ninevieforcounty’scourtof commonpleasnominations ·...

THE NEWSLETTER OFTHEWESTMORELAND BAR ASSOCIATION

VOLUME XXVII, NUMBER 2APRIL 2015

thesidebarBack issues from 2000 to the present and acomprehensive, searchable index are availableonline at www.westbar.org/thesidebar.

INTHISISSUE 2Foundation

Focus 6 The ToughestMan InAmerica5Spotlight

on KristenWeidus 7 To-Wit:

by S.Sponte 11Bench/Bar

Memories4 JuryTrialVerdicts

Survey of Judicial Candidates

NineVie for County’s Court ofCommon Pleas NominationsEditor’s note: As in pastjudicial elections, we havemade space available forall the candidates for theCourt of Common Pleas ofWestmoreland County torespond to a series ofuniform questions, hopingthat the effort enablesour colleagues to learn alittle bit more aboutthose who seek a seat onthe bench. Their answersbegin on page 12.

We also asked eachcandidate to submit anexample of his or herlegal writing, such as abrief or other law-relateddocument, which bestreveals that aspect of hisor her professional ability.Those submissions can beviewed in their entiretyon the WBA website atw w w . w e s t b a r . o r g /judicialcandidates.

CHRISHUFFMANSee page 14

THE HONORABLEDAVID A. REGOLI

See page 17

LESLIE UNCAPHERZELLERSSee page 22

HOPE A.ASTON

See page 12

SCOTTMEARSSee page 16

THE HONORABLEHARRY F. SMAIL, JR.

See page 20

TOMANDERSONSee page 12

TIMKRIEGERSee page 15

JIMSILVIS

See page 19

by Amanda Stein, Pro Bono Coordinator

Adecade later I find myself inthe same office where I startedmy career—where I received

my baptism by fire into the legalprofession. While the faces and names

have changed, thecommon threadremains; there is anindigent populationin our county thatneeds legal assistance.August 11, 2014,was my first day,and since that day,I have encounterednumerous instances ofchild abuse, includinga tragic case of shaken

baby syndrome which resulted in aninfant’s death, a plethora of evictionsrendering clients homeless, and somewild stories and rationalizations thatare simply out of this world.

However, in most cases, whenyou remove the frivolous details, thereis a legal issue at the core. AssistantCoordinator Terrilyn Cheatham andI strive to identify those legal issuesand evaluate them on a case-by-casebasis. Collectively, we all work togetherto streamline our process, throughincome and asset screening along withthe assessment of the true legal needsof clients, so that when we makea referral to an attorney, it is trulysomeone who is in need.

I strive to make adjustments to ourprograms to make the process moreconvenient and time efficient for theparticipating attorneys. Our ReducedFee Program is very popular, whereinqualified clients are given a list of

be “on call” for a day, so that if alegitimate legal question comes intothe office, I can contact that attorneyand simply get an answer for theclient. If it is determined the clienthas a case, then they will be processedin the office and referred to anattorney. No one would be obligatedto take a case—just answer a question(however, taking on a case is alwayswelcomed!).

If you have any questions regardingthe program, or if I’ve sparked yourinterest to participate, feel free tostop by the office (Courthouse,4th Floor, Suite 403), e-mail meat [email protected],or call 724-837-5539. I want topersonally thank everyone for theirloyal participation to enable thecontinued growth and success ofour programs! �

attorneys whohave agreed to handle a specific type oflegal issue at the reduced rate of $40per hour. I would love to have moreattorneys on these lists and even beable to expand our categories. TheCustody Program is busier than everand true pro bono cases come intothe office daily. Additionally, we willbe unveiling a new program in whichI will be requesting that an attorney

2 • sidebar APRIL 2015

�Amanda Stein

It’s Pro Bono,NotThe Plague!

foundation focus

Franklin Regional EarnsDistrict, Regional MockTrialTrophies

�Franklin Regional Senior High School earned the District 1 Mock Trial trophy by defeatingGreensburg Salem High School in the finals of the annual competition held at theWestmoreland County Courthouse in February. This year’s competitors also included DerryArea, Homer-Center, Kiski Area, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, and Valley Jr./Sr. HighSchools. Franklin Regional advanced to the Regional competition and earned a berth inthe statewide competition held in Harrisburg in late March. Quigley Catholic High School(Beaver County) emerged as champion and will represent Pennsylvania in the nationalmock trial finals to be held May 8 - 10 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Franklin Regional High School mock trial team is composed of (from left to right)Anishaa Sivakumar, Corinne Baker, Adam Schwab, Jonathan Lockwood, Emily Ahlstrom,Bianca Li, teacher coach Jesse McDonnell, and attorney advisor Charles Conway. Notshown are Ryan Bailey and Juliana Landis.�

Feliciani; Brian Panucci, presented byCharles J. Dangelo; Vanda Raszewski,presented by Joyce Novotny-Prettiman;Shane M. Sarver, presented by DanielJoseph; Timothy J. Scelsi, presented byDwayne E. Ross; and Emily Shaffer,presented by The Hon. Anthony G.Marsili. John J. Petrush, Jr., waspresented in absentia.

Following the presentation tothe court, Allison Thiel and JoyceNovotny-Prettiman greeted the newmembers on behalf of the YoungLawyers Committee and the Ned J.Nakles American Inn of Court,respectively. President Judge Richard E.McCormick, Jr., then spoke on behalfof the court. A reception for the newadmittees was held at The Rialto inGreensburg immediately followingthe ceremony. �

presented by The Hon. MeaganBilik-DeFazio; Timothy J. Leonard,presented by Wm. Jeffrey Leonard;Jason P. McConnell, presented byThe Hon. David A. Regoli; Richard N.Lettieri, presented by Scott O. Mears,Jr.; Megan R. Little, presented by TheHon. Christopher A. Feliciani; GeorgeC. Miller, Jr., presented by The Hon.Harry F. Smail, Jr.; Victor G. Myers,presented by The Hon. Christopher A.

APRIL 2015 sidebar • 3

the sidebar is published bimonthly as a service for members ofthe Westmoreland Bar Association. Letters to the Editor shouldbe sent c/oWBA, 129 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg,

PA 15601-2311, fax 724-834-6855, or e-mail [email protected]. the sidebarwelcomes submissions from members or non-members. Please submit to the ArticlesEditor, c/oWBA.Back issues from 2000 to the present and a comprehensive, searchable index are

available online at www.westbar.org/thesidebar.

EDITORIAL BOARDDavid J.Millstein, Esq., EditorBeth Orbison, Esq., Assistant EditorThe Hon.Daniel J. Ackerman,The Toughest Senior Judge In AmericaPamela Ferguson, Esq., TerenceO’Halloran, Esq.,Susan C.Zellner, Associate EditorsDiane Krivoniak,Managing Editor

thesidebar

Annual Ceremony Held

WBA Presents NewMembersto Bench, Bar

�New members of the WBA were presented to the bench and bar on March 17, 2015. From left to right: (back row) Richard N. Lettieri,Matthew R. Comstock, TImothy J. Scelsi, Ryan P. Cribbs, Shane M. Sarver, and P. Michael Boscha; (middle row) Brian Panucci, George C.Miller, Jr., Timothy J. Leonard, Emily Shaffer, Vanda Raszewski, and Kelly M. Eshelman; (front row) Thomas B. Anderson, Katherine M.Bandemer, Megan R. Little, Victor G. Myers, Jaime Marie Hickton, and Jason P. McConnell.

OnTuesday, March 17, 2015,the Westmoreland BarAssociation presented its

new members to the court.Following a welcoming address by

WBA Past President John K. Greiner,and an invocation by the Rev. MarnieE. Abraham, each admittee wasintroduced to the court by a memberof the association.

The new members presented tothe court were: Thomas B. Anderson,presented by Sandra E. Davis;Matthew R. Comstock, presented byJames R. Antoniono; Katherine M.Bandemer, presented by John S.Toohey; P. Michael Boscha, presentedby David J. Millstein; Ryan P. Cribbs,presented by Ned J. Nakles, Jr.; KellyM. Eshelman, presented by AbbyDe Blassio; Jaime Marie Hickton,

View more photos from WBA eventson our members-only share site at

wbaphotos.shutterfly.com.It’s easy to do: Create an accountwith (or log in to) Shutterfly, and

request to be a member of the WBAPhotos share site to view photos,leave comments, or order prints.

MARCH 2015TRIALTERM

Of eighteen cases listed for theMarch 2015 Civil Jury TrialTerm, five settled, eleven were

continued, one was discontinued, andone resulted in a jury trial.

JEFFREYT. MAYOV.

ANDREW STARANKO D/B/ASTARANKO AUTO BODY

& CLASSIC CARSNO. 3575 OF 2013

Cause of Action: Breach of Contract—Unjust Enrichment

Plaintiff Jeffrey T. Mayo alleged thatDefendant Andrew Staranko, d/b/aStaranko Auto Body & Classic Cars,breached an agreement between theparties for the restoration of Plaintiff ’s1957 Pontiac (“the vehicle”). Per theagreement, Plaintiff made a one-timepayment of $16,000 to Defendant forthe restoration work, which was to becompleted within six to nine months.However, after eighteen months,Defendant failed to complete therestoration pursuant to the terms

was made. According to Defendant,the additional work greatly increasedthe restoration’s time and expensebeyond the scope of the initialagreement. As such, Defendant madea counterclaim against Plaintiff forunjust enrichment based on hisperformance of this additional work.

Trial Date(s):March 4-6, 2015Plaintiff ’s Counsel: Brian P.

Cavanaugh, Gbg.Defendant’s Counsel:Wm. Jon

McCormick, BentleyvilleTrial Judge:The Hon. David A.

RegoliResult: Verdict in favor of Plaintiff.

Jury found that Defendant breachedthe agreement and awarded Plaintiff$10,973.88 in damages. Further, thejury concluded that Plaintiff was notliable to Defendant on Defendant’scounterclaim.�

of the agreement. Plaintiff thenobtained possession of the vehicleand contracted with another shop tohave the restoration work completed atthe additional expense of $18,148.02.It was these expenses which Plaintiffsought to recover from Defendantthrough his breach of contract action.

Defendant made a counterclaimfor expenses incurred on additionalwork and parts that Plaintiff allegedlyrequested to be done after the agreement

JURYTRIALVERDICTS

by Beth Orbison, Esq.,Shane M. Sarver, Esq.,and Emily Shaffer, Esq.


