What’s New?
In our first issue of 2020, you will learn about the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the construction industry. As a party to a construction contract, we address how you can effectively adapt to this fluid and perilous situation. In addition, you will learn about recent developments in connection with non-compliance with wage and labor laws, as well as the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s consideration of subsurface property rights. In the Q&A on the back cover, you will learn more about our newest partners, Matthew Gioffre and Michael Metz-Topodas.
Please reach out to us with any concerns during these challenging times. We are here to help you navigate through them.
Ashling A. Ehrhardt, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Christopher W. Sexton, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Sydney Pierce, Associate Editor
Cohen Seglias Coronavirus Update
As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic evolve, the rules are changing every day as federal, state, and local lawmakers issue new regulations, restrictions, and reporting requirements. Cohen Seglias attorneys are closely monitoring the legal and regulatory landscape to provide clients and contacts with up-to-date information and advice. For all updates and webinars, please visit our COVID-19 Resources page.
During this pandemic, our focus remains on the health and well-being of our employees, clients, and communities. The firm is fully open for business, but we are working remotely.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We hope that you and your loved ones stay safe as we navigate through the challenges that lie ahead.
New Faces
Stephen A. Venzie joined Cohen Seglias as senior counsel in the Wilmington, DE office. As an experienced construction litigator, Steve counsels public and private owners, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and sureties through all stages of public, private, and federal projects. Before joining Cohen Seglias, he served as a vice president of a well-respected, boutique law firm specializing in construction law and litigation.
Congratulations to Matthew Gioffre and Michael Metz-Topodas!
We are pleased to announce the promotions of Matthew Gioffre and Michael Metz-Topodas to partners of the firm, effective January 1, 2020.
Matthew Gioffre focuses his practice on complex construction law claims on behalf of general contractors, subcontractors, design-builders, and material suppliers. He has broad experience litigating claims involving construction and design defects, product defects, delays, unforeseen conditions, and out-of-scope work claims on public, private, and federal projects. Matt also pursues and defends lien claims, bond claims, and Miller Act claims. In addition, he negotiates contracts on behalf of project owners, general contractors, and subcontractors on large commercial construction projects. Matt has been recognized on the Super Lawyers’ Pennsylvania Rising Stars List for Construction Litigation every year since 2013.
Michael Metz-Topodas represents general contractors, subcontractors, owners, designers, and suppliers on private, public, and federal projects. He handles cases in state and federal court dealing with a range of construction issues, such as delay and inefficiency claims, design and construction defects, unforeseen site conditions, project scope disputes, and bond and mechanics lien claims. Michael also helps clients navigate enforcement and investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. His commercial litigation work includes disputes over corporate ownership and shareholders’ rights and insurance coverage issues, as well as Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act claims.
Firm Promotions
Cohen Seglias is excited to announce several additional promotions. To meet the needs of our growing firm, we have made changes to our management structure. In addition to serving as Managing Partner, George E. Pallas is now Chief Executive Officer and will focus on client relationships and firm strategic growth. Steven M. Williams is the Administrative Partner, a new role responsible for legal operations within the firm. Steve will work closely with Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Garrity on administrative operations. Both George and Steve will continue their legal practices and representations of clients.
In addition, Christopher D. Carusone was named Managing Partner of the firm’s Harrisburg office and Jonathan Cass was promoted to Chair of the Commercial Litigation Group
Congratulations to Lane F. Kelman!
Congratulations to Lane Kelman, Chair of the firm’s Green Building Group, who was named a shareholder and joined the firm’s Board of Directors. Lane has made significant contributions to Cohen Seglias’ success and growth over the past 19 years. In his construction litigation practice, Lane represents developers, general contractors, and trades in complex construction matters throughout the United States and internationally. He has extensive experience with both private and public projects. Lane’s work ranges from contract negotiations to claim prevention and management, construction defects, and suspension and debarment proceedings.
Cohen Seglias Continues Tradition of Holiday Season Giving
Cohen Seglias is proud to continue our tradition of supporting various children’s charities throughout the holiday season with toy collections and monetary donations. Cohen Seglias matches all contributions.
Lisa M. Wampler, Managing Partner of the Pittsburgh office, with the office donations.
