Health Care

Gary Samms, one of the Philadelphia region’s premier medical malpractice trial attorneys, has moved to Marshall Dennehey, bringing with him members of his litigation group from Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel.

The move brings two shareholders, one associate, two paralegals and administrative support staff to Marshall Dennehey’s Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, offices. Samms and Raymond A. Petruccelli join as shareholders; Samms will divide his time between the two offices, and Petruccelli will be located in King of Prussia. Julinda Hoxha joins as an associate in Philadelphia. All will practice in the firm’s Health Care Department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gary, Ray, Julinda and their litigation staff to our Pennsylvania Health Care Department,” said Marshall Dennehey’s President & CEO, G. Mark Thompson. “Throughout his career, Gary has successfully handled more than 200 major jury trials, with 20 in the past year alone. Together, the group brings exceptional trial talent to our already accomplished bench of attorneys. They are the ultimate professional and lateral fit as we continue to expand our practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Samms leaves Obermayer, where he most recently led the firm’s Professional Liability and Catastrophic Loss practice groups, after 26 years. He has taken to conclusion more than 200 jury trials and scores of bench trials, arbitrations and mediations. Through the years he has represented doctors, nurses, health care practitioners, hospitals, and facilities of all types when facing catastrophic outcomes and medical malpractice lawsuits. He is additionally accomplished in defending cases involving sexual assault claims. Samms serves as a Judge Pro Tem for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and is a trained mediator. He is a graduate of West Chester University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. 

Petruccelli is highly accomplished in the areas of medical malpractice and professional liability defense. Representing clients in Pennsylvania’s state and federal courts, he is experienced in all aspects of litigation, including jury trials and appeals, arbitration and mediation. He has additionally secured several appellate victories in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania on behalf of physicians and other health care professionals. Petruccelli is a graduate of Fordham University and Villanova University School of Law.

Hoxha focuses her practice on medical malpractice and professional liability defense, and represents health care providers and facilities in medical malpractice matters throughout the state. She is a graduate of Drexel University and Widener University Delaware Law School.  

Samms commented on the move. “I had a great run at Obermayer and am grateful for the opportunities and relationships made there,” he said. “I’ve worked with many Marshall Dennehey attorneys over the years and have witnessed first-hand their excellent lawyering and absolute commitment to their clients. As my litigation practice continues to grow, the time had come where the support and resources offered at the firm became very attractive to me. This is a great move for me personally and, most importantly, for my clients.”