Remembering Judge Anthony J. DeFino, a Great Philadelphia Jurist

Gina Furia Rubel & The Honorable Anthony J. DeFino, Beccaria Award 2008

The passing of The Honorable Anthony J. DeFino last night is a terrible tragedy.  The news reported that the Judge’s home on the 2500 block of 20th Street in South Philadelphia caught fire. The Judge did not make it out alive.

Today, the Philadelphia legal community mourns along with his wife Rose, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. My heart and prayers go out to all of them.

Judge DeFino was known to so many people in so many different ways. He was a devoted family man and a zealous jurist. He was a community man and a proud Italian-American.

He was the founder of the Order of Brotherly Love, a past president of the Frank Palumbo Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America, and he was an Ex Officio member of the Board of Governors of The Justinian Society of Philadelphia.

I never tried a case in front of his honor, but I did have the pleasure to serve with him on the board of The Justinian Society. Every meeting was brighter and lighter when he was in the room. His smile was contagious.

One fond memory is from 2008. I was the Justinian Chancellor and we honored Judge DeFino with the Cesare Beccaria Award, the highest award given by the Justinian Society in partnership with the Criminal Justice Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

The Beccaria Award is given to an individual who promotes the cause of justice and the advancement of legal education, and who exemplifies the ideals of Cesare Beccaria, an Italian scholar whose writings would help lay the foundation for the modern legal system.

On that day, I quoted the late Honorable Lisa A. Richette, who said, “…it is clear that a voice like Beccaria’s is divinely inspired, and in turn, throughout the centuries, continues to uplift us to a vision of justice luminous with both humanity and discipline. Beccaria’s vision is a lasting memorial to the potential majesty of the law and to the beauty of the human spirit.”

And it was in the spirit of justice that we presented the Beccaria Award to our friend and longtime member, Judge Anthony DeFino, a man with a distinguished career in the field of criminal law.

La morte non ci porta via completamente la persona amata, rimane sempre il suo ricordo che ci incita a continuare. Coraggio. (Death doesn't take away completely a loved person whose memory lasts and induce us to go on with courage.)

May God rest his soul.

Photo credit: Mike Mountain.

Maximizing Talk Shows and Roundtables: Philadelphia Media Panel May 16, 2013

Philadelphia Bar Association Bar-News Media Committee - Media Panel Discussion

Co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) and Delaware Valley Law Firm Marketing Group (DVLFMG)

Featuring:

Rachel Cieri
Managing Editor, SmartCEO Magazine

Lynn Doyle
Host/Executive Producer of "It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle" on The Comcast Network

Hank Grezlak
Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, The Legal Intelligencer

Wally Kennedy
News Anchor, KYW Newsradio

Moderated by:

Gina Furia Rubel, Esq.
Chair, Bar-News Media Committee (Moderator)

President/CEO, Furia Rubel Marketing and Public Relations

Other panelists to be announced.

Join award-winning Philadelphia region broadcasting and print trailblazers who will discuss the unique challenges of producing and hosting talk shows and roundtables on legal topics. Our all-star panel will share their experiences and challenges reporting on law-related issues, while providing attendees with insights on how they may become better resources and/or interview subjects.

Date: 
Thursday, May 16, 2013

Time: 

12:00 PM

Location: 
Philadelphia Bar Association
1101 Market Street
11th Floor Conference Center
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Registration Info: 
Lunch is available for $8.00 for members of the Philadelphia Bar Association and PPRA.

Cancellations require 24 hour notice to receive a refund.

Register today for what promises to be an exciting andenlightening conversation between the media and local lawyers.

Collegiality, Fairness and Majesty: A Portrait Unveiling of Judge William J. Mazzola

Last night, I had the honor to present opening remarks at the portrait unveiling of the Honorable William J. Mazzola. He has served as a Court of Common Pleas Judge in the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania for 31 years. My late father, Richard. F. Furia, Esq., presented the opening remarks at the Judge’s swearing-in in 1981 when I was just a pre-teen.

While I won’t repeat my speech, there are a few things that struck me as important to share with our blog readers. First is the importance of the judiciary in America.

