Yana N. Shapiro

December 14, 2020

Ms. Shapiro is a Partner practicing in the firm’s Workers’ Compensation Department. Her practice includes representation of self-insureds, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. She also represents clients in various employment matters. 

Education

Temple University
B.S., magna cum laude, 2001

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 2004

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

American Trial Lawyers Association

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Worker’s Compensation Section

Philadelphia Bar Association, Section Liaison to the Young Lawyers Division

Honors & Awards

Elected to Pennsylvania Rising Star (2010-2013)

August 15, 2024

GGM Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2025

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August 17, 2023

GGM Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2024

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August 18, 2022

GGM Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2023

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Attorneys:

Nikki A. Mosco

December 14, 2020

Nikki is a trial attorney who focuses her practice on the defense of medical professional liability matters throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Nikki Mosco joined German, Gallagher & Murtagh as an Associate in 2017. Nikki’s practice centers on the representation of professional liability cases involving medical professionals. She devotes her time entirely to the defense of physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, medical practices and others professionals in the medical field.

Prior to joining German, Gallagher & Murtagh, Nikki was an Associate at a firm in the Philadelphia area where she also focused on the defense of medical liability matters. While in law school, Nikki worked for a personal injury firm. In her final year at Widener Law, she served as a Legal Intern for Widener’s Veterans Law Clinic where she assisted disabled veterans apply for benefits and appeal denials of benefits. In her final semester at Widener Law, Nikki served as a Legal Extern for the legal department of a large Philadelphia area hospital and health system.

Education

Cabrini College
B.A. Political Science, History and American Studies, 2012

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 2015

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Professional Affiliations

Member of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

Certification in Medicine and Law, 2019

Obtained Summary Judgement

Obtained Summary Judgement in favor of a family medicine physician.
Results
July 22, 2024

Defense Verdict for Radiologist

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February 22, 2023

Defense Verdict for Radiologist and Radiology Group

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January 6, 2023

GGM is pleased to announce that Nikki A. Mosco has been named a Partner of the Firm

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Recent News

Attorneys:

Matthew J. McColgan

December 14, 2020

Matthew J. McColgan is a  key player in the firm’s transportation practice, defending trucking and transportation companies in cases ranging from catastrophic injuries to property damage and cargo claims. He also handles premises liability and other casualty matters.

Matt’s practice consists not only of defending transportation matters in suit, but also providing 24/7 support to investigate accidents and losses when they occur and in counseling clients about how to manage losses pre-suit.  Matt’s practice covers all of  New Jersey and  Pennsylvania where he practices in all relevant  state and federal courts.  In addition, Matt assists in the defense of premises liability cases and other casualty matters.  Throughout Matt’s career, he has had the privilege of representing a variety of clients, including supply chain logistics, property management, full service oil, lending and home care businesses.  As a trial attorney, Matt understands the best settlement strategy is to be trial-ready. He strives to be efficient, to identify cases that merit early resolution, and to be responsive to his client’s business needs. 

Matt  earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, PA (now known as Commonwealth Law School).  His trial experience began during his time as an intern with the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, he represented clients at preliminary hearings and formal arraignments, and successfully tried a case before a jury to verdict, resulting in an acquittal.  Matt graduated from Widener having achieved Dean’s List and receiving Pro Bono Service distinction.

In addition to his trial and litigation practice. , Matt  serves as an arbitrator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Education

Temple University,
B.A. Philosophy: Pre-law, 2011

Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Juris Doctorate, 2014

Court Admissions

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

State of New Jersey

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

  • ALFA International – Steering Committee Member: Transportation Practice and Gig Economy Practice Groups
  • New Jersey Defense Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel – Executive Committee Member
  • Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) – Young Professional Committee Member

Honors & Awards

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
Rising Star, 2024

Amicus Curie Brief

Matt prepared an Amicus Curie brief on behalf of Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel relating to issues involving disclosure of communications with non-managerial employees by outside counsel and counsel’s related work product.
Results
January 6, 2025

Full Dismissal in $70 Million Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania

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October 30, 2024

Partner, Matthew J. McColgan Co-Moderates Panel at ALFA International’s 2024 Future Leaders Group Seminar

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May 23, 2024

Matthew J. McColgan Presents at the 2024 ALFA Transportation Seminar

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Recent News

Marni J. Stahl

December 14, 2020

Ms. Stahl is a Partner with the firm in our Workers’ Compensation Department.

