What's New

Morris President of PA Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Royce Morris was elected President of the PA Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers at their annual meeting on April 25, 2008.

Hendershot Appointed to Orphans' Court Rules Committee
On March 4, 2008, Attorney Neil E. Hendershot was appointed to the Orphans' Court Procedural Rules Committee by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Hendershot's term will expire December 31, 2010. He is one of seven people (three judges and four attorneys) appointed to serve on the Committee. The Committee "reviews current rules governing statewide practice and procedure in the Orphans' Court." For more details, please go here.

Goldberg Katzman and Tom Brenner Honored at Dauphin County Bar Association's Annual Meeting
Goldberg Katzman was presented with the Clarence C. Morrison Award at the Dauphin County Bar Association's annual meeting on January 23, 2008. The award recognizes the firm's commitment to supporting diversity initiatives. Tom Brenner also was honored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association with the President's Award for his contributions as the president of the Dauphin County Bar Association.

Morris Receives Award for Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observation Day
Attorney Royce Morris was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observation Day Plaque by the Milestone Ministerium in Harrisburg on January 13, 2008. He received this award for his outstanding contributions as an attorney in the pursuit of justice for all.

Goldberg Katzman Successful United Way Campaign
Goldberg Katzman participated again this past year in the annual campaign of the United Way of the Capital Region, raising almost twice the amount of money as in the prior year.

Esposito Trained in Collaborative Law
Attorney Paul J. Esposito, head of the Family Law Section of Goldberg Katzman, recently completed two days of intensive training in Collaborative Law. Collaborative Law is essentially an alternative dispute resolution process in which both parties retain separate, specially trained attorneys whose sole objective is to assist the parties in settling their disputes regarding division of marital assets, assignment of responsibility for marital debts, determination of custody and support for the children, alimony and related issues.

The parties and their counsel are committed to working together respectfully, honestly and in good faith to find a "win-win" resolution to their legitimate needs. Collaborative Law emphasizes the shared goal of solving problems without resort to adversarial proceedings, most notably litigation. This represents a major departure from the traditional way of trying to resolve these types of highly-emotionally charged issues.

If you would like additional information about the Collaborative Law approach to family law dispute resolution, contact Attorney Paul J. Esposito at Goldberg Katzman, P.C.

Firm Supports Diversity Initiative
This summer Goldberg Katzman again will participate in the Capital Area Managing Partners' (CAMP) Diversity Initiative. This year marks the third 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.

Grubb Recognized by Law & Politics Magazine
Steven Grubb has been named a "Rising Star" in Pennsylvania's legal community by Law & Politics magazine.  This is the third straight year Steve has received this honor. "Rising Stars" must be under 40 years old or in practice for less than ten years. Selection is based on nominations by peers and independent research performed by a panel assembled by Law & Politics magazine.

Brenner Selected as Judge for Swim Championships
Attorney Tom Brenner has been selected as Chief Judge for the PIAA District 3 Swim Championships to be held from February 29 through March 1, 2008. Also, Brenner has been selected for an administrative position in connection with the State Swim Championships to be held at Bucknell University from March 11 through March 15, 2008.

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. During the past year, Heather Paterno has volunteered 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 awards a small number of grants each year to projects from across the country. In November 2007, Heather assisted Dauphin County Pro Bono Coordinator Sandy Ballard in drafting a project grant proposal. The Dauphin County project was selected as one of the recipients under the 07-08 program: 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." Heather will continue as one of the advisors on the project.

Morris Wins Advocacy Award
Royce Morris will be awarded the Alan Jay Josel Advocacy Award at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to be held on April 20. This award is presented to one member in recognition of extraordinary advocacy in one or more cases, causes, or issues during the previous year. Also, Attorney Morris who is currently the Vice President of the Association will become President-Elect at the same meeting.

Morris Gives Lecture on Erasing Criminal Convictions
On March 21st, Goldberg Katzman attorney Royce Morris gave a lecture on how to erase criminal convictions from one's record. Entitled "Pardon Me? I'm Not a Criminal!" the lecture covered such matters as expunging convictions, how the pardon system works, and the consequences of criminal convictions. It was held at the Widener School of Law. This lecture is part of the PACDL Criminal Defense Resource Center Law Colloquia, a free series of lectures for the public that are part of a project financed by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Weber Speaks at Dental Conference
In February, Goldberg Katzman attorney Tom Weber was a featured speaker at the Valley Forge Dental Conference at the Valley Forge Convention Center. Weber led a three-hour seminar on risk management for dental professionals.

Thomas E. Brenner Speaks at Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute
Thomas E. Brenner was a speaker at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute sponsored Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute In Philadelphia on March 1, 2007 addressing UM/UIM arbitration and mediation issues  and recent case law.

Steckel Serves as President of Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund
Dave Steckel has been serving as the President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) since June of 2006. JDRF is an organization whose mission is to raise money to fund research with a goal of finding a cure for Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes. JDRF raises approximately $400,000 per year in pursuit of its goal. 