Intellectual Property LawPatents, Trademarks, Copyrights

• Over 30 years of practice before the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office

• 95% success rate in obtaining U.S. patentswith over 1600 U.S. patents issued (overallaverage success rate for all U.S. patent

practitioners is 46%)• Registered at Canadian Patent Office with

over 300 patents issued• Registered over 300 Federal and

Pennsylvania trademarks• Obtained patents in all major countries,

including European Union, Japan, China, U.K.,Germany, Brazil, Mexico, etc.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from New York UniversityMaster’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University

J.D. from Temple UniversityChemistry studies at University of Pittsburgh

Registered Professional Engineer (Pennsylvania)Formerly Assistant Professor at Villanova University

Formerly Doctoral Candidate in Mathematics at Bryn Mawr College

NILS H. LJUNGMAN, JR. NILS H. LJUNGMAN & ASSOCIATES724-836-2305 [email protected] ljungmanandassociates.com

Westmoreland County Civil JuryTrial Verdicts from 2000 to thepresent are available online at

www.westbar.org/verdicts.

Editor’s note: KristenWeidus is thenew Chair of theWBA Young LawyersCommittee. Her one-year term began atthe 2015 Annual Meeting, held April 6at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall in Crabtree.Kristen is an associate with Tremba,Jelley & Kinney, LLC, in Greensburg.

WHAT JOBS DIDYOU HAVEBEFORE BECOMING A LAWYER?

Prior to law school, I worked eachsummer for the HELP FoundationSummer Program. I ultimatelyworked as teacher in a classroom ofnonambulatory, nonverbal students.

WHAT QUALITY DOYOU MOSTLIKE IN AN ATTORNEY?

I most appreciate an attorney whois relatable and approachable. As an

attorney, I try toremember that

I am responsiblefor helping myclients navigatea system thatcan be very

overwhelming. Iknow I appreciateinteracting with

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be sure to reach outto other attorneysfor advice. Havingmentors has beeninvaluable, andI believe that itis essential tocontinuing to growas a lawyer.

WHAT ISTHE BEST ADVICEYOU EVER GOT?

The best advice I ever received wasthat those who have the most shouldgive back the most.

WHEN ANDWHEREWEREYOU HAPPIEST?

I can think of two places/timeswhen I was happiest. The first waswhen I found out I passed the barexam, which I learned at Tremba, Jelley& Kinney. The second is when I wentto the Finger Lakes with my boyfriend,Ross, for our birthdays last year. It wasbeautiful, and relaxing, and there wasnowhere I would rather be.

WHAT ISYOUR MOSTTREASURED POSSESSION?

My most treasured possessionis the baby blanket I have had sincebefore I can remember. Once, I evenleft it at a hotel and my dad trackedit down and paid for the hotel tomail it back to us! It means a lotto me.

WHAT IS ITTHATYOU MOSTDISLIKE?

I most dislike negativity, andpeople who put others down insteadof trying to work together and pickeach other up.

WHAT ISYOUR GREATESTEXTRAVAGANCE?

My greatest extravagance is thatI get my nails done every three weeks,almost no exceptions. I think it’s

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other attorneys who approach practicethat way, too.

WHAT ISYOUR FAVORITEJOURNEY?

My greatest journey thus far hasbeen moving to DC for law schoolfrom Ohio. I didn’t know anyonein the city, and I didn't know muchabout law school, either. It was thescariest thing I had ever done, and itwill always be three of the best yearsof my life.

WHAT ISYOUR GREATESTREGRET?

I regret not taking a spring breaktrip in college with my friends.

WHO AREYOUR HEROES INREAL LIFE?

My heroes are my parents, andmy Grandma Joyce, who passedaway the summer after my first yearof law school.

WHAT ADVICEWOULDYOUGIVETO NEW ATTORNEYS?

I would advise new attorneys toget involved in the bar association, and

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Spotlight on KristenWeidus

continued on page 11

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____________________

8,000 MILES ACROSS ALASKA:A RUNNER’S JOURNEY ONTHE IDITARODTRAILBy Jill Lynn Homer and Tim Hewitt242 pp. Arctic Glass Press. $16.95.____________________

by The Hon. Daniel J. Ackerman

As I recall, not long ago,a sports writer bestowed theappellation of “The Toughest

Man In America” upon Tim Hewitt (atitle which likely brought forth a blushand a demurrer from the recipient).The thesis behind the statement wasthat none of our professional athletes,regardless of size, strength, speed, oragility, could match the determination,endurance, courage, or toughness ofmind of this slender, graying middle-aged member of the Westmoreland BarAssociation, whose day job is that of anemployment law attorney.

For years, the feats of our colleaguehave circulated in conversationsbetween members of the barproducing astonishment and wonderover his prowess as a marathoner,ultra-marathoner, and Iditarodparticipant. His running of the Bad

Pittsburgh of a thousand miles mightend on the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile,Alabama, though running that distancein our temperate climate might seemlike a spa treatment when comparedto doing it in an Alaskan winter.

Jill Homer, anauthor and Iditarodparticipant as well,has created a thrillingnarrative fromTim’sjournal entries madeon the trail, which leaveus in a state of wonderabout this unassumingfriend in our midst.

For the most part,the book is a solitarytale of self-reliance ina wilderness setting,punctuated by doubt,

fear, and occasional fatigue-inducedhallucinations, where even a slightmiscalculation or careless movementmay have catastrophic consequences.Along the way, however, we alsomeet others of interest whoseaccomplishments also amaze, theforemost being Tim’s wife, Loreen,who is more than just a supportivespouse, she is a woman of greatcourage, who several timesaccompanied Tim to Alaska andset records of her own on the trail.

Participants in the race are sustainedfrom time to time by the warmthproduced by taking shelter in unheatedstructures, or, in some cases, in heatedbuildings or homes where a rare hotmeal may be provided as a respite fromtemperatures of 20 or 30 degrees belowzero and hurricane-force winds, aswell as by bags containing extra foodand clothing, which are flown in anddropped off along the trail at variousintervals. Such assistance is necessaryif fatalities are to be avoided.

After his seventh crossing of thetrail, which runs from Anchorage toNome, Ms. Homer describes Tim as

Water Ultra-Marathon through thefurnace which is Death Valley, followedby the ascent the next day to thepeak of Mount Whitney, the highestmountain in the lower forty-eightstates, seemed to us the outer boundaryof human endurance.But what we knewcame only throughword-of-mouth, withfew details.

In 8,000 MilesAcross Alaska, we dothe unimaginable—we accompany Timon his most periloustreks, the running ofthe 1,000 mile-longIditarod Trail, adeath-defying race insubzero temperatures.Originally a race for dog sleds, inrecent times it has come to includeelite cyclists and runners as well. Thebook’s title reflects that Tim has runthe race eight times (winning six ofthe eight).

It is even somewhat difficult toimagine the length of the course. Tobring it closer to home, a race from


TheToughest Man In America

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RESEARCH OR CONTRACT RATE WORK performed for employment law and contractlaw. If you need research performed or want me to work on one of these cases at acontract rate, please call Sharon Wigle at 724-423-2246 or e-mail [email protected].

ATTORNEY WANTED Westmoreland County law firm with emphasis in DomesticRelations, Estate Planning and Probate seeks an associate attorney with a minimumof 4-5 years of experience. Domestic Relations and Estate Planning/Probatebackground is preferred. Candidate should desire to develop client base and be ableto handle a high volume of cases. Base salary and benefit package commensuratewith experience. Please send resume to: [email protected].

Lawyers’ Exchange(Free to all members of the WBA)

by S. Sponte, Esq.

Although I have for quite sometime now been prompted bythe miseries of an ever-aging

body to surf on over to WebMD fora diagnosis, it didn’t occur to me untiljust recently how this concept mightalso apply to our profession. It seemsmy muse, usually the very soul ofprattle, was uncharacteristicallysubdued as I perused the website,offering not so much as one tickof the comedic inspiration thathas made me the most durablelegal humorist of all time.

I get it though; I know from manyyears of personal experience that beingfunny always takes a back seat whenyou are sitting at a computer knowingyou have a fatal disease.

My last visit to WebMD wasprecipitated by naught but an ingrowntoenail, a condition that not even Ideem as potentially terminal. Thus

website where, insimple questionand answerform, peoplecan get sufficientinformationabout their legalproblems. And by the way, there is nocost; this is purely an eleemosynaryendeavor, my meager effort to giveback to all those unfortunate,law-stricken souls out there, manyof whom endured the heart-searingtragedies that put my kids throughcollege. I won’t make a cent on thisbut for the fairly substantial advertisingrevenues I know are out there, and oh,maybe some referral fees.

For the time being, I am fielding allof the queries. Here are just a few earlyexamples:FROM PUZZLEDWIFE:Without

telling me, my husband took out a biginsurance policy on my life, and now he’s

unencumbered by the fear of impendingdemise, my muse grabbed hold.

“If,” I said to myself, momentarilydisregarding the searing twinge ofproud flesh coming from my rightbig toe, “so many folks are usingWebMD to get medical information,

surely there must be a crying needfor a similar website to get legalinformation.”

Oh, how quickly I Googled, andas usual, I was right; there is nothingout there like what I had in mind.So I came up with WebJD, the


To-Wit:WebJD

continued on page 8

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he discards the clothing he has wornfor more than three weeks—to beexact, twenty-four days, twenty hours,and thirty minutes. Yes, he was the firstrunner to reach Nome, but he had runthe race unsupported. There had beenno dropped bags of supplies; all hewould eat was loaded onto his sled,“Cookie,” which weighed 140 poundsat the start of the race, and which hepulled behind him for the duration.Nor did he enter any man-made shelteralong the way. She writes:

He looked at his face for thefirst time in weeks. The ashenfigure hunched over the sink wasunrecognizable. Hollow eyes gazedout of a sunken face chapped withwindburn, and he saw a patch ofblack frostbite on his nose.Wrinkledskin clung to his cheekbones, andclumps of silver hair were mattedagainst his skull. If his face wasstartlingly sickly, his body looked evenworse—sharp angles of his skeletonprotruded from what was left of hisflesh. The 137 pound person in themirror looked like a weak old mannearing death, not someone whohad the strength to pull more than

a hundred pounds of supplies athousand miles across Alaska.His body had paid a price forthis challenge, but his smile wasunmistakable.The smile. It was his reason for

being there. It certainly wasn’t for fameor fortune. Few, outside of a handfulof enthusiasts, know the names of theparticipants, and the Iditarod TrailInvitational offers no prize money.The smile is one of self-satisfactionin knowing that he had challengedhimself to his limits and succeeded.If one is to draw a lesson from thisfine book, it is that within each ofus there are untapped reserves whichwill enable us to meet challenges, notnecessarily physical ones, which evennow we can’t imagine.