Having served as a law clerk for several years, I got to witness first-hand the dedication, desire, determination and impartiality it takes to sit effectively on the bench. The ability to weigh facts and evidence, follow the letter of the law, take nothing personally, ignore public opinion and preside over a fair trial in order to effectuate justice is daunting. Yet, last night, every person who spoke about Judge Mazzola said that this is exactly what he has done for 31 years. He was serenaded, as you will, by President Judge Pamela Pryor Dembe and Judges C. Darnell Jones, Eugene E.J. Maier, Benjamin Lerner and Marlene Lachman. His praises were further sung by The Justinian Society Chancellor, Annette Ferrara, Philadelphia Councilman Dennis O’Brien, and attorneys Michael E. Wallace and Jay Gotleib. Everyone commented about the Judge’s sense of fairness, and ability to command a room, take charge and get things done. We all agreed that Judge Mazzola has served our legal community well throughout the years so it was our honor to present a visual legacy of His Honor to the Court.

Another truth that was reinforced for me last night is the collegiality of the bench and bar in Philadelphia. While Philadelphia is considered a large metropolitan city, our legal community is quite small. We’re all just one degree of separation away from the other. Last night, the Judge and his adoring family were surrounded by attorneys and judges with whom they have worked and socialized for more than three decades. Attorneys, paralegal and secretaries from Stack & Gallagher, where the judge worked in his early days in the office next to my father, were there in numbers. Former A.D.A.s who worked with the Judge came to celebrate his accomplishments. And of note, more than 20 judges attended the portrait unveiling to wish their colleague well.

Finally, as I walked the long, column-adorned corridors of City Hall on my way to the ceremonial court room on the sixth floor, I was reminded of the majesty and spender of the century-old home of Philadelphia’s government and judiciary. City Hall is the nation’s largest municipal building (larger than the U.S. Capitol). It is situated in the exact geographical center of William Penn's original 1682 plans for the city. The building is a unique architectural and sculptural triumph including more than 700 rooms and 250 architectural relief’s and freestanding sculptures, including its most famous 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn which stands atop the clock tower. Like Judge Mazzola with his father, Donato, I too walked the corridors hand-in-hand with my father as a young girl. Dad spoke of the majesty of the building and the hard-work of the people within it. He taught me to have a love of the law and respect for those who administer it. And he always told me that everything in life comes full circle – and so it did at Judge Mazzola’s portrait unveiling.

  

I concluded my remarks with the words of my father, delivered 31 years ago:

“Let us acknowledge our legacy – if we will this living canvas – as a monument reflecting the fondest hopes of his pioneer ancestors – who begins anew his life this time – certainly among colleagues who will encourage, support and respect his fortitude.”

Thoughts on My First Week as MarCom Director

Photo by Allure West Studios

Posted by Jonathan Morein

They say that when you start a new position, you should take plenty of notes.

Well, on this, my first week at Furia Rubel Communications in Bucks County, I’ve taken pages. Books even. So, for my first blog post, I thought I’d boil down my thoughts and share what I’ve learned so far. First, I have to say, this is going to be a great job! I’m amazed by my colleagues. They are organized and detailed and will challenge me to perform at my very best.

Second, I felt I knew the company, its philosophy and its team before I even got started. For a boutique integrated marketing agency, Furia Rubel has a powerhouse presence. Their posts about marketing have influenced my thinking for years. This speaks well for a company that practices what it preaches when it comes to the power of thought leadership.

Third, Furia Rubel is extremely well organized in its thinking and its programs. I’m amazed at the sophistication of our strategic planning processes. My first assignment is to prepare an assessment for a strategic marketing plan for a new client. I’ve conducted brand assessments many times before – or at least I thought I had. This one is like nothing I had ever seen. Comprehensive is an understatement, with dozens of questions on everything from their business model to their work style.

Why so much detail? I think it’s because Furia Rubel leaves nothing to chance. We’re building a blueprint for communications success. From great plans spring successful marketing and public relations campaigns. I’ve read through hundreds of strategic plans and these are the most detailed and well-integrated that I’ve seen in a long time.

Furia Rubel defines its process as “Communications Made Simple.” Achieving simplicity is hard work. It’s like being the proverbial duck gliding across the water. The smaller the ripples on the surface, the more furiously it’s paddling below.

Looking forward to paddling with you in the months ahead.

All the Best,
Jonathan Morein

By the way, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmorein or on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/JonMor to share your thoughts.

PPRA’s "Crisis PR & Reputation Management" March Luncheon Program

Posted by Leah Ludwig

This week I attended a great event on crisis PR and reputation management hosted by the Philadelphia Public Relations Association. The following panelists participated in the discussion: Karen Friedman of Karen Friedman Enterprises, Inc.; Jeff Jubelirer of Jubelirer Strategies; Anne Klein of Anne Klein Communications Group; and Joshua Peck of Duane Morris LLP. The event was moderated by Richard Maloney of SEPTA (and former KYW Newsradio reporter).

