Anthony R. Sherr
Managing Partner
Sherr Law Group, LLC
(484) 591-3001
tsherr@sherrlawgroup.com
Areas of Practice
- Commercial Litigation
- Municipal Law and Liability
- Product Liability
- Employment Law
- Insurance Defense
- Subrogation
- Election Law
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania, 1985
- District of Columbia, 1985
- United States District Court for the Eastern District (1985); and Middle (1989) Districts of Pennsylvania
- 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals 1985
- 5th Circuit Court of Appeals 1986
- United States Supreme Court 2005
Anthony R. Sherr
Managing Partner at Sherr Law Group
Anthony Sherr is a distinguished figure in the legal community, known for his exceptional skills in litigation and a career marked by significant courtroom achievements. As the Managing Partner at Sherr Law Group, Tony has distinguished himself through his dedication to high exposure, high profile cases, specializing in the defense of mid-sized companies, municipalities, self-insured entities, and employers across a spectrum of legal challenges.
From the onset of his legal career, Tony has been a formidable presence in the courtroom. His extensive experience in litigation sets him apart from his peers. He has successfully represented a diverse range of clients, including municipalities, police chiefs, officers, township officials, large public companies, closely held corporations, and individuals. His proficiency has not only resulted in numerous favorable verdicts but has also seen him argue and win cases in federal and state appellate courts, including several appearances before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Tony’s focus is primarily on, Civil Rights, Product Liability, Commercial Matters, Municipal Liability, Professional Liability, Employment Law and Litigation, Insurance Defense, and Land Use Matters. Representing over 100 companies and municipalities, either through carriers or self-insurance programs, he has established a reputation for effectively handling complex legal issues, and prolonged “bet the company trials”.
Tony continues to be a sought-after expert in Crisis Management, as well as his role as a trusted advisor to owners and operators of summer camps. This aspect of his work, though more focused, encompasses critical areas of risk management and liability, showcasing his ability to provide tailored legal solutions across diverse sectors.
In addition to his legal practice, Tony is a respected member of several prestigious legal organizations. His recent accolades include being named an Advocate of the Order of Justitia and the Order of Certus in 2023. He is also a member of the Trial Law Institute and the Diversity Law Institute since 2023, and the Litigation Counsel of America since 2021. His leadership roles extend to community service, where he was appointed Chairman of the Worcester Township Planning Commission in 2019, having been a member since 2012. Tony is a Board Member at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital, where he chairs the Compliance Committee. Tony was also a Board Member of the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League and continues to work to provide opportunity to the youth of Norristown and the vicinity. Tony is also a Board Member for Hanover Fire and Casualty Company.
Tony’s educational background is equally impressive. He graduated from Ursinus College in 1981 and received his law degree from Delaware Law School, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He served as the Articles Editor of The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law. Before entering private practice, he was a trial attorney with The United States Justice Department through the Attorney General’s Honors Program, representing the United States in various tort suits in Federal District Courts nationwide.
Tony is also a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Montgomery County Bar Associations. He is also a long-time member of the Defense Reasearch Institute. He has lectured for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Association of Public Risk Managers and provides training for insurance companies and is a regular presenter at conferences and webinars for legal professionals.
Education
- Delaware Law School (J.D. Magna Cum Laude, 1985)
- Ursinus College (B.A. 1981)
Partner – Sherr Law Group, 2016 – Present
- Concentrates on high exposure, high profile cases. Specializes in the defense of midsized companies, municipalities, self-insureds and employers in Employment Litigation, Civil Rights, Product Liability, Commercial Matters, Professional Liability and Land Use Matters. Currently represents over 100 companies and municipalities through carriers or self-insurance programs. Notable trials: Bridgeport Fire Litigation, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Tony represented one of 35 defendants in property damage and business interruption claims arising out of a massive fire in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. During the course of the three-month proceedings, all defendants settled for over 35 million. Tony’s client went all the way through the matter to verdict, in this prolonged jury trial, with a favorable result for Tony’s client. Wrongful Termination Action, defended employer who was accused of terminating an employee in contravention of public policy prevailed in the trial court and on appeal to the Third Circuit; Defended three police officers and municipality in §1983 action with accusations of wrongful arrest and discrimination; defended municipality and five council members in §1983 action alleging violations of due process and retaliation for decision to disband police force.
Partner – Mayers, Mennies & Sherr, LLP, 1997 – 2016
- Successfully represented several companies in multiple products liability actions alleging both personal injuries and property damage. Currently involved in several actions where Courts are being called upon to interpret the strict liability standard enunciated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Tincher v. Omega Flex, 104 A.3d 328 (Pa. 2014).
