Filings in Civil (Non-Criminal) Cases in Pennsylvania Federal courts in Pennsylvania have required electronic filing for decades, going so far as to fine litigants $150 for trying to file a civil claim — or written defense — in person. This applies to all civil claims for negligence — car accident,…
Windfall Recovery in PA? The Collateral Source Rule
When you make a claim for negligence — whether it be from a fall on slippery property or your painting contractor tipping over a paint can in your living room (destroying your hardwood floors) — you can sue for compensation. That much is clear. But what happens your own insurance…
A Season to Hire a Western PA Attorney: Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter
Those who live outside of Western PA — where our Pittsburgh lawyers practice — may need to hire an attorney located in this geographic area in every season. Perhaps you suffered a physical injury in Western PA and need representation. Or, you entered into a contract with someone in the…
Bring All PA Civil Claims At Once, or Else.
Litigation is time consuming and expensive, both in terms of the filing fees and lawyer costs, making “small claims court” a desirable path for many litigants. There, you get a hearing right away (in weeks versus months) and you don’t need a lawyer. In fact, you can fill-out the Complaint…
Home Inspection Contract | Enforceability | Arbitration
Purchasing a home is exciting, especially when you obtain in advance of the sale a report from a home inspector, to better understand the property you’re buying. Nobody likes surprises that waste your time and money, right? But what happens when the inspector fails to note an important defect: something…
Admission Pro Hac Vice (& How To Lose it) in PA
Our Pittsburgh lawyers regularly help attorneys outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gain admission to handle a case in PA, via motion for admission pro hac vice, which is latin for handling “one thing” or “one case.” Click here to learn about the simple process. We’re always happy to serve as…
Pittsburgh Lawyer | Pro Hac Vice
Limited Admission to Handle One Case in Western PA Lawyers admitted in jurisdictions outside of Western Pennsylvania can gain admission to practice law in Western PA “pro hac vice.” The latin meaning is, “for this occasion” or “for this event” (literally, “for this turn”). This makes sense. The type of…
Discriminatory Work Restriction: PA Attorney General Supports Ban
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a ban on every non-compete agreement, nationwide. However, noncompete agreements remain legal in Pennsylvania — in certain limited instances. That said, Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, Michelle Henry, supports a ban of non-competes. While there’s nothing pending by the AG’s office in PA to ban…
See the Agreement Right Up Front (PA Rule 1019)
Breach of Contract Litigation: Show Me the Contract! Many clients ask us, how long will my civil litigation case actually take — for breach of contract, property damage, or physical injuries? The answer is, “It depends. Could be a while.” This is because the Complaint — filed to enforce one’s…
PA Representation Needed – Parties Elect Litigation in PA
Our Pittsburgh lawyers regularly serve as local counsel in contractual disputes between parties having almost nothing to do with Pittsburgh. So then, why Pittsburgh — as the place to file or have to defend a suit? Can Your Contract Determine The Forum to Bring Challenges? Yes. A contract is like a…
