Bench-Bar Schedule

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

MORNING – ATHLETIC EVENTS

7:00 a.m.
DONALD W. BEBENEK BENCH-BAR GOLF TOURNAMENT
Highlands Golf Club

Sponsored by Perry Calder Law

Pre-registration required

Enjoy a post-round gourmet lunch and refreshments.

11:00 a.m.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DESK OPENS

Hotel Lobby

Please check in so that you can enjoy all that Bench-Bar has to offer.

Welcome Drink – Sponsored by Phillips Froetschel

Lanyard – Sponsored by Aligned Partners Trust Company

Welcome Gift – Sponsored by ACBA Insurance Program - USI Affinity

AFTERNOON – EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Dress for the day is resort casual

2:00 p.m.

YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION PROGRAM

1 Substantive CLE credit

Seasons 1 and 2

Presented by the Young Lawyers Division

Court Is in Session…Now What Do I Do?

If a looming trial date on your calendar makes you anxious, then this is the program for you! This panel of experienced litigators will discuss some of the most important things to know in preparing and presenting in court. This includes how to prepare for proceedings, how to pivot, knowing rules and standard operating procedures, and handling nerves. This is a must-see for anyone who goes to court, either a little or a lot.

Speakers:

Emily Balla, Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office

Asra Hashmi, Ogletree Deakins
Paul Menke, Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office

Moderator:

Hon. Lisa Pupo Lenihan (ret.), Judge Lenihan Alternative Dispute Resolution

2:00 p.m.
COMMITTEE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAM
1 Ethics CLE credit

Sunburst
Presented by the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion

Read the Room: Use Your Lawyering Skills to Address Implicit Bias in the Legal Workplace

This interactive, panel-moderated program focuses on identifying and addressing implicit bias in the legal workplace. Participants will examine how implicit bias manifests in professional settings, including courtrooms, law offices and institutional environments, and how lawyers can draw upon core lawyering skills such as issue spotting, problem solving, communication, and ethical judgment to respond effectively.

The program will feature professionally produced video scenarios depicting realistic workplace interactions that lawyers and judges routinely encounter. Guided panel discussion will follow each video, allowing participants to analyze the dynamics at play, identify implicit bias, and explore practical and ethical responses in real time. Attendees will leave better prepared to recognize bias as it arises and to address such incidents in a manner that promotes professionalism, equity, and trust within the legal system.

Speakers:

Michael R. Komo, K&L Gates LLP

Danielle Mundekis, K&L Gates LLP

Peter H. Schnore, Schnore Law LLC

Moderators:

Casey J. Hemphill, Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg LLC

Sima Lotfi, Bookoff McAndrews LLP

Gabrielle D. Smith, DFL Legal

2:00 p.m.
BANKRUPTCY AND COMMERCIAL LAW SECTION PROGRAM
1 Substantive CLE credit
Wintergreen
Presented by the Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section

The Last Chapter: Navigating Bankruptcy, Debt, and Death

This panel explores the complex intersection of bankruptcy law, probate administration, estate planning and creditor rights when debt survives death.

The discussion will address challenges posed by spendthrift heirs, deceased debtors, retirement planning and overlapping jurisdictions. Panelists also will consider strategic considerations for navigating competing creditor claims, asset protection vehicles, and ethical obligations. For example, how should an attorney handle an inheritance when a decedent probates a will, but the beneficiary files for bankruptcy?

This panel will provide a broad overview appropriate for all practitioners, not just attorneys in bankruptcy or estate planning practices.

Speakers:

Hon. Carlota M. Böhm, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Eric Elia Bononi, Bononi & Company P.C.

Gene J. Herne, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

Genevieve G. Redd, Leech Tishman

Moderator:

Lauren Michaels, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

3:15 p.m.
WOMEN IN LAW DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Ethics credit and 1 CJE Ethics credit – Open to all lawyers and judges
Seasons 1 and 2
Presented by the Women in the Law Division

DIY - DEI

Executive orders regarding diversity and inclusion have thrown a monkey wrench into all facets of education, health and employment. The resulting tangle of do-it-yourself fixes, snarled litigation and conflicting legal rulings is a nightmare for any seasoned contractor. This program will focus on the ins-and-outs of dealing with employment, health, education and legal compliance in the face of conflicts between the executive branch, ADA, Title IX and the rules of professional and judicial conduct.

