Blogs
Get to Know Julie Owsik Ackerman
At Sherr Law Group, attorney Julie Owsik Ackerman represents municipalities and businesses in complex litigation matters across Pennsylvania. From employment disputes and municipal litigation to appellate work in federal court, Julie brings a thoughtful, strategic,...
Why the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act Still Matters 45 Years Later
More than four decades after its enactment, Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA) remains one of the most important, and most misunderstood, statutes governing municipal liability. Enacted to restore balance after the collapse of absolute...
Preparing for the Unthinkable: Best Practices for Municipal Risk Management in the Post-PSTCA Era
Few municipal leaders expect to confront allegations of sexual abuse, serious injury, or systemic oversight failures. Yet the Commonwealth Court’s decision in L.F.V. v. Philadelphia School District makes clear that courts and the legislature are increasingly willing...
Defending Municipal Zoning Decisions in Pennsylvania Courts
Understanding Zoning Litigation in Pennsylvania Zoning decisions shape how communities grow, develop, and function. In Pennsylvania, local zoning boards and municipal governing bodies make decisions affecting land use, property development, and community planning....
Insurance Gaps That Could Cost You: Why Standard Policies May Not Protect Against Sexual Assault Claims
For many municipalities, the assumption is simple: if a claim arises, insurance will respond. The L.F.V. v. Philadelphia School District decision shows why that assumption can be dangerously incomplete, particularly when sexual abuse allegations fall within the Ninth...
How Pennsylvania Employers Should Conduct Internal Workplace Investigations
Why Workplace Investigations Matter for Employers When allegations of misconduct arise in the workplace—such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or policy violations—employers must respond promptly and carefully. Conducting an internal workplace investigation...
Product Recalls and Litigation Risk: What Manufacturers Should Do Immediately
Understanding Product Recall Risks for Manufacturers Product recalls can create immediate legal, financial, and reputational risks for manufacturers. Whether a recall stems from a safety concern, regulatory issue, or potential product defect, companies must act...
Governmental Immunity Isn’t Absolute: Common Misconceptions Among Local Officials
For decades, Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA) has provided local governments with a vital layer of protection against civil liability. But in practice, that protection is often misunderstood—sometimes dangerously so. The Commonwealth...
The First 24 Hours After a Corporate Crisis: Legal Steps Organizations Should Take
Why the First 24 Hours of a Crisis Matter Unexpected events can place organizations under immediate pressure. Allegations of misconduct, regulatory inquiries, data breaches, workplace incidents, or financial irregularities can quickly evolve into complex legal and...
Reservation of Rights Letters: What Insurers Must Consider in Pennsylvania Coverage Disputes
Understanding Reservation of Rights Letters in Insurance Claims When an insurer begins investigating a claim but questions whether the policy ultimately provides coverage, the company may issue a reservation of rights letter. This document informs the policyholder...
Navigating the Ninth Exception: What Sexual Abuse Claims Mean for Public Entities
When Pennsylvania lawmakers amended the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (PSTCA) in 2019 to add a ninth exception for sexual abuse, the intent was clear: victims of sexual misconduct should not be barred from seeking justice simply because the alleged negligence...
What Happens After a PHRC Complaint Is Filed Against an Employer in Pennsylvania
Understanding the PHRC Complaint Process for Employers When an employee files a discrimination complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the employer must respond quickly and carefully. The PHRC is responsible for enforcing the Pennsylvania...