Insights
Principals John C. Sullivan, Kathleen K. Kerns, and Stacey M. Zavalas Rejoin Post & Schell
PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 2, 2015 – Post & Schell, P.C. is pleased to announce that attorneys John C. (Jack) Sullivan, Kathleen K. Kerns, and Stacey M. Zavalas have rejoined the Firm as Principals in the Insurance Law Department, resident in the Firm’s Philadelphia Office. Former Post & Schell Insurance Law attorneys Allison R. Radocha and Richard J. Barca have also returned to Post & Schell as Associates, joining their former colleagues.
As part of the Firm’s Insurance Law Department, the Group strengthens the Firm’s representation of both regional and Fortune 500 multi-line insurance carriers in coverage disputes and litigation, bad faith claims and litigation, and insurance related issues involving toxic tort, construction defect, personal injury, and life, health, disability and ERISA coverage.
The group had previously exited the Firm in January 2015, due to an expected increase in client conflicts. Post & Schell President & Chief Executive Officer, A. James Johnston, explains that some of these conflicts did not materialize as anticipated.
“While we understood the group’s decision given anticipated client conflicts, it was never the outcome anyone wanted,” said Mr. Johnston. “While making these decisions is part of the business of law, it was unfortunate that the group decided to leave.”
“However, over time it became apparent that these potential conflicts would not have the expected impact they once did, and recent discussions resulted in the group’s decision to return. This is a credit to the collaborative culture of all involved, and is a wonderful development for the Firm, Jack’s group, the Insurance Law Department, and our clients. I join the entire Firm in welcoming back the group.”
Mr. Sullivan explained that the group’s initial decision to leave the Firm was extremely difficult, both personally and professionally, and welcomed the opportunity to return. Mr. Sullivan spent most of his professional career at Post & Schell, joining the Firm in 1995, and, collectively, the group has nearly 50 years of experience at Post & Schell.
“Our decision to leave was based solely in our desire to continue to meet the legal needs of our clients, without conflict,” said Mr. Sullivan. “As the year went on, it became clear to us that the issues we had expected would not have as deep of an impact as we surmised. We’re pleased that the current situation opened the door for our return, and all of us are excited to return home to Post & Schell.”
Richard L. McMonigle, Jr., Chair of Post & Schell’s Insurance Law Department, noted that welcoming the group back means strengthening the Firm’s long standing commitment to the insurance industry.
“Serving the needs of insurance providers is a foundational practice of Post & Schell, and has been for over 40 years,” said Mr. McMonigle. “This exciting news reaffirms that commitment. We’re pleased to welcome Jack, Kathy, Stacey, Allison and Rick back to the Insurance Law Department as we continue serving our friends and business partners in the insurance industry.”
About Post & Schell, P.C.
Post & Schell, P.C. is committed to defining, measuring and achieving legal excellence. We provide sophisticated legal services and strategic counseling to highly regulated industries and their directors, officers, and stakeholders regionally, nationally and internationally. Our attorneys provide our clients with problem-solving and efficient representation in litigation, regulatory, compliance, corporate and public policy matters.
Our focused legal product lines are vertically integrated into a variety of highly regulated industries including: banking and financial services; commercial transportation; commercial construction; energy & utilities; health care; hospitality; information technology and informatics; insurance; manufacturing; pharmaceutical and medical device; pharmacy benefit management; and professional services.
With offices in Washington, D.C., Princeton, NJ, and Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Allentown, Pa., our attorneys represent industries in a variety of venues and geographic markets.