- Successfully represented a township in Pennsylvania Supreme Court in action pursuant to the Sunshine Act establishing limits on open meeting requirements. Smith v. Richmond Township, 83 A.3d 407 (Pa. 2013).
- Defended various municipalities in matters brought by the Attorney General’s office under ACRE, which established most of the case law under the statute in both the Commonwealth Court and Supreme Court.
- Successfully defended numerous employers in actions under Title VII; PA. H.R.A.; Whistleblower statute and common law employment torts, as well as civil service matters. Prosecuted and defended equity actions involving restrictive covenants and unfair trade practices, including injunctive relief. Was successful attorney in Wertz v. Chapman Township, 559 Pa. 630, 741 A.2d 1272 (1999), where the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that there was no right to a jury trial under PHRA.
- Defended insurance companies in numerous coverage cases arising out of Professional Errors and Omissions, Fire and General Liability Policies.
- Handles property damage and personal injury claims for carriers throughout Pennsylvania, including both defense and subrogation actions including products liability defense.
- Prosecuted and defended clients in various commercial matters including commercial landlord/tenant issues; asset sales of businesses; business torts; and Orphan Court disputes.
- Currently labor counsel to numerous municipalities including statutory and contractual arbitration, contract negotiation and matters in the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.
Partner – Sherr, Joffe & Zuckerman, P.C., 1988 – 1997
- Litigation Department. Responsible for all municipal and Governmental Liability litigation. Sample cases where judgment was secured on behalf of municipal clients prior to trial, and which were affirmed on Appeal to The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit: Claim against Municipality for improperly awarding Cable TV franchises; Numerous claims against various municipalities for violation of Equal Protection and Substantive Due Process with respect to Land Use Issues; Claims against School District for violating right to practice ones religion.
- Represented numerous companies in products liability suits, achieving well over 30 defense verdicts on behalf of clients.
Trial Attorney – United States Department of Justice. 1985 – 1988
- Sample cases tried to verdict in District Courts throughout the United States: numerous medical malpractice claims against various federal doctors (V.A. Armed Services, Bureau of Prisons); defended Federal Agencies including F.B.I., Capitol Police, and Bureau of Prisons in Bivins- actions; Defended EPA, and DOE.
Community Achievement Award, State of Israel Bonds, October 2011
Attorney General’s Honors Program, United States Department of Justice
- Selected as one of thirty-five law school graduates out of thousands of candidates nationwide, to be appointed as an attorney for the United States working out of the Justice Department in Washington.
Articles Editor, Law Review, Delaware Journal of Corporate Law
- Keynote Speaker, Montgomery County Paralegal Association, “The Civil Rights Statute: A Primer,” June 16, 2021
- Quoted in and source of information for article entitled: Good Insurance and Robust Procedures Help Townships Minimize Risk, Pennsylvania Township News, August 2020
- Presenter, PSATS Conference, presentation entitled: “Today’s Liability Issues Covid-19, Sexual Assault and Governmental Immunity”, June 18th, 2020
- Annual Guest Speaker, EMC Insurance
- Presenter, American Camping Associations Tri-State Convention, presentation entitled: Modern Issues: Consent and Waiver Mental Illness, March 12th, 2020 at Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Annual Presenter, Discipline and Termination, to a Group of Summer Camp owners, Boca Raton, FL,
- Tony was on a joint panel workshop at PSATS Conference on “Social Media for Supervisors”,.
- Webinar Presenter, Avoiding Sexual Harassment in a Camping Environment: Tips and Strategies, Hawly, Pennsylvania.
- Presenter, Pennsylvania Camp Directors Meeting, Employment and Contract Law: What Camp Owners Need to Know, Boca Raton, Florida
- Presenter, PSATS Annual Meeting
- Author of chapter in Municipal Solicitor’s Handbook jointly sponsored by PSATS and DCED
- Frequent Presenter, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Association
- Frequent Presenter, Insurance Agencies and Claims Department of Insurance Companies
- CLE Session Presenter, Chester County Bar Association’s Municipal Law Section, May 10, 2016. Tony spoke on the ACRE laws and litigation with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office. Tony has represented numerous municipalities faced with ACRE litigation brought by the Attorney General including most of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Commonwealth Court decisions on the statute
Member, Moving Montco Forward Voting Rights & Election Integrity Advisory Committee, 2024
Advocate, Order of Justitia, 2023
Advocate, Order of Certus, 2023
Member, Trial Law Institute, 2023
Member, Diversity Law Institute, 2023
Member, Litigation Counsel of America, 2021
Elected Chairman, Worcester Township Planning Commission, 2019
Co-Chair, Small Miracles Golf Outing, Jefferson Health, 2010-Present
Co-Chair, Annual Israel Awareness Day, Green Valley Country Club
Appointed Committee person, Worcester West Township Committee, 2017
- Work with members of the committee to serve voters, elected officials, and their political party
Member, Defense Research Institute, 1992 – Present
- DRI is the leading organization of civil defense attorneys
Member, Planning Commission Worcester Township, 2012 – Present
- Advise the Board of Supervisors on ordinances and planning issues
Board Member, Hanover Fire and Casualty Company, 2005 – Present
- Commercial Insurance Company. Currently serving on the Board’s Audit Committee
Board Member, Greater Norristown Police Athletic League, 2011– 2018
- Involved in setting policy, raising funds, and assisting with the management of the day to day operations of the facilities and programs
Board of Overseers, Einstein Healthcare Network, 2013 – Present
- Governing body of the organization. Acts as an advocate in the community for the mission, vision and success of one of the region’s largest health care networks
- Board Member Jefferson, Einstein, Montgomery Hospital, Chairman Compliance Committee, Executive Board of Hospital
Ex-officio Board Member, Green Valley Country Club
- Social and Philanthropic Organization. Served as President from October 2008 through October 2011
Click on the links below to learn more about the clients Tony has represented in:
Smith v. Richmond Township 82A.3d407(PA.2013), Pennsylvania Supreme Court Sunshine Act victory for municipalities. Fact finding prior to deliberations and decisions need not be done in open meetings. Sets limits on open meeting requirements under the Sunshine Act.
Wertz v. Chapman Township, 741 A.2d 1272 (PA 1999). Successfully, represented township in Pennsylvania Supreme Court in action brought under the PA Human Relations Act. The case established that there is no right to a jury trial under PHRA.
Commonwealth v. Locust Township, 968 A2d 1236 (PA 2009), 49 A.3d 502 (PA Cmwlth. En banc 2012); Commonwealth v. Richmond Township, 2 A.3d 678 (PA Cmwlth. 2010); Defended several municipalities in actions brought by Attorney General challenging local land use ordinances regulating intensive farming activity under the ACRE statute. Mr. Sherr has represented municipalities in most of the significant court cases interpreting the statute.
In re Bridgeport Fire Litigation, 51 A.3d 224 (PA. Super. 2012). Defended electrical contractor in class action against 35 defendants claiming liability for fire causing $54 million in damage. Sherr represented the only defendant to go to trial, in this three-month trial court proceeding. Obtained very favorable result for client.
Dejesus v. Knight Industries, 2013 WL 3833247 (EDPA 2013). Summary judgment on behalf of manufacturer of lift table which allegedly injured plaintiff while he was working at the Harley Davidson factory in York, PA. Case important for use of Restatement 3d standard for products liability, and has now been remanded to address the landmark Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in Tincher v. Omega Flex, 104 A.2d 328 (PA 2014)
Snyder v. Bender, et al, 2013 WL 6571701 (3d Cir. 2013). Successfully defended township and municipal officials against claims by township supervisor claiming election fraud, violation of supervisor’s civil rights, and slander.
Honey Brook Estates v. Honey Brook Township, 2012 WL 2077188 (EDPA 2012). Successfully defended township, individual supervisors, members of planning commission and others against a civil rights action brought by a developer whose development plans were denied by the township.
Karchnak v. Swatara Township, 446 Fed. Appx. 432 (3d Cir. 2012) Successfully defended township, police chief and supervisors against Civil Rights suit brought by a female Sargent in the police department. Jury Verdict for Defendants.
Chubb v. On-Time Wildfire Feeders, 2009 WL 424218 (MDPA 2009). Represented manufacturer in a products liability action. Case significant for establishing limit on damages for total loss of house but not real property.
R & B, Inc. v. Needa Part Manufacturing, Inc. 2005 WL 3054595 (EDPA 2005). Patent action against manufacturer of auto parts by former employer of President of company. Successful result for client.
Joshua Hill v. Whitemarsh Township, 294 F.2d 482 (3d Cir. 2002). Defended Township in action brought by company and individual who purchased ground from township containing a former municipal land fill. The case was tried twice, and eventually, resolved in bankruptcy court.
Corneal v. Jackson Township, 94 Fed. Appx. 76 (3d Cir. 2004). Successfully defended municipality and individual township officials in a civil rights action brought by a landowner whose development plan had been denied.
Tobin v. Badamo, 79 Fed. Appx. 217 (3d Cir. 2003). Jury verdict on behalf of police officer and borough in action brought by President of borough council. Affirmed on appeal.
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