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  • Jun 18, 2021Norris McLaughlin Welcomes New Associates to the Firm

    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to welcome Anthony M. Brichta to its Allentown, Pennsylvania office and John V. Kelly III to the Bridgewater, New Jersey office.

    “We are thrilled to be adding more young talent to our already established practice groups and offices. Our goal is to continue our growth plans, providing the firm a great succession plan to secure our future,” said David C. Roberts, Chair of the firm and Co-Chair of its Recruiting Committee.

    About Anthony Brichta

    Brichta concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, corporate matters, and liquor law. He has joined the firm’s expansive Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Industry Group and brings his wide-ranging experience to its alcohol manufacturing and distribution clients.

    In addition, Brichta has handled a broad range of civil litigation matters for private and municipal clients. He has extensive experience in creditors’ rights, municipal litigation, tax assessment and tax claim litigation, appellate practice, insurance defense and coverage, plaintiffs’ litigation, commercial disputes, bankruptcy, and juvenile dependency matters.

    A resident and native of the Lehigh Valley, Brichta is co-founder and CEO of a start-up craft distillery in Allentown and Easton. He has volunteered for an income tax clinic relief program in New Orleans and taught the Junior Achievement Program at Brooklyn High School. Brichta was selected for inclusion in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 “Rising Stars” lists in Philadelphia Magazine by Super Lawyers®.

    Brichta received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2008, where he participated in the mock trial and trial practice programs. He was also a member of the university’s wrongful convictions clinical program and assistant editor of its national political science journal, Political Communication. From Lehigh University, Brichta received his M.A. in 2005 and his B.A., summa cum laude, in 2004.

    About John Kelly

    Kelly, who is joining the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, focuses his practice exclusively on labor and employment law. He advises clients on various local, state, and federal labor and employment laws.

    Additionally, Kelly handles litigation matters from pleading through appeal, including discrimination and sexual harassment suits, workplace investigations, and wage and hour compliance, and employer investigations. He drafts employer and employee policies, handbooks, and contracts, and negotiates vendor contracts and agreements.

    Prior to joining the firm, Kelly was a clerk for the New Jersey Superior Court, Hudson County Vicinage Law Division in Jersey City for the Hon. Christine Farrington, J.S.C. He is an Army Veteran and JAG Officer in the New Jersey Army National Guard. In 2020, Kelly was elected to the Nutley Board of Commissioners, where he serves as Commissioner and Director of Nutley’s Public Affairs and Health Department.

    Kelly earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2012, where he was a member of the Legislative Law Journal and recipient of the Del Tufo Constitutional Law Award; and his B.S., cum laude, from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007.

    Posted in: Anthony M. Brichta, Business Law, John V. Kelly III, Labor & Employment, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Litigation, News, Real Estate & Finance | Tags: , , , , , ,

  • May 11, 2021Norris McLaughlin Appoints David Roberts as Chair and Elects David Harmon and Graham Simmons to Management Committee

    The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce its 2021 Management Committee.

    David C. Roberts, a Member of the firm and Co-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group, has been appointed Chair of the firm, succeeding John N. Vanarthos, also a Member of the firm, who has served since 2018.

    David T. Harmon, Co-Chair of the firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice Group, and S. Graham Simmons, III, Co-Chair of the firm’s Business Law Practice Group, have been elected to the firm’s Management Committee, joining Roberts, David S. Blatteis, Bruce S. Londa, Robert Mahoney, and Melissa A. Peña. With Simmons on the Management Committee, Theodore J. Zeller, III, Chair of the firm’s Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Practice Group, will succeed his current role as the Pennsylvania office’s Administrative Partner.

    Dolores A. Laputka is stepping down after three years on the Management Committee and will continue to serve on the Norris McLaughlin Finance Committee. Both Vanarthos and Laputka continue as equity members of the firm.

