Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we function in life. This author relied heavily on Google Gemini and ChatGPT when building our new law firm from the ground up in the Law and Finance Building. AI helped with everything from building the corporate structure of the new company, to…
We Have You Covered: Western PA Attorneys
Have an Agreement to Arbitrate? You Can Still Lose the Right in PA
Arbitration agreements are common throughout Pennsylvania. They appear in employment contracts, nursing home admission agreements, consumer transactions, construction contracts, financial documents, business agreements, and digital terms of service. An arbitration clause can fundamentally change a legal dispute. Instead of having a case decided by a judge or jury in a…
Appealing a PA State Court Order: Three Common Mistakes
For many litigants, a trial court’s decision feels like the end of the case. In reality, however, civil litigation often continues into the appellate courts. Even then, appellate practice is fundamentally different from trial practice, with the latter being our focus. Lawyers frequently describe appeals as a “separate animal.” The…
Can You Drop a Lawsuit in PA State Court and Re-File It Later?
Litigation is often more stressful, expensive, and time-consuming than expected. As a case progresses, things often change. You may find legal expenses difficult to afford. Maybe the other side fights your case at every turn, harder than expected. Maybe you need time to reconsider your legal strategy or representation. …
Homeowners Beware: Contractor Promises “Free” Repair of Storm Damage in PA
After every major storm, homeowners across Pennsylvania are approached by contractors offering what sounds like an easy solution: “Your property (often a roof) has storm damage.” “Insurance will cover it.” “The repairs will be free, except maybe your deductible.” Sometimes those statements turn out to be true. …
Suing Someone Who Lives in Another Country? The Hague Service Convention
In today’s global economy, it is increasingly common for Americans to do business with individuals and companies located overseas. International travel, online commerce, remote work, and foreign investment have made cross-border disputes far more common than they once were. If a U.S. court has jurisdiction over the dispute—for example,…
Defendants: Be Careful What You Share With Others!
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Common Interest Privilege Most people know that conversations with their attorney are generally confidential. That protection is called the attorney-client privilege. However, what happens when two different people or companies, each with their own lawyers, need to work together on the same legal problem? Examples include: Plaintiff falls…
PA Superior Court Revives WUCP Claim: Carmen Enterprises v. Goldin
The Pennsylvania Superior Court’s recent decision in Carmen Enterprises, Inc. v. Ely Goldin, Esq. and Fox Rothschild, LLP is a important reminder about PA’s Wrongful Use of Civil Proceedings Act (“WUCP”), 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 8351–8354 (often called the “Dragonetti Act“). The Superior Court confirmed that a WUCPA claim can be…
Electronic Signature in PA: Validity, Authentication & Need For a Hearing
Introduction Electronic signatures now dominate modern commerce, employment relationships, consumer transactions, and litigation. Yet Pennsylvania courts continue to confront a recurring question: when a party denies signing an electronic agreement, what evidence sufficiently authenticates the electronic signature and proves assent? The Pennsylvania Superior Court’s recent decision in Levin v. Prime…
Piercing the Corporate Veil in PA After In re: Dravo LLC—Derivative Claims Against Carmeuse Lime, Inc.
Pennsylvania’s General Veil-Piercing Standard Pennsylvania strongly presumes that corporations and LLCs are separate legal entities, meaning, the entity generally protects the owners of the entity from personal liability. Courts “pierce the corporate veil” only in limited circumstances and only “whenever justice or public policy demand.” The doctrine is equitable in…
