#acbabenchbar
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THURSDAY, JUNE 16
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MORNING – ATHLETIC EVENTS
8:45 a.m.
DONALD W. BEBENEK BENCH-BAR GOLF TOURNAMENT
Seven Springs Golf Course
Sponsored by Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti LLP
9:00 a.m.
SPORTING CLAYS AND 5-STAND EVENT
Seven Springs Sporting Clays Course
Sponsored by Zimmer Kunz PLLC
11:00 a.m.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DESK OPENS
Main Lobby
AFTERNOON – EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Dress for the day is resort casual.
2:00 p.m.
WOMEN IN THE LAW DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Seasons
Presented by the Women in the Law Division Council
“Moving Beyond the Pandemic 9-5:
Successful Alternative Work Arrangements”
The pandemic forced lawyers to try new ways of working, including extensive remote work. The results showed the efficacy of arrangements that were previously considered alternative, but are now mainstream. Moving forward, what is next? How should employers adapt to new ways of working and focus on retaining talent, including finding ways to effectively train and mentor junior attorneys? How can lawyers advocate for effective alternative arrangements – for themselves, but also for the workplace generally? What are some strategies for successful remote, in-person and hybrid work arrangements, especially when there are many different approaches within the same office? What are lessons learned and best practices from the pandemic era? In particular, how could alternative work arrangements affect the advancement and retention of women in the profession? Panelists from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives will discuss issues surrounding alternative ways of working in a working environment that is not going to revert entirely to pre-pandemic conditions.
Speakers:
Hon. Michael E. McCarthy, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court
Don Bluedorn, Esquire, Managing Shareholder, Babst Calland
Asra Hashmi, Esquire, Associate Attorney, Jackson Lewis PC
Sarah V. Itzkoff, Esquire, Staff Attorney, Women’s Center and Shelter, Civil Law Project
Moderator:
Elizabeth Hughes, Esquire, Senior Associate Counsel, UPMC
2:00 p.m.
BANKRUPTCY AND COMMERCIAL LAW SECTION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Sunburst
Presented by the Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section
“The Best Kept Secret in Bankruptcy? Evaluating the First Two Years of the Small Business Reorganization Act (SBRA)”
This program will offer a review of the SBRA as a tool for small businesses to successfully reorganize under the Bankruptcy Code in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The panel will discuss the advantages of filing under the SBRA, lessons learned since the SBRA has been enacted, the current debt limit and predictions for the future.
Speakers:
Hon. Judge Gregory L. Taddonio, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Crystal H. Thornton-Illar, Esquire, Partner, Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl
David Z. Valencik, Esquire, Partner, Calaiaro | Valencik
Moderator:
Ryan Cooney, Esquire, Partner, Law Offices of Robert O Lampl
3:15 p.m.
HOMER S. BROWN DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit
Seasons
Presented by the Homer S. Brown Division Council
“Social Equity Consideration in the Expanding Cannabis Industry”
As more states legalize the adult use of cannabis, the Pennsylvania legislature is pushing to create a legal and regulatory framework to allow adult use within the Commonwealth. However, the Commonwealth must take social equity into consideration in its work to decriminalize adult use of cannabis. This program will focus on what "social equity" means and why it's important in the context of the growing Cannabis Industry in the Commonwealth. This program will also look at state legislation for Adult Use bills and how the bills plan to implement a regulatory framework while working to enhance communities that are negatively impacted by the decriminalization and enforcement of marijuana possession.
Speakers:
Patrick Nightingale, Esquire, PKN Law
Jesse Exilus, Esquire, City of Pittsburgh Department of Law
3:15 p.m.
COMMITTEE ON LAW AND DISABILITY PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit
Sunburst
Presented by the Committee on Law and Disability
“Disability as a Component of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives”
This program will discuss the importance of including Disability as a component of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. Although Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives have become more prevalent in recent years and organizations are making efforts to become more diverse, Disability has often been missing from these diversity initiatives. During this program, the audience will gain a better understanding of why disability should be considered part of an organization's efforts to develop a diverse workforce. This program will emphasize how the recruitment of disabled individuals benefits not only members of the disability community, but also the companies and organizations themselves.
Speakers:
Ian S. Michel, Esquire, Associate Attorney, Ruder Law, LLC
Wesley S. Speary, Esquire, Deputy Director, City of Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
Sarah V. Itzkoff, Esquire, Staff Attorney, Women’s Center and Shelter, Civil Law Project
3:15 p.m.
SPONSORED RETIREMENT PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Snowflake
Sponsored by Hefren-Tillotson
“Retirement Plans and Meeting Your Fiduciary Duties for Solo, Small and Mid-Size Firms”
Don’t have a retirement plan for you or your firm? Could you be saving more with a different plan type? Don’t understand plan fees and expenses? What’s a Roth conversion and is it right for you? Why were 401(k) plan administrators at Yale, MIT, Penn, Boeing and Intel sued for millions? The right retirement plan can help attorneys save for retirement, reduce taxes as well as attract and retain employees. Learn about retirement plan options suitable for sole practitioners and small/mid-size firms including SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), Profit Sharing and more. If you or your firm have a retirement plan but haven’t reviewed it lately, don’t know what it costs and/or aren’t sure if you are meeting your fiduciary duty – this program is right for you.
Speakers:
Elisa J. Cavalier, Esquire, First Vice President, Hefren-Tillotson
Nicholas J. Zapf, President, Dunbar, Bender & Zapf
4:30 p.m.
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Seasons
Presented by the Young Lawyers Division Council
“Trials and Televisions”
The pandemic has brought a whirlwind of changes to the legal profession. From remote work to remote filings to remote hearings, the practice of law has entered a new, digital age. But these advancements have also brought greater public attention to the courtroom. Trials are now being live-streamed for comment by the public at large on social media. Just last year, we saw several trials play out in real time in the court of public opinion. With this renewed focus on courtroom practice, attorneys and judges have to understand the impact that publicity can have on trial proceedings. Our panel of seasoned trial practitioners will delve into trial strategies for managing cases with media attention and addressing potential biases from jury selection to verdict.
Speakers:
Hon. Christine Ward, Administrative Judge, Civil Division, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
Stacey Steiner, Esquire, Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office
Moderators:
Amelia Goodrich, Esquire, Allegheny County District Attorney's Office
Lauren Nichols, Esquire, Goodrich and Associates, P.C.
4:30 p.m.
IN-HOUSE/GENERAL COUNSEL PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Sunburst
Presented by the Bench-Bar Conference Program Committee
“In-House Response to COVID-19”
In-house counsel from various industries will discuss their roles and responsibilities in relation to COVID-19 and the lasting effects. This program will take a deep dive into changed and new responsibilities including strategic planning, rapid decision-making, balancing of interests and creativity. There will also be a discussion on remote lawyering management.
Speaker:
Ariell Antonio, Esquire, Associate Counsel, Highmark Health
Jillian Wein Riley, Esquire, Associate Counsel, UPMC
Tony Thompson, Esquire, Counsel, Dollar Bank
Moderator:
Chaton Turner, Esquire, Senior Associate Counsel and Vice President of Risk Management/Disabilities Services, UPMC
EVENING – SOCIAL EVENTS
Dress for the evening is resort casual.
5:30 p.m.
BEER AND WINE TASTING
Timbers
Sponsored by The Law Offices of Kapusta & Schweers
5:30 p.m.
WOMEN IN THE LAW DIVISION RECEPTION
Seasons
Sponsored by Edwards & Assoc.
Join the Women in the Law Division for an informal social gathering.
5:30 p.m.
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION RECEPTION
AND PASSING OF THE GAVEL
ACBA YLD Hospitality Suite 314
Sponsored by Compass Rose Financial
The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the ACBA is holding its 19th Bench-Bar Conference Division meeting. Taylor Gillan will be formally introduced as the new chair of the YLD, succeeding Asra Hashmi. Join your young lawyer colleagues for open bar refreshments, networking and information about the YLD. If you ever wanted to get involved with the YLD but did not know how, attend this meeting to get information on the opportunities from current council members and officers.
7:00 p.m.
RECEPTION AND BARBECUE
Sponsored by Raphael, Ramsden & Behers, P.C.
Reception – Timberstone and Walkway by Ski Lodge
Barbecue – Outside Ski Lodge
Immediately following Barbecue
DJ SELECTA AND BUZZWORTHY PUB TRIVIA
Matterhorn/Alpine
Relaxation and Late Evening Reception
9:00 p.m.
ALCOHOL-FREE SOCIAL SPACE
Suite 436
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Dress for the day is resort casual.
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MORNING – ATHLETIC EVENTS
7:00 a.m.
INTRODUCTION TO YOGA
Fox Den
Yoga Instructor: Lisa Standish, Esq., The Law Offices of Lisa Standish
All experience levels welcome!
Please be sure to bring your own towel or yoga mat.
7:00 a.m.
