Let the Record Reflect, There Are No “Usual Stipulations”

2023/02/23

By The Legal Intelligencer’s The Young Lawyer Editorial Board Let’s set the record straight. There are no “usual stipulations” that apply to depositions. Although some attorneys may share a vague understanding about the usual stipulations, the phrase has no established meaning. In fact, there is no rule, case, or statute that defines the usual stipulations. “Everyone purports to know without asking the content of the ‘usual stipulations’ until a dispute arises; the ephemeral nature of the parties’ understanding is then quite apparent.” See United States v. Liquid Sugars, 158 F.R.D. 466, 473 n.8 (E.D. Cal. 1994). Because the phrase has no accepted meaning, an attorney should respond to a proposal for the usual stipulations by asking, “What do you mean by the usual stipulations?” The question might elicit shock, anger, or some patronizing retort like, “I’m surprised you don’t know what the usual stipulations are.” You may feel tempted to agree to the usual stipulations without any clarification. This is especially true for newer lawyers, who fear that asking for an explanation will reveal their inexperience. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. In all likelihood, the attorney proposing the usual stipulations has no idea what the phrase means. Many attorneys simply mimic what they perceive to be a common practice without questioning whether the practice makes sense. These same attorneys might argue, “I’ve done hundreds of depositions, and no one has ever refused the usual stipulations.” That may be true, but a prevalent practice can still be a flawed practice. Consider these two common versions of the usual stipulations: “reserving all objections until trial or there is an attempt to use the deposition” or “reserving all objections except to the form of a question.” While neither helps the taking attorney, both give the defending attorney a strategic advantage beyond what the rules provide. Read More

Pietragallo is recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report

2022/11/03

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP as a 2023 Tier 1 Metro “Best Law Firm” in twelve practice areas in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. These twelve practice areas are: Commercial Litigation (PGH & PHL) Employment Law – Individuals (PHL) Health Care Law (PHL) Insurance Law (PGH) Litigation – Labor & Employment (PGH & PHL) Litigation – Health Care (PGH) Litigation – Insurance (PGH) Litigation – Trusts & Estates (PGH) Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs (PGH) Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants (PGH) Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (PGH) and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (PGH) In addition to the Tier 1 Metro ratings, Pietragallo was named: Tier 2 Metro in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in the practice areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants. Tier 3 Metro in Pittsburgh and West Palm Beach in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, Criminal Defense: General Practice, and Criminal Defense: White-Collar Pietragallo has also been named as Tier 2 across the nation in Litigation – Labor & Employment and Tier 3 nationally for our work in Commercial Litigation and Health Care Law. The U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. Clients were asked to provide feedback on firm practice groups, addressing: expertise, responsiveness, understanding of a business and its needs, cost-effectiveness, civility, and whether they would refer another client to the firm. Lawyers also voted on expertise, responsiveness, integrity, cost-effectiveness, whether they would refer a matter to a firm, and if they consider a firm a worthy competitor. Read More

Pietragallo Welcomes New Associate

2022/10/17

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate to the firm’s Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Offices. Megan E. Young joins our Employment & Labor team in our Philadelphia Office. Megan completed an externship in the City of Philadelphia’s Law Department where she handled a multitude of aspects of the litigation process including initial responsive pleadings, written discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, municipal court, and arbitration hearings. She also spent time at a public healthcare technology company. Megan is a graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law. About Pietragallo Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is a multi-disciplined business and litigation law firm headquartered in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with six offices throughout Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, and West Virginia from which we are able to serve our clients in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read More

22 Pietragallo Lawyers Named in 2023 The Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch

2022/08/18

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is pleased to announce that 22 lawyers have been named as 2023 The Best Lawyers in America and 2023 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. The following were chosen as The Best Lawyers in America: Gaetan Alfano Pamela Coyle Brecht Phillip R. Earnest Mark Gordon James W. Kraus James F. Marrion Richard J. Parks William Pietragallo, II Francis E. Pipak, Jr. Kevin E. Raphael Marc Stephen Raspanti Douglas K. Rosenblum Clem C. Trischler Peter St. Tienne Wolff The following were chosen as The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch: Lee K. Goldfarb John Kettering Alexander M. Owens Stephen F. Raiola Mark T. Sottile Frank H. Stoy About Pietragallo Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is a multi-disciplined business and litigation law firm headquartered in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with six offices throughout Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, and West Virginia from which we are able to serve our clients in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read More

23 Pietragallo Lawyers Named in 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

2022/05/23

Pietragallo is pleased to announce that 23 lawyers have been named as 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, including partner Marc Raspanti who was recognized in the Top 100 in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Super Lawyers is a service of Thomson Reuters legal division which compiles a list of outstanding lawyers from more than 74 practice areas. Each year, a research team at Super Lawyers conducts a multi-phase selection process reviewing independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. With the objective being to provide a reliable, wide-ranging list of attorneys that can be used as a source for finding exceptional legal counsel. The following were chosen as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers: Gaetan J. Alfano Joseph J. Bosick Mark Gordon P. Brennan Hart Christopher A. Iacono James W. Kraus Michael A. Morse William Pietragallo, II Francis E. Pipak, Jr. Kevin E. Raphael Marc S. Raspanti (Top 100 in Pennsylvania and Top 100 in Philadelphia) Lourdes Sánchez Ridge Douglas K. Rosenblum Clem C. Trischler Paul K. Vey The following were chosen as Pennsylvania Rising Stars: Jeremy E. Abay Rebecca Johnson Barksdale Ashley J. Kenny John W. Kettering Alexander Owens Peter St. Tienne Wolff   About Pietragallo Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is a multi-disciplined business and commercial litigation firm headquartered in Pittsburgh with six offices throughout Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, and West Virginia from which we are able to serve our clients in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read More

