Insights & Impact the Pietragallo Law Blog

The Push to Modernize the MPC

August 27, 2026

The Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq. (“MPC”), has served since 1968 as the foundational framework governing land use planning, zoning ordinances, subdivision, and land development decisions for municipalities across Pennsylvania. However, amid a growing housing crisis and persistent development delays, state lawmakers and executive agencies are evaluating whether this 1968 framework... Read more »

Litigation Experts and Generative AI: The Latest Cautionary Tale

August 26, 2026

By: Frank H. Stoy

The proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies in all walks of life, including the legal profession, is hardly news. At this point, you might even find the topic exhausting. That said, the use of AI—and its real-world implications in the courtroom—must not be ignored. Just last week, we received yet another stark reminder that the use... Read more »

Tax Appeal Season Is Here: Allegheny County’s Lower Assessment Ratio Could Cut Your Property Taxes

August 4, 2026

Blog, Insights & Impact Business Blog

By: Michael S. Robinson , Aaron M. McDonough

Think your property tax bill is too high? Allegheny County property owners have a limited window to do something about it. The deadline to file a real estate tax assessment appeal for the 2027 tax year is September 1, 2026 — and this year, the numbers are working in owners’ favor. Here’s why. The common... Read more »

How to Avoid Failure to Promote Claims

July 9, 2026

Blog, Insights & Impact Business Blog

By: Mark T. Sottile

If you have read some of our previous legal blogs, you know that the vast majority of single plaintiff employment litigation is precipitated by an adverse action, most often a termination. When an employee is terminated—purportedly for an illegal reason—they may have a claim for economic damages like back pay and front pay, which flow... Read more »

Business Divorce in E-Commerce: Who Gets the Brand When the Founders Split?

July 8, 2026

Blog, From Boardroom to Courtroom: Business Disputes in Pennsylvania

By: Matthew R. Barnes

A recurring series exploring shareholder disputes, partnership conflicts, membership fights, and business breakups in the Keystone State. Follow the series here. A business divorce is the breakup of co-owners in a closely held company. Whether amicable or contested, it always involves unwinding shared control over assets, customers, and decision-making. In e-commerce companies, the brand is... Read more »

Founder Disputes: Key Considerations When Founders Clash

June 10, 2026

Blog, From Boardroom to Courtroom: Business Disputes in Pennsylvania

By: Matthew R. Barnes

A recurring series exploring shareholder disputes, partnership conflicts, membership fights, and business breakups in the Keystone State. Follow the series here. Many fast-growing companies are founded by friends, family, or colleagues. As these companies expand, founder disputes can emerge. Founder disputes are not typical business disagreements. Founders often play many roles (owner, director, officer, employee,... Read more »