We often blog on this topic here at The PR Lawyer and the key points always seem to be the same – plan, plan, plan. Well, this event spoke about different ways to look at “crisis” situations and continual reputation management. Below follow some of the twitter conversation and my bulleted take-aways from the program.

• Crucial to have a crisis process in place as opposed to a crisis plan – since each situation is so different. (Richard Maloney)

One thing we can prevent in a #crisis is being caught unprepared. It’s a surprise when it happens, but it’s not unexpected - @annekleincg

The old joke is the wife is the last to know. The PR person is really the last to know. - Richard Maloney of @Septa

• Do the right thing and be a decent human being. (Karen Friedman)

Be transparent in a #crisis. Communicate and control, bc in the absence of a message, rumor and innuendo fill the gap - @karenfriedmane

This doesn’t seem to be a difficult concept to understand, but in a crisis sometimes CEOs and upper management lose their cool and their integrity.

• Questions that will be asked by reporters – what does this mean? So what? Who cares and how does this affect them? (Karen Friedman)

As a former reporter, I would always ask two questions: When did you know about it? and what did you do about it? - @karenfriedmane

• Joshua Peck gave a great example of how the Archdiocese should have publicly handled the sex-abuse charges and claims. He scripted an apology for the Archdiocese to share with the media involving sincere apology and regret, acknowledgement of wrong-doing, and ways that the organization will be working to right the wrongs that have been done.

With law firm, communications professionals write a proposed script, discuss, & hope to influence the speech the speaker gives - @joshuapeck

When doing an interview in a #crisis, give consideration to your audience and frame the message for what THEY care about - @karenfriedmane

If a #crisis topic is highly technical, choose someone who deals with the product/subject daily, not the CEO - @annekleincg

• Analyzing the court of law versus the court of public opinion. (Anne Klein/Karen Friedman)

The court of law and the court of public opinion are two different things. If your stakeholders need to hear it, say it. - @annekleincg

PR people should be advocates for their clients who are in the midst of a crisis and can speak to their clients’ attorneys about what will and will not affect a trial, but will support their cause within the court of public opinion.

• Apologies aren’t always sincere in this day in age. Acknowledge an unfortunate situation and handle it through risk management techniques. (Karen Friedman)

The art of the apology is overused. It is often phony and it doesn't cut it anymore. Can you spell #TigerWoods? - @karenfriedmane

@HRNer0 @karenfriedmane suggests acknowledging it is an unfortunate situation, but focusing on what you will do to fix the problem

• Getting your clients on board with proactive crisis and reputation discussions before a real crisis strikes – compare your client to their peers that may be going through the issues. Is your client prepared? Analyze the pros and cons of being prepared and using PR to your advantage. (Jeff Jubelirer/Joshua Peck)

Your clients don't want to be like their competitors, so #crisis examples from them can be helpful to avoid same mistakes - @jub_strategies

Mobile Technology Conference Recap

Posted by Amanda Walsh

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) hosted an insightful program this morning on Mobile Technology at the Hub in Center City, Philadelphia. Andy Zimmerman, Managing Director of Mobility at Accenture, gave an overview of mobile technology and outlined six trends that he identified while attending the Mobile World Congress Event earlier this year in Barcelona, Spain.

* Everything is getting connected. Zimmerman touched on new products like a WIFI piano that could have music downloaded and sent to it to play wirelessly. The iPill is in protype phase. It is a pill that can be tracked in the body to see where the medicine is going and if it's effective. Some out of the box thinking is pushing innovation.

* Products are transforming into services. Wireless devices are changing the customer relationship. The point of sale is just the beginning. Now, businesses can follow up, cross-sell, up-sell, provide downloads and upgrades.

* Traditional and alternative audiences are converging. Smartphone sales and usage are on the rise in the developing world. For example, many are using smartphones to make payments. Your phone can now provide businesses with the opportunity to see who you are and where you are.

* Location-based advertising is about to take off. If you are getting coffee, the business can detect you are there and offer a coupon for $1 off. Loyalty/points programs will gain popularity. For example, consumers can redeem points for other products.

* "Fabric of mobility" is starting to take shape. This is the idea of having digital spaces with WIFI and interactive capabilities - towns, cities, building, highway, stores, workplaces, etc. With wearable (GPS watches) and portable wireless devices (laptops,cameras), the ability to research and learn about a product is in the hands of the consumer. Studies have shown that many prefer to receive information about products via their smart devices rather than speak with an employee!

