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Issue

Philadelphia's New Movers and Shakers

Philadelphia’s New Movers and Shakers

With its first six graduating classes, the Kline School of Law unleashed more than 800 attorneys into the world, who have gone on to practice in states from California to Maine and in countries from Japan to Gabon.

But the biggest cohort, by far, have become Philadelphia lawyers, bestowing their skills, savvy and stubborn determination on a city that needs it, a city where most took their first steps into a courtroom or shook their first client’s hand.

Alumni with a Kline School of Law pedigree have made inroads in all areas of practice in the City of Brotherly Love, from big firms to government agencies to boutique firms that cater to startups, public interest efforts, general counsel offices of hospitals and corporations and the criminal courts.

They are also gaining influence as leaders, chosen by peers for posts in the Young Lawyers Division of Philadelphia Bar Association, the Philadelphia Barristers Association and the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania, to name a few. They’ve won awards from organizations that recognize their contributions. They serve on a diverse array of non-profit boards.  Many continue to provide pro bono service, a habit instilled during their law school years.  And some extend their hands to more recent alumni and students, serving as mentors and connectors in the law school’s ever broadening professional network.

“It’s important in our profession to network with other attorneys and take on leadership roles in the community,” said Caitlin Donnelly, ’11, an associate at KML Law Group who began a term on the YLD Executive Board in January. “It gives you a great experience outside of practicing law.” 

That said, Donnelly acknowledged, “it is a lot of work and time.”

The following is a partial listing of other alumni who hold leadership posts that reflect the law school’s  growing imprint on its home town:  

  • Juan Baez, ’10,  Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania Board Secretary
  • Brianna Cavallaro, ’14, YLD National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Representative
  • Patrick Doran, ’10, InterAct Theatre Board Member
  • Jamie Gershkow, ’12, Women Against Abuse Investment Committee Member
  • Katelyn Hufe, ’11, YLD Immigration Committee Liaison
  • Priscilla Jimenez, ’11, Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania Vice President and HBAP Legal Education Fund President
  • Ron Kern, ’12, Living Beyond Breast Cancer Board Member
  • Daniel Levine, ’09, Renaissance Group of the Jewish Federation of Philadelphia Board Member
  • Sekou Lewis, ’12, Juvenile Law Center Board
  • Patricia Luczak, ’12, YLD Executive Committee Member
  • Sam Mukiibi, ’14, YLD State Civil Litigation Section Representative
  • Leo Mulvihill, ’10, YLD Executive Committee Member
  • Taylor Ocasio, ’13, YLD Executive Committee Member
  • Shabrei Parker, ’10, Philadelphia Barristers Association President and YLD Executive Committee Member
  • Joel Ruffini, ’14, YLD Board Observer

The Kline School of Law's co-op, clinical and pro bono programs have been turning heads within the Philadelphia legal community since 2006. But as its alumni begin to rise in prominence, influence and sheer numbers, they are infusing the City of Brotherly Love with new energy and possibilities.  Much of this issue of The Docket reflects this exciting truth.