What’s New?

Wishing you a Happy New Year! In this issue, you will learn about Smart Contracts and the use of blockchain technology in the construction industry, subcontracting considerations for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, and new legislation in Virginia related to contingent payment provisions in construction subcontracts. If you have any questions or suggested topics for future issues, do not hesitate to reach out.

Michael I. Schwartz, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Christopher W. Sexton, Co-Editor-in-Chief

New Faces

William M. Buchanan is a partner in our Pittsburgh office and co-chair of the new Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Group. He focuses his practice on bankruptcy, creditor rights, commercial litigation, collections, real estate and litigation. His clients include banks, lenders, credit unions, mortgagees, property managers, condominium and planned community associations and medical facilities. Will counsels and represents clients who are creditors or interested parties in bankruptcy proceedings, clients who are seeking to obtain judgments or to utilize their collection and foreclosure remedies and clients who are in involved in contract disputes.

As a partner in the Newark office, Craig H. Parker offers local and national construction contractors, surety companies, and commercial clients strategic legal and business counsel. His work begins at the onset of project development when he drafts, reviews and negotiates construction contracts and financing, indemnity, and security agreements. Throughout construction, Craig works with architects, engineers and design professionals to ensure compliance with state and local regulations and manage potential claims.

Kanwal S. Awan is the newest addition to our Newark office. As an associate, she represents owners, general contractors and subcontractors in all aspects of business disputes, including matters of general liability and construction-specific litigation issues. Kanwal researches complex legal issues, drafts memoranda and helps analyze risk and potential outcomes. She also drafts pleadings, motions, legal briefs and supporting documents for submission to court including summary judgment motions, motions to dismiss, and motions to reconsider.

Nicholas M. Bencsics is an associate in the Pittsburgh office. He advises owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals on all aspects of commercial disputes. In his practice, Nick researches and drafts pleadings, memoranda and briefs involving complex legal issues. He also drafts and responds to discovery requests, counsels clients on litigation strategies, and has experience taking and defending depositions.

As an associate in the Labor & Employment Group in Philadelphia, Dana B. Hasness counsels public and private employers in all aspects of employment law and litigation, from employee policies to disputes over wrongful termination. She crafts employee handbooks and employment contracts, and regularly advises clients on employment issues involving leaves of absence, wage and hour, discrimination and other workplace issues.

Cohen Seglias Launches Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Group, Names William M. Buchanan and William R. Firth, III as Co-Chairs

We are pleased to announce that William Buchanan and William Firth have been named co-chairs of the firm’s newly formed Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Group. The Group works with clients to enforce their rights as creditors and interested parties, ensure priority and distribution rights, and navigate debt collections. The team is composed of attorneys who work with clientele of all sizes across various industries, with experience in reorganizations, receiverships, workout and forbearance agreements, commercial foreclosures and insolvency proceedings. The group also handles matters involving the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and represents parties in secured transactions under Article 9.

Cohen Seglias’ DC Office Among the 2022 “Best Places to Work”

Our DC office is one of the Washington Business Journal’s 2022 “Best Places to Work.” The office, led by managing partner Paul Thaler, makes its first appearance on the list and ranks ninth among the list’s 20 small businesses (10-24 employees).

The publication’s “Best Places to Work” honors 75 Greater Washington area companies that scored highest in a Quantum Workplace employee engagement survey. Results are based on survey responses from employees; all honored companies earned high scores for leadership, culture, benefits and other metrics.

Cohen Seglias Ranked in Chambers USA 2022

The firm is recognized in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the preeminent legal ranking of attorneys and law firms.

The firm’s Construction Group is named a leading practice in Pennsylvania and our New Jersey construction practice is again similarly recognized. Chambers USA describes the firm as having “an exceptional construction practice.”

The firm continues to increase its rankings from the previous year, and this group represents the largest number of Cohen Seglias attorneys recognized by Chambers USA, with three additions in 2022:

• Anthony L. Byler – Pennsylvania Construction (new this year, Band 3 )
• Christopher D. Carusone – Pennsylvania White Collar Crime & Government Investigations (new this year, Band 4)
• Roy S. Cohen – Pennsylvania Construction (Band 3)
• Jason A. Copley – Pennsylvania Construction (Band 3)
• Shawn R. Farrell – Pennsylvania Construction (Band 3)
• Lane F. Kelman – Pennsylvania Construction (new this year, Band 3)
• Mike F. McKenna – New Jersey Construction (Band 1 )
• George E. Pallas – Pennsylvania Construction (Eminent Practitioners)
• Edward Seglias – Pennsylvania Construction (Band 2)

Cohen Seglias Ranked Sixth Nationally by Construction Executive’s “The Top 50 Construction Law Firms® of 2022”

Cohen Seglias ranks sixth in Construction Executive’s “The Top 50 Construction Law Firms® of 2022,” a list ranking construction law firms nationwide.

Construction Executive, a leading industry publication, surveyed hundreds of law firms with dedicated construction practices throughout the United States. Factors in the rankings covered the general scope and breadth of the firm’s construction practice, including the number of construction attorneys; the number of states in which the firm is licensed to practice; and the year in which the construction practice was established.

Cohen Seglias Recommended for Education in the 2022 Edition of The Legal 500

We are excited to announce that the firm is recognized in The Legal 500 for our work in the education sector. The firm’s Research Misconduct, Student Defense and Title IX Groups are lauded in the editorial.

Partners Paul Thaler and Shan Wu are noted for their leadership of the groups and considerable experience in their fields, and partner Julie Grohovsky is highlighted for her work with sexual harassment matters. Associate Paul Simon’s efforts on behalf of scientists in plagiarism and fabrication matters are also recognized, as is Ashling Ehrhardt’s noteworthy Title IX work for educational institutions and private individuals.

The Legal 500 analyzes the capabilities of law firms across the world with a comprehensive research program that highlights the practice area teams providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice to corporate clients. The publication’s research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

George Pallas Named a Distinguished Leader by The Legal Intelligencer

George Pallas is among The Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 “Distinguished Leaders.” The award recognizes lawyers or law firm professionals who achieved impressive results and demonstrated notable leadership skills.

Over his six-year tenure as managing partner, George has guided the firm’s continued growth, adding both experienced attorneys and capabilities to enhance our services. His dedication to his employees and leadership has helped carry the firm through an unprecedented pandemic. George’s efforts led to the deployment of new technologies and the implementation of a more flexible work environment. He is a strong advocate for his clients, providing day-to-day business guidance and resolving disputes through arbitration, mediation and, when necessary, trial.

The American Lawyer Northeast Trailblazers 2022: Michael Payne

Partner Michael Payne is noted among The American Lawyer’s 2022 Northeast Trailblazers. Trailblazers are recognized attorneys based in the Northeast region of the United States who have made significant marks on the practice, policy and technological advancements in their practice areas. Attorneys must be barred or based in the region encompassing Maine, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

Michael McKenna Honored Among NJBiz’ ICONS

Newark managing partner Michael McKenna is included among NJBiz’ 2022 ICONS. The awards recognize local leaders over the age of 60 for their career-long dedication to their industries and the state’s larger business community.

Mike concentrates his practice on the construction industry, counseling contractors, engineers, architects, owners and subcontractors on myriad legal issues. He was previously recognized as one of NJBiz 2021 “Leaders in Law” and is ranked in Chambers USA for his construction work.

Lisa Wampler and Steve Williams Named to City & State Pennsylvania’s 2022 “Construction Power 75”

Pittsburgh partner Lisa Wampler and Harrisburg managing partner Steve Williams are noted among City & State Pennsylvania’s inaugural “Construction Power 75,” a list highlighting notable builders, contractors, public officials, construction managers, consultants, lawyers and advocates who are building (and rebuilding) the commonwealth. Lisa and Steve are lauded for their experience and leadership in their respective practices of construction and real estate.

Christopher D. Carusone Listed Among City & State Pennsylvania’s “2022 Law Power 100”

Christopher Carusone, managing partner of the firm’s Pittsburgh office, is among the City & State Pennsylvania’s “Law Power 100.” The list recognizes the district attorneys, federal prosecutors, white collar defense attorneys, public interest lawyers, law school deans and bar association leaders who are shaping the legal and political direction of Pennsylvania. Chris is noted for his extensive government experience and work advising corporations in their dealings with government agencies.

No aspect of these rankings has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. View award methodologies.