On the Pulse…Other Notable Achievements

The Maritime Litigation Practice Group in our New York City office has once again been recognized among the top national maritime practices in the 2015 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Recognized in the Nationwide: Transportation: Shipping: Litigation (New York) category, the firm was called out for “offering services across the gamut of admiralty and marine insurance law work, spanning product claims, cargo claims and property subrogation.” Daniel McDermott, co-chair of this practice, and Edward Radzik, shareholder within the group, were cited as “notable practitioners” in the Chambers ranking. While both attorneys have received Chambers recognition in this area several times before, this year Dan was specifically cited for his industry knowledge and representation of vessel owners and public authorities in the defense of maritime construction projects. Ed was cited as an “experienced and knowledgeable technician” in his handling of cargo damage and loss, collision and pollution claims.

David Wolf (Philadelphia, PA) was elected to the position of President-Elect at the recent annual meeting of the Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel for the organization’s upcoming year.

Terry Sachs (Philadelphia, PA) was awarded the William J. O’Brien Distinguished Service Award as Defense Lawyer of the Year by the Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel (PADC). Terry was honored at the organization’s annual meeting. The William J. O’Brien award is given annually to a PADC member who demonstrates outstanding legal service and contributions to PADC, and the greater legal community. It is named after William J. O’Brien, a past president of the PADC who was one of the pre-eminent Philadelphia trial lawyers of his generation.

Brigid Alford (Harrisburg, PA) was honored by the Central Penn Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence.” She was selected for her professional accomplishments and contributions to her community. 

Frank Wickersham (King of Prussia, PA) spoke at the CLM Medical Legal Conference in Chicago on the topic of Medical Marijuana in Workers’ Compensation. Frank was part of a panel that included a physician and a claims professional. They discussed the medical and legal challenges that employers and workers’ compensation insurance carriers could face with the coming legalization of medical marijuana.

Paul Lees (Allentown, PA) and Samuel Casolari (Cincinnati, OH) were featured speakers at the University Risk Management Insurance Association Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Paul and his co-presenter, William DeWalt, Assistant General Counsel at Lehigh University, presented But We Had a Contract! Understanding Contractual Risk Transfer and Drafting Effective (and Enforceable) Indemnification Clauses. Sam and Richard Jewell, former president of Grove City College, presented A View From the Board: Are Your Trustees Doing Their Duty?

Michael Karaffa (Pittsburgh, PA) participated as a panel instructor at an Advanced Tort Class at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. The presentation was based upon a fatal accident claim litigated and then settled on the eve of trial. The presentation included all counsel discussing their thoughts regarding liability, evidentiary, expert and damage issues.

Lauren Burnette (Harrisburg, PA) and Danielle Vugrinovich (Pittsburgh, PA) presented Recent Litigation Trends and How to Avoid Them at the National Association for Retail Collection Attorneys Spring Convention.

David Henry (Orlando, FL) presented Big Bombs Need a Long Fuse: Effective Mediation for E&O Claims Professionals at the 9th annual E&O Insurance ExecuSummit.

Defense Digest, Vol. 21, No. 3, September 2015

Defense Digest is prepared by Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers. This publication is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING pursuant to New York RPC 7.1. © 2015 Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted without the express written permission of our firm. For reprints, contact tamontemuro@mdwcg.com.