What’s New?

In this issue, you’ll gain insight into the new trend of 3D-printed building and big changes to public design-build construction rules in New Jersey. We also highlight many new faces, promotions, and accolades, and, in honor of Women’s History Month, the women at Cohen Seglias and elsewhere whose contributions deserve celebrating!

Sydney Pierce, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Christopher W. Sexton, Co-Editor-in-Chief

New Faces

William R. Firth, III is a partner in our Delaware office. He advises individuals, officers/directors, investors and companies on legal issues arising in the course of doing business. Bill litigates disputes in all Delaware courts involving the interpretation and enforcement of contractual agreements, corporate governance documents, and financial wrongdoing. When clients encounter issues such as shareholder and partnership disputes, sale-related contract disputes, and various business tort claims, they turn to Bill to resolve such claims quickly and efficiently while protecting their business interests.

Stephen D. Tobin is senior counsel in our Government Contracting Group. Based in our Washington, DC office, Steve brings considerable government experience to the firm’s clients, having served as an associate counsel for litigation and senior trial attorney in the Department of the Navy’s Office of General Counsel. As a result of his work with the Navy, Steve helps clients strategize the best approaches for negotiation and litigation involving complex federal contracts. He also advises companies and individuals facing government investigations under the False Claims Act.

Nicholas F. Morello joined our Philadelphia office as an associate in the Business Transactions and Construction Contracts & Risk Management Groups. He drafts, analyzes, and revises agreements that are essential for business transactions, advising clients on potential risk and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The initial stages of a project or deal formation can establish the tone for the transaction going forward; Nick helps lay the groundwork by conducting due diligence and advising on best practices for mitigating risks and liability.

Aislinn Sroczynski returned to Cohen Seglias as an associate in our Philadelphia office. As a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Group, Aislinn assists clients at every stage of commercial disputes, from drafting initial demand letters to filing appeals. She conducts legal research on coverage issues, liens, and potential damages, and drafts memos analyzing business and legal risks. Aislinn was a summer associate with Cohen Seglias in 2020.

Cody M. Wolpert joined our Philadelphia office as an associate in the Construction Group. She counsels owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and other construction parties throughout the course of a project and guides them through the resolution process when disputes arise. Cody conducts legal research, drafts motions and pleadings, and helps prepare clients and witnesses for depositions and trials.

Cohen Seglias Promotes Two Attorneys to Partner

We are pleased to announce the promotions of Casey McKinnon and Whitney O’Reilly to the firm’s partnership. Casey is located in the firm’s Washington, DC office and Whitney is based in the Philadelphia office. Brionna Denby and Evan Rassman, both of the Wilmington office, have also been promoted to senior counsel.

Casey J. McKinnon counsels government contractors on a broad range of federal contracting issues, including the filing of bid protests, interpretation of solicitation and contract provisions, resolution of disputes, and the preparation of contract claims and litigation of appeals. He is a trusted advisor on complex questions concerning the intricacies of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), domestic preference requirements, and day-to-day issues arising from contract performance on both domestic and international projects.

Whitney Patience O’Reilly joined Cohen Seglias in 2018 and is an integral member of the firm’s Wealth Preservation Group, collaborating with clients to find legal solutions that address their needs, preserve wealth for future generations, and minimize tax consequences. She regularly handles estate tax audits and has successfully administered hundreds of estates and trusts ranging in value from a few million dollars to more than 100 million dollars. Clients turn to Whitney for her guidance on estate and tax planning and administration and value her approach of understanding their business operations, priorities and goals to find innovative solutions.

Brionna L. Denby is a member of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Internal Investigations, Government Law & Regulatory Affairs, Research Misconduct, and Title IX Groups. She regularly assists clients that are faced with allegations of wrongdoing and helps them successfully navigate complex investigations and governmental inquiries resulting in legally defensible decisions.

Evan Rassman works with real estate developers, investors, banks, retail tenants, and other stakeholders on complex commercial real estate transactions, including complex commercial financings, joint ventures, acquisitions and sales, real estate lending, commercial leasing, workouts, and restructurings.

Congratulations to Anthony L. Byler and Christopher D. Carusone

Congratulations to Tony Byler and Chris Carusone, who were named shareholders and joined the firm’s board of directors! Both Tony and Chris have made significant contributions to Cohen Seglias’ success and growth over the years.

Brionna L. Denby Recognized Among Delaware Today’s Top Women in Business

We are proud to announce that Brionna Denby is among 2021’s “Top Women in Business,” the Delaware Today’s list of the 40 most empowering women doing business in Delaware. Honorees were selected based on their professional achievements and contributions to their community.

Brionna is recognized for her legal work in the white collar, internal investigations and Title IX arenas, a dedication to the local community, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. The profile highlights her notable leadership roles, which have included serving as president for the Delaware Barristers Association, as well as her varied professional background. In discussing the importance of diversity, inclusion and representation, Brionna says, “My message to youth is to consider aspirations and careers that may not be visible in your immediate network. Growing up in Wilmington, I didn’t know any black attorneys, but just because I didn’t see it, didn’t mean that I couldn’t do it. I just kept taking small steps toward my goals and was determined to finish what I started.”

Cohen Seglias Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List

We are pleased to announce that 11 Cohen Seglias attorneys are listed in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Lawyers are recognized based on an exhaustive peer-review process. In addition, a number of attorneys are included in “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which recognizes extraordinary lawyers who have been in private practice for fewer than 10 years.

Attorneys Recognized as 2022 “Best Lawyers”

Lori Wisniewski Azzara, Litigation – Construction
Jonathan A. Cass, Insurance Law
Roy S. Cohen, Litigation – Construction
Jason A. Copley, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Shawn R. Farrell, Litigation – Construction
Marc Furman, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
John A. Greenhall, Construction Law
Michael F. McKenna, Litigation – Construction
George E. Pallas, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Edward Seglias, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Lisa M. Wampler, Litigation – Construction
Steven M. Williams, Commercial Litigation

Attorneys Recognized as 2022 “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”

Kathleen M. Morley, Litigation – Construction
Jennifer R. Budd, Litigation – Construction
Marc B. Cytryn, Labor and Employment Law – Management
Kelsey E. Riehle, Litigation – Construction
Alexander F. Spilberg, Commercial Litigation (new this year)

Cohen Seglias Recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® on the 2022 “Best Law Firms List”

We are pleased to announce that Cohen Seglias is named in the 2022 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list nationally for construction and regionally in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and New Jersey for various practice areas. Firms included in the 2022 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal acumen. The firm is listed in the following areas:

• Litigation – Construction: National Tier 1, Metropolitan Tier 1 Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Tier 3 New Jersey
• Construction Law: National Tier 2, Metropolitan Tier 1 Philadelphia
• Commercial Litigation: Metropolitan Tier 1 Harrisburg
• Employment Law – Management: Metropolitan Tier 2 Philadelphia
• Labor Law – Management: Metropolitan Tier 2 Philadelphia
• Insurance Law: Metropolitan Tier 3 Philadelphia

2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk

For the sixth year in a row, the Cohen Seglias team, consisting of employees, family, friends, and pets, reunited at the annual Philadelphia Heart Walk to support of the American Heart Association’s mission of building healthier lives free of heart diseases and stroke. Leading up to the walk, the firm hosted fundraising events throughout October and September and raised over $2,500.