    About the Norris McLaughlin Management Committee

    The Management Committee collaborates on and oversees the day-to-day operations of Norris McLaughlin with the goal of preserving the firm’s values, mission, and culture, as well as implementing strategic growth plans for the firm’s future success.

    “First, I want to thank John for his exceptional leadership and Dolores for her invaluable contributions to the committee and the firm,” said Roberts. “I am humbled and honored that the firm has selected me for this role, and I am excited to work with our broad and collaborative team of creative and talented colleagues.”

    Vanarthos added, “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the Chairperson of the firm and I thank the Management Committee for all of their hard work. I know that the management and leadership of the firm is in excellent and capable hands with Dave at the helm. I have full confidence in their ability to lead the firm into the future, and I will do all that I can to help with those efforts.”

    “It remains an honor to contribute to the leadership of the firm as a member of the Management Committee,” said Mahoney, who has served since 2012, “I offer my congratulations to Dave and know that the firm is well-positioned to deliver outstanding client service through our diverse practices and capabilities.”

    Peña, who was elected to the Committee in June 2020, commented, “Dave and the entire committee are deeply committed to the firm’s core values and to supporting the Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s mentoring programs for women and minority attorneys throughout their careers.”

    About the Attorneys

    Dave Roberts

    Roberts devotes his practice to handling complex commercial litigation matters such as fraud, fraudulent transfers, trade secrets, and restrictive covenant litigation, with particular emphasis on business partnership and shareholder disputes in New Jersey. He aims to resolve matters through mediation, if that approach fits the client’s goals and objectives, but is an experienced trial attorney prepared to litigate matters that cannot otherwise be resolved. In 2007, Roberts launched the firm’s Shareholder Disputes in New Jersey Law Blog, “Business Divorce in NJ,” which addresses minority shareholder disputes in New Jersey.

    David Harmon

    Harmon focuses his practice on the areas of executive compensation, employment, and business law. He represents senior-level employees of both public and private companies in the negotiation of their employment packages and all associated agreements, whether at the commencement of the employment relationship through offer letters and employment agreements or at termination through severance agreements. Harmon’s representation also includes providing advice and counsel to employers in the preparation and negotiation of employment and severance packages with their employees, the design of human resources compliance programs, and counseling and training concerning the implementation of those policies. He authors the firm’s Employment Transitions Law Blog, “Transitions in Employment.”

    Graham Simmons

    Simmons is a business and real estate lawyer. He has served both public and private sector clients on all types of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, commercial and syndicated credit facilities, economic development projects, real estate transactions, leases, and land use and zoning matters. Simmons has represented clients across a diverse spectrum of industries and is deeply experienced in the banking and financial services, health care, real estate development, economic development, and automobile dealership industries.

    Posted in: Bruce S. Londa, Business Law, David C. Roberts, David S. Blatteis, David T. Harmon, Dolores A. Laputka, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits, John N. Vanarthos, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Litigation, Melissa A. Peña, News, Robert Mahoney, S. Graham Simmons, III, Theodore J. Zeller III | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Jun 05, 2020Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate

    Richard B. Somach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., along with the firm’s Associate David C. Berger, will present the livestream webinar, “Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate,” for Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents nearly 3,000 real estate professionals.

    About the Impact on Real Estate

    Discussion topics will include:

    • What landlords must consider when renting a property to a tenant with a liquor license
    • The implications of leasing a property to a manufacturer of medical marijuana
    • The eviction process and the restrictions on property use
    • The legal vs. illegal uses of marijuana
    • The rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property buyers
    • The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal
    • The responsibilities and liability of having an animal on their premises

    When: Monday, August 17, 2020

    1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

    Where: Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy

    10 S. Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017

    Registration: glvreacademy.com

    • Members: $45.00
    • Non-Members: $65.00

    About Your Attorneys

    Rich Somach

    Rich focuses his practice on real estate, commercial law, and creditors’ remedies, representing real estate development companies, shopping centers, and local banks. He has represented real estate owners, developers, and investors in a broad range of real estate transactions, including zoning matters,  subdivisions, and shopping center development.