The challenges, dangers,near-misses, and escapes are toonumerous to mention, and to doso here would deprive the readerof the element of suspense, whichis prevalent on almost every page.Read it and treat yourself to avicarious adventure in the comfortof your living room; you’ll be gladyou did. �

hanging out around gun shows.Whatshould I do?

Dear Puzzled Wife: It wouldappear you need the services of agood estate planning lawyer. Severaladvertise on this site and could providethe assistance required. Some areeven running specials this week onnoncupative wills, so hurry up, won’tyou, and give them a call?FROM OLD,WRINKLED, AND

ALONE: I am 93 years old, my husbandpassed away last year leaving me allalone with forty million dollars. I haveno living relatives and no experiencehandling money.What should I do?

Dear Gorgeous: Wanna catch amovie this Saturday night?FROM DOUBLEWIDE: Saying

something about my having gainedmore than three hundred pounds sinceour civil ceremony, my long-time partnermoved out of our doublewide mobilehome, taking all the Chihuahuas and mybust ofWilliam Howard Taft with him.What should I do?

Dear Doublewide: Push ups.See how simple it is? Even you could

do it. So I’m going to trademark thisname, register the website, incorporatethe business, and offer you shares ofstock that, in short order, will attain avalue that puts Google to shame, evenif their P/E ratio might be somewhatbetter.

Oh, I see happy days ahead, boats,sports cars, a winter home in the sun,but please don’t misunderstand—I amnot doing this for the money. �

© 2015, S. Sponte, Esq.

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To-Wit:WebJDcontinued from page 7

TheToughest ManIn America continued from page 6

December 5, 2015Annual HolidayDinner DanceOakmontCountry Club

save the date!COCKTAILSS I L E N TAUCTIOND I N N E RDANCING


Lawyers, while not necessarily foodies, are not shyabout eating—meetings of the Inn of Court andthe Trial Lawyers Academy center on evening meals,

and dinner at the WBA annual meeting is a long-standingtradition going back more than a century. Now imagine, ifyou will, being a member of the bar taking your seat at aflower-decked table at Greensburg’s New Fisher House. Theoccasion: the Fourth Annual Banquet of the WestmorelandLaw Association. At your place is a five-page linen-covered

menu and program tied with a greenribbon. The date on the first page reads:Thursday April 30th MDCCCCIII(which, of course, you immediatelyrecognize as 1903).

The five-man committee, serving ashost, has gone to great effort to providenot only a splendid meal, but also a literarytheme for your amusement. The initialpage, among other things, informs, “You arewelcome to our house: It must appear in otherways than words.” Merchant of Venice. V, 1;and notes, in recognition of the season:“Now every field and every tree is in bloom,

The woods are in full leaf, and the year in its highest beauty.”Virgil.

And now, the menu:

�DINNER

Lynnhavens’,1 “A very quiet beast and of good conscience.”Midsummer Nights Dream, V, 1.

Clear Green Turtle, “A savor that may strike the dullestnostril.” Winter’s Tale, I, 2.

Broiled Blue Fish, “Tis very fresh and sweet sir, The fish wastaken but this night.” Woman Hater, I, 2.2

____________________

Julienne Potatoes—Sliced Cucumbers—Queen Olives—Celery—Sliced Mangoes

____________________

Sweetbread Patties aux petits pois, “Perdition catch my soulBut I do love thee.” Othello, III, 3.

____________________

St. Clair Punch, “Yet I have something in me dangerous.”Hamlet, V, 1.

Philadelphia Tarpon au Cresson, “In fair round belly withgood Capon lined.” As You Like It, II, 7.

____________________

New Potatoes In Cream, “The infants of the Spring—In thewarm and liquid dew of youth.” Hamlet, I, 3.

____________________

Asparagus on Toast, “Have you this Springeaten any ‘sparagus yet?” Brome.“Fingers were made before forks.” Swift.

____________________

Tomato Salad en Mayonnaise, “Just as in nature, thyproportions be As full of concord their variety.”Cowley.

____________________

Fresh Strawberries, “Doubtless God could have made a betterberry, but doubtless God never did.” Butler.

____________________

Neapolitan Ice Cream, “Blockhead! With a fork.?” Cowper.____________________

Westmoreland Revisited

AMemorable Feastby The Hon. Daniel J. Ackerman

�The Hon. Daniel J.Ackerman

____________1 A variety of Virginia oyster.2 A play published in 1620 by Joseph Swetnam.



The NecklaceA Westmoreland Revisited Post-Script

History never ends. That was brought home when Ireceived an e-mail from my friend, Ila JeanneSensenich, in response to “Cyrus Woods and the

Tokyo Earthquake of 1923” (the sidebar, January 2015,Vol. XXVI, No. 6), saying that she possessed a necklacewhich once belonged to Mary Marchand Woods, the wifeand widow of Cyrus Woods.Ila was admitted to the Westmoreland Bar in 1964 and

in addition to practicing with her father, Louis, at thefirm of Stewart, Belden, Sensenich & Harrington, was alsoone of our county’s first assistant public defenders. In1971, she was appointed as a United States Magistrate,serving in that judicial post with distinction until herretirement in 2006.She related that her grandfather, Chester Sensenich,

was a contemporary of Cyrus Woods, both of whom wereactive in Westmoreland County politics, representingthe county in the Pennsylvania Senate. We may assumethat the relationship between the two was positive andlasting, for Mary Marchand Woods named Ila’s fatheras executor of her estate; and after her death, LouisSensenich served as the first president of theWestmoreland Museum of Art’s board of directors, whichevolved pursuant to the terms of Mary’s will.One of the estate assets was an emerald and diamond

necklace, which Woods purportedly gave to Maryduring his ambassadorship in Japan. It, along with therest of her jewelry, was sold to a Greensburg jeweler.Ila’s father was so taken by the necklace that hepurchased it from the jeweler and presented it to Ila’smother. Following her death, it was passed down to Ila.Needless to say, she cherishes both the necklace and thehistory behind it. And, of course, we’re pleased she choseto share the story with the sidebar. �

where in the worldIS THE WBA MEMBER?where in the worldIS THE WBA MEMBER?

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIAST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

____________3 A mixture or medley.

Salted Almonds, “A thirsty evil.” Measure for Measure, I, 2.____________________

Roquefort and Edam Cheese, Toasted Bent’s Crackers.“In which my nose is in great indignation.”Tempest, IV, 1.

____________________

Coffee, “Tis strong, and it does indifference well.”Twelfth Night, I, 3.

[The program continues withfour toasts by members of the bar]

____________________

OLIO3

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“Bid the players make haste.” Hamlet.“Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow,

That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”Shakespeare.

�What more is there to say, except that perhaps we

should rethink just how far we have come in the pasteleven decades. �

AMemorable Feastcontinued from page 9

This past August,Dennis Gounleyand his wife,Martha, attendedthe St. PetersburgBallet Theater’sproduction ofTchaikovsky’s“Swan Lake” at thethe MikhailovskyTheater in St.Petersburg, Russia.

important to make time for yourself,no matter how busy you get.

WHATTALENTWOULDYOUMOST LIKETO HAVE?

I would like to be a betterdancer. It is pretty sad how littlerhythm I have!

WHAT DOYOUVALUE MOSTINYOUR FRIENDS?

I most value my friends’ honestyand ability to remind me what’simportant. I know I can alwayscount on them, regardless of howlong it has been since we have seeneach other.

Q

A

Q

A


Remember When? Make NewMemories atthe 2015 Bench/Bar Conference

Spotlight on KristenWeidus continued from page 5

WHAT PROFESSION, OTHERTHANYOUR OWN,WOULDYOULIKETO ATTEMPT?

If I weren’t an attorney, I wouldwant to be a college professor.

WHAT DOYOU LIKETO DO INYOURTIME OUTSIDE OFWORK?

I love to travel, spend time withmy friends, family, and boyfriend, andbe outdoors, doing something activelike hiking or biking.

WHAT ISYOUR MOTTO?

Never stop fighting—for whatyou want, what you love, and whatyou believe in. �

Q

A

A

Q

A

Q

Be prepared to make newmemories when the WBAreturns to the Mountaineer

Casino, Racetrack and Resort onJune 10-12, 2015, for the 29thAnnual Bench/Bar Conference.

We will keep you busy with casinoschool, live horse racing, the YoungLawyer hospitality suite, golf, scavengerhunts, sporting clays, swimming,hiking, a fitness center, free CLEseminars, the vendor exhibit, anoutdoor bar-b-q, live entertainment,and most importantly, the opportunityto unwind and hang out with judgesand fellow bar members in a relaxedatmosphere. So, clear your calendarsfor Wednesday June 10, throughFriday, June 12, and plan to head tothe Mountaineer for this year’s BBC.Your invitations should be arriving inthe mail soon. In the meantime, stepinto the wayback machine and enjoythese memories from 2006. �

WAYBACK MACHINE!

2006 AT THEMOUNTAINEER

These nine candidates are running in the primary election onMay 19, 2015. Voters will choose three Republicans and threeDemocrats to face off in the November general election. Allcandidates have cross-filed.

Tom AndersonMunicipality of residenceMount Pleasant

Schools attended, degrees earned,honors receivedWest Virginia University,B.S. Political Science

Law school(s) attended, dateof graduation, honors earned orreceived, date of admission to bar

Duquesne University School of Law, 1997. Publishedmember of the Duquesne Law Review. Admitted to thePennsylvania Bar in October of 1997. Admitted to the WestVirginia Bar in 2012.

Positions of employment since your admission to the barEmployed with Thomson, Rhodes & Cowie, P.C. from1995 to the present. Shareholder since January of 2004.Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, Rising Star, Medical MalpracticeDefense 2005 - 2010

Membership in law-related organizationsAmerican Bar Association (1997-), Pennsylvania BarAssociation (civil litigation section) (1997-), AlleghenyCounty Bar Association (1997-), Westmoreland BarAssociation (1999, 2015), Defense Research Institute (2010)and Safari Club International Legal Task Force (2011-2012)

Membership in other organizationsDirector of Pittsburgh Chapter of Safari Club International(2012-), Director of Community Living Care, Inc. (aGreensburg based nonprofit providing services to disabledadults) (2012-), Assistant Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack270 in North Huntingdon. Safari Club InternationalMember, Dallas Safari Club Member, NRA Member,Ducks Unlimited Member.

