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.
The following celebrates the initiatives of the women attorneys at Babst Calland.
Ordinance enforcement is an essential function for a municipality to keep its residents and community functioning efficiently. In their recent article in The Legal Intelligencer, Robert Max Junker and Morgan Madden explain the goal of zoning enforcement is to “ensure compliance with an ordinance such that the community is protected.” To read the full article, click here.
Attorney Susanna Bagdasarova was recently selected to Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.’s Leadership Development Initiative program. Susanna was among a diverse group of 49 members identified as high-potential, emerging leaders in the region who are poised to create significant impact in their organizations and communities. For more information, click here.
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. …
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. …
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.
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.
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:
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. …
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.
In her recent article Press Pause: SCOTUS Says an Appeal of Denied Request to Compel Arbitration Must Stay Case Alexandra Graf discusses the recently decided U.S. Supreme Court case Coinbase, Inc. v. Bielski, 216 L.Ed.2d 671 (2023). Prior to the decision, there was a circuit split as to whether an interlocutory appeal of a denied motion to compel arbitration forces the district court to stay the underlying proceedings. …
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. …
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. …
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 Bright, Corner Post, and Ohio v. …
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. …
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. …
