HARRISBURG (June 21, 2022) — More than 80 lawyers and judges from across the state have taken leadership roles as 2022-23 chairs of committees and sections of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA). Many of the association’s policies and positions prompting development of state laws and actions viewed as beneficial to the legal system, the courts and the public result from actions initiated by the leaders and members of these groups.
Here is the latest list of committee and section chairs:
Allegheny County
Amy G. Carpenter, Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Pittsburgh, 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 Pennsylvanians. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.
Amy J. Coco, Weinheimer, Haber & Coco PC, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team, which establishes resources and forums to increase communications among PBA groups with diversity initiatives by working collaboratively with PBA leadership, staff and other PBA-related entities.
Mary Kate Coleman, Riley, Hewitt, Witte & Romano PC, 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.
Rose Constantino, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Collaborative Law Committee, which addresses current issues regarding the collaborative law dispute resolution process, educates lawyers and the public about the process, recommends standards of practice, and monitors, proposes and supports legislation and rules of court that further the development of the process.
Senior Judge D. Michael Fisher, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Pittsburgh, was renamed 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.
Mark F. Flaherty, Flaherty & O’Hara PC, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Lawyers’ Assistance Committee, which develops programs to assist impaired lawyers and their law partners, clients and families.
Ronald W. Frank, Blank Rome LLP, Pittsburgh, was reelected 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.
Mark David Harley, Fox Rothschild LLP, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Immigration Law Committee, which addresses issues in the area of immigration law, monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation in this area, and promotes understanding of immigration related laws, regulations and court decisions.
Tara Lynn Hutchinson, Pittsburgh Family Law Services PC, Pittsburgh, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Quality of Life/Balance Committee, which is charged with developing programs to help lawyers find balance between their personal and professional lives.
Beverly Manne, Tucker Arensberg PC, Pittsburgh, was elected 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.
Martha M. Mannix, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Legal Clinics, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Academics Committee, which provides the opportunity for those in the law school community to study matters relating to the common goal of maintaining the high standards and quality education of future lawyers. The committee is focused on engaging in the education of law students as law school faculty and administration.
Jacqueline B. Martinez, JBM Legal LLC, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Immigration Law Committee, which addresses issues in the area of immigration law, monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation in this area, and promotes understanding of immigration related laws, regulations and court decisions. Martinez also serves as PBA secretary.
Judge Jennifer Staley McCrady, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Pittsburgh, was renamed co-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.
Bryan S. Neft, Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Judicial Administration Committee. The committee studies and makes recommendations on legislative issues pertaining to the operation, procedure and reform of the state and federal court systems.
Megan M. Turnbull, Weiss Burkard Kramer LLC, Pittsburgh, was named 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 throughout the commonwealth.
Beaver County
Michael B. Jones, McMillen, Urick, Tocci & Jones, Aliquippa, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Bylaws Committee. The committee proposes changes to the association’s government bylaws and reviews comments on changes to the bylaws that are suggested by other PBA committees, sections and task forces.
Berks County
Jennifer M. Lukach Bradley, Bradley Goldsmith Law LLC, Wyomissing, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee. The committee develops programs designed to educate members of the legal profession about current legislation and regulations affecting exceptional children and their families. It also makes recommendations concerning legislation and regulations.
Jacob A. Gurwitz, Feeney & Gurwitz, Reading, was reelected chair of the PBA Criminal Justice Section. The section is concerned with protecting the rights of all individuals involved in criminal court proceedings.
Jill M. Scheidt, Masano Bradley LLP, Wyomissing, was renamed chair of the PABAR-PAC. The committee raises funds and contributes to the campaigns of incumbent legislators and legislative candidates supporting legislation and related issues of interest to lawyers and the PBA.
Donald F. Smith Jr., Reading, 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 Pennsylvanians. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.
Bucks County
Robert Repko, Repko Law LLC, Doylestown, was named co-chair of the PBA Membership Development Committee, which develops and implements programs to increase the association’s membership base and to retain current members.
