Message From the Executive Committee

It is hard to believe that we are preparing for the winter holiday season. It seems just a short time ago we were experiencing an almost unprecedented hot summer, and here we are preparing for winter. As such, I thought it appropriate to relay what has been occurring at the firm over the fall season.

Shortly after Labor Day, we were pleased to announce a new class of associates. The firm hired fourteen new attorneys. These attorneys are located in several offices and across various practice groups. Specifically, we welcomed the following individuals:

Wendy O'Connor (Bethlehem, PA) - Healthcare Department

Michael Daly (Cherry Hill, NJ) - Healthcare Department

Jason Walker (Cherry Hill, NJ) - Casualty Department

Bradley Somrack (Erie, PA) - Workers' Compensation Department

Alan Muraidekh (New York, NY) - Casualty Department

Adam Crystal (New York, NY) - Casualty Department

Shane Haselbarth (Philadelphia, PA) - Casualty Department

Christine Becer (Philadelphia, PA) - Healthcare Department

Hannah Hubler (Philadelphia, PA) - Casualty Department

Lauren Moser (Philadelphia, PA) - Professional Liability Department

Nicolai Schurko (Philadelphia, PA) - Professional Liability Department

Michaelene Weimer (Pittsburgh, PA) - Casualty Department

Josie Scanlan (Roseland, NJ) - Healthcare Department

Douglas Saltarelli (Tampa, FL) - Professional Liability Department (Special Counsel)

Samuel Pratcher (Wilmington, DE) - Casualty Department

Matthew Valocchi (Wilmington, DE) - Casualty Department.

As many of you know, over the past few years, the firm was pleased to announce the creation of various new practice group disciplines. Specifically, the firm is now actively defending aviation, marine and technology/privacy matters. We also added a Health Law Practice Group. Consistent with our defense approach, the firm was pleased to announce October 1, 2010, the creation of its White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group. Initially, this group will be manned by Jack Gruenstein, a 30-year veteran white collar defense lawyer. Jack Gruenstein joined the firm as special counsel. In this capacity, he will lead the firm's white collar defense practice, as well as assist our healthcare, privacy and professional liability clients in government audits, investigations and prosecutions. Additionally, he will also conduct internal investigations for our clients. As a trial lawyer, Jack has handled more than 50 criminal and civil jury trials and a substantial number of non-jury cases. He has represented many corporate employees and officers and physicians in both state and federal courts.

Additionally, Kevin Hexstall will also be working in this area and defending civil matters. Kevin also has substantial trial experience. The decision to enter into this new area of law was based upon requests from many clients. As always, I want to thank you for your ongoing support and entrusting the firm in this new area of practice.

To better serve all of our clients, commencing in the first quarter of 2011, the firm will be installing a new billing and accounting system. We are excited about this upgrade. Additionally, the firm has upgraded its software programs in order to be more efficient in our practice group areas.

One of the most difficult decisions, as a firm, is whether to relocate. The firm's Philadelphia office lease will be expiring in the not too distant future, and we have spent close to one year analyzing the pros and cons of extending our current lease or relocating. This will be announced in the near future.

We are currently preparing for our year-end, which will include the naming of new shareholders. Much of our decision making process in elevating associates to possible shareholdership is based upon the feedback from our clients. We appreciate your ongoing dialogue concerning our professional staff and thank you for your time in advising firm management about these young men and women's accomplishments.

Although the past two years, by any account and for all businesses, has been economically challenging to say the least, we feel blessed to be able to move forward with those items referenced above. The mark of any ongoing business concern is the ability to continue to invest in itself. Because of our clients' overwhelming support, we have been able to take these steps to better serve the needs of our clients.

With that said, on behalf of everyone at Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, let me be one of the first to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. As always, and again from all of us here at the firm, thank you for your ongoing support. We never take it for granted.

Defense Digest, Vol. 16, No. 4, December 2010