Speakers:

Hon. Nicola Henry-Taylor, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division

Jesse Exilus, City of Pittsburgh Department of Law
Charles A. Lamberton, Lamberton Law Firm, LLC

Richard T. Ting, ACLU of Pennsylvania

Moderator:

Hon. Lisa Pupo Lenihan (ret.), Judge Lenihan Alternative Dispute Resolution

3:15 p.m.
CRIMINAL LITIGATION SECTION/CRIMINAL DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit and 1 CJE credit – Open to all lawyers and judges
Sunburst
Presented by the Criminal Litigation Section

‘CRIMMIGRATION’

Criminal and immigration laws are increasingly intersected in ways that can profoundly affect non-citizen defendants. This overlap is known as “crimmigration”. Crimmigration involves the collateral consequences a foreign national can face incident to an arrest, charge, plea, conviction and/or sentence in a criminal matter or even a summary trial. The criminal matter may trigger severe immigration consequences, including detention, removal (deportation), denaturalization, inadmissibility, revocation or loss of lawful status. These consequences can apply regardless of a person’s current immigration status and can have lifelong consequences. They may result from dispositions that are routine in criminal court.

This program will provide judges and attorneys with a practical overview of how criminal case decisions can shape immigration outcomes. These include key considerations in charging, plea negotiations and sentencing. Participants will learn how to identify immigration red flags early, avoid unintended collateral consequences and apply best practices to ensure informed pleas and fair proceedings when immigration issues are present.

Speakers:

Samantha C. Tamburro, Rogers Tamburro, P.C.
Hon. Eleanor L. Bush, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division

Hon. Jaime M. Hickton, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division

Moderator:

Rachael Santoriella, Law Offices of Rachael Santoriella

3:15 p.m.
CONSTRUCTION LAW SECTION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Wintergreen
Presented by the Construction Law Section

Why is Construction Litigation Unique?

Construction litigation can best be analogized to hand surgery. A hand surgeon needs to be a physician with an understanding of the body, trained as an orthopedic surgeon and then receive specialized training in the intricacies of the human hand. The hand surgeon needs to develop and have mastery of a body of knowledge

that is layered and complex.

Similarly, a construction attorney needs to be disciplined in numerous areas of the law, making construction litigation different than other types of civil litigation.

To understand and develop a construction claim, the plaintiff needs to understand what type of project delivery system was used, and the roles and relationships of the project participants (owner, general contractor, subcontractors, architects and engineers). The interrelated contracts of these parties are examined for their scopes of work, duties and responsibilities, limitations of liability, indemnification, time limitations, payment responsibilities and dispute resolution provisions. Project documents are reviewed, including specifications, drawings and schedules for statutory authority, local regulations regarding land use, environmental issues, insurance coverages, potential bond claims, mechanics liens, delay analysis and more. The case may involve scheduling experts; payment issues; financial issues that may involve lost profits, loss of use, increased costs that may require testimony of forensic accountants; issues with remediation and betterment, and materials testing. Engineering issues that involve electrical, mechanical or structural engineers; architectural issues including design and constructability issues; and hazardous materials, and manpower tracking and analysis are common. Finally, construction matters often involve dispute resolution provisions.

In preparing for construction litigation attorneys need to assemble and review project contracts and documents. The review of these items can involve tens or hundreds-of-thousands of documents.

This session will address the unique legal, factual, and practical issues that arise in construction litigation.

Speakers:

Chad Michaelson, Meyer Unkovic & Scott LLP

David A. Scotti, Scotti Law Group

4:30 p.m.
LEGACY LAWYERS COMMITTEE PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Seasons 1 and 2
Presented by the Legacy Lawyer Committee

Legendary Litigation Revisited

Join the newly formed Legacy Lawyers Committee as it looks back at several high-profile cases through the eyes of the front-line lawyers involved.

On Sept. 8, 1994, USAir Flight 427 crashed near Pittsburgh resulting in the tragic death of more than 100 passengers and crew members. The ensuing litigation in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania involved resolution of plaintiffs’ damages claims as well as a separate proceeding and jury trial on defendants’ contribution and indemnity claims. Adding to the complexity and challenges presented, the National Transportation Safety Board was conducting at the same time a lengthy investigation of the crash. Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee member John Gismondi and USAir trial counsel William Pietragallo will share their first-hand experience and insights.

