David A. Applebaum

Steve was born, raised, educated and has spent his professional life in the southeastern Pennsylvania region graduating from Haverford College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and from Temple University School of Law in 1975 with a juris doctorate. He always preferred representing “real people” like those he grew up with and had known all his life, and fighting for the underdog. Representing injured victims of doctor, hospital and nursing mistakes, and of other types of...

Tracy A. Finken Magnotta is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Tracy A., who practices law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tracy A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer L. Zegel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Jennifer L., who practices law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John J. O'Donnell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. John J., who practices law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Miriam Benton Barish is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Miriam Benton, who practices law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Miriam Benton is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bruce W. Ficken chairs the firm’s Construction Law group and is a recognized authority in representing clients in construction and commercial litigation, as well as managing risk in construction projects. As lead counsel he has successfully conducted more than 60 major trials in the United States and in international arbitrations. He has also helped numerous owners and developers with contract documentation, contract and project administration, and dispute avoidance and resolution. Bruc...

Hugh A. Donaghue, Esquire, is a Martindale-Hubbell A/V-Rated Attorney with more than 25 years of experience handling complex plaintiff-side litigation. His practice focuses on Personal Injury Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law, and Professional Malpractice Law on behalf of injured individuals and their families. His work includes matters involving automobile accidents, medical negligence, nursing home abuse, product liability, and premises liability. A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and a...

Kayci D. Petenko is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Nonprofit / Charities Law. Kayci D., who practices law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kayci D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason M. Shargel joined the firm’s Philadelphia office in March 2009 as a member in the Business Law Department. Jason practices in the firm's Corporate Law Practice Group, and has more than 30 years of experience in the private practice of corporate and securities law. Having begun his career in the SEC's Enforcement Division, his practice includes mergers and acquisitions, as well as the representation of issuers and funds in venture capital, growth capital and other private equity fi...

Gerhard has more than 30 years of courtroom experience. Today, his practice is focused on the defense of product liability and other complex litigation matters, including mass torts and class actions. He represents manufacturers of appliances, HVAC equipment, roofing materials, truck-trailers, tires, and other products. He also has represented corporate clients in business disputes, commercial and employment litigation, CERCLA actions, and insurance coverage cases. He tried his first case to ...