News
Marian Patchen Schleppy was inducted into the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County on October 5, 2007. Membership into the Academy is by invitation only.
Tara B. Stevens, the newest associate to our firm, was elected to the Bar Leadership Initiative Class of the Young Lawyers Division of Allegheny County Bar Association. This class was elected to represent the Young Lawyers Division and to prepare younger attorneys for leadership roles in the Allegheny County Bar Association.
Alan S. Baum has been nominated as one of Pennsylvania's Super Lawyers. As a result of a statewide nomination process in which attorneys were asked to nominate the best lawyers they have seen in action, Alan has been selected as a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer." Only 5 percent of the total lawyers in the state are selected for inclusion. Alan was also invited to become a Fellow of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County.
Bernard R. Rizza was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in September 2006 and Thomas A. Matis was inducted as a Fellow in 2002. Fellowship is extended only by invitation, after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Although there are currently more than 5,000 Fellows across the U.S. and Canada, membership can never be more than 1% of the total lawyer population of any state or province. Qualified lawyers are called to Fellowship in the College from all branches of trial practice. They are selected from among advocates who represent plaintiffs or defendants in civil proceedings of all types, as well as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the administration of justice. Membership is limited to only those trial lawyers who are unquestionably and eminently qualified, in addition to being regarded as the best in their state/province. Qualifications must include high ethical and moral standards, as well as excellent character. Consideration for Fellowship also requires lawyers must be actively engaged in trial work as their principal activity for a minimum of 15 years.