RUNNING
Lodge Hotel Lobby
ACBA Past-President Hal Coffey to lead the run
8:00 a.m.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DESK OPEN
Stag Pass
MORNING – BREAKFAST PROGRAM AND FEATURED PRESENTATION
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
in the Grand Ballroom
9:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST WITH THE JUDGES PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit
Grand Ballroom
Presented by the Bench-Bar Conference Program Committee
Sponsored by Shrager Defense Attorneys – David J. Shrager, Attorney at Law
“Civility in the Court: Coffee, Croissants and Civility –
Can We All Just Be Civil?”
The Pa. Supreme Court adopted a Code of Civility in 2000. This Code enunciated the principles of civil and courteous behavior which lawyers and judges are encouraged to follow in all litigation and legal proceedings. Currently under review is a proposed Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g) which would presumably make civility in all Pennsylvania courts mandatory and not merely aspirational.
Have you ever encountered a lawyer behaving adverse to the Code? Have you ever witnessed a client or attorney being treated in an uncivil manner by a judge or another attorney? This program will explore civility in the courtroom in light of the existing Code of Civility and the proposed change. Using a progressive integrated format, participants will engage in small group discussions with members of the judiciary.
The following questions will be discussed:
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Did the practice of law during the pandemic impact, positively or negatively, what it means to be civil in the practice of law, and what “best” or “not best” practices can or should be carried forward and how?
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In your experience, what are some examples you have observed of particularly civil or uncivil lawyer/judicial conduct? How did you/would you respond or react to the situation of incivility? How would your reaction differ depending upon the alleged bad actor: opposing counsel/co-counsel/judge? Do you react to situations of incivility that you merely witness, as opposed to those occurring in your own case or litigation?
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What sort of gender-based biases, if any – either explicit or implicit – do you believe exist in the legal system?
Persons are generally addressed in the courtroom based upon their outward appearance, such as clothing, hair style, etc. Are there things that counsel or judges can say or do in order to convey the appropriate measure of respect for litigants and opposing counsel?
Speakers:
Hon. Michael H. Wojcik, Judge, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Hon. Mary Jane Bowes, Judge, Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Moderator:
Hon. Lisa Pupo Lenihan, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
10:15 a.m.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
1 Substantive credit
Grand Ballroom
Presented by the Bench-Bar Conference Program Committee
“Bill Cosby: The Rise, Fall and Release of America’s Dad”
Spanning more than five-decades, Bill Cosby’s dynamic career led him to become one of the most famous entertainers in the world. Beginning in the 1960s with stand-up comedy, he went on to release numerous comedy records, feature on various television specials, late night appearances and multiple movies and television series – including eight seasons of his biggest hit "The Cosby Show" – gaining a reputation as “America’s Dad.”
In 2005 he was accused of sexual assault. The incident was investigated by the local police department in Montgomery County, where Crosby resided, and where the incident occurred. Soon after the allegation, the Montgomery County District Attorney issued a press release indicating that Cosby was under investigation for a possible sexual assault. As the investigation concluded, the District Attorney issued another press release indicating that Cosby would not be prosecuted, and that a civil action was likely to follow; which was filed shortly after.
Throughout the course of the civil lawsuit, Cosby sat for multiple depositions and evidence of prior allegations and conduct were uncovered. The civil case was settled in 2006, but the terms of the settlement and records from the case were sealed. At no point during the pendency of the civil suit did Cosby attempt to assert his Fifth Amendment privilege.
During the Summer of 2015 records and evidence from the civil suit were unsealed. Based upon the incidents that occurred in 2004, and the evidence elicited from the civil suit, the current Montgomery County District Attorney’s office reopened the criminal investigation and eventually charged Cosby with aggravated indecent assault.
On April 26, 2018 he was found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. Cosby was incarcerated later that year, to begin serving his sentence of three-to-ten years.
Following the conviction, his attorneys filed an appeal, arguing that testimony and evidence of prior acts should have been excluded, and that he was not subject to prosecution because of the District Attorney’s 2005 press release and his reliance upon that representation.
On June 30, 2021 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby’s conviction. He was released from prison after serving nearly three years. Following the Court’s decision, the District Attorney filed a Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied on March 7, 2022.
Speakers:
Hon. David N. Wecht, Justice, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Robert Del Greco Jr., Esquire, Shareholder, Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, PC
Efrem Grail, Esquire, Attorney, The Grail Law Firm
Moderator:
Joseph R. Froetschel, Esquire, Principal, Gismondi & Associates, P.C.