* Now is the time of the Chief Mobile Officer (CMO). The question that needs to be asked is how to enhance the consumer experience using mobile.

In addition to Zimmerman's overview, the keynote of the event was the Chief Information Officer for the United States, Vivek Kundra. Vivek shared some insights into how the government is moving to keep up with the emerging trends in mobile technology.

To wrap up the event, there was a knowledgeable panel of local representatives from Comcast, Anexinet, University of Pennsylvania and IDC to participate in an interactive discussion with the audience. They all hope to capitalize on opportunities right here in Philadelphia to harness city WIFI and wireless technology to improve daily life.

Mobile technology is evolving rapidly. There will be some exciting changes in upcoming months for businesseses to effectively reach target audiences where they can easily be found, even if it's in line at the local coffee shop!

NJ Man's 'Distracted Driving' PSA Warns Of Daughter's Tragic DeathCBS Philly

NJ Man's 'Distracted Driving' PSA Warns Of Daughter's Tragic Death - CBS Philly

Joel Feldman is a colleague in the Philadelphia legal industry. In 2009, his daughter Casey was killed in a tragic accident when a distracted driver hit her in a cross walk in Ocean City, New Jersey. Now, Joel, his family and Casey's friends are speaking out in a public service announcement (PSA) to spread the message against distracted driving. Please read this story on CBS 3, watch the PSA on YouTube. Help spread the word about how we can make our roads just a little bit safer.

Philadelphia Accounting Firm Citrin Cooperman Holds Wine Tasting Event

Posted by Katie Noonan

Below are photos from Citrin Cooperman's recent wine tasting event in Philadelphia. The event included many of Philadelphia's movers and shakers including football legend Vince Papale.

Laura Stegossi, Gina Rubel, Michael Zyborowicz, Sara Canuso and Pari Hashemi

Vince Papale, Gina Rubel, Roger Braunfeld and Mark Carrow

Mark Your Calendars: Spring Networking Events in the Philadelphia Area

Here are some great networking and business development events for Philadelphia-area readers of ThePRLawyer to attend this spring:

Gina Rubel will present a program titled “Leveraging Social Media in PR – An Integrated Approach to Contemporary Communications” for the Legal Marketing Association Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter on April 15, 2010 at Table 31 Conference Center in Philadelphia.

On April 19, 2010 Gina Rubel will present as CLE faculty on “Internet Law Updates” for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

Be a Business Stand Out With The Right People, The Right Way – Online and With the Media: free tele-class hosted by Nancy Fox (a.k.a. The Business Fox) on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST featuring Gina Rubel. Contact Carolyn at The Business Fox for more info.

The Philadelphia Bar Association will be offering a lunch program on “How and When to Share Your Opinion with the Press – Submitting Editorial Pages” on April 22, 2010. Gina Rubel will moderate the program and featured guests include: Bernard Dagenais, Editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal; Hank Grezlak, Associate Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Legal Intelligencer; Lisa Hostein, Executive Editor of the Jewish Exponent; Idelle Howitt, Managing Editor of Metropolitan Corporate Counsel; Guy Petroziello, Editorial Page Editor of the Bucks County Courier Times; Irv Randolph, Managing Editor of The Philadelphia Tribune.

The Pennsylvania Bar Institute will be hosting an Environmental Law Forum on April 22, 2010 where Laura Powers will address the use of social media and social networking tools by lawyers. She will explore various forms of social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and blogs as well as address ways that social media can be used effectively – and ethically – by lawyers in marketing their practice.

Network Now of Bucks County, Pa., has launched “Career Connection,” a series of programs and networking opportunities to help women at all stages of career development, especially those entering or re-entering the workforce and in career transition. Gina Rubel will present “Managing Your Online Image: How and When To Use Social Media Professionally” at the Doylestown Health & Wellness Center on Thursday, April 29 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The Bucks County Bar Association will host CLE program “Distinguishing Yourself in the Practice of Law Through Everyday Public Relations” on May 4, 2010 from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. During the event, Gina Rubel will address the topic of how legal professions can utilize every day public relations to maintain a competitive edge.

On May 5, 2010, Gina Rubel will serve as a keynote speaker at The Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce’s Social Media for Strategic Public Relations to Grow Your Business Seminar. The event will be held at the Chamber building in Fairless Hills from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Justinian Society of Philadelphia to Celebrate 75th Anniversary

The Justinian Society of Philadelphia will host a 75th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Atrium at the Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. The event is open to all. The celebration will include an afternoon of traditional Italian cuisine and spirits by Cescaphe, Strolling Mandolins, the Vivace String Quartet and A Cappella Pops. A special 75th Anniversary video produced by Law Journal Television will be debuted.