Describe your practice, identifying particular areas ofexpertise, if any, and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.Civil trial practice; 80% Medical Malpractice Defense,10% Employment Discrimination Defense in Pennsylvaniaand the Federal District Court for the Western District ofPennsylvania, 10% plaintiff ’s personal injury litigation.

If you claim litigation experience as a qualification,name three members of the bar who have sufficientknowledge and/or experience regarding your litigationskill.The Honorable Gary Caruso, Sandra Davis, Esq. andAnthony DeBernardo, Esq.

Identify your single-most significant professionalaccomplishment.My clients know me on a personal level and trust meto represent them with the highest level of skill andprofessionalism. Several of my clients, and opposingcounsel, have told me they believe I will be an excellentjudge. One of my clients in particular, a hospital riskmanager, told a hospital witness I was preparing for adeposition that the only thing the hospital would not behappy about if I am elected judge is I won’t be the hospital’slawyer any longer.

Submit an example of your legal writing which you feelbest reveals your writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#anderson.

Hope A. AstonMunicipality of residenceI reside in Hempfield Township.

Schools attended, degrees earned,honors received; Law school(s)attended, date of graduation,honors earned or received, dateof admission to barI have obtained the following degrees:• A.A.: Associate’s Degree in

Criminal Justice, CommunityCollege of Allegheny County/1984

• B.A.S.W.: Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work,University of Pittsburgh/1986, Magna Cum Laude


NineVie for County’s Court of CommonPleas Nominations continued from page 1

Divorce | Custody | Support

KELLYM. ESHELMANATTORNEYAT LAW

231 South Main Street, Suite 309 Tel: 724-708-5291Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601 Fax: 724-205-6030

[email protected]

• M.S.: Master of Science Degree inChild Development and ChildCare, University of Pittsburgh/1989, Specialization: Play Therapy

• J.D.: Juris Doctorate Law,Duquesne University School ofLaw/1996, Highest Grade in Lawand Psychology, Admitted to the Barin 1997

Positions of employment sinceyour admission to the barThe following are the positions I haveheld following admission to the Bar.• Attorney: Child Support and

Custody Hearing Officer – 2010 topresent, Handled more than 2,500hearings, Over 99% of recommen-dations have been accepted “as is”by the Court, Help parents findcommon sense resolutions totheir cases

• Attorney: Title IV-D attorney –2001 to 2010, Prosecuted delinquentchild support cases on behalf ofcustodial parents, Generatedfederal funding based on excellentperformance

• Attorney: Family Law – 1997to 2000, Laurel Legal Services,Advocated on behalf of victimsof domestic violence

• Adjunct Professor: Universityof Pittsburgh at Greensburg,Community College of AlleghenyCounty

Membership in law-relatedorganizationsI am a member of the WestmorelandBar Association and served as theCo-Chair to the Family LawCommittee in 2013-2014.

Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.I have extensive expertise in family lawmatters. I have worked for more than17 years in the Westmoreland Countyfamily court system. I began my legalcareer advocating on behalf of victimsof domestic violence. From there, I washired to prosecute delinquent supportcases on behalf of custodial parents.

Because additional staff was notnecessary and because I received noadditional compensation, taxpayerssaved money through the efficientmanagement of the judicial process.

Additionally, I am currentlycross-training with the Children’sBureau Hearing Master to serve in herabsence when necessary again savingtaxpayers money by eliminating theneed to hire additional staff.

I provide coverage for any conflictsthat arise with the divorce Master. Andover the years, I have completed a great

I generated thousands of dollars onbehalf of families and children in thenine years that I prosecuted casesin family court. Additionally, I wasable to help generate income forthe County that was received fromfederal reimbursements based on myoutstanding performance figures.

In 2010, I was selected by threefamily court Judges, the CourtAdministrator and one Judge-Elect forthe position of Hearing Officer. Aftermy first year, I was asked to expand myresponsibilities to include conductingCustody Conciliation Conferences.



deal [of] legal research and writingon various state and federal criminalmatters.

If you claim litigation experienceas a qualification, name threemembers of the bar who havesufficient knowledge and/orexperience regarding yourlitigation skill.No response.

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.My most significant professionalaccomplishment is less a particular caseor hearing, but rather the developmentof a set of skills that allows me to helpresolve complex – often passionate andpainful – disputes within families. It’sa set of skills based on (among otherthings) careful listening and empathycombined with a comprehensiveknowledge of the law and the manyoptions it provides for resolving familydisputes. It’s also a passion for this bornout of my education, my legal career,my experience as a mother and wife,and a sense of fairness and compassionthat has been part of my character sinceI can remember. Frankly, it also helpsto bring a sense of perspective and

Law school(s) attended, dateof graduation, honors earned orreceived, date of admission to barI attended the University of DaytonSchool of Law. I graduated in Mayof 1993 and was admitted to practicein the Pennsylvania Bar in Januaryof 1994.

Positions of employment sinceyour admission to the barUpon being admitted to thePennsylvania Bar I established myprivate practice, Christopher W.Huffman, Attorney at Law, inGreensburg. I have maintained myprivate practice from January 1994until the present. Since January 2014,I have been the Solicitor for SouthHuntingdonTownship. In additionto my private practice, I have servedas an Assistant Public Defender forWestmoreland County from August1994 until the present.

Membership in law-relatedorganizationsI am currently a member ofthe Westmoreland County andPennsylvania Bar Associations.

Membership in other organizationsI am a founding member of theBelle Vernon Area Drug EliminationTask Force. I currently attend churchservices at the Church of Saint Annein Rostraver Township. I have coachedbaseball, basketball, and soccer inmy community as a member of theRostraver Youth Baseball Association,Washington Township YouthAssociation and the Belle VernonYouth Soccer Club. I am memberof the Rostraver Township Chamberof Commerce.

Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.I maintain a general practice of lawconcentrating on litigation. My private

common sense to the disputes with afocus on resolution. Being able to helpfamilies in some of their darkest hours,navigating a path forward where childrenare protected and made to feel valuableand loved, and finding common groundwhen the parties involved have losthope are some of the most rewardingmoments in my professional career.

Submit an example of your legalwriting which you feel best revealsyour writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#aston.

Chris HuffmanMunicipalityof residenceI currently residein RostraverTownship withmy wife Kathyand our sonThomas.

Schoolsattended,

degrees earned, honors receivedI attended Gannon University whereI earned a B.S. in Finance.



practice breaks down fairly evenly among personal injury,real estate, general litigation, incorporations, businesslaw, wills, estates and family law matters. As a PublicDefender, I handle all aspects of adult and juvenile criminalproceedings from the preliminary hearing through appealsto the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

If you claim litigation experience as a qualification, namethree members of the bar who have sufficient knowledgeand/or experience regarding your litigation skill.I have logged thousands of hours in the courtroom doingvarious types of litigation. My litigation experience includesdeath penalty, criminal and civil jury and non jury trials,civil and criminal motions, preliminary hearings, appellantwork before the Pennsylvania Superior and SupremeCourts, oral argument before Superior Court panels and theSuperior Court sitting en banc. Three Members of the barthat can attest to my litigation experience are Ken Burkley,Esquire, Rich Schimizzi, Esquire, Chris Haidze, Esquire.

Identify your single-most significant professionalaccomplishment.I regard my decision to remain as an Assistant PublicDefender for the past 20 years as my most significantprofessional accomplishment. I joined the Public Defender’sOffice shortly after being admitted to the bar to gain trialexperience. I have remained there for 20 years because Ibelieve that everyone, regardless of their position in life,deserves to be treated fairly by the Criminal Justice System.

Submit an example of your legal writing which you feelbest reveals your writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#huffman.

Tim KriegerMunicipality of residenceDelmont

Schools attended, degrees earned,honors receivedConnellsville Area Senior HighSchool; Liberty University B.S.Mathematics

Law school(s) attended, date ofgraduation, honors earned or

received, date of admission to barUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. cum laude;Executive Editor, The Journal of Law and Commerce;Published - Note: U.S. Antidumping Duty RevocationProcedures: A Comparative Analysis and Recommendationfor Change (Vol. II 1991-1992); Admitted to Bar-Pennsylvania 1992; Virginia 1993. Admitted to practicebefore the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the SupremeCourt of Virginia, and before the United State DistrictCourts for the Western and Middle Districts ofPennsylvania.

Positions of employment since your admission to the barKincaid, McGrath & O’Keefe, Pittsburgh, Pa 1991-1994;Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh 1994-1996; LawOffice of Timothy A. Krieger Greensburg, Pa 1996-2000;McGrath & Associates Greensburg, Pa 1998-2002; TuckerArensberg P.C Pittsburgh, Pa 2002-2006; Strassburger,McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky 2006-present.

Membership in law-related organizationsPennsylvania Bar Association 1992-present; Virginia StateBar 1993-present; Westmoreland Bar Association; AlleghenyCounty Bar Association; The Federalist Society – TreasurerPittsburgh Chapter 1992-1996 (approx.); WestmorelandAmerican Inns of Court 1996-1998 (approx.); FederalJudicial Nominating Commission for the Western Districtof Pennsylvania 2014-present.

Membership in other organizationsPioneer Presbyterian Church (PCA) Member1999-present; National Rifle Association Life Member1993-present; Police Rod & Gun Club Member2009-present; Westmoreland Community Action –Board of Directors 2009-present; Greensburg VFWPost 33 Member 2009- present; Military OfficersAssociation of America; United States Naval Institute,Ruffed Grouse Society



Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.Most recently prior to my election tothe Pennsylvania House of Representa-tives, my practice was approximatelyas follows: Commercial Litigation30%, Commercial Transactions(including real estate) 30%, GeneralBusiness representation 30%, andWills and Estates 10%. Since takingoffice in 2008, my practice has beenlimited to the provision of generalbusiness/legal advice to clients, andto Wills and Estates.

If you claim litigation experienceas a qualification, name threemembers of the bar who havesufficient knowledge and/orexperience regarding yourlitigation skill.John Ranker, Esquire, John M. Ranker& Associates, Greensburg, Pa.; JosephLawrence, Strassburger, McKenna,Gutnick & Gefsky. P.C. Pittsburgh andGreensburg, Pa.; Beverly Weiss Manne,Tucker Arensberg P.C. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.Over more than twenty years of legalexperience, two accomplishments cometo mind. The first was my representationof the Official Committee of UnsecuredCreditors in the Wright IndustriesChapter 11 Bankruptcy proceeding.My work included management of thecase, coordination with the members ofthe committee, advising the committeeon all strategic and tactical decisionsand conducting all necessary litigation.The second accomplishment wasthe successful negotiation of ISDACounterparty Master Agreementsthrough which transactions withnotional amounts measured in billionsof dollars were transacted.