Next, in a case involving the Pittsburgh Penguins, in return for a request for funding of additional improvements approximating $10.5 million for the Civic Arena, Penguins’ ownership agreed to provide multiple and detailed non-relocation covenants to the lessor and sub-lessee. Evidence of covenant breaches soon after their execution was presented to the Bankruptcy Court, which permanently enforced those covenants. Public Auditorium Authority counsel Samuel Braver will discuss the late Chief Bankruptcy Judge Bernard Markovitz’s Opinion and Order determining the enforceability of the non-relocation covenants as he has historically held “the Penguins are as much a part of the Warp and Woof of this community as are its other sports teams, museums, parks, theaters, and ethnic neighborhoods….”

Lastly, veteran attorney Stewart Barmen will discuss the history of no-fault divorce. The law brought Pennsylvania into the 20th century.

Speakers:

Stewart Barmen, Attorney at Law

Sam Braver, Attorney at Law

John P. Gismondi, Gismondi & Associates

William Pietragallo, II, Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP

Moderator:

Kevin P. Lucas, Buchanan

4:30 p.m.
HOMER S. BROWN DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Snowflake
Presented by the Homer S. Brown Division

Beyond State Lines: Why Now Is the Time to Expand Your Practice into Federal Court

This program is designed to introduce state criminal defense attorneys to the federal criminal legal system and the growing need for practitioners who understand and can navigate federal court. With significant shifts in federal charging priorities and enforcement under the current administration, now is a critical time for state court lawyers to expand their practice into federal criminal defense.

The program will provide an overview of practicing in federal court, including key procedural differences from state court, common entry points for attorneys without prior federal experience, and practical ways to get involved in federal cases.

Those not convinced of joining the federal fight will gain insight into how decisions made in state court can have serious and lasting consequences for clients with pending federal charges, clients on federal supervision, or clients who may face federal prosecution in the future.

This program is ideal for attorneys looking to broaden their skill sets, protect their clients more effectively, and position their practice for the evolving landscape of criminal defense. This is also great for any attorney interested in learning more about what is happening in federal criminal courts.

Speakers:

Gabrielle Lee, Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Yemi T. Olaiya, Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Joe Otte, Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania

4:30 p.m.
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS COMMITTEE PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Sunburst
Presented by the LGBTQ+ Rights Committee

Navigating Legal Issues Affecting Transgender Youth

This program will examine the rapidly evolving legal landscape impacting the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth, with a particular focus on transgender youth. The panel will address key legal frameworks and emerging legal and regulatory challenges affecting minors, their families, attorneys and institutions, including:

Governmental restrictions on the rights of transgender youth at the state and federal level
Privacy rights for LGBTQ+ youth and their families
Navigating educational spaces and medical care in the current legal climate
Parental rights and family law considerations

This program is designed for education attorneys, civil rights practitioners, family law specialists, institutional counsel, and any attorney advising clients on these complex and rapidly evolving legal questions. Participants will gain practical guidance on advising clients—whether students, their families, educators, or institutions—while also gaining an understanding of the current state of litigation and legislative activity across jurisdictions.

Speakers:

Dr. K. Ashley Brandt, Tower Health

Morgan M. Bonekovic, Pollock Begg

Victoria Peña-Parr, ACLU-PA

John Valantassis, Education Law Center

Moderator:

Judy Hale, Pennsylvania Bar Association

EVENING – SOCIAL EVENTS
Dress for the evening is resort casual

5:30 p.m.
WOMEN IN THE LAW DIVISION RECEPTION
Seasons 3 and 4
Sponsored by F.N.B. Wealth Management

WLD members are invited to celebrate the end of the bar year at this informal social gathering.

5:30 p.m.
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION RECEPTION AND PASSING OF THE GAVEL
Timberstone
Sponsored by Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam

In a popular Bench-Bar tradition, the Young Lawyers Division reception will feature Devyn Lisi being formally introduced as the new chair of the YLD, succeeding Rebeca Himena Sekinger. YLD members are invited to join their colleagues for hors d’oeuvres, open bar, networking and information about the YLD. If you ever wanted to get involved with the YLD but did not know how, attend this event to get information on the opportunities from current council members and officers.

5:30 p.m.
LEGACY LAWYER COMMITTEE MEET-N-GREET
Matterhorn
Sponsored by Buchanan

Meet the newest ACBA committee – the Legacy Lawyers Committee. The purpose of the committee is to help preserve the institutional memory and dignified legal culture of Allegheny County and to offer flexible avenues for mentorship to other members of the ACBA.