Her zealous practice includes representation of self-insureds, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. Ms. Stahl is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Education

East Stroudsburg University
B.A. Political Science, 1998

Widener University School of Law
magna cum laude, 2002

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Federal District Court of New Jersey
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Professional Affiliations

Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

Elected to Pennsylvania Rising Star (2010)

May 4, 2022

German Gallagher & Murtagh participates in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb

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December 2, 2020

German Gallagher & Murtagh congratulates our Workers' Compensation Attorneys for being regionally ranked by "Best Law Firms"

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November 11, 2019

German, Gallagher & Murtagh's Tort Trotters Participate in Rocky Run 2019

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Recent News

Attorneys:

Kim R. Plouffe

December 14, 2020

Mr. Plouffe is an experienced and accomplished advocate who handles a broad range of civil litigation matters.

He has extensive bench and jury trial experience in a broad spectrum of cases including products liability, bad faith, medical malpractice, trucking, and general negligence claims. A substantial part of his practice is devoted to construction and premises liability cases. He has represented contractors, property owners, building managers, lessors, franchisors and franchisees, and operators of retail and commercial establishments in matters involving claims of inadequate security, slander, catastrophic injuries, use of excessive force, and physical and sexual assault. He also has represented insurers in ERISA cases and declaratory judgment actions concerning coverage afforded by automobile, homeowner and commercial insurance policies. Mr. Plouffe has argued before the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Education

Millersville University
B.A., cum laude, 1977

Temple University School of Law
J.D., cum laude, 1981

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Professional Affiliations

The Defense Research Institute

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Pennsylvania Defense Institute

Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell

February 17, 2015

Kim Plouffe and Jacob Lehman author article on landmark Pennsylvania Supreme Court products liability decision

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December 9, 2014

Tincher v. Omega Flex: Pennsylvania Product Liability Law Undergoes a Sea-Change

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Recent News

Attorneys:

Kathryn A. Dux

December 14, 2020

Kathy’s practice has been focused on the representation of insurers in insurance coverage disputes and also includes the representation of professionals in professional malpractice actions,  commercial litigation and appellate work.

Kathy has been involved in various aspects of insurance coverage from opinion letters and reservation of rights letters to litigation between insureds and insurers or among insurers in many jurisdictions throughout the United States. Kathy has handled disputes between insureds and insurers over coverage for environmental contamination, patent infringement, advertising liability, TCPA violations, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault and battery, employment claims, discrimination and civil rights violations, and involving claims for bad faith, violations of the Unfair Insurance Practices Act and Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. 

Kathy, along with other members of the firm, acted as national coordinating counsel for an insurer on environmental, asbestos and toxic exposure insurance coverage disputes.

She has represented property insurers with respect to a variety of issues including claims under money and securities coverage and employee dishonesty coverage.  She has represented life insurers with respect to claims for accidental death benefits, claims relating to variable life insurance policies, competing claims for death benefits requiring interpleader of benefits, claims for disability benefits, claims for fraud in the application and rescission. She has also represented life insurers and/or the companies to which the life insurers assigned annuities in actions for the transfer of structured settlement payment rights.

Kathy also has experience in the area of defense of professional liability claims having represented insurance agents and brokers, real estate agents and brokers, structured settlement brokers, architects and engineers and nurse midwives.  She has been involved in commercial litigation and arbitration disputes, including American Arbitration Association proceedings.   Her practice  also includes post-trial and appellate work.

Education

Marywood College, B.A.

Temple University School of Law, J.D.

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

  • Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

  • AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell

Pennsylvania Superior Court

Pennsylvania Superior Court affirms trial court grant of summary judgment declaring that owner of condominium was not an insured and was not an intended third party beneficiary of insurance policy issued to homeowners’ association and therefore not entitled to sue association’s insurance company over property loss.
Results

Attorneys:

John P. Shusted

December 14, 2020

“Jack” is an experienced trial lawyer with a focus on efficiency, excellence and client-responsiveness.

