Russell J. "Rusty" Ressler

Michael Filoromo joined Katz Banks Kumin in May 2008 and co-founded the firm’s Philadelphia office in 2015 after being elevated to partner. He has litigated whistleblower cases in federal and state courts and the U.S. Department of Labor. He regularly represents clients in claims brought under the Sarbanes-Oxley corporate whistleblower protections, the False Claims Act anti-retaliation provisions, and the anti-discrimination and retaliation protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights A...

Mr. Getson joined Wapner Newman, P.C. as an Associate in April 2004 and has always focused his practice in plaintiffs’ Civil Trial Litigation. Since 2003, Mr. Getson has successfully represented injured victims in a variety of accidents, including automobile crashes, transportation and trucking crashes, dog attacks, product malfunctions, slips/trips and falls, medical malpractice, professional malpractice, elevator accidents, negligent security and dram shop claims, construction site ac...

Martin Brigham has devoted his legal career to representing victims of unsafe products and of corporate negligence. His talent in the field of products liability is recognized year after year by The Best Lawyers in America©, the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. He is the only Philadelphia plaintiff’s attorney selected by corporate and insurance counsel for listing in the “World’s Leading Product Liability Lawyers.” As lead trial counsel in ov...

JoyAnn’s practice is primarily dedicated to franchise law, representing franchise clients in connection with transactional, regulatory compliance, and litigation matters. JoyAnn has extensive experience in representing a full array of franchisors, from emerging franchise concepts to mature brands and has served her clients across the entire spectrum of franchise issues. JoyAnn counsels brands on the development of franchise programs, inclusive of corporate structuring and drafting discl...

Wayne E. Pinkstone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Wayne E., 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 Wayne E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As head of the Business Law Department at Gawthrop Greenwood, Michael F. Merlie concentrates his practice in the areas of finance, secured transactions (including creditors’ rights), mergers, acquisitions, admiralty/maritime law, real estate law and startup businesses. Representing institutional, corporate and entrepreneurial clients in a wide variety of business matters, his experience includes negotiating and documenting mergers, acquisitions and real estate transactions. He has also ...

Melissa Grossman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Melissa, 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 Melissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ira C. Gubernick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Ira C., 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 Ira C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lauren Hoye is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor Law - Union. Lauren, 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 Lauren is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph L. Messa, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joseph L., 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 Joseph L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.