Submit an example of your legalwriting which you feel best revealsyour writing and analytical skills.

Positions of employment sinceyour admission to the barI am a partner in the Greensburg lawfirm Mears, Smith, Houser, and Boyle,PC. I began my practice in 1996.

Membership in law-relatedorganizationsI am a member of the PennsylvaniaBar Association and the WestmorelandBar Association (WBA). In 2007,I was admitted to the WestmorelandAcademy of Trial Lawyers. I amthe only judicial candidate who is amember of that organization. I servedas Chairman of the WBA Civil RulesCommittee and am a past member ofthe Ned J. Nakles Inns of Court.

Membership in other organizationsI serve on the WestmorelandCommunity Action Board of Directorsand the Greensburg YMCA BoardPersonnel Committee. I belong to theGreensburg Rotary. I was a Den Leaderfor the Cub Scouts and involved inother Boy Scout projects. I coachedsoccer for Latrobe Recreation andassisted Judge McCormick with thehigh school mock trial competition.

View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#krieger.

Scott MearsMunicipalityof residenceI live in UnityTownshipwith my wife,Monique Mears,and my sonsMax (12) andChristian (10).

Schoolsattended, degrees earned, honorsreceivedIn 1992, I graduated cum laude fromthe University of Pittsburgh with aB.A. in Philosophy.

Law school(s) attended, dateof graduation, honors earned orreceived, date of admission to barIn 1996, I graduated from theDickinson School of Law (now PennState). I was a member of the AppellateMoot Court Board and the CorpusJuris Society.



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140 S. Main Street, Suite 301

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TEL: 724-216-5180 FAX: 724-420-5464 [email protected]

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Timothy M. Henry, CRPC®, AWMA®Financial Advisor

232 W. Otterman StreetGreensburg, PA [email protected]/timothy.m.henry

Since 1894 Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more confident about theirfinancial future. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always puttingclients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 724.600.0170.

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Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.My practice is approximately 55%civil litigation (35% Defense and20% Plaintiff ); 20% municipal law;10% real estate; 10% wills & estates;and 5% family law.

If you claim litigation experience asa qualification, name three membersof the bar who have sufficientknowledge and/or experienceregarding your litigation skill.James Antoniono, Dennis Rafferty,and Jeffrey Monzo.

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.Over the past ten years, I havetried to jury verdict more civil casesin Westmoreland [County] thanany other attorney. I achieved verysuccessful results in all cases.

Submit an example of your legalwriting which you feel best revealsyour writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#mears.

• American Jurisprudence Award forCriminal Law; and

• Italian American Legal Society,President

Publication:• Note, The Dangers and Pitfalls

Resulting from Narrowing the Scopeof Judicial Immunity, 16 O.N.U.L.Rev. 111 (1989)

Admitted:• Supreme Court of Pennsylvania,

November 1991• United States District Court for the

Western District of Pennsylvania,1991

• United States Court of Appeals(3rd Circuit), 1992

• Supreme Court of Arizona,September 2010

Positions of employment sinceyour admission to the barJudge, Court of Common Pleas

of Westmoreland County, July of2014 - Present;

Prior Experience:Judicial Law Clerk; Honorable Paul R.

Zavarella, 1991-1992;

The HonorableDavid A. Regoli

Municipalityof residenceI reside in theCity of LowerBurrell.

Schoolsattended,degreesearned, honorsreceived

St. Joseph High School, graduated1983; Arizona State University, B.A.Public Communication, graduated1988.

Law school(s) attended, dateof graduation, honors earned orreceived, date of admission to barOhio Northern University, Claude W.Pettit College of Law, graduated 1991• Law Review, Lead Articles Editor

1990-1991;• Moot Court Board of Advocates;• Jessup International Law

Competition Team;



Solo practice of law from November 1991 - July 2014;Assistant Public Defender, Westmoreland County,

1992-1994;CARS Protection Plus, Inc. - General Counsel 1998-2014;Solicitor for the following:

—Westmoreland County Sheriff ’s Office, 2000-2013;—Borough of Avonmore, 2008-2014;—Municipal Authority of City of New Kensington,

2012-2014;—Borough of Tarentum, 2013-2014;—Freeport Borough Zoning Hearing Board, 2013-2014;—Westmoreland County Clerk of Court’s Office, 2014

Councilman, City of Lower Burrell 1998-2014

Membership in law-related organizationsWestmoreland County Bar Association, Since 1991;• 2005-2006 Served on the WBA Planning Committee;• 2004-2014 Served on the WBA Political Action

Committee;

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Since 1991• 2000-2010 Appointed by the PBA Board of Governors

to serve on the PBA Judicial Evaluation InvestigativeCommittee for all state wide judicial candidates. I

interviewed the potential judicial candidates, conductedinterviews with persons and colleagues familiar with hisor her abilities and submitted comprehensive reports tothe Judicial Evaluation Commission for their use indetermining whether or not the candidate shouldbe recommended by the PBA as qualified to holdthe position.

• 2006-2010, Nominated and elected to serve on thePennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates.

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania• 2000-2006 Appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme

Court to be a Hearing Committee Member for theDisciplinary Board. During that time, I presided overnumerous cases of attorney misconduct and wroterecommendations and opinions to the Disciplinary Boardfor appropriate discipline. In 2004, I was designated toserve as a Senior Member of the Hearing Committee.

Allegheny County Bar AssociationPennsylvania Association of Trial LawyersAssociation of Trial Lawyers of AmericaPennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersState Bar of Arizona

Membership in other organizationsI.U. 7 Federal Credit Union, Board of Directors 2009-2012Sons of Italy;Italian Sons and Daughters of America;Westmoreland Columbus 500;NRA Life MemberLaurel Legal Services Board of Directors 1993-1994

Describe your practice, identifying particular areas ofexpertise, if any, and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.Currently I serve as a Judge [of ] the Court of CommonPleas. I am assigned to the Civil Division. Since myappointment, I have presided over jury and non-jury trials.I also hear all pretrial matters in the civil cases assignedto me. I have also filled in on several occasions whennecessary in the Criminal Division presiding over Paroleand Probation Revocations, Pleas and Bench Warrants.

Prior to my appointment, I had a diverse solo practiceof law. I would characterize my practice as primarily alitigation practice. I tried numerous civil and criminal trialsduring my 23 years as a practicing attorney. I also servedmany municipalities and authorities as a solicitor duringmy career.• Civil litigation 35%;• Criminal litigation 35%;



• Municipal law 20%; and• Wills and Estate Administration

10%

If you claim litigation experienceas a qualification, name threemembers of the bar who havesufficient knowledge and/orexperience regarding yourlitigation skill.Daniel Joseph, EsquireNed Nakles, EsquireLarry Loperfito, Esquire

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.I would describe my single-mostsignificant professional accomplishmentas being appointed by former GovernorTom Corbett to become a judge inour county. Being sworn in by theHonorable Donetta W. Ambrose onJuly 21, 2014 and being able to serveas a colleague with the current benchin Westmoreland County is a greathonor. We have always enjoyed anoutstanding bench in WestmorelandCounty. The bar was set very high bythe current and former judges and Iam honored to serve along side ofthem. As a judge, I strive to makesure that each person and attorneythat appear before me are treatedwith dignity and respect and receivea fair and impartial hearing.

Submit an example of your legalwriting which you feel best revealsyour writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#regoli.

Westmoreland County Historical Society—Board of Directors, 2013-present

Laurel Legal Services—Board of Directors, 2013-present

St. Vincent Basillica Parish—Member, 2009-present

Police Rod and Gun Club—Member and Solicitor,

2003-presentRotary

—Member, 2014-presentNational Rifle Association

—Member

Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.I spend approximately 40% of mytime handling municipal law in myposition as Assistant County Solicitor.In addition to that, another 30% ofmy practice is criminal law, 10% realestate, 10% wills/estates and the restis comprised of other general civilcases (contracts, non-competes,unemployment compensation, etc.)

If you claim litigation experienceas a qualification, name threemembers of the bar who havesufficient knowledge and/orexperience regarding yourlitigation skill.Three people who could speakto my litigation experience are:Chris Nichols, Richard Flickingerand John O’Connell

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.My most significant professionalaccomplishment occurred betweenApril and August of 2011. Duringthat five month span, I [tried] threecriminal jury trials and received notguilty verdicts on all counts at eachcase. (Commonwealth v. Stevens,1972 c 2010; Commonwealth v.Derry, 4482 c 2010; Commonwealthv. Rabo, 3511 c 2010).

Submit an example of your legalwriting which you feel best revealsyour writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#silvis.

Jim SilvisMunicipalityof residenceI live in UnityTownship.

Schoolsattended,degreesearned, honorsreceivedHempfield Area

High School; Class of 1994. I graduatedfrom the University of Virginia in1998 with a B.A. in Governmentand a Minor in Philosophy.

Law school(s) attended, date ofgraduation, honors earned orreceived, date of admission to barI obtained my J.D. from the Universityof Michigan School of Law in 2001.I was admitted to the PennsylvaniaBar on April, 12, 2002.

Positions of employment since youradmission to the barO’Connell & Silvis 2001-presentAssistant County Solicitor,

Westmoreland County,2010-present

Westmoreland County PublicDefender, 2003-2005

Superior Court Clerk for Judge JosephHudock, 2008

Membership in law-relatedorganizationsWestmoreland Bar Association,

2002-present—Board of Directors, 2013-present

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers,2006-present—Speak one-on-one with

attorneys from acrossPennsylvania strugglingwith anxiety/depression

Ned J. Nakles American Inn of Court,2002-present

Lawyers’ Abstract, 2003-present

Membership in other organizationsSt. Thomas More Society of the

Diocese of Greensburg, 2006-present—Currently serving as Vice-President

Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library—Board of Directors, 2014-present


LawSpeak“When two opposite pointsof view are expressed withequal intensity, the truthdoes not necessarily lieexactly halfway betweenthem. It is possible for oneside to be simply wrong.”

— Richard Dawkins,biologist and author


The HonorableHarry F.Smail, Jr.

