Message From The Executive Committee, DD 03/07

Defense Digest

Message From The Executive Committee

Happy 2007! It is hard to believe that the holidays are behind and the first quarter of 2007 is drawing to a close. Having said that, I thought it appropriate to review some exciting events which occurred as we closed out 2006 and inform you of some things you should expect in 2007.

The firm was pleased to announce the elevation of eight associates to shareholdership. Each of these individuals was unanimously recommended by the firm's Board of Directors and, thereafter, unanimously approved by the firm's shareholdership at its annual meeting. Our new shareholders are: Tracy Burleigh, Casualty Department, Wilmington, Delaware, office; Patrick Carey, Casualty Department, Erie, Pennsylvania, office; John Deasy, Casualty Department, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, office; Edward Galang, Health Care Department, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, office; Jessica Julian, Workers' Compensation & Employment Practice Department, Wilmington, Delaware, office; Donna Modestine, Health Care Department, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, office; Andrew Schwartz, Professional Liability Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, office; and Robert Smith, Casualty Department, Scranton, Pennsylvania, office.

As I reviewed this list, two things immediately became apparent. First, how deserving these individuals were to receive their ascension. They have worked hard in their disciplines and have excelled in their young legal careers. In no small part, we considered feedback from our clients as to the performance of our attorneys, and this year's class received overwhelming support from you. On behalf of our eight new shareholders, I thank you for your support.

The second matter which comes to mind is the continued geographic and breadth of our firm. As you can see, these shareholders come from six different offices, and all of the firm's practice groups are represented. In shortest form, our newest shareholders are a miniature replica of our firm.

I am also pleased to advise that Thomas C. DeLorenzo, Esquire, was named to the firm's Board of Directors. Many of you have known Tom for a number of years as he has been at the firm for 32 years and has been involved in and a part of the firm's incredible growth. While Tom has held numerous positions in the firm over the years, he currently serves as Chairman of our Employment Practices Practice Group as well as Chairman of the firm's A Shareholder Group. Tom will bring an immeasurable amount of experience and wisdom to the firm's Board.

What can you expect in 2007? While I would like to say more of the same, that simply will not be sufficient. We have upgraded our technology to better serve you, and we have placed new systems into effect to ensure compliance with the myriad of guideline and budgetary mandates we receive from our clients. We have named new managing attorneys to several offices and practice groups, and new and exciting ideas are being generated from these changes.

Because you have made us one of the largest, if not the largest, pure defense firm in the United States, we are fortunate in that we receive many inquiries from lawyers and firms in the five states we presently serve. The firm feels confident that during 2007 we will be able to make various announcements concerning positive additions to our professional staff, making us that much more able to serve you.

On behalf of Tom Brophy, Pete Miller and all of the employees of Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, let me wish each of you nothing but health, happiness and success throughout 2007.