News & Notes

WALSH PANCIO ATTORNEYS ELECTED AND APPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP ROLES WITHIN THE MONTGOMERY BAR ASSOCIATION FOR 2024

January 2024

On January 5, 2024, Walsh Pancio attorneys were once again proud to participate in the Montgomery Bar Association Annual Business Luncheon, which took place at the Blue Bell Country Club in Blue Bell, PA.

The firm congratulates Immediate Past President Justin Bayer on a tremendous year leading the MBA. The firm also congratulates newly installed President Lisa A. Shearman, Esq. of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, P.C.

We look forward to a terrific year under her leadership.

Founding Partner, The Honorable Joseph P. Walsh was installed as the Treasurer of the MBA and will serve alongside MBA President Shearman, President-Elect Seth D. Wilson, Vice President Colin J. O’Boyle, Secretary Mary Kay Kelm, and Executive Director Denise Vicario. He will also continue his role as Co-Chair of the MBA’s influential Government Relations Committee which addresses governmental relations between the MBA and Montgomery County officials, local municipal officials, state and federal officials in the legislative and executive branches.

Founding Partner, and Past MBA President Bruce Pancio will serve as Co-Chair of the Council of Past Presidents. The Counsel of Past Presidents Committee acts as the sounding board regarding new projects initiated by Bar Leaders and provides insight and advice on various association issues. Bruce will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees.

Attorney Mike Lyon will serve as Vice President of the Trial Lawyers Section. He will continue to serve as Chair of the Fee Dispute Committee and to serve on numerous MBA committees.

Attorney Chelsea L. Dearden will continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Women in the Law Committee and will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees.

Attorney Jason Edwards has ended his term as President of the Young Lawyers Section as of January 5, 2024. He will remain Co-Chair of the Membership/Development Committee and will serve as Secretary of the Law Reporter Committee. In addition to his leadership roles, Jason will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees.

All the firm’s attorneys will remain active members of the MBA’s Trial Lawyers Section.

The firm is grateful for these opportunities to serve the MBA and looks forward to a terrific year.

THE HONORABLE JOSEPH P. WALSH APPOINTED TO TWO MOVING MONTCO FORWARD ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Hon. Joseph P. Walsh was recently informed that he was selected to participate in the Planning, Transportation, and Infrastructure Advisory Committee as well as the Criminal Justice & the Court Advisory Committee as part of Moving Montco Forward initiative.

This initiative aims to assist Commissioners Jamila Winder and Neil Makhija in crafting the next chapter for Montgomery County.

In announcing their appointments to the Planning, Transportation, and Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Commissioners Winder and Makhija stated:

We’re proud to unveil our Planning, Transportation, and Infrastructure Advisory Committee – a team of visionary experts dedicated to developing a more connected and sustainable Montgomery County. This committee will help our Commissioners to be the driving force behind innovative planning, strategic transportation solutions, and robust infrastructure development. From urban planners to transportation engineers, each member brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Together, we’re focused on creating a future where every resident enjoys efficient, eco-friendly, and accessible transportation options, and where our infrastructure meets the evolving needs of our community. Follow us as we lay the groundwork for a thriving, well-connected Montgomery County.

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In announcing their Criminal Justice & the Court Advisory Committee, Commissioners Winder and Makhija stated:

Introducing our Criminal Justice and The Courts Advisory Committee – a powerhouse of expertise, perspective, and cultural competence, all dedicated to creating a more just and equitable justice system in Montgomery County. This committee is composed of reform experts, current and former defenders and prosecutors, and organizations skilled in navigating Montgomery County’s legal system. Their collective experience is unmatched and vital in advising Commissioners on substantial criminal justice and general legal reforms. Together, we aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and equality in our legal system, ultimately writing a new and progressive chapter for Montgomery County. Stay tuned as we work towards transforming our legal system into one that truly embodies justice for all.

