News & Notes
JASON EDWARDS HAS TWO LAWSUITS DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE AGAINST CLIENTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ON PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS DUE TO LACK OF SERVICE
January 2024
Jason Edwards obtained dismissal of two Complaints in Montgomery County on behalf of two clients following the filing of preliminary objections.
The first case arose from a three-vehicle accident in Montgomery County. Plaintiff was a passenger in an Uber. Jason’s client’s vehicle was rear ended by the vehicle directly behind it and pushed into the vehicle Plaintiff was a passenger in. Plaintiff alleged severe injuries as a result of the accident. On behalf of the client, Jason filed preliminary objections seeking dismissal of the Complaint due to the fact that Jason’s client was never served as required under Pennsylvania law. The Court agreed with Jason’s arguments and dismissed Plaintiff’s Complaint with prejudice.
The second case also arose from a motor vehicle accident in Montgomery County in October 2020. Plaintiff alleged the Jason’s client failed to stop at a stop sign causing the accident. Plaintiff alleged sever injuries as a result of the accident. On behalf of the client, Jason filed preliminary objections seeking dismissal of the Complaint due to Plaintiff’s complete failure to serve Jason’s client as required under Pennsylvania law. The Court agreed with Jason’s argument and dismissed Plaintiff’s Complaint with prejudice.
JASON EDWARDS OBTAINS DEFENSE VERDICT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Jason Edwards obtained a defense verdict following an arbitration in Montgomery County. The case arose from a motor vehicle accident on November 30, 2020. The Plaintiff in the case alleged severe and permanent injuries to her neck, arm, wrist, and back following an accident in which her vehicle was struck by Jason’s client who failed to stop at a red light which controlled the intersection. Jason used Plaintiff’s own medical records and admissions during discovery to effectively cross examine the Plaintiff during the arbitration and argued that her injuries did not amount to a serious bodily injury. The arbitration panel returned a verdict in favor of Jason’s client and found that no serious injury requiring compensation had occurred. Judgment has been entered against the Plaintiff in favor of Jason’s client, and no appeals have been filed.
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.
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.
