes. The committee also conducts professional education programs and monitors legislation regarding alternative dispute resolution.

Marel A. Raub, the Pennsylvania director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission in Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Agricultural Law Committee, which studies questions and problems affecting rural and agricultural interests in Pennsylvania. The committee also monitors and makes recommendations concerning proposals for legislation or regulations relating to rural and agricultural interests.

Alan M. Robinson, assistant counsel for the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole in Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Corrections System Committee, which studies the corrections system in Pennsylvania and makes recommendations for its improvement.

Michael A. Roman, with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Tax Litigation Section, was named chair of the PBA Tax Law Section in Harrisburg, which specializes in state and local tax issues. This section works with state officials on proposed legislation affecting tax laws, plans educational programs and deals with practice development issues.

Grace R. Schuyler, legal services counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Health in Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Law-Related Education Committee, which is responsible for overseeing many of the law-related youth education programs undertaken by the PBA. These programs include Celebrate the Constitution, Project PEACE and Law Day.

Steven V. Turner, a lawyer for the Office of Inspector General in Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Outreach to Children Initiative Committee. The committee will collaborate with other associations and professional alliances to protect, educate and motivate children.

Brett M. Woodburn, with the law firm of Cadwell & Kearns P.C. in Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Plain English Committee, which works to improve the general public’s access to the law by removing the barriers of "legalese."

Michael J. McCadden, a shareholder with the law firm of Carpenter McCadden & Lane L.L.P. in Media, was named chair of the Workers’ Compensation Law Section, which supports the exchange of information related to legal developments in workers’ compensation law. The section also acts as a liaison with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to ensure that the interests of claimants, employers and the legal community are protected fairly in the regulatory, legislative and administrative processes.

C. Dale McClain, president of C. Dale McClain Ltd. in Haverford, was named co-chair of the PBA Membership Development Committee and chair of the Elder Law Section. The committee develops and implements programs to increase the association’s membership base and to retain current members. The section assists lawyers, the elderly population and those associated with the elderly community through educational programs focusing on advancements in elder law.

Joseph P. O’Brien, with the law firm of Kassab Archbold & O’Brien L.L.C. in Media, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. This committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.

Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie of the U.S. District Court’s Middle District of Pennsylvania in Scranton was named honorary chair of the PBA Federal Practice Committee. The committee promotes communication between lawyers practicing in federal courts and members of the federal judiciary and enhances professional capabilities of lawyers practicing in the U.S. District Courts in Pennsylvania. The committee also makes recommendations about federal legislation and proposed changes to bankruptcy, civil and criminal procedures and federal district court rules.

Vivian B. Narehood, with the law firm of Gibbel Kraybill & Hess in Lancaster, was named chair of the PBA Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee, which develops programs designed to educate lawyers about current legislation and regulations that affect exceptional children and their families.

Jeffrey P. Ouellet, with the law firm of Wagman Kreider & Wright in Lancaster, was named co-chair of the PBA Sports Entertainment & Art Law Committee, which provides education to the legal profession regarding issues affecting persons and entities involved in the sports, entertainment and art communities.

Emmaus lawyer Craig B. Neely was named co-chair of the PBA Public Relations Implementation Committee, which implements the recommendations made by the PBA Public Relations Task Force in its May 2004 report as adopted by the PBA Board of Governors and PBA House of Delegates.

William Z. Scott Jr., a shareholder of Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin in Bethlehem, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Judicial Independence Committee. The committee is designed to protect the integrity of the court system and to promote the fair administration of justice. It also works to respond to unjust attacks against the judiciary.

Michael D. Bedrin, regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in Wilkes-Barre, was renamed chair of the PBA Environmental Mineral & Natural Resources Section, which focuses its efforts on issues concerning land preservation, commercial and individual sewage disposal, and mining and drilling regulations. It also monitors regulations issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Donald H. Brobst, with the law firm of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald L.L.P. in Wilkes-Barre, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Bar/Press Committee. This committee works to promote and increase cooperation and dialogue among the press, the bench and the bar. Through its efforts, the Bar/Press Committee seeks to create a more informed citizenry about the First and Sixth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States.

Richard M. Goldberg, a partner with the law firm of Hourigan Kluger & Quinn P.C. in Kingston, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Judicial Campaign Advertising Committee and co-chair of the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The first committee promotes accurate, fair and dignified judicial campaign advertising among candidates seeking election to the commonwealth’s appellate courts by monitoring and reviewing complaints. The second committee provides educational programming and coordinates statewide efforts on legal matters affecting active, reserve and National Guard military service members, retirees, veterans and their families.

Richard E. Deetz, a sole practitioner in Stroudsburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Municipal Law Section, which deals with the development and practical working of the law, both substantive and procedural, relating to municipal subdivisions of states, with particular reference to those of the commonwealth.