Jack’s practice centers on the trials of professional liability cases involving medical professionals, financial advisors and brokers/dealers. He also defends and prosecutes matters on behalf of insurance companies involving fraud in the insurance coverage, securities and life insurance fields. Jack  represents local governmental entities in federal civil rights litigation.  Jack advises clients on employment related disputes.  He also handles larger exposure casualty matters. He has tried over 100 cases to verdict, and appears often in commercial and securities proceedings pending in the American Arbitration Association and National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) dispute forums.  Jack is the Responsible Attorney for the New Jersey office.

“Jack” is proud to be a member of GGM for the past 25 years and counting.

Education

Boston College
B.A., magna cum laude, 1981

Boston College Law School
J.D., 1985

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Member

Honors & Awards

AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell
Elected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2012-2024)

Defendant's Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Alleged delay in diagnosis of bladder cancer - Wrongful death of 58-year old stockbroker (Montgomery County)
Results
October 21, 2024

Unanimous Defense Verdict for Orthopedic Surgeon

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July 22, 2024

Defense Verdict for Radiologist

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May 20, 2024

GGM Announces 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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Recent News

Attorneys:

Jeffrey D. Laudenbach

December 14, 2020

Mr. Laudenbach’s practice involves representing National self-insured employers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of New Jersey and he has developed a national client base through client education, communication and goal oriented results.

Mr. Laudenbach is a Partner in the Workers’ Compensation and Employment Practice Group, joining German, Gallagher & Murtagh, in 1999. He is a graduate of Lehigh University and Widener School of Law and has over 25 years of experience litigating Workers’ Compensation, Employment and Casualty related matters.

Mr. Laudenbach’s practice involves representing National self-insured Companies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of New Jersey and he has developed a national client base through client education, communication and goal oriented results.  His past experience as Vice President to a privately held business,  where he was responsible for the legal, operational, retail web development and financial management matters, offers a valued business perspective on the litigation and resolution strategy for all matters.  His practice has also included handling various casualty, employment practices and subrogation matters.

Additionally, he has been an  active participant in the ALFA International organization.  Previously, he was the Program Chair for the 2014 ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Program in Charleston, SC, former Practice Group Chair for ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Practice Group and a member of the ALFA International Marketing Committee.   He has been a regular speaker at various educational programs and served on the ALFA International Board of Directors and Executive Committee as Secretary.

In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Laudenbach also provides Alternative Dispute Resolution services in the form of Binding Arbitration and Mediation services.  Jeff’s experience in representing national employers with diverse needs and strategies through the litigation, arbitration and mediation process offers a broad understanding of the requirements needed to bring cases to conclusion through binding arbitration or even mediation.  He also participates as an Arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County – Compulsory Arbitration Program.

 

Education

Lehigh University
B.S., 1989

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 1993

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

  • ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Program Chair – September 2012 – April 2014 – Navigating the shifting Tides of Your Workers’ Compensation Program – Charleston, SC
  • ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Practice Group Chair – April 2014 – September 2015
  • American Law Firm Association International – Workers’ Compensation and Employment Practice Groups
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Self Insured Association
  • Philadelphia Bar Association – Workers’ Compensation

Honors & Awards

  • Elected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2008-2024)
May 20, 2024

GGM Announces 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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April 9, 2024

Jeff Laudenbach Honored to be a Speaker on the Panel at ALFA International Regional Workers' Compensation Seminar 2024

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March 12, 2024

Defense Verdict Resulting in the Dismissal of a Claim Petition

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Recent News

Jacob C. Lehman

December 14, 2020

Jake is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on the defense of professional liability, product liability and catastrophic injury lawsuits along with the representation of both sides in complex commercial matters.

Jake represents physicians, nurses, hospitals, allied health workers, lawyers, design professionals and others in malpractice litigation. He litigates a broad range of product liability cases from the defense of manufacturers and lessors of construction and agricultural equipment to the defense of life sciences and pharmaceutical businesses. He regularly handles complex casualty matters involving construction site accidents along with construction defect litigation.  Jake also handles commercial and real estate litigation including suits involving fraud and alleged fraudulent billing, business torts, breach of warranty, breach of contract, partnership dissolution and securities matters. Jake’s experience spans the courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and all phases of litigation up to and through trial and appeal. Understanding litigation from the client’s perspective, employing an aggressive, creative and pragmatic approach to the case and being responsive to client needs are the cornerstones of Jake’s practice.