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
COFFEE BREAK STATION
Sponsored by RWS IP Services
11:30 a.m.
JUDGES ONLY CJE
1 CJE Ethics credit
Seasons
Presented by the Bench-Bar Conference Program Committee
“Judicial Misconduct: Navigating Common Issues and Avoiding or Mitigating Missteps Along the Way”
In this program the presenters will discuss prickly scenarios and illustrative cases where jurists have found themselves in trouble, such as:
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Inappropriate judicial demeanor
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Personal interests colliding with judicial responsibilities
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Enjoying the prestige of the office outside of the courtroom
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Missteps involving social media
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The special challenges of family court
Also to be discussed will be steps the jurists can take to mitigate, including striking the right tone, accepting responsibility for missteps, early retention of and working with counsel in response and the impact of such steps on potential discipline.
Speakers:
John S. Summers, Esquire, Shareholder, Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller
Bethann Lloyd, Esquire, Shareholder, Dibella Weinheimer
11:30 a.m.
SPONSORED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Snowflake
Sponsored by bit-x-bit, LLC
“Utilizing Advanced Analytics to Optimize Document Review:
Technology is Your Friend”
As data within corporations continues to explode due to the use of workplace collaboration tools, mobile devices and other online repositories, the need to leverage technology as a means to identify what is most important during pre-trial discovery is certainly heightened. Utilizing algorithms that “learn” from the reviewers' coding decisions and “active learning” technology within document review software programs – when structured the right way – can lead to more accurate review results compared to manual reviews, with less overall cost. Courts, too, have declared that attorneys can utilize this technology, obviating the need for attorneys’ eyes to be laid on every document in a review set. Join this interactive program where we’ll explain different forms of analytics, provide examples of how the technology has been used to optimize review and overview judicial opinions addressing litigants’ use of such technology.
Speakers:
John Unice, Esquire, CEO, bit-x-bit, LLC
Brett Creasy, CISSP, GCFGA, CCE, President and Director of Digital Forensics, bit-x-bit, LLC
11:30 a.m.
PRO BONO PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit
Wintergreen
Presented by the Public Service Committee
“Will We Ever Bridge the Justice Gap? Exploring Current and Future Approaches to Providing Equal Access to Justice”
A 2017 national study of households with low incomes found that 86% of civil legal problems received inadequate or no legal help. Full-time legal aid organizations provide the bulk of services for critical needs and are aided by pro bono attorneys fulfilling their professional responsibility to give back. Yet the justice gap remains large and persistent. This panel will explore the need for and availability of services, the roles that full-time legal aid and pro bono attorneys play, funding challenges, trends in the way services are provided and more.
Speakers:
Kristine Bergstrom, Esquire, Executive Director, Neighborhood Legal Services
Max Laun, Esquire, Interim Executive Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
Stephanie Libhart, MSL, Executive Director, Pennsylvania IOLTA Board
Jonathan McAnney, Esquire, Shareholder, Tucker Arensberg
Moderator:
Barbara Griffin, Esquire, Director, Pro Bono Center of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation
11:30 a.m.
LAWYERS CONCERNED FOR LAWYERS PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit
Sunburst
Presented by Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA
“Eating, Sex and Exercise Disorders - When Enough Isn’t Enough”
Food, sex, exercise – all may involve a variety of commonly enjoyed experiences that are healthy, essential parts of our lives. But when any of them become a major focus in your life, are difficult to control and are disruptive or harmful to you or others, they may be considered part of a compulsive, disordered or addictive behavior. When enough is no longer enough. No matter what it is called or the exact nature of the behavior, if it results in damage to self-esteem, relationships, career or your physical and/or mental health, you may need help to manage it. Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.
Speaker:
Brian S. Quinn, Esquire, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA, Inc.
11:30 a.m.
ALLY INITIATIVE MEETING
Non-CLE
Seasons
Presented by the ALLY Initiative
ACBA ALLY Initiative Cohort Members – Join other members of the inaugural cohort for a one-hour discussion of successes and any difficulties members may be experiencing. This meeting will discuss how other members are meeting the goals outlined for the initiative and discuss the value the initiative is bringing to your organization. This session is for ACBA ALLY Initiative Cohort Members only.
1:00 p.m.