The Society will also present two monetary donations: one to The Justinian Foundation and one on behalf of the Foundation to Philadelphia VIP. Both donations are a tribute to the late former Justinian Chancellor, Nicholas J. Lisi, Esq.

Tickets are $100 per person including complimentary valet parking. Sponsorships are available. The attire is casual festive.

Founded in 1935, The Justinian Society of Philadelphia is a legal organization comprised of attorneys, judges and law students of Italian-ancestry. Located in Philadelphia, the Society's members celebrate generations of involvement within the legal community.

To learn more about support opportunities and tickets call (215) 545-0706, e-mail Justinian@justinian.org or go to http://www.justinain.org/.

Client Congrats: Philadelphia CPA Terry Silver of Citrin Cooperman Earns Prestigious Industry Credential

Every now and then The PR Lawyer shares special news and accomplishments about our clients and friends. This week The PR Lawyer would like to give Philadelphia CPA and Certified Valuation Analyst, Terry Silver, of the accounting, tax and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP a little pat on the back!

Silver has earned the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential in recognition of his extensive financial forensic accounting expertise. The CFF designation compliments Silver’s business valuation and accountant certifications.

Silver is a Citrin Cooperman partner with more than 33 years of experience as an accountant and auditor and he focuses his practice on business valuation and financial forensic services, expert testimony and matrimonial actions. Silver also has an extensive background in business and individual tax matters. What is really impressive, is that the AICPA’s CFF designation is only granted to members in good standing who possess significant business experience in the area of financial forensics and have completed a minimum of 75 hours of focused continuing education. According to the AICPA, the CFF credential combines specialized financial forensic accounting expertise with the core knowledge and skills that make CPAs among the most sought-after business advisers.

“Financial forensic accounting affects many aspects of our clients’ businesses and lives, with applications ranging from computer forensics and economic damages to family law and business valuations,” said Silver. “As an accountant and auditor devoting a significant portion of my practice to financial forensics, I am pleased that the AICPA has developed this credential and am honored to have earned this certification.”

In addition to providing a variety of individuals and privately held businesses with financial forensic accounting services, Silver has a strong audit, accounting and business consulting background in diverse industries including manufacturing, construction contracting and medical practices. He was a partner in the Philadelphia firm of Yampolsky, Mandeloff, Silver & Ryan prior to its merger with Citrin Cooperman in 2007. He is a member of the AICPA, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts. Silver holds a bachelor of arts from LaSalle University.

“Terry’s CFF designation is a reflection of the admirable expertise and dedication he brings to every facet of his practice,” stated Philadelphia Citrin Cooperman managing partner, Mark Carrow. “His CFF credential is also indicative of the depth of resources we offer to our clients in providing a full range of accounting, tax, consulting, business valuation and financial forensic services to clients throughout the Philadelphia region.”

Citrin Cooperman was co-founded in 1979 by Philadelphia native, Joel Cooperman and his colleague Niles Citrin, both fledgling accountants and entrepreneurs at the time. Today, the top 31 mid-size firm provides full-service accounting, tax and consulting solutions to businesses of all sizes. Citrin Cooperman specializes in helping entrepreneurs reach their business goals and prides itself on providing individualized attention, high quality services and proactive solutions at competitive rates. The firm has grown from an $18 million firm in 2000 to a more than an $82 million practice in 2009 and has been able to recruit and retain top talent. Recently ranked among the best places to work by Accounting Today, a leading industry magazine, Citrin Cooperman has offices in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. For more information, go to http://www.citrincooperman.com/.

GlaxoSmithKline Seeks Greater Philadelphia and Camden Healthcare Nonprofits - Spread the Word!

(Nonprofits Providing Access to Healthcare to Receive Up to $400,000 in Awards – Application Deadline March 29, 2010)

We could use some help in spreading the word about this great funding opportunity for Philadelphia region healthcare nonprofits. There are so many deserving nonprofits out there looking for funding to keep their doors open to the community - please help us share this news with the nonprofits that you support!

