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.


Stefanie Mekilo Co-Authors Litigation Alert

In her recent alert Hangey v. Husqvarna Professional Products: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Closes Another Off-Ramp for Corporate Defendants Sued in Pennsylvania with Joseph Schaeffer, Stefanie Mekilo discusses the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s recent Hangey decision, which allows plaintiffs to establish venue against corporations based on the most minimal of contacts.

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 Annual Member Meeting.

Babst Calland Sponsors 2023 Smart 50 Awards Event

Babst Calland sponsored the Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards event recognizing the top executives of the smartest companies in the Greater Pittsburgh region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations.

Babst Calland Attorney Susanna Bagdasarova introduced a group of the Smart 50 honorees and the Sustainability award.

Babst Calland Attorney Justine Kasznica was a Smart 50 honoree and won the Impact award for the Keystone Space Collaborative.

Babst Calland Supports the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Legal Center

Babst Calland cosponsored the 16th Annual Pursuit of Justice Purse Auction in support of the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Legal Center. The Center provides vital resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in the community. Stefanie Mekilo, Betsy Dupuis, Michael Libuser, and Michele Steudler were in attendance.

 

Ember Holmes Interviews with Pittsburgh Tech Council

Ember Holmes details how the Amended BPINA affects all Pennsylvania entities that store information belonging to Pennsylvania residents, but has the most significant impact on state agencies and entities that contract with state agencies. She also discusses what businesses are facing with new requirements in data privacy, what’s in store for 2024 and how to be sure your company is in compliance. To listen to the podcast, click here.

Tiffany Arbaugh Elected as President for WEN WV

Tiffany Arbaugh has been elected as President for the Women’s Energy Network West Virginia for 2024.

WEN is an international organization of professional women who work across the energy value chain. Their mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

West Virginia Employment Law: Hiring, Firing, and Disciplining Employees

Attorneys Janet Meub and Alex Farone will be speaking at the West Virginia Employment Law: Hiring, Firing, and Disciplining Employees online seminar hosted by the National Business Institute on December 11.

This seminar will provide essential guidelines for hiring, onboarding, disciplining, and terminating workers. Topics include: Hiring, Onboarding, and Managing Remote Workers: How to Do It Right, Guidelines for Terminating Employees on Leave, and Ethical Issues in Employment Law.

Erin Hamilton Co-Authors Litigation Alert

In her recent alert States Continue to Adopt the “Continuous-Trigger” Theory of “Occurrence” Under Commercial General Liability Insurance Policies with Mychal Schulz, Erin Hamilton discusses the “continuous-trigger” theory when examining coverage under a CGL insurance policy. To read the full alert, click here.

Betsy Dupuis to Present at the 2023 PACA Annual Meeting

Attorney Betsy Dupuis, who is the current solicitor for Centre County, will lead a breakout session on municipal ordinance developments of interest to Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA) members during the 2023 PACA Annual Meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023. For more information, click here.

Jenn Malik Authors Litigation Legal Perspective

In her recent legal perspective Appealing a Collateral Order? Fresh Guidance on Rule 313 Jenn Malik discusses Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure 313. To read the full perspective, click here.

Anna Skipper Jewart Co-Authors Public Sector Alert

In her recent alert Divided Commonwealth Court Holds Local Agencies are Prohibited from Adding Non-Emergency and Non-De Minimis Agenda Items to the Posted Agenda with Max Junker Anna Jewart discusses Sections 712.1(b),(c) or (d) of the Sunshine Act. To read the full alert, click here.

Jessica Deyoe Co-Authors Environmental Alert

In her recent alert Trick or Treat? EPA Tightens Reporting Requirements for PFAS and other Chemicals of Special Concern with Joseph Schaeffer, Jessica Deyoe discusses the final rule published in the Federal Register this Halloween, which we previewed at the time of proposal, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increased the reporting requirements for per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other chemicals of special concern under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know-Act, 42 U.S.C.

Abigail Reecer Joins Babst Calland

Abigail M. Reecer recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Energy and Natural Resources Group and Pipeline and HazMat Safety Practice. Ms. Reecer represents client in pipeline safety matters before the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), state agencies, and federal courts.

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Reecer was an associate with Hollingsworth LLP. She is a 2021 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.

Jenn Malik Authors Employment and Labor Alert

In her recent alert, CAA Gag Clause Attestation Deadline Soon Approaching, Jenn Malik discusses the December 31, 2023 deadline for submission of the inaugural Section 201 Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation (Attestation) to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments). To read the full alert, click here.

Stefanie Pitcavage Mekilo Co-Authors Legal Intelligencer Article

In her recent article To Infinity and Beyond? Pa. Supreme Court Casts Doubt Upon Presumptive Constitutional Limit for Punitive Damages with Casey Coyle and Austin Rodgers, Stefanie Mekilo discusses a recent ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. To view the full article, click here.

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...
Events
Space Lawyers and Out of this World Legal Adventures
Attorney Justine Kasznica will present “Space Lawyers and Out of this World Legal Adventures” on...
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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