Thomas C. Warner, Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP, Perkasie, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee. The committee develops programs designed to educate members of the legal profession about current legislation and regulations affecting exceptional children and their families. It also makes recommendations concerning legislation and regulations.
Butler County
Judge Maureen E. Lally-Green, Mars, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Plain English Committee, which encourages efforts to improve access to the law by demystifying its language, enabling lawyers to better counsel clients and increasing respect for the legal profession by removing the barriers of legalese.
Stephan K. Todd, Cranberry Township, was named 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.
Centre County
Holbrook Duer, Penn State Law, University Park, was renamed chair of the PBA Agricultural Law Committee. The committee’s focus is to study questions and problems affecting rural and agricultural interests in Pennsylvania, and monitor and/or make recommendations concerning proposals for legislation or regulations relating to such interests.
Chester County
Maureen M. McBride, Lamb McErlane PC, West Chester, was renamed 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.
Theodore J. Murphy, Murphy Law Firm PC, West Chester, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Immigration Law Committee, which addresses issues in the area of immigration law, monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation in this area, and promotes understanding of immigration related laws, regulations and court decisions.
Columbia County
Susan Schwartz, Press Enterprise, Bloomsburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Bar/Press Committee. The 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.
Elizabeth R. Triscari, Pennsylvania American Water Company, Mechanicsburg, was named co-vice chair of the PBA Commission on Women in the Profession Committee, 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.
Cumberland County
David A. Fitzsimons, Martson Law Offices, Carlisle, 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.
Ana Paulina Gomez, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Mechanicsburg, 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. In addition, she serves as co-chair of the Insurance Staff Attorney Committee, which promotes the interests of insurance staff counsel, fosters quality professional conduct and provides services to its members.
Theron Richard Perez, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Mechanicsburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Corrections System Committee, which studies the current corrections system in Pennsylvania and makes recommendations for its improvement.
Magisterial District Judge Kathryn H. Silcox, Mechanicsburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. The 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.
Dauphin County
Melanie J. El Atieh, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Harrisburg, was elected 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.
Lisa M. Benzie, Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP, Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Bylaws Committee. The committee proposes changes to the association’s government bylaws and reviews comments on changes to the bylaws that are suggested by other PBA committees, sections and task forces.
Andrew T. Bockis, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, Harrisburg, was elected as chair of the PBA Environmental and Energy Law Section, which focus on issues of the law relating to the environment, ecology and mineral and natural resources, including air, water and land.
Christine T. Brann, JSDC Law Offices, Hershey, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee, which aims to keep the bar apprised of developments within the field of medical cannabis and hemp law by fostering communications and facilitating continuing education programs in the areas of client representation, industry developments, and ethical and other issues of concern to members.
Anthony Darnell Cox Jr., Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC, Harrisburg, was renamed co-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.
Vincent C. DeLiberato Jr., Legislative Reference Bureau of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Statutory Law Committee, which assists any state government and PBA entity in the drafting of legislation.
David R. Fine, K&L Gates LLP, Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Amicus Curiae Brief Committee, which identifies legal issues that have relevance to the bar and that are appropriate subjects for amicus curiae briefs.
Jada S. Greenhowe, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Harrisburg, 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.
Darren J. Holst, Howett, Kissinger & Holst PC, Harrisburg, will become chair of the PBA Family Law Section effective July 2022. The section develops and works with laws relating to marriage, divorce, support and domestic relations, adoption and juvenile dependency.
Jonathan D. Koltash, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Legal Career Transitions Committee, which serves as a resource for and provides assistance to lawyers through the changes and practice progressions associated with transitioning into, within and beyond the profession. Koltash was also named chair of the PBA Administrative Law Section, which observes and makes recommendations on the effectiveness of government-issued regulations. In addition, he serves as chair of the PBA House of Delegates.
Jonathan W. Kunkel, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Pennsylvania Office of Administration, 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.