Municipalityof residenceHempfieldTownship

Schoolsattended,degreesearned, honorsreceivedGrove City

College, Grove City, PA - DualDegree: BA–Business Administration–Marketing; BA–Political Science–Pre-Law; Honors Graduate, Recipientof the Scottish Rite of FreemasonryMerit Scholarship and the NationalAssociation of Credit Unions LocalizedAcademic Scholarship, OutstandingYoung College Student of America(1988), Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity(several elected positions), StudentGovernment Association, Law Club,Economics Club, Management Club;Graduation–May 1988

Law school(s) attended, date ofgraduation, honors earned orreceived, date of admission to barDuquesne University, School of Law,Evening Program (1993-1997).Worked full-time as a WestmorelandCounty Probation/Parole Officerwhile putting myself through lawschool. Outstanding Young Man ofAmerica, 1996, 1998; Who’s WhoAmong American Law Students,1994, 1995, 1996, 1997; Phi DeltaPhi: International Legal Fraternity,1996–present; Student Bar AssociationRepresentative, 1993–1994,1995–1996, 1996–1997.

Positions of employment sinceyour admission to the bar• Westmoreland County Court of

J. Mediation Counsel of WesternPennsylvania, 2012–presentK. National Association ofCommunity Mediation, 2012–presentL. National Association of CriminalDefense Lawyers, 2003–presentM. American Association for Justice,2006–presentN. Republican National LawyersAssociation, 2012-presentO. Pennsylvania Trial LawyersAssociation, 1998–presentP. Pennsylvania Association of CriminalDefense Lawyers, 2008–presentQ. Pennsylvania Association of Justice,2012–presentR. Western Pennsylvania Trial LawyersAssociation, 2008–presentS. American Inns of Court,1998–presentT. The Federalist Society, 1996–presentU. Hempfield Area School DistrictMoot Court Coach, 2008–2010V. Pennsylvania Association ofProbation, Parole and Correction,1990–1998

Membership in other organizationsA. Goodwill Industries Board Member,2000–2002B. Boy Scouts of America, Director ofthe Board, 2010–2011C. Girl Scouts of America, Director ofthe Board, 2010–2011D. YWCA of Westmoreland County,2013–PresentE. East Suburban Citizen AdvocacyHonorary Member, 2007–PresentF. United Way of CentralWestmoreland, Board Member, 1999G. The Rotary Club of Greensburg,1998–2002; 2009–PresentH. Brotherhood of the Fraternal Orderof Elks, 1994–PresentI. Westmoreland Lodge 518,F. & A.M., 1998–PresentJ. Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite ofF. & A. M. of the Valley of Pittsburgh,2010–PresentK. Westmoreland Cultural Trust,2009–Present

Common Pleas, Judge in FamilyCourt Division, 2014 to Present

• Law Offices of Harry F. Smail, Jr.,P.C. Attorneys at Law, Owner/President, 1998–2014; Self made.Built practice with average 50%increase in case development oversixteen (16) years.

• Blum, Reiss & Plaitano Attorneysat Law, Associate, 1997-1998

Membership in law-relatedorganizationsA. Westmoreland County Sheriff ’sOffice, Solicitor, 2012–2014B. Westmoreland County Clerk ofCourts Office, Solicitor, 2010–2014C. Adamsburg Rescue 14, Solicitor,2011–2014D. Westmoreland County RepublicanCommittee, Solicitor, 1998–2004,2008–2014E. Westmoreland Bar AssociationVice-President, Director of the Board,Chair of the Membership Committee,Chair of the Young Lawyers CommitteeBoard, Young Lawyers Liaison, PlanningCommittee Member, Civil LawCommittee Member, Criminal LawCommittee Member, Family LawCommittee Member, ADR CommitteeMember, Bench/Bar CommitteeMember, Municipal Law CommitteeMember, Real Estate Law CommitteeMember, Elder Law CommitteeMember, Business/EmploymentCommittee Member, BankruptcyCommittee Member, Orphan’s CourtCommittee Member, Young Lawyer’sCommittee Member, MembershipCommittee Member, Length ofMembership, 1997–presentF. Federal Criminal Justice ActAppointee, 2000–presentG. Laurel Legal Services, Inc., Directorof the Board, 2004–2011H. Pennsylvania Bar Association YoungLawyers Member, 1997–presentI. Christian Legal Society Member,2009–present



L. Westmoreland Museum of Art,Contributor Member, 2009–PresentM. Westmoreland Jazz Society,2009–PresentN. Westmoreland County Chamber ofCommerce, 1999–PresentO. Westmoreland County RepublicanCommittee, Committeeman,1998–Present; Young Republicans,Chair, 1998–2000; Solicitor,1998–2004, 2008–2014P. Business Advisory Counsel of theNational Republican CongressionalCommittee, Honorary Chairman,2006Q. National Rifle Association (NRA),1993–Present; NRA Golden Eagles,2008–Present; NRA Life member,2012–PresentR. Firearm Owners against Crime,2011–PresentS. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62,2012–PresentT. Greensburg Country Club,2007–PresentU. American Slovian Home(ASH Club), 2005–PresentV. Hilltop Club, 2009–PresentW. Golf League Member,2010–Present

Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.Until 2014, when my private practicewas closed to accept an appointment asJudge to the Court of Common Pleas,my practice was a self-made, hands-onlitigation firm that was particularlyadept in all areas of Family Law. Witha strong work ethic, applied discipline,decisive business administration andconservative fiscal management, I wasable to grow the practice an averagefifty percent (50%) share each yearsince inception. In my criminalrepresentation of clients on state,federal or appellate levels, I achievedgreat success in mitigating or reservingprior outcomes through diligentinvestigation and proceduralapplication. This drive to go the extramile for every client, whether private,court appointed, reduced fee or probono, rewarded my office with a

of my clients in the face of extremeadversity. In the submitted writinghereafter included, I was able to vacateand remand for a new trial a sentenceof four (4) to ten (10) years for anolder defendant, Joseph RobertTedeski. When I first met Mr. Tedeski,all hope of bringing the truth to theCourt’s attention had been exhaustedwith a belief that success could not beachieved on appeal. Through carefuland detailed analysis of Mr. Tedeski’strial and preliminary proceedings,I was able to establish overzealousrepresentations that did not reflect thetrue facts regarding the innocence ofmy client. I applied all of my energiesto vindicating this man who I believedin and whose wife faithfully compliedwith all of my directives to achieveMr. Tedeski’s freedom. Some attorneysnever get to experience the true senseof professional accomplishment ofwinning on appeal and giving anotherhuman being the liberty that waswrongfully denied him. In my yearsof legal practice this situation rarelypresents itself where you can take onthe power of the Commonwealth andovercome it through the SuperiorCourt to bring true justice to awronged individual.

I was presented the opportunity todefend the first challenge to the CastleDoctrine in Pennsylvania in the Fall of

reputation of client commitment thatfostered our Success. My practice areasbreakdown in the following percentagefields:Family Law 30%Criminal Law 20%Federal Law (includingCriminal, Civil, Bankruptcyand Adversarial Proceedings) 10%Civil Law 5%Personal Injury 5%Estate Law 5%Real Estate 5%Employment Law 5%Business Law 5%Elder Law 5%Vehicle Law 5%These percentages also includeappellate work to the PennsylvaniaSuperior Court, Pennsylvania SupremeCourt and the 3rd Circuit Court ofAppeals, when necessary.

If you claim litigation experienceas a qualification, name threemembers of the bar who havesufficient knowledge and/orexperience regarding yourlitigation skill.Richard Bruni, Maureen Kroll,and Lee Demosky.

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.My single-most significant professionalaccomplishment is successfullyprotecting the individual rights



Leslie Uncapher ZellersMunicipality of residenceI currently live in AlleghenyTownship, Westmoreland County.

Schools attended, degrees earned,honors receivedI attended Kiski Area School Districtthrough ninth grade, and thentransferred to Culver Girls Academy(Culver Academies) in Culver,Indiana, where I graduated Cum

Laude in 1984. I then attended Bucknell University inLewisburg, Pennsylvania and graduated with a BA inSociology in 1988.

Law school(s) attended, date of graduation, honorsearned or received, date of admission to barI attended The University of Pittsburgh School of Law,graduating in May of 1991. While at Pitt Law I was amember of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and servedas a teaching assistant in the legal research and writingdepartment. I passed the bar exam in 1991 and wasadmitted to the Pennsylvania Bar on December 16, 1991and the Westmoreland Bar on December 17, 1991. I alsohave been admitted to practice in the United States DistrictCourt (Western District of Pennsylvania) and in the FederalCourt of Appeals, both while I was employed by the DistrictAttorney’s Office.

Positions of employment since your admissionto the barWestmoreland County District Attorney’s Office

(1991-1997)Uncapher Uncapher & Fox, Vandergrift, PA

(1997 – present)Judicial Law Clerk, Court of Common Pleas of

Westmoreland County (3/26/2006 – 2/4/2015).

Membership in law-related organizationsI have been a member of The Westmoreland Bar Associationand The Pennsylvania Bar Association each year since thetime of my admission to the Bar in 1991. I was briefly amember of The Allegheny County Bar Association after myadmission to the Bar. I have also been a member of ThePennsylvania District Attorneys Association and The NedNakles Inn of Court (formerly the Westmoreland Inn ofCourt). I was a member of the board of the Inn of Courtat its inception, serving (as best I can recall) as the treasurer.As a member of the Westmoreland Bar Association, I have



2011 when Dr. Charles Gallo was charged for defendinghimself within his own vehicle, a clearly protected areaunder the Castle Doctrine enacted earlier in 2011. Throughthe effort and fortitude of a very cooperative client and theassistance of Attorney Karen Kiefer, the charges of Dr. Gallowere ultimately withdrawn at the Preliminary Hearing.Significant lawyering and preparation through skillednegotiation by parties, that would prefer confidentiality,prevailed so that another innocent man was not wronglyprosecuted. To be involved in two (2) cases where justiceprevailed, presented experience that solidified why I enteredthis most Honorable profession. My love of the law hasmotivated my desire to enter the judiciary for the ability toinspire equality, equity, neutrality and a level playing field forall parties and counsel that may come before my Court. Myexperiences through these significant professional accom-plishments have strengthened my belief that common senseand common respect must prevail for justice to be preserved.

My ultimate accomplishment was ascending to thebench, never giving up until I attained that goal.

