The Legal Intelligencer

Thursday Public Notices/Calendars

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Hangley Aronchick Founder William Hangley Dead at Age 85

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:07:21 EST

Colleagues described the litigator as fundamental in shaping Hangley Aronchick's practices and culture since its founding in 1994.

L'Oréal Moves to Appeal Order Forcing Exec Depositions in Phila. Hair Relaxer Mass Tort

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:03:34 EST

L'Oréal is appealing a Philadelphia judge's order requiring senior company officials to sit for depositions in the court's specialized hair relaxer mass tort docket.

People in the News—June 24, 2026—Margolis Edelstein, Saxton & Stump

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Margolis Edelstein welcomed George Codding to the firm as a partner in its Philadelphia office, further strengthening the firm's insurance litigation practice.

The Human at the Gate

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:29:59 EST

The technology vendors are learning the client-service lesson—relationship over transaction—while the firms who taught that lesson to the market risk forgetting it.

The Impact of the Trump Executive Order Aimed at Stripping Civil Service Protections for Federal Employees

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:07:59 EST

With a signature and a 229-page appendix, roughly 8,000 federal workers learned they had become at-will employees, terminable for almost any reason with little process and no meaningful appeal.

Wednesday Public Notices/Calendars

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Genova Burns' Bankruptcy Group Jumps to Stevens & Lee

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:34:48 EST

Pennsylvania-founded Stevens & Lee entered the Am Law 200 for the first time this year and has 235 lawyers, compared to approximately 50 at Genova Burns.

'Security Theater' Is Not a Legally Defensible Cybersecurity Policy

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:24:24 EST

Cybersecurity representations carry independent legal weight in policies, certifications, trust-center statements, marketing materials and remediation plans. A defensible cybersecurity program must reflect an organization's real-world operations rather than its dressed-up "security theater."

The EEOC's Campaign Against Diversity and Inclusion

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:01:59 EST

True to its word, in 2026, the EEOC filed many discrimination claims on the basis of membership in traditionally majority groups (white and male).

People in the News—June 23, 2026—Stark & Stark, Capehart Scatchard

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Stark & Stark announced that the firm has welcomed Edward James Furman Jr. to its Newtown office.

Litigating Contingency Fee Disputes When Clients Change Counsel: Pennsylvania Courts Move Beyond the Lodestar

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:31:59 EST

Tethering an award to the lodestar may create a slew of issues—not the least of which is the temptation for predecessor counsel to inflate their hourly estimate.

Pa. High Court: School Districts' Use of Monetary Thresholds, Other Selection Criteria for Assessment Appeals Do Not Violate Uniformity Clause

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:23:59 EST

The decision gives districts the clearest guidance yet for an assessment appeals program based on neutral financial criteria, including monetary thresholds, and offers a framework for building an appeals program around administrative efficiency and expected fiscal return.

Tuesday Public Notices/Calendars

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Former Leader of NJ AG's Corruption Unit Takes on Similar Role for Pa. AG's Office

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:16:28 EST

According to his LinkedIn profile, Gibson will be tasked with “leading high-profile, complex investigations and prosecutions in Pennsylvania involving allegations of public corruption by elected or appointed state and local officials, state campaign finance violations, conflicts of interest, fraud, bribery, and civil rights violations.

Fed. Court Suspends Pa. Attorney for AI-Hallucinated Citations

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:04:09 EST

The federal court sanctioned and suspended a Pennsylvania plaintiffs attorney despite his claims that the errors were inadvertent and tool-driven.

Atlanta-Founded Defense Firm Hall Booth Smith Opens Philadelphia Office

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:22:13 EST

The firm launches with two of counsels and one partner, but leaders hope to grow the local head count to 15 in the next 18 months.

Efforts to Collect a Prepetition Debt Are Not the End of the Story in Evaluating the Police and Regulatory Power Exception to the Automatic Stay

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:09:59 EST

According to the district court, in determining whether an action constitutes a “police and regulatory action, a court must look to the underlying purpose of the government's monetary enforcement efforts. If those efforts serve a nonpecuniary purpose and are intended to effectuate public policy and promote public safety and welfare, then they will fall within the police and regulatory power exception and not violate the stay.

People in the News—June 22, 2026—Babst Calland, Tucker Arensberg

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Law firm Babst Calland Clements and Zomnir announced that Jeffrey R. Bengel recently joined the firm's Pittsburgh office as a shareholder in the litigation practice.

Judicial Recusal: Does It Always Meet Its Goals?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:23:59 EST

Recusal is intended to protect the judicial system and the public's positive impression and support for that system. But when recusals in a case are so numerous that a litigant cannot receive a final review of the issues on appeal, we return to the title question: does recusal always meet its goals?