LUNCHEON
Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by Plummer Slade
OFFICIAL CONFERENCE WELCOME
Jay A. Blechman, Esquire
Steiner & Blechman, LLC
Chair, Bench-Bar Conference
ALLEGHENY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
PASSING OF THE GAVEL
Joseph R. Williams, Esquire
Pollock Begg
ACBA President
REMARKS BY INCOMING ACBA PRESIDENT
Erica L. Laughlin, Esquire
Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky
ACBA President-Elect
REMARKS BY CURRENT ACBF PRESIDENT
Keith Whitson, Esquire
Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP
ACBF President
REMARKS
David A. Blaner
Allegheny County Bar Association
Executive Director
PRESENTATION OF THE AMRAM AWARD
Award presented by Hon. Kim Eaton
THE AMRAM AWARD HONORS IDEALS AND LEGACY OF PHILIP WERNER AMRAM
The Amram Award is a truly unique award, and it is given in the spirit of the Bench-Bar Conference. The Bench-Bar Conference is dedicated to professional development and to enhancing and improving our bar association and the justice system in our community. Similarly, the Amram Award recognizes individuals who personify professional excellence and who have demonstrated substantial commitment to the ideals of the Allegheny County Bar Association as well as to the betterment of the greater community.
Be sure to attend the Friday luncheon to see who will receive the award this year.
PREVIOUS AMRAM AWARD WINNERS
Dennis C. Harrington 1990
Hon. Joseph A. Weis, Jr. 1991
Michael Louik 1992
Seymour A. Sikov 1993
Hon. I Martin Wekselman 1994
Donald W. Bebenek 1995
June S. Schulberg 1996
Hon. Robert E. Dauer 1997
Lester E. Zittrain 1998
Hon. Lawrence W. Kaplan 1999
John L. Doherty 2000
G. Daniel Carney 2001
Hon. Jeffrey A. Manning 2002
Ruth A. Zittrain 2003
Donald P. Minahan 2004
Carol S. Mills McCarthy 2005
John M. Feeney 2006
Hon. Livingstone M. Johnson 2007
Robert Raphael 2008
William A. Goyette 2009
Hon. Debra Todd 2010
Shelly R. Pagac 2011
Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark 2012
Craig E. Simpson 2013
Mary Sue Ramsden 2014
Vincent J. Grogan 2015
John F. Becker 2016
Hon. Kim D. Eaton 2017
Barry M. Simpson 2018
Hon. Eugene B. Strassburger III 2019
AFTERNOON EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
2:30 p.m.
CIVIL LITIGATION SECTION/CIVIL DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Seasons
Presented by the Civil Litigation Section
“Since You Were Gone: Update on the Courts”
Find out what is new and what changes are coming for Allegheny County and the Western District. Join the Civil Litigation Section for the annual sound-off and state of the civil divisions of the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. In addition to welcoming the many new faces on the Courts, the panel will discuss ongoing trends in litigation and recent and upcoming changes to the Federal Court and the Allegheny County Civil Division, such as new motions practices, updates to the Local Rules and other changes to the division. Attendees will be encouraged to discuss potential changes and ask questions of the panel. The Civil Litigation Section will also hold its Annual Meeting to elect committee members and officers, thank Erin Hamilton for her service as Chair and welcome the new officers and committee members.
Speakers:
Hon. Mark R. Hornak, Chief District Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Hon. Christine A. Ward, Administrative Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
Hon. Lisa Pupo Lenihan, Magistrate Judge, US. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Hon. Patrick M. Connelly, Calendar Control Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
Hon. Philip Ignelzi, Discovery Motions Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
Dianne Wainwright, Esquire, Deputy Court Administrator, Civil Division
Moderator:
Joseph R. Froetschel, Esquire, Gismondi & Associates
2:30 p.m.
PROBATE AND TRUST LAW SECTION/ORPHANS’ COURT DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Wintergreen
Presented by the Probate and Trust Law Section
Sponsored by Petit-Winter Team RE/MAX Select Realty
“Orphans’ Court Sound-Off and an Analysis of Representation in Guardianship Cases”
The ACBA Probate and Trust Law Section will review and discuss recent developments in Orphans’ Court practice, estate planning and administration, and tax matters.
Topics to be discussed include:
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Guardianship proceedings – changes on the horizon
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Legislative and case law updates
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Comments from the bench
This program will also include a report on the state of the Orphans’ Court from Administrative Judge Lawrence O’Toole with an introduction to Judge Michael Marmo.
Speakers:
Hon. Lawrence O’Toole Jr., Administrative Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division
Hon. Michael E. McCarthy, Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division
Thomas J. Dempsey Jr., Esquire, Partner, Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace LLP
Kelton Burgess, Esquire, The Law Office of Kelton Burgess
2:30 p.m.