Submit an example of your legal writing which you feelbest reveals your writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#smail.

served on several committees, includingbut not limited to the Family LawCommittee, the Criminal LawCommittee, the ADR Committee(I attended and completed thefirst mediation training held inWestmoreland County), and theBench/Bar Committee. I have servedas a CLE lecturer for the PennsylvaniaDistrict Attorney’s Institute (AssetForfeiture) and the Westmoreland BarAssociation (PCRA), and I also greatlyenjoy teaching law day every year, asI have done for the last 7 years. I alsohave had the opportunity to be a guestlecturer at Kiski Area Upper ElementarySchool for the civics/humanitiesprogram, and spoke to the sixth gradestudents on the subject of electionsand voting prior to the general electionin 2014. As a representative of theDistrict Attorney’s Office, I was ableto teach courses in the law of searchand seizure and testifying in court tolaw enforcement officers. I have alsoappeared as a guest lecturer in theCriminal Justice Program at theWestmoreland County CommunityCollege. I was selected to participateas a member of the focus groupfrom Westmoreland County to thePennsylvania Sentencing Commissionin 2014.

Membership in other organizationsI served on the board of directors ofthe Kiski Valley YMCA beginning inDecember 1997, and was a member ofthe local board and the corporate boardof directors when the Kiski ValleyYMCA and the New KensingtonYMCA merged and became the ValleyPoints Family YMCA. I resigned fromthe board of directors of the YMCA in2009. I also have been very involved inmy church, serving as the ChristianEducation Director, and I was electedto serve as a member of the Array ofthe Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Iwas a member of the Latrobe Chapterof the Harley Owner’s Group for oneyear in 2011-2012. I’ve been a memberof the Parent Teacher Organization atKiski Area for six years, and currentlyserve as home room mom!

Endangering charge (Commonwealthv. Pierre Johnson). But really,the most significant professionalaccomplishment of my career to dateis a tie between two cases which wereof little legal significance in the historyof jurisprudence but very significant tome personally:

The first involved a case where I wasable to win custody of a child (now 14)who was essentially abandoned andliving with a manager of a trailer parkafter her brother, a registered sexoffender with whom she had beenliving, was incarcerated on a paroleviolation. Her mother was a drugaddict and her father was in state prisonfor drug violations. She went to livewith my clients, her maternal uncle andaunt. I still maintain contact with thefamily and for several years, she sentme Christmas cards thanking me forsaving her life and calling me her angel.Those cards are more valuable than anypayment I’ve ever received on a case.

The second is when I served as apolice labor attorney to the policeofficers who were involved in theincident where Lower Burrell PoliceOfficer Derek Kotecki was shotand killed at the Dairy Queen onGreensburg Road on the border ofLower Burrell and New Kensington.While my husband [New KensingtonPolice Chief Ron Zellers] took chargeof the crime scene, I spent the entirenight at the New Kensington PoliceDepartment counseling, interviewingand representing the legal interests ofthe police officers who were witnessesto Officer Kotecki’s murder and inparticular the New Kensington PoliceOfficer who discharged his weaponat the perpetrator, Charles Post.(Ultimately it was determined atautopsy that Post died as a resultof a self-inflicted gunshot wound).

Submit an example of your legalwriting which you feel best revealsyour writing and analytical skills.View online at www.westbar.org/judicialcandidates#zellers. �

Describe your practice, identifyingparticular areas of expertise, if any,and how your practice breaks downby percentage in areas of law.For the last eight years, I have served asa judicial law clerk, and therefore myprivate practice has been very limited.I have primarily retained a few of thefamily law clients that had engagedmy services prior to my accepting thatposition. I also have had occasion to doa small amount of real estate and estatework, primarily for friends and familyonly. As a judicial law clerk, I washonored to work closely with thecourt, assisting in the legal researchand writing required for the draftingof judicial opinions, and preparing formotions and trials in the matters thatcame before the court.

While I was in the DistrictAttorney’s Office, I was responsiblefor the prosecution of criminal cases inWestmoreland County. While I tooka personal interest in drug and drug-related crimes, I prosecuted all types ofcases, both misdemeanor and felony.

In private practice prior to myemployment as a judicial law clerk in2006, I practiced primarily in FamilyLaw (50%) both as private counseland as a court-appointed attorney inChildren’s Bureau, Juvenile and incustody cases, serving as a guardianad litem. My practice also includedcriminal defense (15%), real estate(15%), estates (10%) and generallitigation (10%). (These percentagesare, of course, estimates).

If you claim litigation experienceas a qualification, name threemembers of the bar who havesufficient knowledge and/orexperience regarding yourlitigation skill.John W. Peck, Esq.Jeffrey D. Monzo, Esq.Amy L. Keim, Esq.

Identify your single-most significantprofessional accomplishment.I should probably consider my workas defense counsel (along with formerWBA member James Wells, Esq.)in a homicide case in which my clientwas acquitted of all but a Recklessly


APRIL21 Family Law Committee, Noon

Meet the judicial candidates.

[FREE CLE] EmotionalIntelligence: What Is It and WhyIt Matters, 4 to 5 p.m., 1 ethicscredit available

23 Ned J. Nakles American Inn ofCourt, 5 p.m.Last meeting of this year!

28 [CLE] Video ComplianceSeminar, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.,5 optional substantive and1 optional ethics credits available

29 [CLE] “Kids for Cash”Documentary and PanelDiscussion, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.,2 optional substantive and1 optional ethics credits availableLOCATION: Penn State Fayette,Eberly Campus

30 Board Meeting, 4 p.m.

C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

All committee meetings and activities will be held at the WBA Headquartersunless otherwise noted.Visit www.westbar.org for more information

about activities and CLE courses, or to register online.

129 North Pennsylvania AvenueGreensburg, PA 15601-2311

www.westbar.org

PRESORTEDSTANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGREENSBURG, PAPERMIT #678

MAY1 Law Day classroom visits begin.

We need volunteers! Call Terrilynat 724-837-5539 to sign up.

13 Real Estate Committee, Noon

18 [CLE] Navigating Casemaker,Noon to 1:15 p.m., 1 optionalsubstantive credit availableBring your own laptop for hands-ontraining.

19 Family Law Committee, Noon

20 Membership Committee, Noon

Elder Law & Orphans’ CourtCommittees, Noon

25 Courthouse closed in observanceof Memorial Day

26 53rd Annual Memorial Serviceof the Westmoreland BarAssociation, Noon, WestmorelandCounty Courthouse, CeremonialCourtroom No. 3

L A W Y E R SC O N C E R N E DF O R L A W Y E R SC O R N E R

• The 12-step recoverymeeting, exclusively forlawyers and judges, is indowntown Pittsburgh everyThursday at 5:15 p.m. Forthe exact location, callPennsylvania LawyersConcerned for Lawyers at1-800-335-2572.

• LCL has a new website atwww.lclpa.org. Attorneysand judges will find informa-tion on how LCL can helpthem, a member of theirfamily or a colleague whomay be in distress. It isconfidential and easy tonavigate.Visit it today.

• Lawyers ConfidentialHelp Line: 1-888-999-1941.Operates 24 hours a day.

Westmoreland Bar Association’s 53rd Annual Memorial Service

Westmoreland County Courthouse Courtroom #3

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

at 12:00 pm

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In remembrance of: ! The Honorable Irving L. Bloom ! B. Patrick Costello ! Richard A. Kovach ! Gene E. McDonald ! Robert D. McVey ! Robert J. Milie ! James L. Nardelli

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kindly notify the bar office in advance if you intend to share a special memory.

Following the service, a complimentary luncheon

will be held at the Commissioners’ Meeting Rooms.

2015 WBA Memorial Service Registration

Fax 724-834-6855 or Return to WBA 129 North Pennsylvania Avenue Greensburg, PA 15601 ______ I will attend the Memorial Service on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 12 pm in Courtroom #3. Name (please print) __________________________________________

Monday, May 18, 201512:00 pm - 1:15 pmWBA Headquarters

Seminar Fees:

PRE-REGISTRATION:(Must be prepaid & received at the WBA

office by 12 pm May 17, 2015)CLE Credit WBA Members - $30 per credit hr.Non-Members - $50 per credit hr.Non-CreditFREE

WALK- IN:CLE CreditWBA Members- $40 per credit hr.Non-Members - $50 per credit hr.Non-CreditFREE

Lunch will be provided.Westmoreland Bar Association

129 North Pennsylvania Ave.Greensburg, PA 15601724-834-6730Fax: 724-834-6855www.westbar.orgFor refund policy information, or if special arrangements are needed for the disabled, please contact the WBA Office at 724-834-6730, or by email at [email protected]

An accredited provider for the PA Board of Continuing Legal Education

■ Enclosed is my check made payable to the Westmoreland Bar Association. ■ Bill my ■ MasterCard ■ VISA ■ DISCOVER for

$_________________________(Amount).

Card # _______________________________________________

Expiration Date _____________________

Credit Card Billing Address ______________________________

_____________________________________________________

One (1) Substantive Credit is available toward your annual CLE requirements.

May 18, 2015 Navigating Casemaker

You may pre-register for this seminar by visiting the westbar.org website. You must “LOG IN” to register.OR submit the form below.

Non-Credit:■ FREE

Navigating CasemakerBring Your Own Laptop for Hands On Training

— LIV E —1 Substantive

Credit Available

Pre-Registration FeesCLE Credit:■ WBA Members - $30 per credit hour ■ Non-Members - $50 per credit hour

To qualify for Pre-Registration Seminar Fees - Please return this form and your payment to the WBA Office, 129 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601, by 12 pm May 17, 2015.

Topics of Discussion:• Basic research tools• Tips on searching within results• How to customize client folders• Use the statute annotator feature• Save searches and client history• MUCH More!

Speaker: Elizabeth Kramer - PBA Director of Member Services

Casemaker is the powerful legal research tool provided exclusively to PBA members. Learn how to use this free, innovative service to conduct effective searches for cases and statutes.

Name:___________________________________________

Attorney I.D. # ___________________

Address:_________________________________________

Email:___________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________

Bring Your Own

Laptop for Hands On Training

This training session will provide practice tips on navigating through Casemaker and will highlight the free CasemakerPro features including the CaseCheck+ and CiteCheck programs.