The GlaxoSmithKline 14th Annual IMPACT Awards target community-based nonprofits that provide access to healthcare for the underserved. Up to ten organizations in the Pennsylvania counties of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia and the City of Camden, New Jersey, will be awarded $40,000 each. The awards are bestowed upon winning organizations for success and achievements in their current, overall work, not just for new or specific initiatives. Applications will be accepted through March 29, 2010, 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Every year the GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards acknowledge, highlight and reward nonprofit organizations that have a significant impact on their communities and are accomplished, proactive and effective in their work. GlaxoSmithKline’s IMPACT Awards represent and support Innovation, Management, Partnership, Achievement, Community focus and Targeting needs within community-based healthcare organizations. Nonprofits that exemplify the IMPACT Awards criteria continue to provide quality, accessible healthcare to their communities despite their financial and resource limitations. Winners in previous years include organizations that provide medical and dental care for the underserved, access to care for the chronically ill, services for children with genetic disorders and comprehensive treatment for women with addiction.

To qualify for a GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT award, applicants must provide access to healthcare services (primary mission); have annual total operating expenses between $160,000 and $3 million, as documented in the organization’s most recent fiscal year financial statement; and have been in existence as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for at least five years. A panel of local and national healthcare delivery experts and GlaxoSmithKline representatives will determine the winners based on a strong demonstration of ongoing success in providing access to healthcare; commitment to serving people in need; facilitation of healthcare delivery, substantive partnerships; policy development; and a solid record of achievement, management and leadership.

The GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards will be presented at an awards ceremony in Philadelphia in late 2010. For more details and to apply, please visit the GlaxoSmithKline site at http://www.gsk-us.com/ and select “Our work with communities,” then click “Health programs,” then click “Awards,” and finally click “Philadelphia region” or call GlaxoSmithKline Community Partnerships at 215-751-5171.

Exciting Events in the Philadelphia Area Next Week

For those of you in the Philadelphia area, here are some exciting upcoming events to add to your day planners and Outlook calendars:

• The Justinian Society of Philadelphia will honor Scott F. Cooper, Esq., 2010 Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, on Tuesday, February 10, 2010 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Union League of Philadelphia. For more information, go to www.justinian.org.

• On February 11, 2010, the Philadelphia Bar Association, Bar-News Media Committee, chaired by Gina F. Rubel will host “How and When to Share Your Opinion with the Press – Submitting to Editorial Pages.” Panelists include; Bernie Dagenais, Editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal; Hank Grezlak, Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of The Legal Intelligencer; Lisa Hostein, Executive Editor of the Jewish Exponent; and Irv Randolph, Managing Editor of the Philadelphia Tribune. The program will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1101 Market Street, 11th Floor in Philadelphia. For more information, go to www.philadelphiabar.org.

• 21st Century Women's Leadership Program will host “Presenting Yourself as a Leader” on February 11, 2010 at The Union League and will feature Joan Walsh, Kim Huggins, Neen James, Laura Powers, Gina Rubel, and Joan Stokely. To learn more about this fabulous, all-day program and the speakers, go to http://www.21wlp.com/modules/smartpartner/. To register for the program, go to http://www.21wlp.com/modules/smartcontent/page.php?pageid=3.
  

Subscribe to our newsletter (by visiting http://www.furiarubel.com) to hear about great Philadelphia-area networking events via E-mail.

Cooking Up Justice: Philly Lawyers Share Their Favorite Recipes

Carol Nelson Shepherd of the Philadelphia personal injury law firm, Feldman Shepherd, is not only a great attorney - but she's a winner in The Legal Intelligencer's Cooking Up Justice Best Chef's Competition. For the slideshow, go to http://www.palegalpubs.com/coj2009/

Drexel Law Shows Great Results on First Bar Exam

As an alumna of Drexel University – I’m thrilled to learn that they had a nearly 90% pass rate on their first class to take the bar exam. Gina Passarella of The Legal Intelligencer reported today in a story titled Drexel Students Make Strong Showing in Inaugural Bar Exam.

Passarella said, “When looking at the average pass rate for all other local universities — which would include those taking the test for the second, third and fourth time — Drexel [University’s Earle Mack School of Law]’s pass rate was bested only by Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and University of Pennsylvania Law School.”

According to James B. Dougherty, Jr., Esquire, Chair of the Drexel University Alumni Association Board of Governors, and sole proprietor of Dougherty Law Offices, “These results validate the dedication and energy given to the creation of the law school at Drexel University. Starting with our late President Constantine Papadakis and continuing with Dean Roger J. Dennis, the law school initiative has filled a unique gap in legal education. The Alumni Association looks forward to supporting our new alumni from the law school.”