Judge Linda W. Miller of the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas in Stroudsburg was renamed co-chair of the PBA Law-Related Education Committee. The committee is responsible for overseeing many of the law-related youth education programs undertaken by the PBA. These programs include Celebrate the Constitution, Project PEACE and Law Day.

Judge Mason Avrigian, a partner in the law firm of Wisler Pearlstine Talone Craig Garrity & Potash L.L.P. in Blue Bell, was named chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association.

Joel B. Bernbaum, with the law firm of Kane Pugh Knoell Troy & Kramer L.L.P. in Norristown, was named co-chair of the PBA Technology Task Force. The task force will identify, recommend and develop technologies to communicate various benefits and services to PBA members and to educate members about use of current and emerging technologies in their practices.

Craig B. Bluestein, with the law firm of Silverman & Bluestein in Jenkintown, was named chair of the PBA Children’s Rights Committee, which studies questions and problems that affect children and monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation relating to their interests. The committee informs lawyers on matters concerning children and develops programs for the legal profession to promote more effective advocacy on behalf of children in trial and appellate courts and implements public education campaigns as deemed appropriate.

Mary Cushing Doherty, with the law firm of High Swartz Roberts & Seidel L.L.P. in Norristown, was renamed chair of the PBA Review & Certifying Board. The board reviews applications from organizations seeking to certify a lawyer’s expertise in a specific field of practice and makes recommendations to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for accreditation or reaccreditation of certifying organizations.

David L. Ladov, with the law firm of Cozen O’Connor in West Conshohocken, was named chair of the PBA Family Law Section. This section develops and works with laws relating to marriage, divorce, nonsupport and domestic relations, adoption and juvenile delinquency.

Michael I. Levin, a sole practitioner in Huntingdon Valley, was renamed chair of the PBA Education Law Section, which serves as a resource for lawyers involved in protecting the interests of students, teachers and administrators. The section concentrates on curriculum requirements and employment rights and on helping to improve the relationship between school boards and their employees.

Keith B. McLennan, with the law firm of Miller Turetsky Rule & McLennan P.C. in Collegeville, was named co-chair of the PBA Task Force on Legal Needs of Middle Income People, which identifies ways to assist individuals who do not economically quality for existing legal assistance.

Dveera Segal, of Villanova University School of Law, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Legal Services to the Public Committee, which provides assistance in the creation of programs designed to provide for the delivery of legal services to indigent people within the commonwealth. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.

Marc R. Steinberg, a managing partner with the law firm of Rubin Glickman Steinberg and Gifford P.C. in Lansdale, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Public Relations Implementation Committee, which implements the recommendations made by the PBA Public Relations Task Force in its May 2004 report as adopted by the PBA Board of Governors and PBA House of Delegates.

Paul C. Troy, with the law firm of Kane Pugh Knoell Troy & Kramer L.L.P. in Norristown, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Health Care Law Committee, which monitors legislation and litigation that affect the health care system.

Cheryl L. Young, with the law firm of Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-Cohen L.L.P. in Norristown, was named co-chair of the PBA Membership Development Committee and co-chair of the Outreach to Children Initiative Committee. The first committee develops and implements programs to increase the association’s membership base and to retain current members. The second committee will collaborate with other associations and professional alliances to protect, education and motivate children.

Judge Harvey Bartle III of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania was named honorary chair of the PBA Federal Practice Committee. The committee promotes communication between lawyers practicing in federal courts and members of the federal judiciary and enhances professional capabilities of lawyers practicing in the U.S. District Courts in Pennsylvania. The committee also makes recommendations about federal legislation and proposed changes to bankruptcy, civil and criminal procedures and federal district court rules.

Carol J. Comeau, with the law firm of Comeau & Bunker in Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Insurance Staff Attorney Committee, which promotes the interests of insurance staff counsel, fosters quality professional conduct and provides services to its members.

Judge Pamela P. Dembe of the Phildelphia County Court of Common Pleas was renamed co-chair of the PBA Judicial Administration Committee and was renamed chair of the PBA Criminal Law Section. The committee studies and makes recommendations on legislative issues pertaining to the operation, procedure and reform of the state and federal court systems. The section is concerned with protecting the rights of all individuals who are involved in criminal court proceedings.

Peter H. M. Demkovitz, with the law firm of Markowitz & Richman in Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair and Tsiwen M. Law, with the law firm of Law & Zaslow L.L.C. in Philadelphia, was named co-chair of the PBA Civil and Equal Rights Committee. The committee works to promote and defend civil rights and responsibilities, fair treatment and equal opportunity for all individuals.

Charles Eppolito III, with the law firm of White and Williams L.L.P. in Philadelphia, was named chair of the PBA Quality of Life/Balance Task Force, which is charged with developing programs to help lawyers find balance between their personal and professional lives.