Sembrot Speaks at Criminal Law Seminar
Goldberg Katzman associate, Joe Sembrot, recently spoke at the "Criminal Law Update" seminar offered by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar. Joe's specific topic was "Criminal Appellate Practice Update." Joe's practice at Goldberg, Katzman includes practice before Pennsylvania's appellate courts (both federal and state courts) where decisions of Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas and federal District Court's are reviewed.

Hendershot Appointed to Widener Board of Visitors
Neil Hendershot has been appointed to the Widener University School of Law's Board of Visitors.  This 41-member panel includes Supreme Court justices, judges, and several community leaders.  The Board of Visitors will assist Widener's Law and Government Institute in the teaching, understanding and practice of government law in an effort to produce government law specialists and improve government operations.

Weber, Steckel Certified NFL Agents
ShareholdersTom Weber and Dave Steckel were recently certified by the NFL Players Association as advisors/agents for NFL players.  This certification allows Tom and Dave to represent NFL Players in contract negotiations and other matters covered by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.  They are two of only five certified NFL agents in Harrisburg.

Katzman, Hendershot, Lock Recognized as "Superlawyers"
Philadelphia Magazine has named Ronald M. Katzman, Neil E. Hendershot, and Joshua D. Lock "Superlawyers" for the state of 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, as well as directly to 42,000 attorneys. 

Steven Grubb awarded Rotary Four Avenues of Service Citation
Rotary International awarded Steven Grubb with the prestigious Four Avenues of Service Citation on April 27, 2006. The award is given to a Rotary Club member who exhibits outstanding achievement in the four areas of service for which Rotary is known: community service, club service, international service and vocational service. A Rotary Club can only nominate one person for the award per year.

Grubb is the past president of Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club and presided at the time of Rotary International's centennial year. Grubb's achievements include: connecting the club with the CHANCE Orphanage in Johannesburg, South Africa which the club now supports; supporting New Hope Ministries in Mechanicsburg, PA, through the installation of a major refrigeration system for its food bank; service to the Interact Club of Cumberland Valley High School which is a service club for high school students utilizing Rotary principles; work on the Student of the Month Committee which provides scholarships to high school students at Cumberland Valley High School and Cumberland Perry Vocational/Technical School; fundraising ideas which helped increase the Rotary Club's yearly fundraiser--Monte Carlo Night--by almost one-third; implementing and organizing club projects which involved families of Rotarians; and assisting in the Club's work in the Bethesda Mission's soup kitchen.

Weber Published in Pennsylvania Dental Journal
Goldberg Katzman attorney Thomas J. Weber was published in the March/April issue of the Pennsylvania Dental Journal. Weber, who serves as general counsel to the Pennsylvania Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association Insurance Services, wrote a detailed and informative article about the State Board of Dentistry--and its impact on the dental profession. To read the article, click here.

Lancaster Branch Office to Offer Added Convenience
Goldberg Katzman has opened a branch office in Lancaster, PA. Offering convenient access to all Goldberg Katzman services, the office will be staffed by shareholder April L. Strang-Kutay, Esq. Directions to the office can be found here.

Heather Paterno Named Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year
The Dauphin County Bar Association (DCBA) has recognized Heather L. Paterno as its Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year. This high honor is given to the DCBA lawyer who distinguishes herself by providing free legal representation to those clients unable to afford an attorney.

Heather concentrates her practice primarily in the area of family law. According to the DCBA's pro bono coordinator, Sandy Ballard, it is often difficult to find attorneys to volunteer for these often protracted, emotional and challenging cases. Ms. Ballard states, "Heather has really stepped up to the plate in volunteering and working with these clients in one of the most challenging areas of the law."

Over the past year, Heather has taken on over a half-dozen cases, most of which have involved legal issues involving children, including custody and visitation. Heather gives of her time to counsel these less fortunate clients and represent them in various court proceedings.  One of the committee members described Paterno's commitment as a "shining example of what we would like others in her generation to embrace."

Obstacles to equal access to justice continue to mount, but Ms. Ballard praised Heather's outstanding service by stating that "knowing there are attorneys willing to try to meet the legal needs of the indigent in their communities provides hope and is a steady, positive signal to the people who have the most critical legal needs.  These attorneys are providing a service that allows the doors of justice to remain open to all citizens."

Heather's efforts will be honored at the DCBA annual meeting on January 25, 2006.

Favorable Decisions in Civil Rights Case 
Goldberg Katzman recently received favorable decisions in the two matters involving Steven Crawford, who was recently released from prison after being held there for close to 30 years. The United States Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania denied the defendants' motion to dismiss and held that Mr. Crawford's complaint stated a cause of action for violation of Mr. Crawford's civil rights under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.The Middle District also denied motions for summary judgment filed by Dauphin County and three former employees of the Pennsylvania State Police, holding that Mr. Crawford's case was backed with sufficient evidence to support his civil rights claim and his state law claims. Goldberg Katzman will now proceed to trial on Mr. Crawford's case.