    As a licensed title insurance agent, Rich is the founder of the title insurance and settlement company ABE Settlement Services, creatively serving client needs. He currently serves as legal counsel to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

    As a former Assistant Lehigh County Solicitor, Rich advised the Sheriff’s Office, the Tax Assessment Office, and the Tax Claim Bureau, and frequently writes and lectures on real estate matters, including sheriff’s sales, real estate tax sales, and lien priority issues for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He has also presented numerous lectures at the annual Real Estate Institute program.

    David Berger

    David concentrates his practice on business, real estate, and liquor law. He actively counsels clients on general business topics including organization and formation, corporate governance, lease negotiations, restructurings, and finance.

    A licensed title agent, David works closely with lenders, real estate developers, and homebuilding companies. He handles both residential and commercial real estate development including acquisitions, land use and zoning matters, title review, and other due diligence requirements.

    In his liquor law practice, David handles sale and purchase of liquor licenses and provides transactional counseling, including defending licenses who have received citations from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, David C. Berger, Events, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach | Tags: , , , ,

  • Jun 05, 2020Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate

    Richard B. Somach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., along with the firm’s Associate David C. Berger, will present the livestream webinar, “Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate,” for Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents nearly 3,000 real estate professionals.

    About the Impact on Real Estate

    Discussion topics will include:

    • What landlords must consider when renting a property to a tenant with a liquor license
    • The implications of leasing a property to a manufacturer of medical marijuana
    • The eviction process and the restrictions on property use
    • The legal vs. illegal uses of marijuana
    • The rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property buyers
    • The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal
    • The responsibilities and liability of having an animal on their premises

    When: Monday, June 15, 2020

    • 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

    Registration: glvreacademy.com

    • Members: $45.00
    • Non-Members: $65.00

    About Your Attorneys

    Rich Somach

    Rich focuses his practice on real estate, commercial law, and creditors’ remedies, representing real estate development companies, shopping centers, and local banks. He has represented real estate owners, developers, and investors in a broad range of real estate transactions, including zoning matters,  subdivisions, and shopping center development.

    As a licensed title insurance agent, Rich is the founder of the title insurance and settlement company ABE Settlement Services, creatively serving client needs. He currently serves as legal counsel to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

    As a former Assistant Lehigh County Solicitor, Rich advised the Sheriff’s Office, the Tax Assessment Office, and the Tax Claim Bureau, and frequently writes and lectures on real estate matters, including sheriff’s sales, real estate tax sales, and lien priority issues for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He has also presented numerous lectures at the annual Real Estate Institute program.

    David Berger

    David concentrates his practice on business, real estate, and liquor law. He actively counsels clients on general business topics including organization and formation, corporate governance, lease negotiations, restructurings, and finance.

    A licensed title agent, David works closely with lenders, real estate developers, and homebuilding companies. He handles both residential and commercial real estate development including acquisitions, land use and zoning matters, title review, and other due diligence requirements.

    In his liquor law practice, David handles sale and purchase of liquor licenses and provides transactional counseling, including defending licenses who have received citations from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, David C. Berger, Events, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach | Tags: , , , ,

  • Nov 25, 2019Ted Zeller Named Pennsylvania Trailblazer

    Theodore J. Zeller III, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., Chair of its Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing, and Distribution Practice Group, has been named to The Legal Intelligencer’s 2019 list of “Pennsylvania Trailblazers.”

    “Pennsylvania Trailblazers” is a special supplement of The Legal Intelligencer that recognizes professionals who have made a significant impact within the legal industry, specifically on the practice, policy, or technological advancements within their sector. Zeller was named because of his contributions that “helped make Pennsylvania the top U.S. producer of domestically-crafted beers and a leader of direct sales to consumers.”

    “It is an incredible honor to be recognized in this first edition of ‘Pennsylvania Trailblazers.’ I feel privileged to be able to merge my passion for Pennsylvania and its breweries with my practice at Norris McLaughlin. The alcohol industry is changing rapidly, and I look forward to those new challenges,” said Zeller.