Monday Public Notices/Calendars

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

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Ex-Partner Escalates Fight With Reed Smith Over Back-Pay

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:46:04 EST

An attorney bringing a wage equity suit against Reed Smith says a judge misread an appellate ruling after lawyers for the firm allegedly "planted seeds of confusion."

Judge Picks 3rd Sexual Assault Trial Against Uber: 'Get the Message, We're Going Ahead'

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:16:48 EST

The Sept. 14 trial would be in a case called Jane Doe QLF 001 v. Uber, in which a woman from Fort Worth, Texas, alleges her Uber driver forced her to perform oral sex on him during her 2020 ride from Arlington, Texas.

Ropes & Gray Finance Co-Head Plans Move to Dechert

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:30:57 EST

The two-partner move includes Leonard Klingbaum and capital partner Jennifer Harris, sources said.

Remedies for Late Payment of Settlement Funds

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:26:59 EST

When a settlement payment is delayed, plaintiffs have options to compel the production of the settlement payment or to secure sanctions against the defendant relative to the delay. Most settlement agreements themselves outline when payment is due. And, whether or not there is such a provision in a release regarding the timing of a payment, plaintiffs also have the benefit of the mandate under Pa.R.C.P. 229.1, which requires that the settlement payment be “delivered within 20 calendar days from the defendant's receipt of an executed release.

What Young Lawyers Don't Know About Working at a Midsize Law Firm

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:14:59 EST

Although law school career offices promote Big Law and law students tend to gravitate toward these firms, students and young lawyers should nevertheless consider midsize firms as excellent alternatives.

Accessing Blight: The Basics of Administrative Search Warrants

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:11:59 EST

Because municipal officials are government actors, entering private property without permission (consent or a warrant), may violate the property owner's state and federal constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. Where consent is refused or cannot be obtained from the property owner, municipal officials cannot force entry on the property but instead can apply for an administrative search warrant.

People in the News—June 18, 2026—Barley Snyder, Hall Booth

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Barley Snyder announced that retired Judge David L. Ashworth has joined NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation) as a hearing officer.

EPA Proposes Rule to Repeal Federal Drinking Water Regulations for Certain PFAS Compounds

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:41:59 EST

This article summarizes the EPA's prior drinking water regulations of certain PFAS compounds, the EPA's stated basis for its most recent proposed rulemaking, the impact of the proposal on public water systems and the regulated community, and the role of the Loper Bright decision in the EPA's proposed rulemaking.

When a Private CERCLA Plaintiff Does Not Give Notice to the Government

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:58:59 EST

Section 113(l) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 9613(l), requires a private CERCLA plaintiff to serve a copy of the complaint upon the Attorney General and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. What happens if the plaintiff fails to do so?

Pond Lehocky Adds Veteran Talent as Head Count Jumps Amid Expansion

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:59:59 EST

Firm leaders say the hiring surge is part of a broader push to bulk up its bench and expand into underserved markets, with new offices launching and more growth slated for 2027.

Five Below Taps Allbirds Veteran as Chief Legal Officer

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:48:47 EST

Christos Yatrakis, who most recently served as chief people and legal officer at the footwear brand, joins the Philadelphia-based discount retailer with more than two decades of experience at global public consumer companies.

Workers' Comp Self-Referral Ban Doesn't Cover Prescription Drugs, Pa. High Court Rules

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:36:04 EST

The majority ruled that physicians aren't barred from referring patients to pharmacies they own or have a financial interest in for prescription drugs, holding that the Workers' Compensation Act's anti-referral provision doesn't prohibit such referrals.

Don't Expect Investor Suits Against Funds to End, Even After SCOTUS Imposition of Curbs

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:38:57 EST

Attorneys who represent investment funds are hailing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision restraining investor suits as a win for the industry. But even they acknowledge that investors are likely to find new avenues of litigation.

People in the News—June 17, 2026—Flaster Greenberg, White and Williams

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Flaster Greenberg welcomed Fallon Robinson and Sarah Bellacicco as participants in the firm's 2026 Summer Associate Program.

Luigi Mangione Will Mount Psychiatric Defense, Judge Reveals

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:21:39 EST

Mangione's defense team served a notice of intent back in September, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro said. Carro said he was unsealing the record relating to that litigation.

Pa. Supreme Court Adopts New Test for Determining Whether Pre-construction Leases Fit Within the Prevailing Wage Act

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:17:59 EST

The new framework instructs courts to consider the totality of the circumstances, and not just the allocation of financial risk under the terms of a pre-construction lease.

