HARRISBURG, Pa. (May 25, 2023) — More than 100 lawyers and judges from across the state have taken leadership roles as 2023-24 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 J. Coco, DiBella Weinheimer, Pittsburgh, was renamed 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.
Carla Schiff Donnelly, Gentile Horoho & Avalli PC, Pittsburgh, was named co-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.
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.
Mark David Harley, Fox Rothschild LLP, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Immigration Law Committee, which addresses issues in 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.
Martha M. Mannix, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Legal Clinics, Pittsburgh, was renamed 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 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 secretary on the PBA Board of Governors.
Carol S. Mills McCarthy, McCarthy McEnroe Rosinski & Joy, Pittsburgh, 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.
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 renamed 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.
Perry S. Patterson III, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney 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.
Megan M. Turnbull, Weiss Burkard Kramer LLC, Pittsburgh, will serve the second year of her two-year term as 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 renamed 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.
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
Hillary J. Moonay, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, Doylestown, will become chair of the PBA Family Law Section effective July 2023. The section develops and works with laws relating to marriage, divorce, support and domestic relations, adoption and juvenile dependency.
Robert Repko, Repko Law LLC, Doylestown, was named 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 renamed 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 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.
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.
Philip K. Miles III, McQuaide Blasko, State College, was elected chair of the PBA Civil Litigation Section, which focuses on issues that directly affect civil litigation cases in Pennsylvania courts.
Kelly A. Mroz, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, was named 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. In addition, Mroz serves as the treasurer on the PBA Board of Governors.
Chester County
Charles T. DeTulleo, Law Office of Charles T. DeTulleo, Kennett Square, was elected chair of the PBA Criminal Justice Section. The section is concerned with protecting the rights of all individuals involved in criminal court proceedings.
Jordan Fischer, Octillo PLLC, Downingtown, was renamed co-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.
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 immigration law, monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation in this area, and promotes understanding of immigration related laws, regulations and court decisions.
Cumberland County
David A. Fitzsimons, ADRFitz LLC, 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.
Lisa M. Grayson, Cumberland County Register of Wills, Mechanicsburg, was named 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.
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.
Elizabeth R. Triscari, Pennsylvania American Water Company, Mechanicsburg, was named co-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.
Dauphin County
LaToya Winfield Bellamy, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, Harrisburg, was named 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.
Lisa M. Benzie, Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 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.
Christine T. Brann, JSDC Law Offices, Hershey, 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. In addition, Brann was named co-chair of the 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.
John J. Cantwell Jr., Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, was elected chair of the PBA Administrative Law Section, which observes and makes recommendations on the effectiveness of government-issued regulations.
James P. DeAngelo, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, Harrisburg, was named 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.
Thomas DeCesar, K&L Gates LLP, Harrisburg, was elected chair of the PBA Aeronautical and Space Law Section, which focuses on aviation law issues.
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.
Ana Paulina Gomez, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Harrisburg, was named 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.
Scott A. Gould, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, Harrisburg, was elected 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.
Jada S. Greenhowe, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Harrisburg, was renamed 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.
Jonathan D. Koltash, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, 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. In addition, he will be co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute effective June 2023. The institute strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association.
Jonathan W. Kunkel, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Pennsylvania Office of Administration, Harrisburg, was named 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.
Marisa K. 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.
Beverly H. Rampaul, Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Harrisburg, will be co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute effective June 2023. The institute strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association.
Catherine E. Rowe, Strokoff & Cowden PC, Harrisburg, 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.
Sarah C. Stoner, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, 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.
Delaware County
Judge Michael A. Burns, Burns Law PC, Media, 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.
Matthew H. Fry, Burns White LLP, Conshohocken, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Corrections System Committee, which studies the current corrections system in Pennsylvania and makes recommendations for its improvement.
Virginia H. McMichael, Appellate Law Group LLC, Radnor, 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.
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.
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. In addition, he was named co-chair of the PBA Technology Committee, which enhances the understanding and ethical use of technology in the law; promotes policies, procedures and actions that facilitate the integration of law with technology in the judicial system; and serves as a resource for the implementation of laws and regulations governing the uses of technology.
Judge Carl A. Solano, Haverford, was renamed 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.
Erie County
Philip B. Friedman, Conner Riley Friedman & Weichler, Erie, was renamed 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 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.
Franklin County
Jared S. Childers, R. Thomas Murphy & Associates PC, Waynesboro, will be chair of the PBA Elder Law Section effective July 2023. The section assists lawyers, the elderly population and those associated with the elderly community through educational programs focusing on advancements in elder law.
Kristen B. Hamilton, Law Office of Eric J. Weisbrod PC, Chambersburg, will be co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute effective June 2023. The institute strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association.
Forest N. Myers, 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.
Lackawanna County
Lawrence P. Zale, Zale Patent Law Inc., Scott Township, was elected chair of the PBA Intellectual Property Law Section, which is concerned with furthering the development of the law and procedures related to intellectual property.
Lancaster County
Paula Knudsen Burke, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Lancaster, was named 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.
Judith Darlene Cassel, Hawke McKeon & Sniscak LLP, Lititz, 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.
Luzerne County
John Alan Byrd, North Penn Legal Services, Pittston, was renamed 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.
Lycoming County
Judge William I. Arbuckle III, U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania, was named chair of the PBA Editorial Committee, which oversees the publications of the association.
Montgomery County
Jennifer L. Ellis, Bala Cynwyd, 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. In addition, she was named co-chair of the PBA Technology Committee, which enhances the understanding and ethical use of technology in the law; promotes policies, procedures and actions that facilitate the integration of law with technology in the judicial system; and serves as a resource for the implementation of laws and regulations governing the uses of technology.
Krishna A. Jani, Flaster Greenberg PC, Conshohocken, was named co-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.
Jennifer Weidler Karpchuk, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry, West Conshohocken, will serve the second year of her two-year term as 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 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.
Jordan Lee Morgan, Blue Bell, was named 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.
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
Michael Berry, Ballard Spahr LLP, Philadelphia, was named 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.
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. Calalang, Philadelphia, was renamed 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.
Noel Andrew Fleming, Fleming Petenko Law, Phoenixville, 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 renamed 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.
Jeffrey Scott Gross, Gross & Kenny LLP, 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.
Bonnie Hoffman, Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller, 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.
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 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 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.
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, McElroy Deutsch, 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.
Karl S. Myers, Stevens & Lee, 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 named 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.
Patricia B. Santelle, White and Williams 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 renamed 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.
Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP, Philadelphia, and past PBA president, was named 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.
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.
Philip H. Yoon, Superior Court of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, was named 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.
Somerset County
Mary E. Schellhammer, Attorney at Law, Somerset, was reelected 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 renamed 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 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.
Washington County
Michele S. Haggerty, The Haggerty Law Office PC, McMurray, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Lawyers’ Assistance Committee, which develops programs to assist impaired lawyers and their law partners, clients and families.
Westmoreland County
Imogene 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.
York County
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 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.