    About Ted Zeller

    As longtime counsel to the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) lobbying group, Zeller often advocates for changes in the liquor code. His client bases include restaurants, bars, caterers, breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and as his influence in the industry has grown, so has his client list, which also now includes D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. and Victory Brewing Company. Large or small, Zeller offers clients critical business counsel in the alcohol regulatory field and, if needed, all other areas of counseling and support – whichever they need to grow their business.

    Growth often requires legislative change for the freedom to operate a business profitably. In 2011, his efforts began with the Pennsylvania Legislature which resulted in important changes, including an adjustment to brand registration fees for malt or brewed beverages. More recently, Zeller rewrote a portion of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board regulations for breweries to serve beer on their own premises directly to consumers. That led to the right for a brewery to sell its own beer for on-premises consumption from a brewery’s storage location, without any production requirement at that site.

    Zeller’s clients also count on him for the acquisition of liquor licenses and coordinating liquor license transactions in conjunction with deals and transactions handled by his team at the firm, such as real estate, business law, financing, tax law, intellectual property, and litigation.

    Read more about this 2019 Trailblazer honoree and check out his attorney bio for updates on his writing, speaking and press mentions.

    About Norris McLaughlin

    Norris McLaughlin’s liquor law attorneys handle all issues related to liquor law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, such as licensing, business planning and structuring, transactional counseling, and litigation. They also handle all aspects of federal regulatory permitting from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and trademark filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

    The firm’s liquor clients include brewers, distillers, wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, bars, hotels, stadiums, and other public venues. Many of these businesses are start-ups who are able to leverage the group’s experience into controlling initial costs.

    Norris McLaughlin’s liquor law attorneys are frequent lecturers in the area of liquor law and regularly contribute to the firm’s liquor law blog, Legal Liquor, highlighting legal and business issues in the industry.

    Posted in: Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, News, Theodore J. Zeller III | Tags: ,

  • Aug 30, 2019Ted Zeller to Present at Brewers of PA Mid Atlantic Brewers Symposium

    Theodore J. Zeller III, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., Chair of its Liquor Law Practice Group, and General Counsel to the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP), will present “Pennsylvania Liquor Law Legal Update” on Friday, September 6, 8:45 – 9:30 a.m., at the Days Inn Penn State in State College. Zeller’s presentation will include participation from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue concerning the recent changes to the Pennsylvania Tax Code affecting breweries.

    “Pennsylvania is one of the best beer states, if not the best beer state, in the United States. It’s been my pleasure to be a part of this journey for breweries in Pennsylvania and I look forward to continuing our work, starting with providing fellow BOP members with this liquor law legal update, including the latest on the new sales tax law,” said Zeller.

    The update is part of the 5th Annual Mid Atlantic Brewers’ Symposium, “The Business of Brewing. The Science of Brewing. The Network of Brewers.,” to take place September 5-7. Also included will be educational seminars, a welcome reception with industry exhibitors, a networking happy hour at Liberty Craft House, and a Penn State Tailgate for BOP Brewery and Associate Members with state legislators. Discussion topics include sales and profits, finance and accounting, branding and marketing, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, fermentation, and liquor law. For more information and to register as a BOP member, non-member licensed brewer, or homebrewer, visit the BOP website.

    Zeller has extensive experience in liquor law, regulatory licensing, commercial transactions, real estate transactions, and litigation. He began his legal career as a litigator and has tried multiple cases in county and federal court, including jury trials, and hundreds of cases before arbitration panels, district justices, and administrative law judges. He was lead counsel in a beer rights case brought against the world’s largest brewers and now serves as counsel to D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., among others.