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WALSH PANCIO ATTORNEYS ELECTED AND APPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP ROLES WITHIN THE MONTGOMERY BAR ASSOCIATION FOR 2023

March 2023

On January 12, 2023, Walsh Pancio attorneys were once again proud to participate in the Montgomery Bar Association (“MBA“) Annual Business Luncheon, which took place at The Country House at Bluestone Country Club in Blue Bell, PA.

The firm congratulates Immediate Past President Sarinia M. Fenman on a tremendous year in charge of the MBA. The firm also congratulates newly installed President Justin Bayer on his position and looks forward to a terrific year under his direction.

The firm is proud to announce that its Founding Partner The Honorable Joseph P. Walsh was installed as the Secretary of the MBA and will serve alongside MBA President Bayer, President-Elect Lisa Shearman, Vice President Seth Wilson, Treasurer Colin O’Boyle, and Executive Director Denise Vicario. He will continue his role as Chair of the MBA’s influential Government Relations Committee.

Founding Partner and Past MBA President Bruce Pancio will continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Council of Past Presidents and will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees including the Bench Bar Committee, Judiciary Committee, Managing Partners Committee, Membership/Development Committee, and Rules of Civil Court Committee.

Attorney Mike Lyon will serve as Chair of the Law Reporter Committee and Treasurer of the Trial Lawyers Section and will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees including the Bench Bar Committee, Federal Court Practice Committee, Fee Dispute Committee, Judiciary Committee, and the Rules of Civil Court Committee.

Attorney Chelsea Dearden will serve as Co-Chair of the esteemed Women in the Law Committee and will Chair the Social Committee of the Young Lawyers Section. In addition to her leadership rules, she will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees.

Attorney Jason Edwards will serve as Chair of the Young Lawyers Section and Co-Chair of the Membership/Development Committee. In addition to his leadership rules, he will continue to serve on numerous MBA committees.

All the firm’s attorneys will remain active members of the MBA’s Trial Lawyers Section.

The firm is grateful for these opportunities to serve the MBA and looks forward to a terrific year.

WALSH PANCIO PARTNER JOE WALSH OBTAINS $11.3M VERDICT FOLLOWING NON-JURY TRIAL IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

September 2022

Walsh Pancio congratulates founding partner, Hon. Joseph Walsh, who served as the lead trial counsel for the Plaintiff in the matter of Elliott Greenleaf PC v. Richard Demarco. The Montgomery County lawsuit involved competing claims to an $11.3 million referral fee for a personal injury settlement.   Both parties filed Declaratory Judgment Actions seeking a Court declaration of their entitlement to the referral fee.

Following a non-jury trial before the Honorable Richard P. Haaz and post-trial submissions by the parties, the Court issued a written decision finding in favor of the law firm of Elliott Greenleaf and against its former employee, attorney Richard Demarco.

The Court ruled that Elliott Greenleaf was entitled to receive the entire referral fee of $11,330, 804 pursuant to a legally enforceable referral fee agreement with the law firm who settled the catastrophic injury case several years prior.   The Court also found that Richard Demarco was not a party to that referral fee agreement and did not have an equitable or legal interest in the referral fee.  The law firm who settled personal injury case agreed that it owed a referral fee and had held the amount in escrow pending the outcome of this case.

The case represents an important decision applying well-settled law pertaining to the enforceability of referral fee agreements between attorneys in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

THE HONORABLE JOSEPH P. WALSH APPOINTED TO THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE OVERSIGHT BOARD

April 2022

Congratulations to our own Hon. Joseph P Walsh who was just appointed to serve on the Nominating Committee for the Montgomery County Public Defenders’ Office Oversight Board.  Judge Walsh was selected to serve on this Committee along with four other community leaders.  The Nominating Committee was established by the Board of Commissioners for Montgomery County based upon the Analysis and Recommendations of the Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple University.  The Committee will assist in the recommendation, nomination, and selection of candidates for the position of Chief Public Defender for Montgomery County.  Judge Walsh is honored to be appointed to this very important Committee and have the ability to work with such a prestigious group of community leaders. 

Attorney Joe Walsh Appointed Chair of Montgomery County Board of View by President Judge Carolyn T. Carluccio

Montgomery County President Judge Carolyn T. Carluccio recently re-appointed the Honorable Joseph P. Walsh Chair of the Montgomery County Board of View for a three (3) year term effective January 23, 2022.

The Montgomery County Board of View is appointed by the Court to assess the value of the condemned property at the time of the taking if the Condemnor and Condemnee are unable to agree upon the just compensation for the property being taken pursuant to Montgomery County Local Rule 953.

The Board of View is comprised of a realtor and engineer who sit and hear evidence and ask questions of witnesses if necessary. As Chair, Joe Walsh serves as the hearing Judge. Following the close of evidence, the Board deliberates. All three members participate in the deliberations and have an equal vote. Following their deliberation, a Final Order and Decision is entered of record by the Board.

Joe Walsh is grateful to have been selected by the President Judge and looks forward to working with the members of the Board of View.

WALSH PANCIO ATTORNEYS SELECTED FOR LEADERSHIP ROLES IN THE MONTGOMERY BAR ASSOCIATION FOR 2021

January 2021

On January 8, 2021, Walsh Pancio attorneys were once again proud to participate in the Montgomery Bar Association‘s (“MBA”) Annual Business Luncheon, which was held virtually for the first time. The firm congratulates Immediate Past President Patrick Kurtas on a tremendous year in charge of the MBA. The firm also congratulates newly installed President Jacqueline Reynolds on her position, and looks forward to a terrific year under President Reynolds’ direction.

Continuing the firm’s dedication to and strong relationship with the MBA, Walsh Pancio attorneys are privileged and honored to serve in multiple leadership capacities and on several committees and sections within the organization:

– The Honorable Joseph P Walsh, past President of the MBA’s Trial Lawyers’ Section, has been re-named as co-chair of the MBA’s influential Government Relations Committee, and will again serve on the MBA’s Pro Bono Committee and Government Relations Committee.

– Past MBA President Bruce Pancio will serve as Vice Chair of the Council of Past Presidents, and has also been re-named to the Nominating Committee, Bench Bar Committee and Managing Partners Committee. He will also continue serving on the MBA’s important Judiciary Committee.

– Past Young Lawyers’ Section chair Mike Lyon will continue his second year of a three-year term on as a Director on the MBA’s Board of Directors. He was also -appointed as a member of the MBA’s Executive Committee, Law Reporter Committee, and Fee Dispute Committee.

Chelsea Dearden was selected for the MBA’s prestigious Leadership Academy. She was also re-appointed to the Steering Committee of the MBA’s Women in the Law Committee and will serve as a liaison within the Young Lawyers Section.

Jason Edwards will join Chelsea as a member of this year’s Leadership Academy. He will also serve again on the MBA’s Solo and Small Firm and Criminal Defense Committees, and as a liaison within the Young Lawyers’ Section.

The firm’s attorneys also will remain active members of the MBA’s Trial Lawyers’ Section.

The firm is grateful for these opportunities to serve the MBA. and looks forward to a terrific year.

Joe Walsh Appointed to the Federal Bar Association’s Access to Justice Task Force

October 2020

The Honorable Joseph P. Walsh was recently appointed as a member of the Access to Justice Task Force by W. West Allen, President of the Federal Bar Association.

Joe Walsh will serve for a term ending September 30, 2021.

The focus of the task force will examine ways in which the Federal Bar Association can increase access to justice in the federal courts for all litigants.

The task force was created by the Honorable Michael J. Newman in 2017. “Access to justice, put simply, means that all litigants have equal access to the federal courts, and that barriers to such access are removed,” said Judge Newman when he announced the task force.

Joe Walsh is grateful to have been selected by the President Allen and looks forward to working with all members of the Committee.

Walsh Pancio Attorneys Participate in the Pennsylvania Bar Association Minority Bar Committee’s Annual Diversity Summit

On October 7, 2020, Walsh Pancio LLC was honored to participate in the Pennsylvania Bar Association Minority Bar Committee’s annual diversity summit. For the first time, the PBA/MBC partnered with the Montgomery Bar Association (MBA) to deliver a virtual day of programming dedicated to collaborative and innovative methods of promoting diversity within the profession of law and in society as a whole. The Honorable Joseph P Walsh was privileged to be a panelist in the session during the Summit entitled “Tough Talks and Crucial Action,” a series of three, candid, TED-style talks exploring the responsibilities and challenges associated with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion from a variety of perspectives. Judge Walsh, alongside his wife, Nancy O’Connor Walsh of tbdNOW, LLC, spoke of their individual and shared experiences as diversity allies both through the MBA and in their community. The panel was very well-received and appreciated by a number of attendees. Several firm attorneys also assisted as small group facilitators after Joe and Nancy’s panel. We will update this page if pictures, video, or links from the Summit become available for further viewing. Walsh Pancio congratulates the PBA/MBC and MBA on an interesting, important, and insightful programming and thanks all for the privilege of participating!

Joe Walsh Obtains Defense Verdict in Bucks County

We are very excited to announce that the Honorable Joseph P Walsh recently achieved a directed verdict in favor of his client following jury selection in the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County. This was one of the first jury trials held in Bucks County following the courthouse re-opening after closing due to COVID-19. Joe successfully argued that his client, a snow removal contractor, had no liability to a plaintiff who claimed to have slipped and fallen in a parking lot. Through effective cross examination and impeachment, the Plaintiff admitted that our client had done its job properly and within the applicable standard of care at all times. At the conclusion of the evidence, the trial judge granted Joe’s motion for a directed verdict, finding that the jury could not find that the client was negligent on the evidence presented during trial.

LAWSUIT FILED BY CONSTITUENTS AGAINST MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONER JOE GALE OVER BLOCKING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS SETTLED

We are very pleased to have achieved a tremendous result for our clients in their ongoing lawsuit against Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph C. Gale in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Following months of litigation and settlement negotiations, Commissioner Gale agreed to immediately cease blocking individuals from following his social media accounts, and further agreed to immediately cease deleting comments that he solely finds unfavorable made to those accounts.

The agreement, signed by all parties, was approved in an order signed by the Honorable Timothy J. Savage of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The order is nothing less than a thorough victory for our courageous clients, who achieved each of their desired outcomes in this litigation and ensured that their Constitutional rights–and those of Commissioner Gale’s constituents and followers everywhere–will be honored.

Walsh Pancio is proud to stand with our clients to have protected the First Amendment. Walsh Pancio is privileged to have worked with Mudrick & Zucker, P.C. in Blue Bell and the Philip Press Law Office in Norristown in the prosecution of this case.

See article from Pottstown Mercury for more.

Joe Walsh Selected by the President Judge to Serve on Jury Trial Committee for the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas

August 2020

The Honorable Joseph P. Walsh is honored to have been selected by the Honorable Thomas DelRicci, President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, to serve on the ad hoc Jury Trial Committee.

The Jury Trial Committee has been tasked with developing Jury Trial protocols for the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas so that this vital Court function can resume during these precarious times as the threat of COVID-19 persists.

Safety is priority in Montgomery County. The Committee will formulate and implement protocols to ensure the safety of the jurors, witnesses, courthouse staff, attorneys, and presiding judges while at the same time allowing litigants to have their day in court.

Judge DelRicci selected Joe Walsh to serve on the Jury Trial Committee along with a group of Montgomery County Judges, Court Administration, the District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Public Defender, and Jury Marshalling.

Joe Walsh is grateful to have been selected by the President Judge and looks forward to working with all members of the Committee.

Lawsuit Filed by Constituents Against Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale Over Blocking Social Media Posts

July 2020

On June 29, 2020, on behalf of seven (7) individual constituents and one (1) local business, Walsh Pancio along with the firms Mudrick & Zucker, and Philip Press Law Office filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale over blocking social media posts.

While there have been similar suits in other jurisdictions in recent years against President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for blocking people on Twitter from seeing their accounts, this is the first case of its kind in Pennsylvania.

