Press Releases

Kim Joins Firm

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchinson, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Ms. Sora Kim to the firm. Ms. Kim received her law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law and graduated cum laude from The George Washington University. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Kim was an active part of the Temple Law community, helping plan the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association's Annual Lunar Banquet, and regularly volunteering at the Ayuda Community Center's Legal Clinic in North Philadelphia.

Gaizelyte-Lacy Joins Firm

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is pleased to announce that Joana Gaizelyte-Lacy has joined the firm as an associate. Joana earned her law degree from Temple University's Beasley School of Law and is also a graduate of Fox Business School at Temple University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Legal Studies. Joana was born in Kaunas, Lithuania. She is fluent in both Lithuanian and Russian. She serves on various committees and in several leadership roles on the local, national and international level for the Lithuanian-American Community.

Schultz Represents Land Use Clients

Paul H. Schultz, Esquire, Chairman of the firm's Land Use Department, has assisted a variety of clients with zoning and other land use matters in both South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Mr. Schultz represents individuals, small business owners, non-profit organizations, and larger commercial entities, in various capacities before local boards and commissions, county boards and in court. Mr. Schultz seeks efficient and effective solutions designed to serve the client's needs. Some examples are as follows:

• Represented a commercial property owner in multi-party litigation in the Superior Court of New Jersey challenging the municipal redevelopment plan of a New Jersey municipality. The municipality's redevelopment plan had designated the area surrounding the client's business as an area in need of redevelopment, leaving it subject to potential eminent domain proceedings. Mr. Schultz worked to obtain a settlement which involved the redrafting of the redevelopment plan to exclude the client's property from the redevelopment area and potential eminent domain proceedings.
• Represented a non-profit corporation before a municipal joint land use board. The client sought approval of a conditional use variance for use of its property as a social and cultural organization, subdivision of the 11+ acre property into two lots, approval of a minor Site Plan with regard to parking and other improvements, as well as various other submission and design waivers and bulk variances. Mr. Schultz obtained the Board's unanimous approval of all relief sought by the client in one hearing before the Board.
• Represented a residential property owner as an objector to a use variance application for the construction of a duplex to be used for affordable and low income housing in a single family residential neighborhood. In a hearing before a South Jersey municipal zoning board, Mr. Schultz was able to convince the board to vote unanimously to deny the requested use variance.
• Represented a regional distributor of motor fuels before a local joint land use board in connection with an application for variances in connection with the installation of signs and the rebranding of a service station. The application also included variances and waivers related to the bulk requirements for lot size and setback requirements. Mr. Schultz obtained the Board's unanimous approval of the relief sought by the client.
• Represented a real estate management company before a South Jersey zoning board in connection with a major site plan application for the conversion of an existing single tenant building into several flex units, consisting of both office and warehouse space. The client further sought variances and waivers related to the bulk requirements for lot area, lot width, lot coverage, lot improvement, front yard setback and side yard setback, parking space dimensions, number of parking spaces, signage, and stormwater management controls. Mr. Schultz obtained the Board's unanimous approval of all relief sought by the client in one hearing before the Board. Mr. Schultz also represented the client before the County Planning Board, obtaining that agency's unanimous approval as well.
• Represented a pet boarding, grooming and supply store seeking an interpretation and/or use variance to permit the overnight boarding of animals at the store site. The client further sought waivers of the requirements to provide a property survey and a minor site plan in connection with certain renovations to the interior of the building. Mr. Schultz obtained the Board's unanimous approval of the use variance, as well as all waivers sought by the client.

Mr. Schultz' experience in zoning and land use matters reaches beyond his representation of clients in his capacity as an attorney. He served as a member of the Delran Township (NJ) Zoning Board of Adjustment from 2004 - 2011, and from 2008-2011 served as its Chairman. Concurrent with this Board service, Mr. Schultz served as a New Jersey Planning Official and was a member of the organization of New Jersey Planning Officials. Mr. Schultz also served on Delran Township's 2009 Master Plan Reexamination Committee, which is responsible for performing the periodic reexamination of the Township's Master Plan, the document which sets forth comprehensive land use, planning, zoning and community development goals for the Township.

If you need legal assistance with planning, zoning, redevelopment or any other land use matters, you can call Mr. Schultz, or any other members of our team, for further assistance. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.leonardsciolla.com.

LSHL&T Transaction Group Handles Wholesale Distributorship Transactions

The LSHL&T Transaction Group completed $40,000,000.00 in transactions during the last three weeks for its clients. Two of the transactions involved the sale of a United Kingdom corporation and a French corporation, both in the wholesale distribution industry, owned by one of the firm's United States clients. The third involved the purchase on behalf of another United States client of a corporation in the Southeastern United States that operates eight wholesale distributorships.

The firm's Transaction Group headed up by partners, John J. Leonard, Keith N. Leonard and Stephen J. Labroli has, over the past 25 years developed a highly focused practice representing individuals and companies buying and selling wholesale distributorships and related entities. Our team's extensive experience with the nuances of evaluating, financing, structuring and concluding deals in the wholesale distributorship industry affords our clients in that industry with extraordinary value at a reasonable rate.

If your organization or you are in need of legal representation in the wholesale distributorship industry, contact the Transaction Group attorneys at LSHL&T for knowledgeable and experienced help.

The Business and Real Estate Transaction Group at LSHL&T

The Business and Real Estate Transaction Group at LSHL&T has assisted clients in completing over $200 million in business transactions during the past twelve months. The largest of the transactions was an acquisition of a company for $105 million which required Federal approval under the Hart Scott Rodino Act and involved the acquisition of over 100 wholesale outlets throughout nine states for a national wholesale distributor.

Headed by partners, John Leonard, Keith Leonard and Steve Labroli, the group is currently handling the sales of multiple European corporations affiliated with one of its American clients to a European corporation. The firm has also been engaged to represent the owner/developer of a $130 million resort project in Pennsylvania that broke ground earlier this summer. Attorneys in the Group have also recently assisted the owner of multiple regional supermarkets in the restructuring of its financing for its business operations.

“Clients are pleased with the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and value of our services in these complex transactions. Our clients are most impressed by the depth and sophistication of our transactional experience, dating back to 1983 and involving hundreds of business transactions”, said John Leonard.

If you need legal assistance with a business or real estate transaction, give the professionals at LSHL&T a call for immediate assistance. To learn more about us or the individual attorneys in the firm, please visit our website at www.leonardsciolla.com.

Tinari and Labroli Obtain Verdict Against Gas Retailer

Michael V. Tinari, Esquire and Stephen J. Labroli, Esquire, partners with the firm, successfully represented a regional distributor of motor fuels and obtained a verdict in excess of $300,000.00 against a gas retailer with several gas stations in South Jersey. This contract dispute was tried in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, where Delaware law was applied. The verdict following trial compensated the client for millions of gallons of motor fuel sold to the retailer and included an award of interest, costs and attorney's fees in excess of $54,000.00. The case was reported in the most recent edition of the New Jersey Jury Verdict Review & Analysis.

Cirrinicione Serves as Instructor at Widener University School of Law ITAP Program

John D. Cirrinicione, Esquire, an associate with the firm, was invited to be a faculty member for the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP) conducted on the Delaware campus of the Widener University School of Law. The ITAP faculty consists of highly experienced trial attorneys, judges, and law professors. ITAP is a seven-day "boot camp" styled course designed to sharpen the trial advocacy skills of law students by exposing them to a detailed instruction on the practical aspects of trial law for eight hours each day. The program culminates with a simulated jury trial judged by faculty members to test the skills learned during the course. Mr. Cirrinicione concentrates his practice in the areas of personal injury and worker's compensation law.

Sciolla and Cirrinicione Present Continuing Legal Education Courses for Burlington County Bar Association

John D. Cirrinicione, Esquire, an associate of the firm, along with Gregory E. Sciolla, Esquire, a senior partner at the firm, presented a continuing legal education course entitled: "Summer Hazards" for members of the Burlington County Bar Association on June 8, 2011. Mr. Cirrinicione's portion of the CLE was dedicated to Dog Bite Litigation, with emphasis on the New Jersey Dog Bite Statute and the defense of comparative negligence. Mr. Sciolla's portion of the CLE focused on the potential liability for a private homeowner when owning a swimming pool and the precautions that may be taken, as well as the statutory framework with respect to commercial or community swimming pools.

Previously, on March 24, 2011, Mr. Cirrinicione and Mr. Sciolla presented a continuing legal education course entitled: "Back to Basics: Preparation & Performance of the Cross-Examination of Medical Experts" for members of the Burlington County Bar Association. The program focused on developing cross-examination questions to avoid the common obstacles trial lawyers face when confronted with a difficult medical expert witness and/or difficult opposing counsel. The program included simulated cross-examinations of a medical expert to clearly demonstrate how the techniques could be utilized in practice. Mr. Sciolla and Mr. Cirrinicione concentrate their practices on personal injury and workers compensation matters.

Leonard Honored by Thomas Jefferson University

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is proud to announce that the firm’s Managing Partner, John J. Leonard, Esquire, was recently honored by the Board of Trustees of Thomas Jefferson University in recognition for his service as a Trustee of the University from 2001 through 2009. The Board adopted a Resolution of Gratitude thanking Mr. Leonard for his service to the University. Mr. Leonard was also presented with an inscribed Liberty Bowl award by University President, Robert L. Barchi, M.D., Ph.D.

Mr. Leonard's practice includes the representation of businesses and individuals for transactions, contracts, business break-ups, estates, litigation, planning, and counseling. He has extensive experience with closely held businesses, serious personal injury cases, professional licensing, and attorney disciplinary and ethics matters.

Almeida Joins Firm

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is pleased to announce that Suzanne R. Almeida has joined the firm as an associate. Ms. Almeida earned her law degree from Temple Law School and is also a graduate of George Fox University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Spanish. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Almeida was an active member of the Temple Moot Court Honor Society and the Rubin Public Interest Honor Society.

Leonard, Leonard and Labroli Handle $100 million Stock Purchase and Merger for National HVACR Supplier

Firm partners John J. Leonard, Esquire, Keith N. Leonard, Esquire and Stephen J. Labroli, Esquire, handled all legal aspects of a stock purchase and merger of a regional competitor with our client, a national HVACR supplier. Due to the size of the transaction (in excess of $100 million), governmental approval was required pursuant to federal law under the Hart Scott Rodino Act. The selling entity has over 100 locations, with a substantial portion of the properties being company owned. Contemporaneously with that transaction, our firm assisted our client in the closing on significant increased financing to assist with the merger and post-merger operations. Both transactions were handled on an expedited basis to accomplish the client's goals.

Sciolla and Cirrinicione Obtain Six Figure Verdict Against Philadelphia Park Casino & Race Track

Firm attorneys Gregory E. Sciolla, Esquire and John D. Cirrinicione, Esquire recently obtained a jury verdict of $250,000.00 on behalf of a woman in her mid-40s who was injured in a slip and fall accident at Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack.

The plaintiff was injured as she stepped off an elevator on the fifth floor, when she slipped and fell on a gel-like chemical substance being used to strip the floors of wax. Philadelphia Park neither blocked off access to the fifth floor or placed warning signs as to the condition of the floor where the plaintiff could view them while exiting the elevator. Philadelphia Park claimed that the floor contractor was responsible for insuring that people did not enter the fifth floor during the floor stripping process.

As a result of her fall, plaintiff was diagnosed with cervical disc bulging at the C5-C6 level and cervical disc herniation at C6-C7 levels with C8-T1 radiculopathy. Her orthopedic surgeon opined that she may require shoulder surgery in the future. Plaintiff made no claim for lost wages as a result of the accident. Defendant’s orthopedic surgeon contended that the plaintiff exhibited only inflammation of a tendon in her shoulder and that her cervical injuries were degenerative in nature and not causally related to the fall.

The jury entered a total verdict of $250,000.00 and found Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack 70% negligent and the floor contractor 30% negligent. The plaintiff had previously settled with the floor contractor for $149,000.00. The trial was selected as a featured case by the Pennsylvania Jury Verdict Review and Analysis in its August 2010 issue.

Gregory E. Sciolla, Esquire is a partner with the firm. His practice focuses on substantial personal injury and workers compensation litigation. John D. Cirrinicione, Esquire is an associate with the firm. His practice focuses on personal injury and workers compensation litigation. For more information, please contact the offices of Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP at (215) 567-1530.

Tinari Obtains Seven Figure Jury Verdict against UPS

Michael V. Tinari, Esquire, a partner with the firm, assisted by Christopher P. Fleming, Esquire, obtained a jury verdict of $1.8 Million (reduced by a finding of comparative negligence) in favor of the Estate of a 22 year old and his father and against United Parcel Service (UPS) and a UPS tractor trailer operator. Decedent was traveling on I-95 South when his vehicle experienced engine problems and slowed down in the right lane of travel. His vehicle was struck in the rear by the UPS tractor trailer. Decedent sustained fatal injuries. Evidence showed that the defendant truck driver was not cited in connection with the accident. The Pennsylvania State Police accident report indicated that the decedent was “illegally stopped” in a travel lane and that no action on the part of the Defendant truck driver contributed to the accident. Photographs of Decedent’s gear shifter taken soon after the accident showed that it was in the park position. Defendants argued that the accident was caused solely by the negligence of the decedent who was stopped in the right travel lane at night, without hazard lights and with headlights and running lights on, so that his vehicle appeared to be moving. The Defense further argued that Decedent should have moved his car into the shoulder, instead of allowing it to come to a rest in the travel lane. Witnesses testified that they saw Decedent’s vehicle stopped in the right travel lane with no lights on at all. Despite the findings of the State Police and the evidence presented by UPS, Mr. Tinari was able to persuade the jury that the UPS truck driver had sufficient time and distance to avoid the collision and was negligent in the operation of the tractor trailer. The trial was selected as a featured case by the Pennsylvania Jury Verdict Review and Analysis in its July, 2010 edition. Mr. Tinari’s practice is concentrated in the field of civil litigation with a diverse practice that includes complex personal injury cases, commercial litigation, employment disputes, workers' compensation matters, ERISA claims, and property/casualty defense.

Schultz Re-Elected As Zoning Board Chairman

Paul H. Schultz, Esquire, an associate with the firm, was recently re-elected as Chairman of Delran Township (NJ) Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mr. Schultz has held the position of Chairman of the Board for the past three (3) years. In 2009, he served as part of the Township’s 2009 Master Plan Reexamination Committee, which was responsible for performing a re-examination of the Township’s Master Plan, the document which sets forth comprehensive land use and community development goals for the Township. Mr. Schultz regularly handles land use and zoning matters, and has a diverse practice including business law, personal injury, civil litigation and other matters.

Anderson Elected to Partnership

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is pleased to announce that Heidi E. Anderson, Esquire has become a Partner in the firm. Ms. Anderson is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and the New Jersey Bar. She regularly handles personal injury, workers compensation and family law litigation, as well as estate administration and planning matters. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Anderson served as a law clerk in the Family Division of the Burlington County Superior Court of New Jersey, 1999-2000. Ms. Anderson is a graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law, 1999 and the University of Delaware, B.A., 1995. She currently resides in Bala Cynwyd, PA with her family.

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is a full-service regional law firm. For more information, please contact John J. Leonard, Esquire at (215) 567-1530 or at jleonard@leonardsciolla.com.

Schultz Obtains Settlement For Commercial Property Owner in Redevelopment Dispute

Paul H. Schultz, Esquire, an associate with the firm, recently reached a settlement with a New Jersey municipality on behalf of a commercial property owner during the course of multi-party litigation over a municipal redevelopment plan. The municipality’s redevelopment plan had designated the area surrounding the client’s business as an area in need of redevelopment, leaving it subject to potential eminent domain proceedings. The settlement involved the redrafting of the redevelopment plan to exclude the client’s property from the redevelopment area.

Mr. Schultz regularly handles land use and zoning matters, and has a diverse practice including business law, personal injury, civil litigation and other matters.

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP Named to Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for 2010

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is proud to announce that the firm has been named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for 2010. The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers has long been recognized as one of the most well known listings of distinguished law firms in the United States. Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is a full service law firm based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with offices in Moorestown, New Jersey and West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm handles a diverse variety of legal matters for both individuals and businesses. For more information, please contact our offices at (215) 567-1530.

Firm Attorneys Help to Honor Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP attorneys were among those in attendance at a recent Justinian Society of America luncheon event at the Union League in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Honor United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. The Justinian Society is a legal organization comprised of attorneys, judges and law students of Italian ancestry. Pictured with Justice Alito is firm attorney John D. Cirrinicione, Esquire. Also in attendance were attorneys, Gregory E. Sciolla, Esquire, Michael V. Tinari, Esquire.

Labroli Elected Treasurer of Whitpain Recreation Association

Stephen J. Labroli, Esquire, a partner with the firm, was recently elected Treasurer and Member of the Executive Board of Directors of the Whitpain Recreation Association (WRA). The WRA is a Pennsylvania non-profit organization that has been serving Whitpain Township, Montgomery County and surrounding communities for more than 45 years, offering youth programs for baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and field hockey. Mr. Labroli has also been involved in youth athletics as a baseball coach for more than 6 years.

Mr. Labroli concentrates his practice in the areas of business law and civil litigation, including commercial and bankruptcy litigation. He also practices in the areas of commercial and residential real estate transactions and estate administration.

Hutchison Obtains Seven Figure Jury Verdict

Hugh J. Hutchison, Esquire, a partner with the firm obtained a seven figure jury verdict in favor of the owner of a Philadelphia pier and against an insurance company for breach of a property insurance contract. Prior to trial, the insurer refused to pay any sum for the loss of the pier, asserting that the underlying pier structure was so deteriorated that it had no value. A large section of the pier was lost when it spontaneously collapsed while in use as a nightclub and entertainment venue. Mr. Hutchison's practice is concentrated in the field of civil litigation, where he has successfully tried cases on a wide range of issues, including matters involving insurance and complex commercial transactions.

Leonard Handles $15 Million in Commercial Financings

Keith N. Leonard, Esquire, a partner with the firm, has worked with numerous clients to close on commercial financings in both the United States and the United States Virgin Islands totaling in excess of $15,000,000.00 in the past six months.  Mr. Leonard has a broad based business practice that includes substantial expertise involving real estate, bankruptcy and commercial transactions, as well as general business issues for a variety of business forms including corporations and limited liability companies.   In that regard Mr. Leonard has counseled clients about a multitude of issues involving employment, environmental, financing, and contractual matters.

Sciolla Honored By Widener Law School Alumni

Gregory E. Sciolla, Esquire, a senior partner with the firm, has been awarded the 2008 Outstanding Service Award by the Alumni Board of Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware. Mr. Sciolla is a member of the New Jersey Bar, the Pennsylvania Bar and the New York Bar and is a graduate of the Widener University School of Law's first graduating class, Class of 1975, previously known as Delaware Law School. Mr. Sciolla concentrates his practice on casualty, personal injury, and workers compensation matters.

Cirrinicione Joins Firm

Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP is pleased to announce that John D. Cirrinicione, Esquire has joined the firm as an associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Cirrinicione served as a law clerk for the Honorable Raymond A. Batten of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Cape May County. Mr. Cirrinicione concentrates his practice on personal injury matters and civil litigation.

Schultz Helps Delran Honor Olympic Hero

Paul H. Schultz, Esquire, an associate with the firm, served on the Parade Committee for Delran Township's (NJ) recent ceremony to honor Olympic Soccer Gold Medalist, Carli Lloyd. Ms. Lloyd, a Delran native, had scored the winning goal in the United States Women's Soccer Team's 1-0 victory over Brazil in the gold medal match. Mr. Schultz concentrates his practice on business litigation, personal injury matters, and real estate transactions.

Leonard Named Super Lawyer®

Keith N. Leonard, Esquire, a partner with the firm, has been named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer® for 2008 by Super Lawyers® Magazine. He had previously received this same honor in 2007. Mr. Leonard concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, business and corporate law, and merger and acquisition transactions.