6:30 p.m.
CRAFT BEER AND CHAIRMAN SELECT WINE TASTING
Pavers Circle
Sponsored by Very Law

Choose from a selection of craft microbrews and fine wines while enjoying an array of fun appetizers.

7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
THURSDAY NIGHT BARBECUE
Outside Ski Lodge

Sponsored by Shrager Defense Attorneys

Presented by the Bench-Bar Conference Program Committee

Judges, Counsel, and Clients Behaving Badly – How to Address Difficult Situations In and Out of the Courtroom

Difficult behavior by judges, opposing counsel, or clients can place lawyers in situations where competing duties to the client, the court, and the profession create uncertainty about the appropriate response. This program will explore a range of ethical questions arising from these challenging scenarios and provide participants with the opportunity to exchange perspectives with members of both the bar and the bench. The program is designed to give attendees an opportunity to meet and interact with the judges of the state, county and federal courts.

The format is this: Each table will receive the same set of questions, and participants will have a designated amount of time to discuss each one together. At the outset, each table should appoint one individual to serve as the spokesperson. When time is called, participants will be asked to report on your discussion.

Following the report-out, the judge assigned to each table will rotate to a different table, allowing for broader interaction with participants. The group will then move on to the next question, repeating the same discussion and reporting process at the new table.

Speakers:

Hon. Nicola Henry-Taylor, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
Hon. David L. Spurgeon, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division
Hon. Michael H. Wojcik, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
Featuring Elie Honig, CNN Analyst and Former Federal and State Prosecutor
1 Substantive CLE credit
Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan

Holding the Powerful to Account and Balancing Prosecutorial Power: The Past, Present, and Future of Special Counsels

Imagine being tasked with investigating your own boss, who also happens to be the most powerful person on the planet. In the course of your work, you may uncover evidence that is politically, professionally and personally devastating. You alone decide whether to seek an indictment that could place the matter before a jury and, if there is a conviction, before a judge for sentencing. At the same time, that same boss can fire you, shut down the investigation, or even turn the machinery of government against you.

That is the crucible of the special counsel. As the character Omar memorably warned in The Wire, “You come at the king, you best not miss.” The phrase captures the extraordinary stakes and asymmetric risks faced by prosecutors charged with investigating those at the very top.

For decades, the U.S. Department of Justice has turned to special counsels and independent prosecutors to handle its most sensitive, high stakes matters. But do these investigations consistently produce just and legitimate outcomes? And can the system withstand the political, institutional, and personal pressures placed upon it?

In this timely program, CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig offers a fast-paced, insider’s account of the most consequential Justice Department investigations of the past 50 years. Spanning administrations of both political parties and grounded in dozens of on-the-record interviews with firsthand participants, Honig brings these cases vividly to life.

A Watergate prosecutor explains why she secretly stored copies of key documents at home, fearing their destruction by presidential allies. A member of the Iran-Contra prosecution team recounts the reasoning behind a controversial election-eve disclosure. A defense attorney for Donald Trump describes a private meeting with Special Counsel Jack Smith just days before Trump’s indictment. From Ken Starr’s investigation of Bill Clinton to modern cases involving Patrick Fitzgerald, Robert Mueller, and Jack Smith, Honig traces how the special counsel system has developed, and where it has faltered.

It is often said that a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest members. This program explores a powerful inverse principle: a nation also reveals itself by how it holds its most powerful leaders accountable when they are alleged to have done wrong. Especially at a moment when public confidence in legal institutions is under strain, this discussion could not be timelier.

This seminar will conclude with a Q&A and a meet-and-greet with Elie Honig. His latest book, “When You Come at the King” will be available for purchase, and he will autograph copies upon request.

Speaker:

Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst and Former Federal and State Prosecutor

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
GOURMET COFFEE BREAK STATION
Conference Center Landing
Sponsored by Network Deposition Services

Need a pick-me-up for those CLEs? Stop by for a cup of joe.

11:45 a.m.

CIVIL LITIGATION SECTION/CIVIL DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit and 1 CJE credit – Open to all lawyers and judges
Seasons 2, 3 and 4

Presented by the Civil Litigation Section

Program open to all registrants

You Say You Want a Revolution: The Shift to Judge-Led Case Management in Allegheny County Civil Practice

This program will examine the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division’s newly implemented comprehensive case management system and the significant cultural shift it reflects—from an attorney-driven, court-monitored model to a court-controlled, judge-led approach to civil litigation.