2015-2016 Westmoreland Bar Association Committee ListADR

Chair - John M. NobleCo-Chair - Lee R. DemoskyGary P. AlexanderPravin Michael BoschaJohn M. CampfieldThe Honorable Gary P. CarusoJ. Douglas FarrellCharles C. Mason Jr.Joyce Novotny-PrettimanJessica L. RaffertySusan N. Williams

BANKRUPTCYChair - Corey J. SaccaEric E. BononiJohn Eric BumbaughBrian P. CavanaughDavid A. ColecchiaDennis J. GounleyMaureen S. KrollKevin P. LeonardJohn M. LeonardJon M. LewisPhilip V. McCalisterFrancis R. MurrmanGino F. PelusoRobert H. SloneThe Hon. Gregory L. Taddonio

BENCH/BARChair - Margaret A. TrembaScott E. AvolioDavid S. DeRoseThe Hon. Christopher A. FelicianiKaren L. FerriRonald J. FonnerJames E. Kelley Jr.William J. McCabePhilip V. McCalisterJohn M. NobleIan PetrulliMaria E. SooheyAllison E. ThielKristen C. WeidusSusan N. Williams

BUILDINGChair - David S. DeRoseCharles J. DangeloRichard F. FlickingerZachary J. KanslerJohn N. Ward

BY-LAWSJames J. ConteRichard F. FlickingerTimothy J. GearyMelissa A. Guiddy

CIVIL LITIGATIONChair - Larry D. LoperfitoCo-Chair - Kim R. HouserGary P. AlexanderThomas B. AndersonMark D. BolkovacPravin Michael BoschaThe Honorable Gary P. CarusoRyan P. CribbsMichael D. FergusonJames A. HorchakDaniel JosephKaren L. KieferJohn M. LeonardRichard N. LettieriRonald S. LombardThe Hon. Anthony G. MarsiliScott O. Mears Jr.Francis R. MurrmanVictor G. MyersJoyce Novotny-PrettimanThe Hon. William J. OberBrian PanucciIan PetrulliJessica L. RaffertyJohn M. RankerDwayne E. RossJohn N. ScalesTimothy J. ScelsiDonald J. Snyder Jr.Cindy StineSharon L. WigleStephen Yakopec

CRIMINAL LAWChair - Timothy C. AndrewsCo-Chair - Charles R. Conway IIIGary P. AlexanderMark D. BolkovacGregory DeFloriaMichael J. DragThe Hon. Christopher A. FelicianiMichael D. FergusonJohn M. Hauser IIIJaime Marie HicktonDaniel JosephZachary MesherJeffrey W. MillerJeffrey D. MonzoFrancis R. MurrmanVictor G. MyersThe Hon. William J. OberGino F. PelusoJudith Potoka PetrushDennis E. SheanAllison E. Thiel

ELDER LAW/ORPHANS'Chair - L. Christian DeDiana

Katherine M. BandemerJ. Dustin BarrRebecca A. BrammellLinda BrokerJohn Eric BumbaughGeorge Allen ButlerJohn M. CampfieldWilliam F. Caruthers IIPeter P. CherelliaBarbara J. ChristnerDavid A. ColecchiaJames J. ConteSamuel R. CouryK. Casey CrytzerMatthew A. CurialeMichael G. DaileySandra E. DavisDavid S. DeRoseTerrance C. FergusonRichard F. FlickingerMarilyn M. GautDennis J. GounleyJohn K. GreinerSherry Magretti HamiltonPeggy Henry HookerJames A. HorchakKaren L. KieferJames E. KopelmanMaureen S. KrollAmber R. LeechalkKevin P. LeonardShirley A. MakutaThe Hon. Anthony G. MarsiliScott O. Mears Jr.Henry L. MooreDiane E. MurphyThe Hon. William J. OberJeffry A. PavettiDavid G. PetonicVanda RaszewskiM. Samuel RosenzweigDwayne E. RossEmily ShafferMark J. ShireJames R. SilvisCindy StineBruce C. TobinTodd T. TurinJohn N. WardKristen C. Weidus

FAMILY LAWCo-Chair - Maureen S. KrollCo-Chair - Michael J. Stewart IIKatherine M. BandemerMarla R. BlumEric E. BononiThe Hon. Michele G. BononiPravin Michael Boscha

Richard A. BruniBrian P. CavanaughPeter P. CherelliaBarry J. CleggMichael G. DaileySandra E. DavisAbby De BlassioLee R. DemoskyP. Louis DeRoseDavid S. DeRoseMichael J. DragKelly M. EshelmanJ. Douglas FarrellRebecca K. FenogliettoKaren L. FerriJohn M. Hauser IIIJaime Marie HicktonZachary J. KanslerJames E. Kelley Jr.Kathleen N. KempKaren L. KieferKevin P. LeonardShirley A. MakutaPhilip V. McCalisterElizabeth J. McCallPaul S. Miller Jr.Henry L. MooreDiane E. MurphyBrian PanucciGino F. PelusoJohn M. RankerVanda RaszewskiCorey J. SaccaTimothy J. ScelsiEmily ShafferChristopher P. SkatellMichael J. StewartAllison E. ThielBruce C. TobinKristen C. WeidusWilliam J. Wiker

FEE DISPUTEChair - Peter P. CherelliaMarla R. BlumJohn Eric BumbaughDavid A. ColecchiaJames J. ConteCharles R. Conway IIIP. Louis DeRoseMichael J. DragKaren L. FerriTyler J. JonesJon M. LewisElizabeth J. McCallMary Ann PetrilloMark J. ShireRobert H. SloneCindy Stine

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2015-2016 Westmoreland Bar Association Committee ListWilliam J. Wiker

GIFTS & MEMORIALRichard H. GallowayLisa Galloway MonzoDiane E. MurphyJames P. SilvisJames R. Silvis

HISTORICALChair - P. Louis DeRoseHenry L. Moore

INVESTMENT ADVISORYChair - James R. AntonionoL. Christian DeDianaJames E. KopelmanRobert P. LightcapMilton V. Munk Jr.

LAW PRACTICE MNGMNTCo-Chair - L. Christian DeDianaCo-Chair - Maria E. SooheyTimothy C. AndrewsRebecca A. BrammellSharon L. Wigle

LAWYERS ASSISTANCEChair - Joyce Novotny-PrettimanJames R. AntonionoLinda BrokerTimothy J. GearyStuart J. Horner Jr.Beth L.F. OrbisonPhilip N. Shelapinsky

LLS BOARDScott E. AvolioPeter P. CherelliaApril Milburn-KniznerMatthew R. SchimizziJames P. SilvisMark L. SoriceDouglas J. Welty

MEMBERSHIPChair - Philip N. ShelapinskyScott E. AvolioJoyce Novotny-PrettimanJudith Potoka Petrush

MOCK TRIALChair - Leo J. CiaramitaroThe Hon. Christopher A. FelicianiSherry Magretti HamiltonJudith Potoka PetrushJohn N. ScalesSharon L. Wigle

MUNICIPAL LAWChair - Daniel J. HewittScott E. AvolioJohn M. CampfieldLee R. DemoskySherry Magretti Hamilton

Zachary J. KanslerJames E. Kelley Jr.James E. KopelmanJayson J. LawsonJoseph W. LazzaroAmber R. LeechalkScott O. Mears Jr.Jeffrey W. MillerDavid G. PetonicShane M. SarverJohn N. ScalesDonald J. Snyder Jr.Todd T. TurinStephen YakopecRachel M. Yantos

NOMINATINGChair - Dara A. DeCourcySamuel R. CouryTerrance C. FergusonJohn K. GreinerThe Hon. Harry F. Smail Jr.Michael J. Stewart II

PARENT/GUARDIANCo-Chair - Richard A. BruniCo-Chair - Shirley A. MakutaMarla R. BlumMichael G. DaileyPaul S. Miller Jr.Diane E. MurphyVanda RaszewskiDennis E. Shean

PBA HOUSE OF DELEGATESJames R. AntonionoDavid S. DeRoseJohn K. GreinerWilliam J. McCabeMilton V. Munk Jr.Maria E. Soohey

PLANNINGChair - William J. McCabeCo-Chair - Daniel JosephJames R. AntonionoScott E. AvolioJack L. BergsteinRebecca A. BrammellPeter P. CherelliaBarbara J. ChristnerDara A. DeCourcyDavid S. DeRoseRonald J. FonnerRichard H. GallowayTimothy J. GearyJohn K. GreinerJohn M. Hauser IIIJohn M. O'Connell Jr.Michael V. QuatriniJohn M. Ranker

Kerri Ann Shimborske-AbelMichael J. Stewart IIAllison E. ThielMargaret A. TrembaJohn N. Ward

PUBLICATIONSChair side bar - David J. MillsteinChair WLJ - Melissa A. GuiddyThe Hon. Daniel J. AckermanDavid A. ColecchiaRyan P. CribbsPamela H. FergusonDaniel C. HudockTerence O'HalloranBeth L.F. Orbison

REAL ESTATEChair - James J. ConteGeorge Allen ButlerBarbara J. ChristnerTerrance C. FergusonRichard F. FlickingerDennis J. GounleyJohn K. GreinerMelissa A. GuiddyDaniel J. HewittJames A. HorchakJames E. KopelmanAmber R. LeechalkErin M. Leonard-SalasRonald S. LombardCharles C. Mason Jr.Zachary MesherMilton V. Munk Jr.John M. RankerShane M. SarverMark J. ShireJames R. SilvisChristopher P. SkatellDonald J. Snyder Jr.Sue SwickJohn N. Ward

UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICECo-Chair - Aaron M. KressCo-Chair - Joseph W. LazzaroMilton V. Munk Jr.

WBF PRO BONOChair - Richard H. GallowayRebecca K. FenogliettoMelissa A. GuiddyKathleen N. KempTerence O'HalloranM. Samuel RosenzweigBruce C. Tobin

YOUNG LAWYERSChair - Kristen C. WeidusKatherine M. BandemerNelson D. Berardinelli

Pravin Michael BoschaStephen M. CrevakRyan P. CribbsK. Casey CrytzerTrent A. EchardShane M. GannonAdam GorzelskyCody J. HardingAndrew C. HarvanJaime Marie HicktonTyler J. JonesZachary J. KanslerBradley Allen KingElsie R. LamplNicole M. LaPrestaErin Nicole LarimerErica L. LaughlinJayson J. LawsonErin M. Leonard-SalasAdam J. LongTamara J. MahadyZachary MesherTimothy R. MillerVictor G. MyersMichael L. NesticoBrian PanucciIan PetrulliMichael V. QuatriniVanda RaszewskiCorey J. SaccaShane M. SarverTimothy J. ScelsiMatthew A. SchandlerJustin P. SchantzMatthew R. SchimizziEmily ShafferKerri Ann Shimborske-AbelMichael J. Stewart IIRobert H. Stone Jr.Beth E. TeacherAllison E. ThielAnthony G. UrtiChristopher E. VincentDouglas J. Welty

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