Archive: 2009
Goldberg Katzman Launches HICPA Podcast
Pennsylvania’s new Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act ("HICPA") requires all home improvement contractors to register with the state and use a HICPA-compliant contract. Goldberg Katzman attorney Steven Grubb recently completed an audio podcast to educate the public on this new law. The podcast provides an overview of HICPA and provides numerous ideas on how listeners can comply with HICPA's provisions. To hear the podcast, click here.
Morris, Lock Recognized as "Super Lawyers"
Philadelphia Magazine has named Royce L. Morris and Joshua D. Lock "Super Lawyers" for 2009 for Pennsylvania. This honor applies to only 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania and is bestowed on attorneys who have "achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement."
Recipients are determined through a multi-stage process that takes nine months and involves surveying every attorney in the state who has been in practice for five years or more. The final awards are then made by an independent panel. Recipients are publicized statewide through numerous publications.
Weber Tapped for Panel Discussion
On October 22nd Tom Weber participated in a Panel Discussion, "Consider Pennsylvania", sponsored by the Pennsylvania Dental Association at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. The presentation was given to dental students to educate them as to the job opportunities present in Pennsylvania following their graduation. Mr. Weber discussed various licensure issues as well as items to consider when presented with employment contracts, the opportunity to purchase a practice and insurance considerations.
Brenner Wins Erie Insurance Defense Case
Tom Brenner recently represented Erie Insurance Exchange in a case appealed from the Insurance Department to the Commonwealth Court. The Court affirmed the decision of the Insurance Department, adopting our argument on behalf of Erie on an issue of first impression. The Court determined that an accident involving a municipal vehicle where immunity prevented recovery of property damage against the municipality could still be considered as a basis for non-renewal of an insurance policy for accident frequency.
Factually, Tyrone Phillips was involved in two (2) accidents within three (3) years of the renewal date of his automobile policy. One of the accidents involved his vehicle being struck by an Abingdon Township police car. The police department indicated they only had an obligation to pay for unreimbursed losses to Mr. Phillips and did not reimburse Erie for over $2,000 of damages.
We argued and the Insurance Department and the Commonwealth Court agreed that there is an enumerated list of exclusions under Act 68 governing motor vehicle renewals and the inability to collect because immunity is not a listed exception.
The Commonwealth Court in a published Opinion affirmed that the non-renewal of the Phillips policy by Erie was appropriate.
Weber Gives Seminar on Risk Management
On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, Thomas J. Weber provided a risk management seminar in Atlantic City, New Jersey as part of the New Jersey Dental Association Annual Meeting. The seminar focused on obtaining positive results through effective communication skills.
Kogan Testifies Before House on HB 1322
Goldman Katzman attorney Arnold B. Kogan, long-recognized as an expert in real estate law, recently testified before the PA House Urban Affairs Committee in opposition to House Bill 1322. While aimed at reducing blight, Kogan argued that House Bill 1322 would in fact adversely affect property rights. Current law states that property may be taken by adverse possession after 21 years. HB 1322 would shorten that timeframe to 10 years or less—in some cases to as few as three years. Kogan argued that there are other tools better suited to reducing blight and resolve issues of title.
Kogan Elected Vice Chair of Real Estate Division of PBA’s Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Given Special Achievement Award
Arnold B. Kogan was elected Vice Chair in charge of the Real Estate Division of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law at the Section’s Annual Meeting held in Pittsburgh on June 3, 2009, in conjunction with the PBA’s Annual Meeting. Mr. Kogan also received the Special Achievement Award for his efforts in support of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section. Also at the PBA’s Annual Meeting, Mr. Kogan participated as a speaker in a program on Economics of Mortgage Foreclosures which dealt with the new federal programs available to assist homeowners in avoiding foreclosure and to compensate lenders for working out loans rather than carrying out foreclosures. In addition, Mr. Kogan joined a panel at the meeting discussing neighbor law which was a potpourri of laws and cases dealing with the everyday problems of disputes between neighbors over such matters as party walls, boundary issues, overhanging trees, sound and light disturbances.
Firm Supports Diversity Initiative
This summer Goldberg Katzman again will participate in the Capital Area Managing Partners' (CAMP) Diversity Initiative. This year marks the fifth year for the CAMP Program. Attorney Royce Morris coordinates the program at Goldberg Katzman. Through this program, minority first-year law students are provided the opportunity to engage in "substantive legal work" alongside a mentoring attorney. Interns experience day-to-day life at the firm as well as attend client meetings, depositions, mediations and other hearings. Interns also are given research and drafting assignments.
Ninth Annual Lecture Honoring Goldberg Katzman Founders Features Speaker Justice J. Michael Eakin
The Lecture will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Harrisburg, PA. Justice J. Michael Eakin, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, will speak on “Appellate Advocacy.”
The Goldberg Lecture Series in Law was established in 2000 in memory of Harrisburg lawyers Arthur L. and Harry B. Goldberg. The annual presentation is sponsored by the Dauphin County Bar Foundation, with the assistance of the Dauphin county Bar Association. Goldberg Katzman also supports the Goldberg Lecture Series. Lawyers who attend the Lecture will receive two hours of CLE credits.
Goldberg Katzman Sponsors Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Law Enforcement and Youth Forum
Goldberg Katzman was one of the sponsors of the event and Attorney Royce Morris participated as moderator of the first session entitled “Student Perspective on Juvenile Justice.” The event was held at the Rose Lehrman Center, Harrisburg Area Community College on October 13, 2009.
Heather Paterno Advisor on Pro Bono Project for Dauphin County
Children are often the silent victims of painful custody battles. For the most part, these children have no legal advocates; yet they have the most at stake in the proceedings. Heather Paterno volunteers her services as a pro bono attorney for children of low income families enduring custody litigation.
In their efforts to address this problem, the ABA Child Custody & Adoption Project awarded a grant in November 2007 for the Dauphin County project: Starting a Dialogue; Bringing People Together to Develop Pro Bono Child Representation Programs in Private Custody Cases. The purpose of the grant is to “host a series of meetings with members of the Bench, private family law attorneys, bar association leaders, Mid Penn Legal staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, courthouse staff, and Widener Law School and Dickinson Law School legal aid clinics to brainstorm methods to develop programs which will provide pro bono representation to children in private custody cases.” The project continues today with Heather Paterno as one of its advisors.
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