I can image our dear friend, Taki, looking down from a much higher post, smiling and toasting this wonderful accomplishment. Hats off to his vision and guidance and kudos to the leadership, administration and hard-working law students. Welcome to the profession.

It Takes a Man: Honoring Judge Mirarchi

“It takes a man with the utmost self confidence to focus on other people besides himself. It takes a man who truly knows himself who can be completely genuine and unpretentious with everyone, whether they are a judge, a file clerk, or anyone in between. And it takes a man of great character who will let other people shine. Judge Mirarchi, is that man.” - Annette Ferrara, former law clerk to The Honorable Charles P. Mirarchi

One of the things I love about being an Italian-American and a member of the legal community is the honor to serve The Justinian Society as Chancellor. The Justinian Society is an organization of Italian-American lawyers, judges and law students that was founded in 1935 in Philadelphia. On September 21, 2009, I had the honor to participate in a portrait unveiling for the Honorable Charles P. Mirarchi – who is not only a trailblazer in the legal and judicial communities – but who was a family friend long before I was born.

Dan Cirucci did a great job reporting on the evening in his blog. And Annette Ferrara summed it up in her words just perfectly – yes – it takes a man of great character. And I add: it takes a man of great principle to always lead by example, to provide selfless counsel, and to be loved by most everyone he has ever come in contact with. Thank you, Judge Mirarchi, for always being that man.

Here are some photos from our official photographer, Mike Mountain.

Philadelphia CLE Event News - Second Women in the Profession Summit

If you are looking for CLE credits and are in the Philadelphia area tomorrow, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) and the Women in the Profession Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association will be hosting the Second Women in the Profession Summit, "Women in the Profession: Then, Now and Where Do We Go from Here?" The event will take place at the PBI CLE Conference Center on the 10th Floor of the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia.

Registration for the event will begin at 11:30AM and lunch will be served shortly after. Chancellor Ladov and Summit Planner, Kimberly Ruch-Alegant, Esq., will welcome guests and the keynote address will be delivered by JoAnne A. Epps, Esq., Dean of Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law. An impressive list of faculty from the Philadelphia-area will address the following topics: Removing Gender Bias from Attorney Evaluations; Hot Topics for Women; and A Woman's Voice on the Bench. This event will offer participants four total CLE credits (2 SUB and 2 Ethics) and a cocktail reception will follow at 5PM. To learn more, visit www.pbi.org or call 800-932-4637.

Another Great Philadelphia CLE Program for Lawyers in Transition - May 13

Here is yet another great Philadelphia-area CLE program that Gina Rubel will be participating in on May 13 targeting Lawyers in Transition. The program will take place at The CLE Conference Center on the 10th floor of the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia - see more info on the event below.

The current economic slowdown has hit the legal profession hard. Attorneys have been laid off and firms have closed their doors. In an effort to assist attorneys who have been affected by the recession, the Law Practice Management Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) will present "Lawyers in Transition," a 2.5-credit CLE program designed to help struggling attorneys get back on their feet on Wednesday, May 13.

Job seekers will get advice about what steps to take to find a new position. Attorneys interested in forming their own practice will learn how to do so, how to market themselves and ethical considerations. This program will also provide an opportunity to network with other attorneys with whom you may want to practice or who are facing similar situations.

In furtherance of PBI's goal of assisting attorneys who find themselves in transition and are looking for work during these difficult times, PBI is offering this program at a substantially reduced fee. In addition to the reduced fee, those who cannot afford to pay for the seminar may attend at no cost. PBI will not require verification for this opportunity; you simply need to check the box appropriate to you when registering.

Panelists for this program include Daniel J. Siegel, president, Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC and Mary F. Platt, Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP (course planners); Ellen Freedman, Law Practice Management Coordinator, Pennsylvania Bar Association; Kenneth J. Hagreen, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc.; James LaRosa, JuriStaff, Inc.; and Gina F. Rubel, president, Furia Rubel Communications, Inc.

The program begins with "Suddenly Solo," a session discussing issues relating to how to set up your own law practice or to handle client matters while seeking new opportunities. Following a short break, "Looking for a Job" will examine using placement services, interviewing techniques, resumes, networking and dealing with stress. The program closes with "Marketing Yourself," with a discussion on getting clients, working with existing clients, ethical aspects of communicating with former clients. The program begins at 1 p.m. at The CLE Conference Center on the 10th floor of the Wanamaker Building, 13th and Market Streets. Because of the CLE rules, a portion of each of these sessions are not creditable. Credit will be provided for 30 minutes of ethics during each session. Click here to register for this event.