Designed for both the bench and the bar, the program provides a practical overview of how the new system operates and how early judicial engagement is intended to improve case flow, efficiency and accountability. Participants will explore how cases are evaluated within the first 120 days after a complaint is filed, with particular attention to early identification of matters that benefit from prompt court involvement.

Judges will gain insight into how the system integrates judicial oversight earlier in appropriate cases, while practitioners will learn what to expect once a complaint is filed, including meaningful case management conferences designed to streamline discovery, promote timely case development and efficiently schedule cases on appropriate trial lists.

Featured in this program will be The Hon. Daniel J. Anders, whose leadership in judicial administration offers a valuable perspective on judge-led case management. Judge Anders serves as the Administrative Judge of the Trial Division of the First Judicial District of Pa., overseeing 65 judges assigned to the Criminal and Civil Divisions and the management of all civil and criminal matters in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County.

The ACBA Civil Litigation Section Annual Meeting will follow the program.

Speakers:

Hon. Daniel J. Anders, Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Trial Division
Hon. Patrick M. Connelly, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
Hon. Alan A. Hertzberg, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
Hon. Mary C. McGinley, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division
Dianne S. Wainwright, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division

Moderator:

Jonathan M. Stewart, SMT Legal

11:45 a.m.
LAWYERS CONCERNED FOR LAWYERS PROGRAM
1 Ethics CLE credit
Sunburst
Presented by Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

Tackling Bullying in the Legal Profession

“I am getting treated differently for being different.”

An extensive study has shown that one in four lawyers report having experienced workplace bullying during a one-year period. Whether it is an intentional act with the aim of intimidating or controlling another person, or an unintentional bias displayed toward a person based on their individual characteristics, bullying can cause extreme stress. That stress, combined with the everyday stresses of the legal profession, can have a serious impact on an attorney’s mental health.

Statistics indicate that one out of three attorneys will have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers. Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania offers free services to lawyers, judges, their family members and law students in Pennsylvania, and can help any of those suffering from the effects of bullying by connecting them to those services.

This program will explore what forms bullying may take, how bullying has been reported in the legal profession, how issues of gender and race are perceived in the legal community as reported by peers, what actions can be taken to alleviate workplace bias, and the free services that Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers provides to lawyers, judges, their family members and law students, and how to take advantage of them.

Speaker:

Michael F. Yagercik, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA

11:45 a.m.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit
Wintergreen
Presented by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Mediation - Upping Your Odds of Settling

Getting to a mediation is only half the battle. Learn how to get your case ready for one, understand the best methods to meaningfully engage in the process, and strategies for working with your mediator to maintain ongoing negotiations.

In a game show reality contestant format, the program will provide tips and best practices when preparing, attending, and settling your case, pre or post litigation, with a mediation. The program will be a question-and-answer format with audience input and presentation.

Speakers:

Frederick B. Goldsmith, Goldsmith & Ogrodowski LLC
Meryl Macklin, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP
Linda A. Michler, ADR Offices of Linda A. Michler
Chad Shannon, Shannon Law Group LLC

AFTERNOON EVENTS

12:30 p.m.
LUNCHEON AND CEREMONIES
Grand Ballroom

Enjoy lunch, comments from ACBA leaders and recognition ceremonies.

BUFFET LUNCHEON
Sponsored by Plummer Slade

1:00 p.m.

OFFICIAL CONFERENCE WELCOME
Andrew G. Rothey
Chair, Bench-Bar Conference Committee

ALLEGHENY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION PASSING OF THE GAVEL
Amy J. Coco
ACBA President

REMARKS BY INCOMING ACBA PRESIDENT
Dan Fitzsimmons
ACBA President-Elect

REMARKS BY ALLEGHENY COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Bryan S. Neft

Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

ACBF President

REMARKS
David A. Blaner
Allegheny County Bar Association
Executive Director

AMRAM AWARD PRESENTATION
Award presented by former Pa. Gov. Thomas Corbett

The Amram Award is a truly unique award, and it is given in the spirit of the Bench-Bar Conference and honoring the ideals and legacy of Philip Werner Amram. The Bench-Bar Conference is dedicated to professional development and to enhancing and improving the 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 ACBA, as well as to the betterment of the greater community.

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

Hon. Christine A. Ward 2022

Hon. Lisa Pupo Lenihan 2023

Elizabeth L. Hughes 2024

Hon. Thomas W. Corbett, Jr. 2025

AFTERNOON EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

2:30 p.m.
FAMILY LAW SECTION/FAMILY DIVISION PROGRAM
1 Substantive credit and 1 CJE credit – Open to all lawyers and judges
Seasons 1 and 2
Presented by the Family Law Section

Calculating Consequences: The Newly Revised Pennsylvania Support Guidelines in Practice

This program will provide a detailed examination of the recent revisions to the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines and their real-world application in support proceedings. Through analysis of how the updated provisions affect the calculation, advocacy and enforcement of support obligations across varying income levels, the program will equip attorneys with a practical understanding of how the guideline changes impact clients and case outcomes. The course will emphasize consistency, fairness and effective advocacy by exploring potential outcomes for low-, middle-, and high-income earners, including unintended consequences and equity considerations. Participants will gain insight into how the revised guidelines influence case strategy, evidentiary presentation, negotiation, and litigation, enabling practitioners to more effectively advise clients and navigate support matters under the new framework.

Speakers:

Hon. Kim Eaton, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division

Karen Ackerman, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division

Brooke B. McMorrow, McMorrow Law, LLC

2:30 p.m.

PROBATE AND TRUST LAW SECTION/ORPHANS’ COURT DIVISION PROGRAM

1 Substantive CLE credit

Sunburst

Presented by the Probate and Trust Law Section

2026 Probate, Trust, Tax and Orphans’ Court Primer

Stay informed on the ever-evolving landscape of Pennsylvania probate and estate law. Recent legislative changes, impacting everything from taxes to guardianship, have made this a key focus, with the Orphans’ Court playing a central role. This presentation will feature expert panelists for a discussion on the latest legislative updates, implementation of the recently enacted new local rules and Orphans’ Court rulings. This engaging and informative conversation is a must for practitioners in this collaborative field.

Speakers:

Hon. Hugh F. McGough, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division
Todd T. Jordan, Williams Coulson

Daniel Kunz, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division

2:30 p.m.
APPELLATE PRACTICE COMMITTEE PROGRAM

1 Substantive CLE credit and 1 Substantive CJE credit

Wintergreen

Presented by the Appellate Practice Committee

Program open to all registrants

2025-26 Appellate Update

Join a panel of experienced appellate advocates for a fast-paced, practical review of the most significant legal developments of the past year in the appellate space. The panel will highlight key appellate decisions and important substantive and procedural rule changes from both federal and state courts. Drawing on their expertise and experience before appellate courts, the panel will focus on developments with real-world implications for judges and practitioners alike, explaining not just what changed, but why it matters. Attendees will come away with a concise, accessible update on the cases and rules they need to know whether they are appellate judges, appellate practitioners, or simply trying to protect the record for (or against) appeal.

Speakers:

Casey Alan Coyle, Babst Calland
Harrison Graydon, Associate, James Law, LLC
Zach Gordon, Del Sole Cavanaugh Stroyd LLC

Devin M. Misour, Partner, Comber Miller LLC

Corrie Woods, Kline & Specter, PC

2:30 p.m.
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW SECTION PROGRAM
1 Substantive CLE credit
Snowflake
Presented by the Labor and Employment Law Section

Consent, Conversations, and Consequences: Pa. Wiretapping Law Inside and Outside the Workplace

Recorded conversations are increasingly common in employment disputes and civil litigation, and Pennsylvania law creates unique risks for lawyers and clients alike. In this program, panelists will analyze Pennsylvania’s Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act, including its application in the workplace and beyond. The program will address civil and criminal exposure, suppression issues and key statutory exceptions, including consent. Panelists will examine how the Act impacts litigation strategy when clients have recorded — or are considering recording — conversations, and how courts treat such evidence in employment disputes and other civil matters. The program also will explore emerging issues involving smartphones, video meetings, remote work platforms and employer monitoring policies. Attendees will gain practical guidance on advising employers and employees, assessing liability risks, and developing compliance and litigation strategies when recorded communications are at issue, including best practices for counseling clients before recordings occur.

Speakers:

Laura C. Bunting-Williams, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Michael A. Comber, Comber Miller, LLC

Nicholas W. Kennedy, Kennedy Law, LLC

AFTERNOON ATHLETIC EVENTS

3:45 p.m.
BOWLING
Pre-registration required

Enjoy a few frames with your fellow members.

3:45 p.m.
AXE THROWING
Foggy Goggle

Bench-Bar Schedule

For sponsorship opportunities contact mfiorilli@acba.org.