FAMILY LAW SECTION/FAMILY DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Sunburst
Presented by the Family Law Section
Sponsored by Petit-Winter Team RE/MAX Select Realty
“Psychologists in Child Custody Actions”
This program will focus on defining the different roles of a psychologist in family law matters (e.g. co-parenting therapist, reunification counselor, evaluator, etc.) and will outline the differences in clinical vs. forensic roles. Panelists will also discuss what psychologists can testify to, and when, and how the rules of evidence are correctly applied during testimony.
Speakers:
Hon. Kim Eaton, Administrative Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division
Hon. Nicola Henry-Taylor, Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division
Hon. Sabrina Korbel, Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division
Dr. Deborah Gilman, Psychologist and Mediator
Dr. Shannon Edwards, Psy.D., Edwards and Associates
AFTERNOON – ATHLETIC EVENT
3:45 p.m.
BOWLING
Sponsored by Bennington Law Firm, LLC
AFTERNOON EDUCATION PROGRAMS
3:45 p.m.
CRIMINAL LITIGATION SECTION/CRIMINAL DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Sunburst
Presented by the Criminal Litigation Section
“Update on the Allegheny County Safety and Justice Challenge Project”
This program will present the progress being made on the Allegheny County Safety and Justice Challenge Grant which aims to safely reduce the Allegheny County jail population by enhancing fairness and efficiency within the criminal justice system. In the first two years of the project, Allegheny County safely achieved a 36% reduction in the jail population. Attendees will hear from project stakeholders about the collaborative efforts and strategies of the project.
Speakers:
Matthew Dugan, Esquire, Chief Deputy Public Defender of Allegheny County
Molly Morrill, Director, Allegheny County Safety and Justice Challenge Project at Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Janice Radovick-Dean, Director of Pretrial Services, Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
Angharad Stock, Esquire, Chief Deputy Court Administrator, Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
3:45 p.m.
FEDERAL COURT SECTION/FEDERAL COURT PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit
Seasons
Presented by the Federal Court Section
“Federal Practice in a Virtual Platform:
Being the Best Advocate in the New Normal”
This program will include an ethics component relevant to virtual practice and tips from the bench regarding practice in the Western District. The Panel will include the Honorable Lisa Pupo Lenihan along with other esteemed judges from the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Speakers:
Hon. Maureen P. Kelly, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Hon. Lisa Pupo Lenihan, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Hon. Robert J. Colville, Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Moderator:
Lauren Melfa Catanzarite, Esquire, Marcus & Shapira LLP
3:45 p.m.
APPELLATE PRACTICE COMMITTEE PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Wintergreen
Presented by the Appellate Practice Committee
“Petitions for Allowance of Appeal – Best Practices”
The petition for allowance of appeal before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is one of the most misunderstood filings in Pennsylvania appellate practice, but it doesn't have to be. Join our panel of appellate attorneys and current and former Supreme Court clerks for a discussion of how to draft your petition and improve your chances at obtaining a discretionary appeal. Topics will include preservation, development and presentation of claims, with special emphasis on the sometimes cryptic "special and important reasons" warranting the Court's review, the adjudicative process and common errors in drafting.
Speakers:
Jill Lipman Beck, Esquire, Associate, Blank Rome LLP
Kimberly Collins, Esquire, Deputy Chief Clerk, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania - Justice Debra Todd
Corrie Woods, Esquire, Member, Woods Law Offices PLLC
EVENING – SOCIAL EVENTS
Dress for the evening is resort casual.
4:00 p.m.
AXE THROWING
Foggy Goggle
Sponsored by CARDINAL LifeCare Consulting LLC
6:15 p.m.
RECEPTION
Pool Patio
In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be held in the Matterhorn.
7:30 p.m.
DINNER
Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company
9:00 p.m.
ALCOHOL-FREE SOCIAL SPACE
Suite 436
9:15 p.m.
MONTE CARLO LOUNGE AND DANCE PARTY
WITH DJ SELECTA
Winterberry
10:30 p.m.
KARAOKE PARTY
Winterberry
Sponsored by Gentile, Horoho & Avalli, P.C.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
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BREAKFAST, CLOSING REMARKS,
DOOR PRIZE DRAWING AND ADJOURNMENT
Sponsored by HBK
8:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Grand Ballroom
10:00 a.m.
CLOSING REMARKS
Jay A. Blechman, Esquire
Steiner & Blechman, LLC
Chair, Bench-Bar Conference
10:00 a.m.
DOOR PRIZE DRAWING
ADJOURNMENT