Phyllis H. Epstein, a partner with the law firm of Epstein Shapiro & Epstein in Philadelphia, was named co-chair of the PBA Women in the Profession, which looks at the status of women in the legal profession and recommends solutions to problems that prevent women from full participation in the work, responsibilities and rewards of the legal profession.

Daniel B. Evans, a sole practitioner in Philadelphia, was named chair of the PBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, which concentrates on landlord-tenant relations, environmental issues, eminent domain and probate matters.

Tonya M. Evans of TME Law L.L.C. in Philadelphia was named co-chair of the PBA Sports Entertainment & Art Law Committee. The committee provides education to the legal profession regarding issues affecting persons and entities involved in the sports, entertainment and art communities.

H. Robert Fiebach, with the law firm of Cozen O’Connor in Philadelphia, was named co-chair of the PBA Lawyer Advertising Task Force. The task force will evaluate the quality of lawyer advertising in Pennsylvania and, if determined to be necessary, formulate recommendations for changes to rules affecting advertising. It also will recommend who or what body should monitor and/or regulate advertising and how involved the PBA should be.

Philadelphia lawyer Harold M. Goldner was named chair of the PBA Solo & Small Firm Practice Section, which enhances the skills of lawyers in solo and small firm practice by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information essential to improvement of the lawyers' quality of legal services.

Clifford E. Haines, with the law firm of Haines & Associates in Philadelphia, was named chair to the PBA PABAR-PAC, which raises funds and contributes to the campaigns of incumbent legislators and legislative candidates who support legislation and related issues of interest to lawyers and the PBA.

Judge Richard B. Klein of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia was renamed co-chair of the PBA Plain English Committee, which works to improve the general public’s access to the law by removing the barriers of "legalese."

Christopher A. Lewis, with the law firm of Blank Rome L.L.P. in Philadelphia, was renamed chair of the PBA Gaming Law Committee, which reviews, studies and makes recommendations concerning legislative proposals in the area of gaming law. It promotes the understanding of laws, regulations and court decisions in the gaming area and develops materials and educational programs of interest to gaming practitioners.

Edward W. Madeira Jr., a partner with the law firm of Pepper Hamilton L.L.P. in Philadelphia, was renamed chair of the PBA Commission for Justice Initiatives in Pennsylvania. The commission is composed of key Pennsylvania government, judiciary, legal and community leaders and is responsible for developing and encouraging the implementation of programs and practices in several Pennsylvania judicial districts to enhance the public’s trust and confidence in the justice system and to make the administration of justice more effective and efficient.

Louis S. Rulli of the University of Pennsylvania Law School in Philadelphia was named co-chair of the PBA Loan Forgiveness Implementation Committee, which recommends ways to encourage new law graduates and young attorneys to enter public service and to encourage veteran attorneys to stay in the field when factors such as ever-growing student loan debt make such a career choice difficult.

Andrew F. Susko, with the law firm of White and Williams L.L.P. in Philadelphia, was named chair of the PBA Planning Committee and co-chair of the Task Force on the Pennsylvania Judicial System. The committee helps chart the future course of the PBA by assessing member services and programs and recommending changes based on members’ needs and trends of the legal profession. The task force examines ways in which Pennsylvania’s organized bar and judiciary can work together to promote and enhance public confidence in the commonwealth’s judicial system.

Michael L. Temin, a partner with the law firm of Wolf Block Schorr and Solis-Cohen L.L.P. in Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee, which responds to inquiries from lawyers on the impact of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Michael L. Viola, with the law firm of Shainberg & Viola in Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Gay & Lesbian Rights Committee, which studies matters pertaining to the recognition and protection of the legal rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Chester C. Corse, a partner with the law firm of Williamson Friedberg & Jones L.L.C. in Pottsville, was renamed chair of the PBA Legislative Task Force, which examines the current status of PBA legislative efforts conducted by and through PBA members.

Christopher A. Junker, trust officer of National City Bank in Oil City, was named co-chair of the PBA Charitable Organizations Committee, which focuses on matters of concern to lawyers who are employed by or who represent charitable organizations.

Michele S. Dawson, with the law firm of Johnson Dawson & Associates in Washington, was re-

named co-chair of the PBA Task Force on Legal Needs of Middle Income People, which identifies ways to assist individuals who do not economically quality for existing legal assistance.

Joseph W. Lazzaro, with the law firm of Kratzenberg & Lazzaro in Irwin, was named co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. This committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.

Richard H. Galloway, a shareholder of Quatrini Rafferty Galloway P.C. in Greensburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Judicial Campaign Advertising Board, which promotes accurate, fair and dignified judicial campaign advertising among candidates seeking election to the commonwealth’s appellate courts by monitoring and reviewing complaints.

William F. Hoffmeyer, a senior partner with the law firm of Hoffmeyer & Semmelman in York, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. This committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.