The Power of Public Relations

Here at Furia Rubel, we are constantly educating our publics on why PR is important; how to use PR to your advantage while applying best practices; and what PR resources to use for results. Here is a perfect example of the power of public relations.

We recently received an Honorable Mention for the PR News’ 2009 Legal PR Awards in the category of Media Coverage. We were recognized for our outstanding media relations efforts on behalf of Philadelphia personal injury law firm, Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig. Our agency worked with attorney and partner Mark Tanner regarding the death of Diane Glynn who was killed by a drunken driver who was never charged.

Mark Tanner and the Feldman Shepherd law firm represented the Glynn Estate in the wrongful death of Diane Glynn. During the discovery phase, Tanner learned that the driver of the car that killed Glynn was intoxicated and never charged. Seeking an explanation and charges against the driver, Tanner turned to Furia Rubel to garner media coverage that would bring to light this injustice and pressure the D.A.’s office to file charges. Our team secured coverage including Inside Edition, the Associated Press, local television and print news exposure in Philadelphia and Scranton, and more. Following the coverage, the motorist responsible for Glynn’s death was charged with vehicular homicide and eventually pled guilty. Total media coverage to date is valued in excess of $158,000 including more than 30 million media impressions.

“In this case, the media coverage helped bring justice to a situation where a drunken driver was never charged. We are honored to have had the opportunity to work with Mark Tanner and the Feldman Shepherd firm. We know the media coverage in this case made a distinct difference in the lives of the Glynn family,” said Gina Rubel.

“As result of the media coverage and hard work of the Feldman Shepherd and Furia Rubel teams, we were able to have the killer of a single mother of three prosecuted,” said Mark Tanner. “After years of anguish, justice was served on behalf of the Glynn Family.”

We are very excited to share this Furia Rubel win with you and to demonstrate the real power of strategic media and public relations.

Drexel University President Papadakis Dies at 63

We wanted to share the following news from Drexel University's Office of University Relations with our readers: Drexel University president Constantine Papadakis has died at the age of 63. This is a tremendous loss for the university and city of Philadelphia. Without his dedication and stewardship, Drexel University would not be the top-ranked, nationally known institution it is today. He will be missed by Drexel alumni, students and the community as a whole. Information on today's press conference can be found below. There will also be an on-campus vigil today at 11 AM.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

PHILADELPHIA (April 6, 2009)- Drexel University president Constantine Papadakis died unexpectedly Sunday evening, Drexel Board of Trustees chairman Richard Greenawalt announced today. Papadakis, who was in remission from cancer, died from pulmonary complications. On April 2, the Drexel board announced that Papadakis had requested a medical leave of absence, and that President Emeritus C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni, a former Drexel trustee, chairman of the board and interim president, had been appointed interim president and CEO.

Papadakis, called "Taki" by friends, colleagues and loved ones, is survived by his wife of 39 years, Eliana, and daughter Maria, 23, a 2008 Drexel graduate.

Papadakis, who had served as president of Drexel since 1995, is known in the national academic community as an innovative leader who transformed a struggling institution into a comprehensive, top-ranked national research university.

During his tenure the University made the remarkable addition of both a medical college and a law school. The creation of the Drexel University College of Medicine as a successor to Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University saved 13,000 jobs and the education of 3,000 medical and nursing students and kept intact a key academic medical resource for Philadelphia. In addition to the medical college, the acquisition brought the College of Nursing and Health Professions and School of Public Health to Drexel. Just four years later, in 2006, Drexel became the first top-ranked doctoral university in the country to open a law school in more than 25 years.

Papadakis was the only Greek-born president of a university in the United States. He was born in Athens on February 2, 1946, to Nicholas Papadakis, a Greek physician, and Rita Masciotti Papadakis, a native of Italy. He graduated from the National Technical University of Athens with a degree in civil engineering before his arrival in the United States in 1969. He received a master's in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a doctorate from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. For his achievements, commitment to higher education and involvement in charitable organizations, Papadakis received 153 awards and honors.

A church service will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 14, at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the "Constantine Papadakis Fund at Drexel University," Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104.

EDITORS NOTE: Richard Greenawalt, chairman of the Board of Trustees and University officials will address news media at 10:30 a.m. at 3141 Chestnut Street.B-roll: can be messengered upon request

News Media Contact: Philip Terranova, Vice President, Office of University Relations,Drexel University, 215-895-2613 or terranova@drexel.edu