Prior to joining GGM Jake worked at a firm in central Pennsylvania where he had a varied practice.  In this position he handled a significant criminal defense caseload trying multiple felony cases to verdict. He also handled a variety of civil matters on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants.

Jake is a zealous advocate for his clients and an ongoing student of the art of advocacy.  To this end, in 2017, he graduated with honors from Temple University’s nationally ranked L.L.M. in trial advocacy program where he honed his trial and advocacy skills by working with top litigators from Philadelphia and around the country. Jake now serves as a guest judge and lecturer in the program.

Jake is committed to involvement in the legal community and in the community at large. He provides pro bono legal services through the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and has served as an intern on their board. He volunteers with the Committee of Seventy, is a member of the Temple American Inn of Court and is involved with the Philadelphia Bar Association. Jake authors articles on legal topics and has written for the Pennsylvania Bar Association Quarterly and other publications. Jake regularly speaks on legal topics of interest at ALFA and elsewhere. While practicing in Central Pennsylvania Mr. Lehman was co-chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Lebanon County Bar Association.

Education

Temple University
B.A., magna cum laude, 2006

Rutgers School of Law Camden
J.D. 2009

Temple University Beasley School of Law
L.L.M, in Trial Advocacy with honors 2017

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

ALFA International, Steering Committee Member, Products Liability and Complex Torts Practice Group
ALFA International, Vice Chair Professional Liability Practice Group
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
Temple American Inn of Court

Honors & Awards

Legal Intelligencer
Lawyer on the Fast Track (2016)

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
Rising Star (2016-2024)

Summary Judgment for Equipment Rental Company in Product Liability Action

Mr. Lehman obtained a dismissal on behalf of his client, a national equipment rental company, in a product liability, negligence and breach of warranty action in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. This dismissal came after the Court’s grant of a contested motion for summary judgment. Mr. Lehman was able to convince the Court to hold oral argument on his client’s motion, and at argument demonstrate that his client had no relationship to the product sufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact.
Results
May 20, 2024

GGM Announces 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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April 9, 2024

Jacob C. Lehman and Michael G. Balabon Obtain Dismissal of Plaintiff’s Appeal to New Jersey Supreme Court for National Marine and Vehicle Brokerage Firm

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February 9, 2024

Jacob C. Lehman Presents at ALFA’s Business Litigation Regional Seminar in Philadelphia

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Recent News

Attorneys:

Gary R. Gremminger

December 14, 2020

Gary’s experience in litigating and resolving disputes and his relationships with counsel on both sides enable him to bring matters to a conclusion by compromise through non-binding mediation.

Before embarking on his legal career, Mr. Gremminger practiced as an engineer which allowed him to develop a unique skill-set with experiences working in an ammunition manufacturing research facility, coal mines and at a power plant. He also prepared design drawings and technical specifications for HVAC and pipeline distribution systems.

After joining GGM 40 years ago, Gary demonstrated superior ability in effectively representing corporations, insurance companies and individuals in lawsuits arising from alleged failure to maintain premises and motor vehicle/trucking accidents as well as design/construction related claims. His technical background and engineering experience also assisted in the representation of manufacturers and distributors in cases involving alleged product defects. Gary successfully handled many catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims.

Mr. Gremminger’s practice has since evolved to providing services as a Mediator.  Gary’s experience in litigating and resolving disputes and his relationships with counsel on both sides enable him to bring matters to a conclusion by compromise through non-binding mediation.  To date, Gary has assisted parties in the resolution of more than 800 cases.

Education

Widener University
B.S. Engineering, 1977

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 1983

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

Faculty speaker at Continuing Legal Education Seminars

Hearing Committee Member for Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
(2017-2023)

Philadelphia and Delaware County Bar Associations

Service as Judge Pro Tem for Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia

Honors & Awards

AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell

Elected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2012-2024)

Defense Verdict in Philadelphia

Jury verdict in favor of defendant and against plaintiff who suffered a traumatic leg amputation in a motor vehicle accident. (Philadelphia County)
Results
May 20, 2024

GGM Announces 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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May 19, 2023

GGM Announces 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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May 23, 2022

GGM Announces 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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Recent News

Attorneys: