In the News

Tuskegee Airmen Soar as They Tell Their Stories of Challenge and Triumph

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Veterans Dr. Eugene Richardson, Jr. and Aaron Watkins,
Speakers at Montgomery McCracken's "Minorities in the Military" Series

Montgomery McCracken's Diversity Committee and co-sponsor Richel D'Ambra Spa and Salon, presented the first segment in a new series, "Minorities in the Military." Dr. Eugene Richardson, of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, a 2nd Lieutenant and fighter pilot during World War II, and Aaron Watkins, a second-generation Tuskegee Airman, who flew Chinook helicopters during the Vietnam War, were the featured speakers. The Tuskegee Airmen, the legendary all African American squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama were the first black aviators of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Despite the discrimination and racism they faced, the Tuskegee Airmen served their country with pride and honor and went on to become the celebrated airmen that served as the inspiration for the movie "Red Tails." In a moving, entertaining, and informative presentation, Richardson and Watkins shared their personal experiences and discussed the challenges faced by African Americans seeking to serve in the military, the many contributions from the country's fight for independence to the present day, and the evolution of perceptions and levels of acceptance of African Americans in the military throughout our country's history. You can find out more about the Tuskegee Airmen by visiting their monthly meetings that are open and welcome to the public, see http://www.tuskegeeairmenphl.org/.

Jonathan Savar and James Gannon, Speakers at PBI CLE on Contract Law in the Electronic Age

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP partner Jonathan S. Savar and associate James L. Gannon, II were panelists at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute program entitled "Contract Law in the Elecronic Age" held on Wednesday, April 25 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Savar and Gannon presented a segment entitled "The Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN)".

Savar is a partner in Montgomery McCracken's Business Department and is experienced in a broad array of corporate and commercial matters including mergers & acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, debt financings, licensing arrangements, corporate governance, securities matters, entity formation and general contractual matters.

Gannon is an associate in Montgomery McCracken's Business Department, where he focuses on domestic and international intellectual property matters including the drafting and prosecuting of applications for patents, trademarks and copyrights. Gannon also counsels business owners on matters relating to the protection of their intellectual property assets.

Montgomery McCracken Nonprofit Lawyers Advise on How to Steer Clear of Nonprofit Law Pitfalls

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP attorneys Karl E. Emerson, Donald W. Kramer, and Virginia P. Sikes were course planners and panelists for an ALI-ABA video web cast production presenting "The Top Ten Pitfalls of Nonprofit Law." The two-hour session addressed issues faced by nonprofit organizations and how to avoid to pitfalls associated with each, such as governance issues, including membership, diversity, active participation, and bylaws formation; registration and gift annuities; taxation and reporting; Unrelated Business Income tax ("UBIT"); indemnification and insurance; excess benefits and inurement; star employees; donor intent; independent contractors and the new IRS program; and volunteers. The web cast aired live on April 5 and the recording is now available through ALI-ABA.

Don Kramer has more than 35 years of experience in the concerns of nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania, not only as a lawyer, but also as a teacher, writer, publisher and board member. He counsels on a wide range of nonprofit corporate structure and governance, private and community foundations, continuing care retirement communities, exempt organization taxation, low income housing tax credit transactions, real estate, charitable giving and other nonprofit issues. Mr. Kramer is the editor and publisher of Don Kramer's Nonprofit Issues®, a national newsletter of "Nonprofit Law You Need To Know."

Karl Emerson provides legal counsel and advice to nonprofit organizations, including advising charitable organizations and their fundraisers on compliance with state charitable solicitation statutes, conducting charitable organization compliance assessments, and conducting internal investigations for charitable and other tax-exempt organizations. Mr. Emerson is a former Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations where he was responsible for administering and enforcing Pennsylvania's charitable solicitation law.

Virginia Sikes is a partner in, and the chair of Montgomery McCracken's Tax Section and serves as the firm's Financial Partner. Her practice concentrates on tax controversies, state and local taxation, and tax-exempt organizations where she represents national corporations in matters concerning Pennsylvania sales tax, corporate net income, and franchise controversies. She has served as counsel to other law firms on tax-exempt and state and local tax issues. Ms. Sikes lectures frequently on tax-related matters, and particularly on issues related to exempt organizations. For five years she taught in Temple University Law School's master's program in taxation, and for four years in Drexel University's Master of Science Program in Arts Administration.

John Myers and Melanie Leney presenters for CCBA “Ethics: Interviewing Employees” CLE

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads attorneys John M. Myers and Melanie A. Leney were panelist and moderator, respectively, at the Camden County Bar Association's Labor & Employment Law Committee CLE Luncheon "Ethics: Interviewing Employees." The event was held at the Tavistock Country Club, Haddonfield, NJ.

A litigator, Myers serves as of counsel to Montgomery McCracken. His robust practice includes partnership and closely held business claims and disputes, and claims involving employment, real estate, lender liability, joint venture issues, securities industry disputes, contract negotiation, and general business counsel including contractual and employment litigation matters. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania.

Leney is an associate in the firm's Cherry Hill, New Jersey office. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation and maritime and transportation matters. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

One of Montgomery McCracken’s Own, Retired from the Air Force Reserve

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

MSgt Ernestine Brown Retires from US Air Force Reserve After 33 Years of Service

Ernestine Brown, a legal secretary with Montgomery McCracken's Philadelphia office, retired from the United States Air Force Reserve at the rank of Master Sergeant and having served with honor and distinction for 33 years, from February 1979 to March 2012. The ceremony was held at McGuire Air Force Base. MSgt. Brown was a health services management technician with the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. While serving, she held numerous positions but the majority of her career was dedicated to the 714th and the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons. These Squadrons were responsible for coordinating airlifts for medics, their equipment, patients and meals. Additionally, the Administrative Section arranged for passports, security line badges, Geneva Convention Cards, and other paperwork needed to help the unit function. Squadron members were required to maintain current certification for CPR and Self-aid care, and other CBTs (correspondence courses) on line, as well as maintain a required level of physical fitness.

Throughout her career, MSgt. Brown was the recipient of awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass.

Upon her retirement, MSgt. Brown expressed that she will miss the camaraderie of the military experience. "We looked out for each other and had each other's back. They were and are my second family and when something happens to one, we all feel it."

MSgt Brown is a member of the Tuskegee Airman's Association. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University.

Jonathan Savar Presents ‘Reps and Warranties and Indemnification in M&A Documents’ at PBI Seminar

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP partner Jonathan S. Savar was a speaker at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute Commercial Document Series program held on Wednesday, March 28 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Savar presented a segment entitled "Reps and Warranties and Indemnification in M&A Documents".

Savar is also currently scheduled to speak at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute Business Lawyer's "Refresher" Series to be held on Wednesday, April 25 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The title of the April 2012 program is "Contract Law in the Electronic Age", and Savar will be speaking on the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ("E-SIGN").

Savar is a partner in Montgomery McCracken's Business Department, and is experienced in a broad array of corporate and commercial matters including mergers & acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, debt financings, licensing arrangements, corporate governance, securities matters, entity formation and general contractual matters.

Vincent M. DeOrchis joins Montgomery McCracken as partner of the Maritime & Transportation Practice

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery McCracken announced today the appointment of Vincent M. DeOrchis as partner of the maritime and transportation practice. DeOrchis and his team will reside in the firm's midtown Manhattan office, effective March 15. The office is located at 437 Madison Avenue.

"Vince brings a whole career of expertise in maritime law to our firm and we are excited to work with him," said Chairman of Montgomery McCracken, Richard L. Scheff.

Mr. DeOrchis has handled many of the leading cases in U.S. Maritime law involving cargo, charter party, limitation of liability and hull claims. He has tried numerous cases, appeals and arbitrations throughout the United States. As a consulting expert to the U.S. State Department, Mr. DeOrchis advises on the UNCITRAL project - a new international cargo liability instrument awaiting ratification by the United States.

Mr. DeOrchis previously served on the Board of Directors of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and the Board of Directors of New York Maritime, Inc. (NYMAR). He is the former chairman of the MLA's Committee on Carriage of Goods.

Mr. DeOrchis graduated from Fordham College and Fordham Law School. He has been included in "Best Lawyers in America," and Chambers Global as well as USA listings of ranked lawyers. He co-authored "Negotiation - An Attorney's Manual" and "Inside the Minds: Founding a Law Firm."

Mr. DeOrchis is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Courts in New York, as well as the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Texts, Tweets and Skype bring new forms of legal issues

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Mishkin, presenter for Internet Defamation seminar, discusses redress

Montgomery McCracken partner Jeremy Mishkin was the course planner and a presenter for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute CLE program "Internet Defamation," a program focusing on the legal risks arising from the new media and the newer forms of web-based communication and how the law has developed to address these novel issues. Mishkin and others discussed the key differences between handling traditional media defamation cases and those cases that arise from Internet communications. He presented practical tips on how best to protect a client's reputation, strategies to deal with the anonymous Internet defamer, ethical issues that arise in these matters, and the evolving protections available to the online media under the Communications Decency Act.

Mishkin is the chairman of Montgomery McCracken's Litigation Department and served as the firm's managing partner for 7 years. Mishkin's practice is national in scope and focuses on First Amendment/media law issues, as well as technology, the Internet and complex commercial matters.

Mishkin writes and speaks frequently on a variety of topics relating to the Internet, including social media, communications and privacy online, as well as defamation, censorship and access in both traditional and new media.

Ellen Brotman, Speaker at NACDL White Collar Defense College

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP partner Ellen C. Brotman was a faculty member and speaker at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers White Collar Criminal Defense College at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. Brotman was a panelist for "Investigating the Case and Accompanying Ethical Issues" and the breakout session "Retention of Counsel, the Search, & Investigating the Case."

Brotman is a partner in Montgomery McCracken's Government Investigations and White Collar Crime practice. Her work, which often involves complex trial, sentencing and appellate issues, concentrates on government investigations and white collar crime and representation of attorneys before the Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Brotman is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), having received certification from the Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE) Academy.

She is a frequent lecturer and member of numerous industry associations and committees. Brotman is the co-author of a professional conduct article which appears regularly in The Legal Intelligencer.

Monica Hennessy, panelist for diversity/sustainability workshop

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Panelists discuss how diversity and sustainability practices enhance social interaction, employment experience, the economy, and the environment.

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP partner R. Monica Hennessy was a panelist for the workshop "Dynamic Sustainability: The role of diversity in creating a sustainable world." Hennessy and co-panelists presented real-life examples of how diversity creates a stronger community, a more unified and productive employment experience, a more robust economy, and ultimately, a healthier environment.

Hennessy is a partner and co-chair of Montgomery McCracken's Sustainable Business Practice Group. She serves as the chair of the In-House Programs Subcommittee of the firm's Diversity Committee. In her practice, Hennessy advises businesses and employers on sustainability and sustainable or "green" practices and policies that promote profitability and productivity. Her practice is concentrated in three principal areas, labor and employment, admiralty and maritime, and in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution.

Hennessy serves on the board of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and has been co-chair of the Board and its Programming and Governance Committees, and chair of its Personnel Committee. She serves on the Executive Board of Sustainable Cherry Hill.

Ms. Hennessy is admitted to practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Montgomery McCracken Formalizes New York Office Expansion Plan With Kurzman Karelsen & Frank, LLP

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

New York, NY - March 20, 2012 - Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, LLP, a

Philadelphia-based multi-disciplinary law firm celebrating its Centennial this year,

announced today that attorneys from New York-based Kurzman Karelsen & Frank, LLP,

have joined the firm and greatly expanded Montgomery McCracken's office in New

York City.

The firm's offices are located at 437 Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. By April

1st the New York office will have 18 attorneys and plans to reach 30 lawyers over the

next two years.

"We are delighted to join forces with attorneys from a firm with an impressive legacy and

track record in New York," said Chairman of Montgomery McCracken, Richard L.

Scheff.

Last year's opening of Montgomery McCracken's New York office was in response to

client requests for a Manhattan presence. The move of Kurzman, Karelsen & Frank

attorneys to Montgomery McCracken brings practice depth to Kurzman's client and

prospect base.

"We now have decades of experience in the areas of interest to our clients including

mergers, acquisitions, securities and business law, corporate governance, joint ventures

and corporate finance," said Managing Partner of Montgomery McCracken's New York

office, Lee D. Unterman. He spent the last 10 years building Kurzman's M&A, real

estate, corporate and litigation groups.

About Montgomery McCracken

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP celebrates a century of success in 2012.

With its headquarters in Philadelphia, Montgomery McCracken is a multidisciplinary law

firm with offices in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Wilmington, DE. The

firm serves the legal needs of publicly traded corporations, middle-market companies,

start-up enterprises, non-profit organizations, and individuals on a wide range of legal

matters across a broad spectrum of industries.

Natalie Ramsey, Speaker at Asbestos Litigation Conference held in Beverly Hills, CA

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP partner Natalie D. Ramsey was a panelist for Asbestos Bankruptcy - Recent Developments, a Perrin: Cutting Edge Issues in Asbestos Litigation Conference held in Beverly Hills, CA. Ramsey and colleagues addressed pending §524g bankruptcy cases including that of Bondex, Garlock, Pittsburgh Corning and others. Other topics discussed were judicial management and recent developments regarding bankruptcy trust-related disclosures.

Ramsey, a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy and board certified in business bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification, is the chair of Montgomery McCracken's Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring practice and vice-chair of its Corporate Litigation practice. She currently serves as president of the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project, a nonprofit organization comprised of attorneys, paralegals and law students who provide direct, pro bono legal representation to the indigent seeking to obtain the protection of the Bankruptcy Court. Ramsey is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

MONTGOMERY MCCRACKEN ELECTS NEW PARTNERS FOR 2012

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

William W. Keffer and David J. Roper Named Newest Firm Partners

Montgomery McCracken today announced that the firm has named William W. Keffer and David J. Roper to its partnership, effective March 1, 2012. Mr. Keffer and Mr. Roper are members of the Firm's Business Department.

William W. Keffer represents non profit and for profit (privately held) companies in connection with their general operations, structure, governance, compliance, mergers, acquisitions, succession planning and other transactions, including international dealings. Mr. Keffer has extensive experience handling all types of commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financings and also all types of liquor licensing matters, where he represents local, regional and national clients in alcoholic beverage matters. Mr Keffer also represents corporate trustees and foundations in all aspects of their operations and he counsels individuals and families in connection with their estate planning and estate administration.

Mr. Keffer's professional and civic association activities include the Philadelphia Bar Association, for which he serves as an Executive Committee member of the Real Property Section and the Rose Valley Borough Zoning Hearing Board. He is a trustee of Camp Tecumseh, a boy's camp located in Center Harbor, New Hampshire and a member of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). Mr. Keffer is a soccer coach in the Nether Providence Athletic Association.

Mr. Keffer is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mr. Keffer received a J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law in 1994 where he served as a staff articles advisor for the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law. He graduated from Denison University with a B.A. degree in History and minor in Spanish in 1988.

David J. Roper concentrates his practice on transactional work in the pharmaceutical industry. He is experienced in drafting and negotiating commercial and intellectual property agreements, including patent, technology and software license agreements, supply agreements, manufacturing agreements, asset purchase agreements, license agreements to license compounds in for development and commercialization as drugs, license agreements for research tools, sponsored research agreements with universities, and research collaboration, software development, service, testing, consulting, material transfer and confidentiality agreements. His experience also includes negotiating agreements with European and Japanese companies, drafting and prosecuting patent and trademark applications, and mergers and acquisitions, including extensive involvement in two multi-billion dollar divestitures. He has extensive experience in providing legal services to in-house business development, research and development, and procurement personnel in the pharmaceutical industry.

Prior to joining Montgomery McCracken, Mr. Roper was engaged for five years as an independent contractor on a full-time basis by a multi-billion dollar international pharmaceutical company to serve as outside counsel and provide ongoing counseling and legal services to a team of in-house personnel that was responsible for ongoing product development initiatives and for supporting the research and development of new drugs. Prior to that engagement, he served as in-house counsel for eleven years in several chemical and pharmaceutical companies, including U.S. subsidiaries of European owned companies. His in-house experience includes serving as an Associate General Counsel at DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company, as Chief Patent Counsel at Avecia Inc., and as a Senior Attorney, Intellectual Property at Zeneca Inc.

Mr. Roper is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. He is also registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Roper received a J.D. degree from the University of Chicago School of Law in 1984. He earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry, summa cum laude, from Furman University in 1981. He graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1987.

Montgomery McCracken's Centennial Celebration

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

March 1, 2012 marked the commencement of the centennial year for Philadelphia-headquartered Montgomery McCracken. Bringing together personnel from all 6 of its offices, the celebration included music performed by Curtis Institute alumni and a surprise flash opera performed by members of the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Richard L. Scheff, firm chairman, presided over the feastivities. Pictured are Stephen A. Madva, former chairman and current managing partner, Carter Buller, former chairman and current senior counsel, and Richard L. Scheff.

Montgomery McCracken and Philadelphia Reads Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday

abuechner@mmwr.com () — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Students from Southwark Elementary School and their Philadelphia Reads coaches from Montgomery McCracken celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 1 with a reading of Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Montgomery McCracken has been a Philadelphia Reads Power Partner since 2000. March 1 marked the beginning of the firm's centennial year.