National Association of Women Lawyers' Annual Meeting and Luncheon

Several attorneys from McDonnell & Associates attended the National Association of Women Lawyers' (NAWL) Annual Meeting and Luncheon on July 14, 2016 in New York City. The firm is a sustaining sponsor of NAWL and an active participant. Firm attorney Nancy Zangrilli participated in a panel discussion about social media and its impact on the legal profession at the event. Congratulations to Nancy for a job well done. Alan Bryan of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. was the recipient of the "Lead by Example Award" and gave a moving acceptance speech regarding supporting women and girls. Alan is a true leader and inspiration.

The National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF)

McDonnell & Associations is proud to announce that on July 7, 2016, the firm's application for membership was accepted by The National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms.  We are thrilled to be part of this wonderful organization and look forward to the upcoming annual event in Houston Texas.  Courtney Seda McDonnell, Taisha K. Tolliver and Anna M. Darpino will be attending the event. 

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

Patrick J. McDonnell

Congratulations to Patrick J. McDonnell who was selected to the 2016 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Patrick has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for eight (8) consecutive years. Only 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania receive this distinction.

Anna M. Darpino

Congratulations to Anna M. Darpino who was selected to the 2016 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list. Anna has been selected to the Rising Stars list for three (3) consecutive years.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy Investor Panel Event

On April 20, 2016, Courtney Seda McDonnell served as an investor panel judge for the third consecutive year for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Investor Panel Event. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a year-long program that teaches students in grades 6-12 how to start and run their own businesses. Students brainstorm business ideas, decide if they want to work for themselves or as a team, write a business plan, pitch their plan to investors for funding, and actually launch their own business or social movement. On Wednesday evening, 16 students presented their business plans to the investor panel and requested start up funds. All 16 students/CEOs were winners and received money for their new businesses. Congratulations to Alissa Liu and Stela Tong of Travel Toes for being selected by the panel as the Saunders Regional Semi-finalist. These young ladies will be heading to Rochester, N.Y. in early May to compete at the next level.

The Support Center for Child Advocates Annual Benefit Reception & Auction

Attorneys Gwen Williams, Matt Rong and Taisha Tolliver from McDonnell & Associates attended the 2016 Annual Benefit Reception & Auction for the Support Center for Child Advocates last night. The firm was a "Supporter" level sponsor at the event. The mission of the Support Center is to advocate for victims of child abuse and neglect with the goal of securing safety, justice, well-being and a permanent, nurturing environment for every child. Several attorneys at the firm have served as a volunteer attorneys for the Support Center. We applaud the Support Center's good work and dedication. For more information about the Support Center please visit their website.

Phantom Fund Raiser for the Phoenixville Community Education Foundation

McDonnell & Associates was the Phantom Sponsor for the Phoenixville Community Education Foundation's ("PCEF") annual fund raiser on February 26, 2016. Courtney Seda McDonnell has been part of the planning committee for the event for the last four years. The mission of PCEF is to secure and provide resources that enhance the overall educational experience within the Phoenixville Area School District, including learning initiatives, preparedness programs, and out of the classroom activities. The event had an impressive turnout and raised over $120,000. Educational programs and financial resources are a vital part of ensuring the success and growth of our children. Courtney and Pat McDonnell along with several friends from the community attended the event. The event featured a silent and live auction, as well as dinner and dancing.

Annual After Holiday, Holiday Party

McDonnell & Associates hosted its after holiday, holiday party on Saturday, February 20 at Barclay Prime in Philadelphia. The firm celebrated a successful year and recognized the dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals at the firm. In particular, Analisa Sondergaard and Nancy Zangrilli provided a tremendous amount of support and assistance with mentoring younger members of the attorney team this past year. Special thanks was also given to paralegal Mara Wicks for her dedication and commitment to the firm for 10 years. Everyone had a great night and we are looking forward to another prosperous year.

Network of Executive Women - Painting with a Twist

Anna Darpino, attorney at McDonnell & Associates and co-chair of the Greater Philadelphia mixer committee for the Network of Executive Women ("NEW"), organized a networking event at Painting with a Twist on January 27, 2016. The mission of the Network of Executive Women is to advance women, grow businesses and transform our industry's workplace through the power of community. McDonnell & Associates supports and embraces the mission of NEW and several firm attorneys attended the event. It was a great evening of networking and creativity!

Good Samaritan Shelter -Taste of Phoenixville

Firm attorney Nancy Zangrilli and her husband attended the Taste of Phoenixville on January 21, 2016 in support of the Good Samaritan Shelter. The Good Samaritan Shelter provides safe, comfortable housing for men, women, and women with children experiencing homelessness in the greater Phoenixville and Ephrata areas. The shelter also collaborates with local health and social service agencies to help its guests regain stability in their lives and address the issues surrounding their homelessness. Approximately 30 area restaurants participate in the event, and there was also a wonderful silent auction. If you would like to make a donation or learn more about this organization please visit Good Samaritan'swebsite.

Kailee Hye Sook Farrell secured a defense verdict after an arbitration hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

In January 2016, Kailee Hye Sook Farrell secured a defense verdict after an arbitration hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiff alleged that as a result of a slip and fall on water at the defendant’s retail premises, she sustained serious injuries to her right ankle necessitating two surgeries. At arbitration, Kailee argued that plaintiff failed to provide any evidence that the defendant had actual or constructive notice of the water on the floor. Plaintiff failed to report the incident or identify any witnesses to the incident. Further, during cross-examination, Kailee exposed major inconsistencies between Plaintiff’s deposition testimony and medical records regarding subsequent accidents and injuries. The arbitration panel agreed that the plaintiff failed to sustain her burden of proving the existence of a hazardous condition, notice of the alleged condition, and causation.

 McDonnell & Associates received recognition for the quality of its legal service from a Fortune® 500 Company. This came in the form of recognition for compliance with deadlines and quality indicators. McDonnell & Associates also received an award for winning twenty-seven (27) jury trials in a single year, which was also more than any other law firm in the country. As important as these other awards, however, was the acknowledgment the firm received for chasing cases away from the courthouse steps, or reducing the number of lawsuits filed against a major retailer from the preceding years. This reduction in lawsuits occurred as our client was actually expanding the number of stores in the area.