New Machines, Old Tests: Using AI to Run Internal Investigations Regulators Will Credit

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:27:24 EST

Sidhardha Kamaraju, David Abramowicz, and Daniel Pohlman discuss how companies can use AI-assisted document review in internal investigations, arguing that regulators are more likely to credit investigations that employ transparent, statistically validated methodologies than any particular technology.

Maybe You Have ADHD. Or Maybe Your Company Does

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:45:27 EST

A former in-house lawyer explains why people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be well suited to the job, and why many companies would be diagnosed with the condition.

Winners Announced at the 2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards Ceremony

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:59:59 EST

The Legal announced its 2026 winners at the Pennsylvania Legal Awards on Thursday night, which included the following categories: Litigation Departments, In-House Impact, Best Law Firm Mentor, Power Player, Most Effective Dealmaker, Managing Partner of the Year, Law Firm Innovator, Talent Management and Most Promising Newcomer.

Most-Effective Dealmakers of the Year Winner: Jessica A. Bisignano, Hogan Lovells

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:48:37 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony in June.

Pa. High Court Rules Skills Games Are Slot Machines, Prohibited If Unlicensed

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:49:16 EST

The high court's ruling dismantles the legal foundation that allowed thousands of machines to proliferate across Pennsylvania.

Quiet Enjoyment and Constructive Eviction

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:04:59 EST

No bright-line test exists for constructive eviction, and perhaps no such test should exist, because it is an extraordinary claim with a consequential remedy.

People in the News—June 16, 2026—McNees, Gawthrop Greenwood

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

McNees Wallace & Nurick announced that attorney Connor Thomson has joined the firm's real estate group in Radnor, where he will assist clients in planned community and condominium matters.

Delaware Excellence Attorney of the Year Finalist: Kristen Swift, Kaufman Dolowich

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:49:43 EST

The Legal Intelligencer will honor attorneys and legal professionals at an awards ceremony June 11.

Pa. Superior Court Addresses Waiver-Of-Counsel Colloquy in Support Contempt Proceedings

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:34:59 EST

In the recent Pennsylvania Superior Court case of Sawyer v. Anusionwu, the Superior Court addressed the trial court's requirement to conduct a waiver-of-counsel colloquy in contempt proceedings when the trial court determines that there is a likelihood of imprisonment of the contemnor.

Duane Morris Helps Guide Pennsylvania's Celebration of America's 250th Birthday

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:02:21 EST

Chairman and CEO Matt Taylor served on the executive committee for the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial while partner W. Michael Gradisek served as counsel for the commission.

Phila. Firm's Suit Against Former Name Partner Kicked to Arbitration

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:52:55 EST

Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Senior Judge Paula A. Patrick sustained the attorney's preliminary objections, concluding that the firm's claims fall within the scope of the partnership agreement's binding arbitration provision and must be pursued in that forum.

People in the News—June 15, 2026—Saxton & Stump, Lewis Brisbois

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:59:59 EST

Saxton & Stump announced that Teresa C. Marino has joined the firm as a shareholder and co-chair of the family law group, launching an expansion of the practice into Pennsylvania.

Do Lawyers Owe Duties to Potential Clients Who Do Not Hire Them?

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:37:13 EST

By considering certain parameters and risks, lawyers can continue to consult with clients in a way that best manages the duty of confidentiality and the risk of conflicts.

'Sale Ends Today' and the Lawsuit Starts Tomorrow: Looking at the Wave of Email Marketing Class Actions

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:17:59 EST

Between April 2025 and April 2026, in contrast, plaintiffs filed well over 100 lawsuits alleging violations of the law, often with tens of millions of dollars (or more) of alleged damages on the line. What happened to cause such a dramatic change? And how can companies avoid getting caught up in the growing wave of these lawsuits?

Well Stocked: Building a Top Shelf IP Framework for Every Client Behind the Bar

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:16:59 EST

A comprehensive and thoughtful IP strategy that caters to the particular goals and needs of each hospitality client will avoid routine problems and frustrations as their business scales, and part of that conversation should be placing an emphasis on what can and cannot be protected, and which IP tools best effectuate their goal.

Looming Court Fight Could Reshape Ethylene Oxide Litigation in Pa.

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:59:59 EST

Philadelphia trial judges are allowing plaintiffs to pursue jurisdiction over B. Braun's German parent in EtO cases. It's a shift from prior rulings, and, although on appeal before the Superior Court, could expand liability and reshape the litigation's financial stakes.