Mission Statement

The Babst Calland Women’s Initiative strives to increase the retention and advancement of women attorneys at our Firm and in the broader legal community by promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.

The Women’s Initiative meets regularly to facilitate open discussions about workplace challenges historically faced by women in professional settings and encourages the exchange of advice and experiences to aid others in navigating those challenges.

The Women’s Initiative further supports the Firm’s women attorneys in developing and promoting their practices by acknowledging and celebrating successes and encouraging mentorship among all of the Firm’s attorneys. A key goal of the Women’s Initiative is to connect women attorneys across the Firm’s practice groups and offices, allowing for organic support systems to develop and prosper. This blending of practice groups and offices encourages collaboration and cross-marketing opportunities that benefit our attorneys and clients. By encouraging these relationships, the Women’s Initiative’s work advances the professional and business development of women attorneys at the Firm and within the legal community at large.

 

Features

The following celebrates the initiatives of the women attorneys at Babst Calland.


Susanna Bagdasarova and Kate Cooper Co-Author Firm Alert

In their recent alert Navigate the Current Uncertainty on FinCEN Matters with Chris Farmakis and Dane Fennell, Susanna Bagdasarova and Kate Cooper provide a reminder of the upcoming January 1, 2025 compliance deadline for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule (the “Rule”). Although it is currently being challenged in the courts, the compliance requirements and deadlines remain in effect for the majority of entities at this time.

Alex Farone Co-Authors Employment and Labor Alert

On August 20, a U.S. District judge ruled that the FTC’s ban on most non-competes exceeded the FTC’s statutory authority. This decision sets aside the non-compete ban nationally, meaning the ban cannot be enforced or take effect on September 4, 2024. Employers may continue to utilize non-competes if permitted by state law, in the manner prescribed by state statutes and case law. There is a reasonable likelihood of an appeal, in which case, there may be additional developments to follow.

Anna Hosack Co-Authors Legal Intelligencer Article

In her recent article Right-To-Know Law Policy Update in the Wake of Anonymous FOIA Buddy Record Requests with Max Junker, Anna Hosack provides a Right-to-Know Law Policy Update in Wake of Anonymous FOIA Buddy Record Requests. To view the full article, click here.

Kristen Petrina Authors TEQ Hub Article

In her recent article Data Privacy: A Friend or Foe of Artificial Intelligence, Kristen Petrina discusses AI development and what organizations should consider before implementing AI into its processes. To read the full article, click here.

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Eight Women Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, and Seven Named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

Eight Babst Calland women lawyers were selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, the most respected peer-reviewed publications in the legal profession:

  • Lisa Bruderly – Environmental Law
  • Kathy K. Condo – Commercial Litigation, Energy Law
  • Julie R. Domike – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
  • Jennifer Hicks – Commercial Litigation and Energy Law
  • Justine Kasznica – Corporate Law
  • Christina Manfredi McKinley – Commercial Litigation
  • Jean M.

Gina Buchman Co-Authors PIOGA Press Article

In her recent article Pennsylvania’s Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act of 2024 with Kevin Garber and Sean McGovern, Gina Buchman discusses the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act and the three key aspects – pore space ownership, permitting and operating an injection and storage facility, and liability and long-term responsibility for sequestered CO2. The Act was signed into law , effective immediately on July 17, 2024.

Carla Castello Co-Authors Pittsburgh Business Times Article

In her recent article Best Practice for Conducting an Effective Internal Company Investigation with Kevin Douglass and Steve Antonelli, Carla Castello gives insights on conducting an effective internal company investigation when faced with allegations. To read the full article, click here.

Jean Mosites, Sloan Wildman and Amanda Brosy Co-Author PA Law Weekly Article

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries for nearly 80 years. Following decades of concerns with human health effects and environmental contamination, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laid out its PFAS Strategic Roadmap. This spring, the EPA finalized two of the most significant measures described in its PFAS Roadmap. Environmental Attorneys Jean Mosites, Sloane Anders Wildman and Amanda Brosy discuss the regulations developed under the EPA’s PFAS Roadmap that go beyond PFOA and PFOS, inviting scrutiny by the public, regulated entities, and various stakeholders.