When Work-Life Balance is Underwater

2022/05/13

Read More

20 Pietragallo Lawyers Named in 2022 The Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch

2021/08/19

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is pleased to announce that 20 lawyers have been named as 2022 The Best Lawyers in America and 2022 Ones to Watch, including two lawyers who were recognized for Bet-the-Company Litigation. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. The following were chosen as The Best Lawyers in America: Gaetan Alfano (Bet-the-Company Litigation) Pamela Coyle Brecht Phillip R. Earnest Mark Gordon James W. Kraus James F. Marrion Richard J. Parks William Pietragallo, II (Bet-the-Company Litigation) Francis E. Pipak, Jr. Kevin E. Raphael Marc Stephen Raspanti Douglas K. Rosenblum Clem C. Trischler Peter St. Tienne Wolff The following were chosen as The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch: John Kettering Leslie A. Mariotti Peter W. Nigra Frank H. Stoy   About Pietragallo Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is a multi-disciplined business and commercial litigation firm headquartered in Pittsburgh with five offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia from which we serve our clients in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read More

24 Pietragallo Lawyers Named in 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

2021/06/08

Including Recognition in Top 100 in Pennsylvania and Top 100 In Philadelphia Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is pleased to announce that 24 attorneys have been named as 2021 Super Lawyers and 2021 Rising Stars, including two attorneys who were also recognized in the Top 100 in Pennsylvania and Top 100 in Philadelphia. Super Lawyers is a service of Thomson Reuters legal division which compiles a list of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas. Each year, a research team at Super Lawyers conducts a multi-phase selection process reviewing independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. The following were chosen as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers: Gaetan J. Alfano (Top 100 in Philadelphia) Joseph J. Bosick Mark Gordon Christopher A. Iacono P. Brennan Hart James W. Kraus Michael A. Morse William Pietragallo, II Francis E. Pipak, Jr. Kevin E. Raphael Marc S. Raspanti (Top 100 in Pennsylvania and Top 100 in Philadelphia) Douglas K. Rosenblum John A. Schwab Clem C. Trischler Paul K. Vey The following were chosen as Pennsylvania Rising Stars: Jeremy E. Abay John R. Brumberg Sarah R. Goodman Joseph L. Gordon John W. Kettering Peter W. Nigra Peter St. Tienne Wolff About Pietragallo Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is a multi-disciplined business and commercial litigation firm headquartered in Pittsburgh with five offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia from which we serve our clients in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read More

Nineteen Pietragallo Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® 2021

August 20, 2020

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti LLP, a business and litigation law firm with five offices across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, is proud to announce that nineteen of our distinguished attorneys have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021 edition. “The legacy of our law firm is the depth of our courtroom talent,” noted Managing Partner, William Pietragallo, II. He continued, “I could not be more proud.” Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review within the legal industry. The Best Lawyers® methodology is designed to capture the consensus opinion of industry-leading lawyers regarding the professional capabilities of their colleagues. Best Lawyers® distinction is demonstrative of the respect that recognized lawyers have earned amongst their peers. The following individuals of The Pietragallo Law Firm have been recognized for their work in the following industries:   Gaetan J. Alfano (2012) Commercial Litigation Employment Law – Individuals Employment Law – Management Litigation – Labor and Employment Pamela Coyle Brecht (2021) Qui Tam Law Marc S. Raspanti (2006) Health Care Law  Doug Rosenblum (2021) Criminal Defense: White-Collar Phillip R. Earnest (2021) Construction Law Insurance Law  Mark Gordon (2011) Litigation – Insurance Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers  James W. Kraus (2021) Criminal Defense: White-Collar Litigation – Health Care Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants  James F. Marrion (2021) Product Liability Litigation – Defendants  William Pietragallo II (2005) Bet-the-Company Litigation Commercial Litigation Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants  Francis E. Pipak, Jr. (2011) Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers  Peter St. Tienne Wolff (2021) Litigation – Trusts and Estates  Clem C. Trischler, Jr. (2011) Commercial Litigation Product Liability Litigation – Defendants  Paul Kenneth Vey (2011) Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants Sharon, PA  Richard Parks (2021) Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law   “Ones to Watch”   Leslie A. Read More

One of Pennsylvania’s Top 100 Attorneys can be found at Pietragallo

2020/06/02

Twenty-one Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP attorneys were named to the 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list, including founding partners William Pietragallo, II, Mark Gordon, Joseph J Bosick, Gaetan J Alfano, and Marc S Raspanti. These designations are awarded to lawyers who receive the highest feedback regarding their legal practice based on independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. In addition to all of the Firm’s founding Partners, the following lawyers were acknowledged by the rating service as 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers: P. Brennan Hart, Christopher A. Iacono, James W. Kraus, Michael A. Morse, Francis E. Pipak, Kevin E. Raphael, Douglas K. Rosenblum, John A. Schwab, Clem C. Trischler, and Paul K. Vey. The following firm lawyers were recognized by the rating service as 2020 Pennsylvania Rising Stars: John R. Brumberg, Joseph L. Gordon, Leslie A. Mariotti, and Peter St. Tienne Wolff. In addition to the recognition above, Super Lawyers further distinguished Gaetan J. Alfano as “Top 100: 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers” and “Top 100: 2020 Philadelphia Super Lawyers.” Managing Partner William Pietragallo, II was also further distinguished as “Top 50: 2020 Pittsburgh Super Lawyers List.” For more information about any of our attorneys, we invite you to visit Our Team page. If you would like to reach one of our attorneys, their direct contact information can be found within their biographies. For more information about Super Lawyers, we invite you to visit their website: www.superlawyers.com. Read More