    Zeller’s lobbying efforts helped to modernize parts of the Pennsylvania liquor code. He has authored numerous provisions that have been enacted into law. The bills helped small brewers by allowing more efficient and cost-effective brand registration, as well as altered the package laws for brewery licenses. Zeller also appeared before the House Liquor Committee with the Brewers of Pennsylvania in the Privatization Hearings. Most importantly, his efforts helped change brewery regulations to allow for tap rooms. Zeller authored the Malt Beverage Tax Excise Credit legislation and has written extensively about Acts 39 and 166. As counsel to the Brewers of Pennsylvania, he worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to enact a new tax law, which imposes a fair sales and use tax on consumer sales by breweries, prior to the effective date of a new Tax Bulletin, which imposed a tax rate that was four times what was subsequently enacted and signed into law.

    Zeller counsels clients on the acquisition of liquor licenses and coordinates liquor license transactions with other practice areas, such as real estate, business law, financing, tax law, intellectual property, and litigation. He has helped numerous startup breweries, wineries, distilleries, and retailers. Known throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Zeller also represents beer interests on a national level and advises breweries and wholesalers on state regulatory matters involving beer distribution and franchise laws. He regularly prepares distribution agreements for his clients and coordinates state and federal licensing for manufacturing and national distribution.

    Zeller earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1989 and his J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University in 1992. As a volunteer, Zeller is Chairman of the Allentown Parking Authority and youth soccer coach.

    Posted in: Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, News, Theodore J. Zeller III | Tags: ,

  • May 23, 2019Norris McLaughlin Attorneys to Speak on Brewery and Distillery Law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

    Theodore J. Zeller III, and Danielle M. DeFilippis, attorneys of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will present “Brewery and Distillery Law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey” at a training seminar hosted by the National Business Institute on Thursday, June 6, 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Valley Forge.

    The speakers will present ways to help clients understand the complex world of alcohol manufacturing and distribution; minimize liability; and navigate the licensing, labeling and tax reporting challenges along the way. They will also discuss how to effectively protect client’s intellectual property, avoid legal landmines in advertising, and give valuable tips for negotiating distribution agreements. Topics include brewery and distillery business entity selection, formation, finance and insurance; licensing, labeling, and regulatory compliance; federal and state tax reporting requirements; negotiating/drafting brewery and distillery contracts; intellectual property and advertising; and ethics. For more information and to register, please click here.

    Zeller, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Liquor Law Practice Group, is experienced in liquor law, regulatory licensing, commercial transactions, real estate transactions, and litigation. He was lead counsel in a beer rights case brought against the world’s largest brewers and is General Counsel to Brewers of Pennsylvania.  Known throughout Pennsylvania, he also represents beer interests on a national level and advises breweries and wholesalers on state regulatory matters involving beer distribution and franchise laws. He regularly prepares distribution agreements for his clients, and coordinates state and federal licensing for manufacturing and national distribution. Zeller has tried multiple cases in county and federal court, including jury trials, and hundreds of cases before arbitration panels, district justices, and administrative law judges. He is General Counsel to D.G. Yuengling and Son, Inc.; represents alcohol interests in every category; and has helped numerous start-up breweries, wineries, distilleries, and retailers.  He currently serves as Chairman of the Allentown Parking Authority. Zeller is an author of the firm’s liquor law blog, Legal Liquor. He earned his J.D. from Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

    DeFilippis, a Member of the firm and Co-Chair of its Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, focuses her practice on intellectual property prosecution and litigation. She represents individual and corporate clients in all phases of litigation, from commencement through trial, and regularly serves as lead counsel in cases before federal and state courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and alternative resolution forums. She has represented clients in a variety of industries, most notably food and beverage, liquor, jewelry, and cosmetics. She has handled cases involving trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, commercial disparagement, business torts, deceptive trade practices, Lanham Act claims, state and federal unfair competition laws, and other business disputes.  She is an author of the firm’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition blog, More Than Your Ma®k.  DeFilippis received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University.

    Posted in: Business Law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, Intellectual Property, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, News, Theodore J. Zeller III | Tags: , , , , , ,

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