Stephanie F. Latimore, Legislative Reference Bureau of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute, which strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association.
Marisa McClellan, Dauphin County Social Services for Children and Youth, Harrisburg, was renamed co-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.
Burke McLemore Jr., Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP, Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Review and Certifying Board, which reviews applications from organizations seeking to certify a lawyer’s expertise in a specific field of practice and makes recommendations to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for accreditation or reaccreditation of certifying organizations.
Leonard Tintner, Boswell, Tintner & Piccola, Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association and enacts services, programs and activities for its members to enhance their careers and quality of life.
Delaware County
Matthew H. Fry, DiOrio & Sereni LLP, Media, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Corrections System Committee, which studies the current corrections system in Pennsylvania and makes recommendations for its improvement.
Valerie H. Lieberman, Naulty, Scaricamazza & McDevitt LLC, Media, was elected chair of the PBA 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.
Joseph Patrick O’Brien, KAO Law Associates, 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.
Michael P. Pierce, Pierce & Hughes PC, Media, was renamed chair of the PBA Community and Public Relations Committee, which formulates and implements plans for improving the image of lawyers through public relations initiatives.
Daniel J. Siegel, Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel LLC, Havertown, was renamed 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.
Judge Carl A. Solano, Haverford, was named co-chair of the PBA Judicial Administration Committee. The committee studies and makes recommendations on legislative issues pertaining to the operation, procedure and reform of the state and federal court systems. Judge Solano also was named co-chair of the PBA President’s Task Force on Statewide Electronic Filing and Retrieval, which is addressing a recommendation of the PBA Joint Task Force on the Continuity of Delivery of Legal Services to create an online statewide system allowing lawyers to file and retrieve civil court documents in all 60 courts of common pleas.
Erie County
Philip B. Friedman, Conner Riley Friedman & Weichler, Erie, was named co-chair of the PBA Judicial Independence Committee, which protects the integrity of the court system and promotes the fair administration of justice. It also works to respond to unjust attacks against the judiciary.
Fayette County
Anne N. John, John & John, Uniontown, and past PBA president, was named co-chair of the Civility in the Profession Committee which aims to instill, promote and enhance professionalism and civility within the legal profession by encouraging discussion about the importance of professionalism and civility among the members of the bar, the judiciary and the public.
Franklin County
Kristen Hamilton, Law Office of Eric J. Weisbrod PC, Chambersburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute, which strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association.
Forest N. Myers, principal of Law Offices of Forest N. Myers, Shippensburg, and a past PBA president, Shippensburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association and enacts services, programs and activities for its members to enhance their careers and quality of life.
Lancaster County
Judith Darlene Cassel, Hawke McKeon & Sniscak LLP, Lititz, was named co-chair of the PBA Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee, which aims to keep the bar apprised of developments within the field of medical cannabis and hemp law by fostering communications and facilitating continuing education programs in the areas of client representation, industry developments, and ethical and other issues of concern to members.
Bernadette M. Hohenadel, Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP, Lancaster, was renamed chair of the PBA Editorial Committee, which oversees the publications of the association.
Luzerne County
John Alan Byrd, North Penn Legal Services, Pittston, was named chair of the PBA LGBTQ+ Rights Committee, which studies matters pertaining to the recognition and protection of the legal rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The committee also monitors and makes recommendations on issues and developments in the law impacting LGBTQ+ people in the public and the legal profession.
Montgomery County
Obinna Abara, Abara Law Firm PLLC, Conshohocken, was elected 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.
Jennifer L. Ellis, Bala Cynwyd, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Career Transitions Committee, which serves as a resource for and provides assistance to lawyers through the changes and practice progressions associated with transitioning into, within and beyond the profession.
Jennifer Weidler Karpchuk, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry, West Conshohocken, was elected chair of the PBA Tax Law Section, which specializes in state and local tax issues. The section works with state officials on proposed legislation affecting tax laws, plans educational programs and deals with practice development issues.