The suit requests injunctive relief requiring Commissioner Gale to unblock Plaintiffs and restore access to each his public social media accounts; to immediately cease deleting, excising, or disposing of comments or content uploaded to his public social media accounts; and an Order declaring that his conduct in blocking social media posts violates the First Amended to the United States Constitution and/or Article I Section 7 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Plaintiffs’ Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction filed June 29, 2020 is waiting for a hearing to be scheduled by Federal Judge Timothy Savage of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

“If Commissioner Gale chooses to engage in speech on his various social media platforms, all of which are so intertwined with his persona as a public actor, he cannot then supplant the voice of those who wish to post a contrary viewpoint, nor can he deny others the opportunity to experience the full panoply of ideas in this digital public square,” Attorney Joseph P. Walsh said. “He cannot censor the Vox Populi.”

“Commissioner Gale has the right under the First Amendment to say whatever he wishes to say, no matter how abhorrent the viewpoint might be,” Attorney Michael J. Lyon added.  “Our clients simply request that he extend them the same right that they are entitled to under the First Amendment as well.”

Any inquires, please contact Attorney Michael J. Lyon of Walsh Pancio, LLC.

Recent News Articles on the Suit

Joe Walsh Appointed as Solicitor to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and to the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority

February 2020

The Honorable Joseph P. Walsh and the firm are honored to have been recently named as solicitor to the Montgomery County Sheriff and separately was named as solicitor to the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority. Joe and the firm will counsel both organizations with respect to a wide variety of legal matters and issues.

For the Sheriff, the firm looks forward to assisting the office in organizing and conducting the monthly Sheriff’s sales held in the Montgomery County Courthouse, and in reference to a number of permitting, service, and regulatory issues that regularly arise in the office’s daily operations.

For the MTMSA, the firm will advise on matters of personnel, real estate, employment, litigation, and various other issues that arise within the Authority’s purview.

We are grateful to have been appointed to these positions and look forward to our partnerships with these great organizations.

Walsh Pancio Attorneys Elected and Appointed to Leadership Roles within the Montgomery Bar Association

January 2020

Walsh Pancio attorneys are proud to be active and involved members of the Montgomery Bar Association, the pre-eminent association of attorneys in Montgomery County. Continuing the firm’s proud tradition, we are thrilled to announce that our attorneys have been elected and appointed to a number of positions within the MBA for 2020:

– The Honorable Joseph P Walsh, a former President of the MBA’s Trial Lawyers’ Section, has been re-appointed as the Chair of the MBA’s Pro Bono Committee and as Co-Chair of the Government Relations Committee.

Bruce Pancio, past President of the MBA and former chair of the Nominating Committee, has been re-appointed to the MBA’s prestigious Judiciary Committee, Bench Bar Committee, and will serve on its Council of Past Presidents.

Mike Lyon completed his term as Young Lawyers’ Section Chair and was elected to a three year term on the MBA’s Board of Directors. He was also appointed as an officer of the Law Reporter Committee and was selected as a member of the MBA’s initial Leadership Academy 2.0 edition.

Chelsea Dearden was re-appointed to the Steering Committee of the MBA’s active and growing Women in the Law Committee, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment in 2020. She was also named the Young Lawyers’ Section liaison to the MBA’s Diversity Committee.

Jason Edwards was named the Young Lawyers’ Section liaison to the Membership Committee. He was also appointed to the MBA’s award winning Solo/Small Practice Committee, Criminal Defense Committee, and Rules of Civil Court Committee.

All Walsh Pancio attorneys will also continue to be active members of the MBA’s Trial Lawyers’ Section.

The firm is thankful for the opportunity for its attorneys to take active roles within the MBA and looks forward to a great year!

Walsh Pancio, LLC Attorneys at Law

2326 N. Broad Street, Suite 200, Colmar, PA 18915  |  Phone: 215-368-8660  |  Fax: 215-368-7990

info@walshpancio.com

Effective December 1, 2023, the new address for Walsh Pancio, LLC is:

2326 N. Broad Street
Suite 200
Colmar, PA 18915