Gina Buchman Co-Authors Environmental Alert

On July 17, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act into law, effective immediately. This comprehensive new statute positions Pennsylvania to join a growing list of states, including North Dakota, Wyoming, Indiana, and West Virginia, that promote underground storage of carbon dioxide. In this Alert, Attorney Gina Falaschi Buchman along with Kevin Garber and Sean McGovern discuss the Act’s authorization of underground injection and sequestration of CO2, and its three key aspects – pore space ownership, permitting and operating an injection and storage facility, and liability and long-term responsibility for sequestered CO2.

Christina McKinley Authors Blog in PA Chamber Business Blog

In her blog in the PA Chamber’s Business Blog, The Current, Christina Manfredi McKinley discusses a number of decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court this past term, which, individually and collectively, have the potential to reshape the administrative state as we know it, and create both significant opportunities and corresponding risks, particularly for businesses, often subject to federal regulations. Christina will be a panelist during the the PA Chamber of Business and Industry‘s webinar on July 31, 2024, addressing the effect on the business community of three significant administrative law cases from the Supreme Court’s recently concluded term: Loper BrightCorner Post, and Ohio v.

Jenni Hicks to Co-Chair 15th Appalachia Energy Law Conference

Attorney Jenni Hicks will serve as a conference co-chair for the 15th Appalachia Energy Law Conference (f/k/a Law of Shale Plays Conference), September 4-5, 2024. Focused on legal issues related to onshore energy production, primarily oil and gas production in Appalachia, this conference brings together clients, attorneys, professional landmen, and other professionals to learn and discuss important cases, concepts, and trends. In addition, the conference features multiple networking opportunities with other attendees.

Attorney Christina Manfredi McKinley Appointed to Board of Trustees of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Eastern Great Lakes Region

Babst Calland Attorney Christina Manfredi McKinley was recently elected to the Pittsburgh Board of Trustees of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Eastern Great Lakes Region. She will serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024.

“I’m honored to serve on the Pittsburgh Board of Trustees and am thrilled to be a part of the team. I look forward to supporting LLS in its mission to find cures and ensure patients can access the lifesaving treatments they need,” said Ms.

Susanna Bagdasarova and Kate Cooper Co-Author TEQ Hub Article

In their recent article MindShare: Navigate the Current Uncertainty on FinCEN Matters with Chris Farmakis and Dane Fennell, Susanna Bagdasarova and Kate Cooper discuss the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), and what this means to businesses, and what every entity organized under U.S.

Christina McKinley to Be a Presenter for PA Chamber’s Government Affairs Webinar

AttorneyAttorney Christina McKinley will be a presenter for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry’s Government Affairs Webinar: “What Every Business Needs to Know About Recent SCOTUS Rulings” on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently issued several major decisions that will have profound impacts on the business community. From the elimination of “Chevron Deference” to other landmark rulings curtailing the power of federal regulators, SCOTUS has realigned the separation of powers to restrict the administrative state.

Attorney Spotlight on Sloane Anders Wildman

This is the fourth in a series of profiles featuring the women attorneys of Babst Calland to acknowledge and celebrate their success and to connect women attorneys across the Firm’s practice groups, offices and clients. This attorney spotlight features Sloane Anders Wildman.

To view the profile on Sloane, click here.

News
Babst Calland Partners with PLDIC for “Ask Us Anything” Panel Discussion
Babst Calland partnered with the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC) to sponsor and...
Events
Film Screening and Panel Discussion in Celebration of International Women’s Day
On March 8, in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Babst Calland’s...
Women's Initiative
Women’s Initiative 2024 Mentoring Circle Kickoff Meeting
The Babst Calland Women’s Initiative is celebrating the fourth consecutive year of one of the...
Women's Initiative
Babst Calland Names Buchman and Castello Shareholder
Babst Calland recently named Gina Falaschi Buchman and Carla M. Castello shareholders in the Firm....
Women's Initiative
Jean Mosites Honored with 2023 Marcellus Shale Coalition Service Award
Jean Mosites has been honored with the 2023 Marcellus Shale Coalition Service Award at its...
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