Michael J. Lyon, Walsh Pancio LLC, Lansdale, was renamed co-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.
Mary C. Pugh, Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, Norristown, was renamed co-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.
William G. Roark, Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin PC, Lansdale, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Medical Marijuana and Hemp Law Committee, which aims to keep the bar apprised of developments within the field of medical cannabis and hemp law by fostering communications and facilitating continuing education programs in the areas of client representation, industry developments, and ethical and other issues of concern to members.
Philadelphia County
Jennifer A. Brandt, Cozen O'Connor, Philadelphia, was renamed co-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.
Josh J.T. Byrne, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Amicus Curiae Brief Committee, which identifies legal issues that have relevance to the bar and that are appropriate subjects for amicus curiae briefs. He was also renamed chair of the PBA Professional Liability Committee, which focuses on issues concerning lawyers’ liability case law.
Kristine L. Calalang, Law Office of Kristine L. Calalong, Philadelphia, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Academics Committee, which provides the opportunity for those in the law school community to study matters relating to the common goal of maintaining the high standards and quality education of future lawyers. The committee is focused on engaging in the education of law students as law school faculty and administration.
Jennifer S. Coatsworth, Margolis Edelstein, Philadelphia, was renamed co-vice chair of the PBA Commission on Women in the Profession Committee, 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.
Amanda K. DiChello, Cozen O’Connor, Philadelphia, was named chair of the PBA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, which concentrates on landlord-tenant relations, eminent domain, probate matters, estates and guardianships.
Jordan Fischer, XPAN Law Group LLC, Philadelphia, was named chair of the PBA Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Committee, which analyzes cybersecurity issues and educates members about legal, regulatory and industry standards that preserve the confidentiality of protected information. The committee also advocates for best practices and legal and regulatory requirements that address data privacy concerns; for best practices to prevent, detect and mitigate data breaches; and for unified standards.
Noel Andrew Fleming, Fleming Petenko Law, Philadelphia, was renamed chair of the PBA Charitable Organizations Committee, which focuses on matters of concern to lawyers who are employed by or who represent charitable organizations.
Deborah R. Gross, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, 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.
Bonnie Hoffman, Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller, Philadelphia, was elected co-chair of the PBA Education Law Section, which promotes the interests in and the advancement of knowledge in areas of the law concerned with or impacting the field of education to better equip lawyers to serve the profession and the public and provide influence upon the development of a body of statutory, common and administrative law to serve all interests in the field of education.
Thomas R. Hurd, McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, Philadelphia, was elected chair of the PBA Civil Litigation Section, which focuses on issues that directly affect civil litigation cases in Pennsylvania courts.
Warren Jacoby, Cozen O'Connor, Philadelphia, was renamed co-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.
Elissa B. Katz, Meranze, Katz, Gaudioso & Newlin PC, Philadelphia, was renamed co-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.
Judge Mark A. Kearney, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, was renamed chair of the Law-Related Education Committee, which is responsible for programs that educate young people about the rule of law, the history and workings of government and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Deborah Klehr, Education Law Center — PA, Philadelphia, was reelected co-chair of the PBA Education Law Section, which promotes the interests in and the advancement of knowledge in areas of the law concerned with or impacting the field of education to better equip lawyers to serve the profession and the public and provide influence upon the development of a body of statutory, common and administrative law to serve all interests in the field of education.
Judge Richard B. Klein, Dispute Resolution Institute, Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Plain English Committee, which encourages efforts to improve access to the law by demystifying its language, enabling lawyers to better counsel clients and increasing respect for the legal profession by removing the barriers of legalese.
Joseph Francis Murphy, Langer, Grogan & Diver PC, Philadelphia, was elected chair of the PBA Intellectual Property Section, which is concerned with furthering the development of the law and procedures related to intellectual property.
Karl S. Myers, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP, Philadelphia, was renamed 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.
William John Phelan IV, Cordell & Cordell PC, Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Disability Services Committee, which works to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to legal representation.
Kevin E. Raphael, Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti LLP, Philadelphia, was named co-chair of the PBA Large Law Firm Committee, which studies and makes recommendations regarding membership development and retention of attorneys in large firms in Pennsylvania. The committee also develops programs and services to enhance the value of PBA membership.
Lisa Marie Shapson, Berner Klaw & Watson LLP, Philadelphia, was named co-chair of the PBA Collaborative Law Committee, which addresses current issues regarding the collaborative law dispute resolution process, educates lawyers and the public about the process, recommends standards of practice, and monitors, proposes and supports legislation and rules of court that further the development of the process.
Erin Siciliano, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP, Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Quality of Life/Balance Committee, which is charged with developing programs to help lawyers find balance between their personal and professional lives.
Mary Vilter, Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, Philadelphia, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Disability Services Committee, which works to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to legal representation.
Su Ming Yeh, Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, Philadelphia, was renamed co-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.
Pamela Walz, Community Legal Services Inc., Philadelphia, will become chair of the PBA Elder Law Section effective July 2022. The section assists lawyers, the elderly population and those associated with the elderly community through educational programs focusing on advancements in elder law.
Thomas G. Wilkinson Jr., Cozen O’Connor, Philadelphia, and a past PBA president, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Bylaws Committee. The committee proposes changes to the association’s government bylaws and reviews comments on changes to the bylaws that are suggested by other PBA committees, sections and task forces. In addition, he was renamed co-chair of the Civility in the Profession Committee which aims to instill, promote and enhance professionalism and civility within the legal profession by encouraging discussion about the importance of professionalism and civility among the members of the bar, the judiciary and the public.
Somerset County
Mary E. Schellhammer, Attorney at Law, Somerset, was elected chair of the PBA Solo and Small Firm 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.
Sullivan County
Susan Saba Roinick, Laporte, was named chair of the PBA Health Care Law Committee, which monitors legislation and litigation affecting the health care system.
Susquehanna County
Francis X. O’Connor, past PBA president, Great Bend, was named co-chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association and enacts services, programs and activities for its members to enhance their careers and quality of life.
Washington County
Michele S. Haggerty, The Haggerty Law Office PC, McMurray, was named co-chair of the PBA Lawyers’ Assistance Committee, which develops programs to assist impaired lawyers and their law partners, clients and families.
York County
Sara A. Austin, Austin Law Firm, LLC, and past PBA president, was named co-chair of the PBA President’s Task Force on Statewide Electronic Filing and Retrieval, which is addressing a recommendation of the PBA Joint Task Force on the Continuity of Delivery of Legal Services to create an online statewide system allowing lawyers to file and retrieve civil court documents in all 60 courts of common pleas.
Niles S. Benn, Benn Law Firm, York, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Bar/Press Committee. The 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.
William F. Hoffmeyer, Hoffmeyer & Semmelman LLP, York, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. The 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.
Lawrence V. Young, CGA Law Firm, York, was named 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 Pennsylvanians. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.
Westmoreland County
James R. Antoniono, DeBernardo, Antoniono, McCabe & Davis PC, Greensburg, was names chair of the PBA Planning Committee, which assists the presidential leadership by identifying priorities and initiatives to ensure the continuation of programs and policies that are beneficial to the association and its membership. He also serves as PBA treasurer.
Imogen Cathey, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, was named chair of the PBA In-House Counsel Committee, which works on matters of concern to lawyers employed as in-house corporate counsel.
Richard H. Galloway, Quatrini Rafferty PC, Greensburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Judicial Independence Committee, which protects the integrity of the court system and promotes the fair administration of justice. It also works to respond to unjust attacks against the judiciary.
Out of State
Yanai Z. Siegel, Appliance Dealers Cooperative, Monroe Township, N.J., was re-elected chair of the PBA Aeronautical and Space Law Section, which focuses on aviation law issues.