MacMain and Leinhauser Present Employment Seminar For Pennsylvania Municipal League
Brian Leinhauser and David MacMain presented a webinar titled “Top 10 Things To Do If You Enjoy Employment Litigation” for the Pennsylvania Municipal League – a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents participating Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, home rule communities and towns throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The presentation was a humorous look at the things that public employers must avoid to prevent employment related claims. Brian and David provided an overview of the law and claims that municipalities face, with an emphasis on practical risk avoidance tips based on Brian and David’s lengthy experience in defending these claims and counseling public entities.
Firm Expands New Jersey Capabilities
The firm has long had several New Jersey Bar admitted attorneys including partners Brian Leinhauser and Matthew Connell, and David MacMain joined the ranks of New Jersey barred lawyers in April after completing the necessary requirements. David has handled a number of matters in New Jersey over the past 30 years on a pro hac vice basis, both in both state and federal court, including police and prison cases, class actions, employment matters and school-based claims. However, as the firm is increasingly asked to handle matters in New Jersey, David thought it was appropriate that he be admitted in the Garden State.
David MacMain Appointed To DRI Protect and Serve Task Force
David MacMain was appointed by Dean Martinez; the Executive Director of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), the voice of the national defense bar, which has over 20,000 members; to serve on DRI’s Protect and Serve Task Force. The Task Force, which is expected to be composed of several members of the DRI, as well as a diversity of representatives from various other organizations, including the NAACP, the media, the IACP, and community groups, is focused on how to build trust between law enforcement and the communities that they serve. The purpose is to engage in dialogue and allow various views, as well as perspectives and life experiences on current issues. The goal is to present a white paper of suggested best practices to improve relations and understanding.
David MacMain Speaks at Client Seminar Regarding Using Technology and Consultants in High Exposure Cases
David MacMain was invited to speak at a large national insurer’s in-house training regarding the use of trial consultants and technology in helping defend mid and high level claims. David, who serves as oversight/monitoring/trial counsel to several carriers in high exposure and complex claims throughout the country, spoke about his use of consultants to develop themes, prepare witnesses to present more effectively, perform focus group studies, and conduct mock trials. David also shared his experience in working with litigation support services to create effective demonstrative exhibits that can be used in settlement conferences, exhibits to filings such as summary judgment motions, and trial.
Matthew Connell Provides Training on Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace for Private Sector Employers
Matthew Connell provided training to several private sector employers on the issue of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The training provided education to supervisors on the topics of discrimination under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act. The purpose of the training was to provide supervisory staff with the knowledge needed to identify and address harassment and retaliation in the workplace.
Samantha Ryan Appointed to Chester County Bar Association’s Judicial Review Committee
Samantha Ryan was recently appointed to theChester County Bar Association’s Judicial Review Committee. The Judicial Review Committee consists of nine (9) members of the Chester County Bar Association who serve for a term of three (3) years. The Committee organizes and conducts plebiscites for all judicial vacancies and retentions for current and past members seeking to join the judiciary as judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Chester County, as well as judges and justices of the appellate courts.
David MacMain and Tricia Ambrose Win Defense Verdict in Whistleblower Claim
David MacMain and Tricia Ambrose won a defense verdict for a municipal client in an alleged whistleblower claim that was tried as a bench trial, and resulted in the Court adopting virtually all of the proposed findings of fact and legal conclusions that were submitted on behalf of our client following a two-day trial. The case began as a Pennsylvania Whistleblower claim filed in the Court of Common Pleas for Chester County, but was transferred to Federal Court when the Plaintiff added a Federal Age Discrimination claim when the EEOC issued a right to sue letter. On the day that Plaintiff had to respond to our Summary Judgment Motion, the Plaintiff dropped the Federal claim and the case was returned to Chester County CCP.
Samantha Ryan and Lauren Nehra Serve as Mock Jurors for Chester County Bar Association High School Mock Trial Competition
Lauren Nehra and Samantha Ryan recently volunteered in the Chester County Bar Association’s yearly high school mock trial event sponsored by the Chester County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee. Not only did they get front row seats to the next generation of legal minds, but they also had the unique experience of viewing a wrongful death case through the eyes of a juror. They congratulate all the participants on a job well done and look forward to participating in next year’s competition.
Matthew Connell Provides Supervisory Training for Correctional Employees
Matthew Connell was asked to provide training on the latest use of force issues facing correctional professionals. Mr. Connell’s presentation focused on the latest legal standards on the use of force related to pre-trial detainees and the process necessary to ensure successful defense of future claims. Mr. Connell’s presentation also addressed the litigation process, instructing supervisory personnel on the key points in the litigation process and addressing the necessary steps to successfully defend against prisoner claims, including maintaining proper documentation, video preservation, and ensuring compliance with process and protocol.
Tricia Ambrose and David MacMain Publish Articles to the Pennsylvania Municipal League Winter 2020 Municipal Reporter: Risk Management Edition
Tricia Ambrose and David MacMain were asked to contribute to the Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) Winter 2020 Municipal Reporter: Risk Management Edition. The PML’s mission is to “Strengthen, empower, and advocate for effective local government.”
Ms. Ambrose’s article discussed the sexual abuse exception to the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, how the exception can affect municipalities and how municipalities can limit and manage risk associated with the new exception.
Mr. MacMain’s article focused on the importance of municipalities and law enforcement agencies maintaining and enforcing policies and records in order to guide staff and mitigate risk.