Insight

Pennsylvania’s Legal Life in 2021

The top players in the legal community in Pennsylvania have done their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by pivoting to remote arrangements and embracing new technologies. We asked three of our Best Lawyers recognized attorneys for their perspective of Pennsylvania’s legal life in 2021.

Pennsylvania’s Legal Life in 2021
ME

Megan Edmonds

March 16, 2021 04:23 PM

The top players in the legal community in Pennsylvania have done their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by pivoting to remote arrangements and embracing new technologies. We asked three of our Best Lawyers recognized attorneys for their perspective of Pennsylvania's legal life in 2021.

Efrem Grail on the biggest challenge local lawyers are facing

The Grail Law Firm

Recognized for criminal defense: white-collar since 2008

The pandemic has caused a host of problems for practicing lawyers last year. I am incredibly lucky: health at home and busy at work – but above all else, I miss the personal contact with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel.

We can argue about whether virtual hearings and online “meet and confer” sessions are better, as good as, or not quite up to the real thing, but no one is going to argue they are much fun. Let’s face it, there are easier ways to make a living if you don’t enjoy the back-and-forth, hopefully good-natured arguing; the personal contact with clients who need and rely on your help; trying to piece through to an optimal solution to some legal issue with co-counsel or legal staff; and general water cooler BS-ing. Doing it on Zoom or Teams just does not scratch the itch I am talking about.

Some people only practice with or against snakes, so I can imagine not wanting to have any more contact with them than necessary. But the people I work with, and, with a few notable exceptions, most of whom I work against are smart, are principled, bring diverse views, and some of them are fun to be around. Some have become good friends; some were good friends before we were colleagues or had cases against each other.

It’s just not the same online. I miss talking through issues over lunch at the nearby Indian buffet, going out for a beer after work at the craft brewery, or even grabbing an impromptu bite to eat when happy hour extends into the dinner hour. I feel a loss for the good times we didn’t have together and will never quite make up for. I’m looking more and more towards getting back to a life that is not only work and family, but a life that is social, without having to be on-screen.

Jonathan Grode shares how this year’s challenges have impacted his practice

Green and Spiegel LLP

Recognized for immigration law since 2021

The pandemic has had a twofold effect on my practice. First, while running a firm, we deal with the issues that everyone has been facing with a remote setup. Onboarding new employees remains a challenge and figuring out ways to keep the atmosphere, camaraderie, and creativity intact takes extra effort as well. Then as a corporate immigration attorney, we have the challenges of the pandemic precluding international travel for health and safety reasons and, of course, the ever-changing government restrictions.

So, yes, it has been a challenging year; but it is a challenge we are facing head-on for ourselves and our clients.

When asked if he had anything else to share about practicing law in Pennsylvania, Grode commented:

Pennsylvania industry is changing. From the advancement of AI and Aerospace in the Pittsburgh region to biotech startups in Philadelphia, there are new opportunities for growth. Being part of that growth through helping foreign nationals move to the state has been a source of pride for the Firm.

Victor Pribanic shares what he would like prospective clients to know


Pribanic & Pribanic, LLC

Recognized for medical malpractice law - plaintiffs since 2011

It is important that anyone with a potential case knows that even though our courts have effectively been closed to jury trials, that does not extend deadlines or in any way influence an injured party’s obligation to file a lawsuit on time. Which includes taking other actions required by, for instance, the Pennsylvania statute of limitations that requires that injury cases be filed within statutorily prescribed time intervals.

Therefore, anyone with a potential case should not delay in contacting a lawyer if they have been harmed by a person, corporation, or healthcare provider. Our courts will hold them to prescribed time limits without exception. We have continued to maintain relationships with clients, old and new, by maintaining all the services and interactions that we enjoyed in the pre-pandemic era through technology as we await a return to normalcy.

In short, people should act promptly to protect their rights because, as always, there will be no quarter given by the defendants or the courts if claims are not prosecuted on time.

The result of pandemic-driven delays has reminded each and every one of us privileged with the role of trying our client’s cases to juries that the following is undoubtedly true: our civil justice system, albeit imperfect, is the last and best hope for many of our clients—when its wheels grind to a halt, so too, does the opportunity to obtain justice. Jurists everywhere should be cognizant of this truth and actively seek out, with the help of the trial bar, ways to safely achieve justice without further delay.

Headline Image: ISTOCK.COM/AURIELAKI

Related Articles

The 2021 Best Lawyers In Pennsylvania


by Best Lawyers

Our 2021 Best Lawyers in Pennsylvania publication features Pennsylvania's top-ranked legal talent and legal insights from Pennsylvania's top lawyers.

The 2021 Best Lawyers In Pennsylvania

Law in the Time of the Coronavirus


by Justin Smulison

Seven-Time Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of The Year”* Victor Pribanic reflects on his challenges and inspirations while practicing injury law amid a global pandemic in 2021.

Law in the Time of the Coronavirus

Daniel Clearfield - Harrisburg 2021 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Energy Law Harrisburg, PA

Daniel Clearfield - Harrisburg 2021 Lawyer of

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky