Everyone knew 2020 would be an election year. Few could have predicted the election would take a backseat to a pandemic, murder hornets and nationwide public protests in the news cycle. Such is the world these days. And, in such a world, the breadth, intensity and importance of public discourse is even more magnified than…
DetailsCharting A Course to Restore Local Government Operations As we look ahead to re-opening Pennsylvania during a protracted fight against the coronavirus, local governments should implement a strategic plan designed to optimize safe and efficient public services while protecting the health of municipal employees. This effort requires a careful balancing of individual liberty and privacy…
DetailsGov. Tom Wolf now has legislation on his desk that contains emergency measures to help local governments respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and includes a provision addressing a popular state education tax credit program. The bill was unanimously approved by both the state Senate and House, and has been presented to the Governor…
DetailsSiana Law is pleased to announce the admission of Christopher P. Gerber and Michael G. Crotty as General Partners to the Firm. Having joined the Firm in 1998, Mr. Gerber has an accomplished record of successfully representing public and private entities as well as individuals in the areas of civil rights, police liability, and labor…
DetailsMARCH 30, 2020 The United States Department of Labor issued guidance in response to the enactment of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to address whether law enforcement personnel are exempt from the benefits afforded under the Act. Specifically, the Act exempted “emergency responders” from the extended paid sick leave and extended family medical leave.…
DetailsMARCH 19, 2020 On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was enacted into law. And went into effect on April 1, 2020. It is important to note that most employers will be impacted by the Emergency Sick Leave Act and Emergency FMLA provisions put into place by the federal government in response…
DetailsDear Clients, Colleagues and Friends, On June 26, 2020 Chester County officially entered the Green Phase. Like many local businesses that are now permitted to reopen, the firm is pleased to welcome our administrative staff and attorneys back to our office, subject to state and CDC guidelines. We are prepared to reopen in accordance with…
DetailsSiana Law attorney, Brian C. Conley’s article, Fabrication of Evidence Claims, Navigating New Channels, is featured in the February 2020 issue of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs’, Borough News Magazine. Read the full article here: PSAB February 2020 Fabrication of Evidence Claims by Brian C. Conley, Esquire Brian’s Bio | Areas of Practice |…
DetailsIt is no secret that employers face special challenges managing ever diversifying workforces. Differences in race, sex, religion, age, etc. – and discriminatory or harassing acts based upon them – can lead not only to difficult human resources situations, but also potential legal liability. Municipal employers must deal with an additional element of uncertainty when…
DetailsThe article, PA Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Web-Based Rentals, by Thomas J. Grant, Esquire, was featured in the January 2020 issue of The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs’, Borough News Magazine. The article discusses the PA Supreme Court’s recent decision in Slice of Life, LLC v. Hamilton Tp. ZHB and how it reinforces “the…
DetailsSiana Law is proud to welcome Associate Attorney, Shanna R. Mason to the firm. Originally from Valley City, OH, Ms. Mason’s interest in law is rooted in her “desire to help people who cannot help themselves.” During her time at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law Shanna completed an internship with a…
DetailsSiana Law attorney Michael G. Crotty is proud to participate in the PSATS Fall Forum. Don’t miss his seminar, Blessing or Curse – Townships and Social Media on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
DetailsIn April, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a new ruling that has re-centered how zoning ordinances should be interpreted in the face of validity challenges and otherwise. While the Slice of Life, LLC v. Hamilton Tp. ZHB decision grabbed headlines in dealing with short-term, web-based rentals (think Airbnb or VRBO), its lasting impact will likely…
DetailsOn September 13, 2019, Brian Conley, Carolyn Naylor-Flynn and Gregory Hennessy, along with their sponsor, Sherry Brown, participated in a joint ceremony at the Federal Courthouse in Allentown, PA for admission to the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of PA. Attorneys Conley and Flynn were admitted to the Western…
DetailsSiana Law attorney, Michael G. Crotty’s, article, Legal Developments in Social Media, Municipalities, #feelincute, and the First Amendment, is featured in the September issue of Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs’, Borough News Magazine. Read the full article here: Don’t miss PSAB’s upcoming Fall Leadership Conference!
DetailsSiana Law is currently seeking outstanding candidates for the following position(s). Please review the information below to learn more and apply: Municipal Law Attorney Chester County law firm with statewide municipal practice seeks Associate Attorney with 2-4 years of municipal experience. Candidates must be licensed in Pennsylvania and possess excellent writing and analytical skills. Experience…
DetailsSiana Law attorney, Michael G. Crotty, was recently quoted in the article (see pg. 14) , Staying in Tip Top Shape, Property Maintenance Laws Help to Create an Attractive Community and Happier Neighbors by Amy Bobb, which was featured in the August 2019 issue of PSATS’ PA Township News. The article provides a helpful overview…
DetailsOn Wednesday, August 7th 2019, Christopher P. Gerber, Esquire will attend the Pennyslvania State Association of Borough’s 2019 PA Municipal Legal Update. He looks forward to presenting the following seminar: Police Track 1: Elected Officials Role in Police Operations This session will review the fundamentals of municipal police management and supervision pursuant to municipal codes…
DetailsPolice officers facing a multitude of potential civil claims every time they put on a uniform can now add another to the list: fabrication of evidence. While malicious prosecution and Fourteenth Amendment Substantive Due Process claims have long been a concern for any police officer whose arrest or investigation results in a criminal conviction, the…
DetailsWhile Facebook and other forms of social media can be great vehicles for municipalities to communicate with residents (read: free), they also create a legal minefield ripe with First Amendment traps. Depending on how they are structured, social media can either be the one-way vehicle that munis expect or, with open public commenting/postings, can be…
DetailsChristopher P. Gerber, Esquire, is proud to participate in the 2019 Pennsylvania Bar Institute Municipal Law Colloquium on Friday, June 7, 2019 at the PBI Headquarters in Mechanicsburg, PA. Mr. Gerber will be presenting, “Use of Force Policies, Police Misconduct/Discipline & Body Cams” alongside Mr. James Gavin, Esquire from 10:10 am – 11:10 am.
DetailsSiana Law recognizes Christopher P. Gerber, Esquire for his article, Police Departments and Medical Marijuana Usage, which is featured in the June 2019 Issue of the Pennsylvania State Association of Borough’s (PSAB) Borough News Magazine. Read the full article here:
DetailsSiana Law attorneys, Michael G. Crotty, Eric M. Brown and Sheryl L. Brown attended the April 2019 Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Annual Educational Conference in Hershey, PA. They presented a variety of seminars that covered topics pertinent to municipal officials and employees, such as social media and the First Amendment. Read the…
DetailsSheryl L. Brown, Esquire had the honor of arguing before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on April 9, 2019 to address an issue related to part-time police officers across the state. In a question certified to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, guidance was sought on whether the Police Tenure Act…
DetailsSiana Law recognizes Eric M. Brown, Esquire for his article, Commonwealth Court Reverses Zoning Hearing Board Decision, which was recently featured in the March 2019 Issue of PSAB’s Borough News Magazine. Read the full article here: Commonwealth Court Reverses Zoning Hearing Board DecisionDownload Eric’s Bio | Areas of Practice | Contact Us …
DetailsOn November 6, 2018, the United States Supreme Court held that the definition of “employer” under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) includes all state and local governments regardless of their size. In Mount Lemmon Fire Dist. v. Guido 139 S. Ct. 22 (2018), two fire fighters, ages 46 and 54, sued…
DetailsSiana Law is proud to welcome Associate Attorney, Anthony DelGrosso to the firm. Originally from Blair County, PA, Mr. DelGrosso is a 2013 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Shippensburg University in 2010. Mr. DelGrosso has “always enjoyed helping others navigate complicated…
DetailsThe Commonwealth Court recently issued a ruling that emphasized the importance of statutory drafting when it comes to Zoning Ordinances. In Hoefling v. ZHB of Monroe Township, the Court held that because the Township’s Zoning Ordinance did not expressly prohibit short-term rental of the entire property, such rentals are permissible. (1437 C.D. 2017). The property…
DetailsEffective organizations – be it a championship caliber sports team or a successful corporation – know that a foundation of discipline, which fosters morale and a sense of camaraderie, can be the difference between success and failure. The same lessons can be applied to police forces. The effectiveness of police departments in fulfilling their public…
DetailsOn January 16, 2019, Eric M. Brown and Michael G. Crotty of Siana Law, presented a webinar on Ethics and Zoning to more than 45 participants from across the Commonwealth as part of the Penn State Extension Spring 2019 Land Use series. Participants received AICP maintenance credits for attending. The webinar series assists municipal elected…
DetailsIn a time when schools are asking more and more of their students, families – and now courts – are beginning to ask more of schools. Before delving into specifics, it is necessary to provide brief background on the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), states receive federal funds to…
DetailsWith the close of the year, so too ends the PA Legislature’s 2017-2018 term. Sifting through the thousands of bills introduced over the past year, the lingering question remains: what did they pass?! While municipalities will need to continue to push for more reform in the upcoming 2019-2020 session, below is a summary of several…
DetailsSiana Laaw recognizes Christopher P. Gerber, Esquire and Michael G. Crotty, Esquire for their recent feature in the December 2018 Issue of PSATS’ Township News article, Managing Risk – Awareness and an Emphasis on Safety Can Keep Your Township From Becoming a Liability Target by Amy Bobb, Assistant Editor. In the article, Mr. Gerber and Mr. Crotty…
DetailsSiana Law is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions. Associate Attorney – Municipal Law Chester County law firm with municipal practice seeks Associate Attorney with a minimum of 4 years of municipal experience. Candidates must be licensed in Pennsylvania and possess excellent writing and analytical skills. Experience representing municipalities is required. Salary is commensurate…
DetailsSiana Law proudly recognizes Sheryl L. Brown, Esquire for her lead story on Pennsylvania’s new drone law, featured in the December 2018 Issue of PSAB’s (Pennyslvania State Association of Boroughs) Borough News Magazine. Read the full article here: Happy Flying? What Your Borough Should Know About Drones Sheryl’s Bio | Areas of Practice | Contact…
DetailsThe Commonwealth Court recently reversed a local zoning hearing board’s decision to grant a variance on the basis that the landowner who sought the variance did not meet the legal standard governing variances. In Salahub v. North Cornwall Township Zoning Hearing Board, No. 1322 C.D. 2017 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2018), a landowner operating a golf course…
DetailsOn October 12, 2018, Governor Wolf signed into effect Act 78 which not only established criminal offenses for the unlawful use of a drone (“unmanned aircraft”), with noted exceptions, but also provided a preemption of local drone ordinances. Does your municipality have an already established “drone” ordinance? If so, it may now be preempted by…
DetailsSiana Law is proud to welcome Associate Attorney, Gregory Hennessy to the firm. Originally from Harrisburg, PA, Mr. Hennessy developed an interest in law while studying business in college. “I became very interested in human resources and employment related matters. After working in a human resources department I decided to pursue my law degree.” During…
DetailsSiana Law recognizes attorney Eric M. Brown, Esquire for his feature in the November 2018 issue of PSATS (Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors) PA Township News. Mr. Brown was recently interviewed for an article that discusses pension trends and strategies municipalities may be able to apply to improve pension plan funding. “Meet with your…
DetailsOn October 3, 2018, Sheryl L. Brown, Esquire and Christopher P. Gerber, Esquire presented the webinar, Hot Topics in Police Management, on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (“PSATS”). The webinar included insightful information and recommended best practices pertaining to effective police department management, internal affairs investigations and liability that can arise…
DetailsOn Saturday, October 20th, Siana Law attorneys Mike Crotty and Carolyn Flynn (together with their families) participated in the Wallace Trust “Run for the Woods” 5k at Wagenseller Park in Glenmoore, PA. It was crisp fall morning, ideal for running the parks, trails and rolling hills in the Township. Mike and Carolyn made the firm…
DetailsAttorneys at Siana Law were successful in defeating a plaintiff’s state created danger claim asserted against a local municipality stemming from a police chief’s motor vehicle accident. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District court’s dismissal of a Complaint brought against the township, it’s supervisors and police chief. The history of the claim…
DetailsSiana Law recognizes attorney Eric M. Brown, Esquire for his recently published article in the October 2018 issue of PSAB‘s Borough News Magazine. His featured article breaks down the best practices for developing an effective social media policy for municipal employers. Read the full article provided by PSAB below: Full Article on Social Media by…
DetailsSiana Law attorneys Michael G. Crotty and Christopher P. Gerber are proud to participate in the 59th Annual Pennsylvania Association of Municipal Administrators (PAMA) Conference, August 12th – 15th at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, PA. They look forward to presenting on the following topics* on Tuesday, August 14th, 2018: 2018 Trends in Municipal Law…
DetailsOn June 27, 2018, in the decision of Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31, the United States Supreme Court held that an Illinois law that forces public employees to contribute an agency fee (also known as a “fair share” fee) if they choose not to join a union it…
DetailsTwo articles by Siana Law attorneys Christopher P. Gerber, Esquire and Brian C. Conley, Esquire, each of which address pertinent issues for local municipalities and law enforcement, were recently featured in the June and July issues of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB), Borough News Magazine. Read the full articles provided by PSAB below:…
DetailsThe Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court recently emphasized to developers and municipalities the need to properly justify waivers from provisions of a subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) during the land development process. In Lake MacLeod Homeowners’ Association, Inc. v. Pine Township Board of Supervisors and Cavalier Partners, LP, the Court sided with the objectors by holding…
DetailsSiana Law Partner, Michael G. Crotty, Esquire is teaming up with the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) to present two webinars on the following topics this fall: Zoning and Joint Zoning Considerations to Promote Sustainable Communities Wednesday, September 6, 2018 12 pm – 1:00 pm What Every Municipality Should Know about Insurance Coverage Wednesday,…
DetailsOn April 24, 2018, Sherry Brown, Esquire presented a training session at the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials (“PSATS”) Spring 2018 Educational Conference titled: The Wiretap Act, Police Body Cams, and the Right-to-Know Law. The session focused on Act 22 of 2017, which amended the Pennsylvania Wiretap Law to open the door for law enforcement…
DetailsIn April, 2018, Sherry Brown, Esquire was pleased to present a program to the Montgomery County Bar Association, Real Estate Committee titled: It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane.. no Wait, it’s a Drone? During the course of the presentation, issues such as federal regulations for recreational, commercial and government use were addressed along with potential…
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