Litigating a case before a Pennsylvania administrative agency is distinctly different from practice in a state or federal court. For General Practitioners who have never litigated a case in an administrative forum, the transition can be difficult and frustrating. This program is designed to provide the General Practitioner with valuable insight and advice on how to navigate through four distinct administrative forums where many Commonwealth citizens find themselves at least once in their adult life: the State Civil Service Commission, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Unemployment Compensation Referees and the Commonwealth’s Professional Licensure Boards.
The faculty explains and discusses the elements of appeal forms, complaints and other operative agency documents. In addition to practical advice, the presenters also discuss which rules apply and how to find them, how to obtain discovery before a hearing, the issuance of subpoenas, how to make the most of pre-hearing conferences, and how to appeal an adverse ruling.
Following an overview of the four specific forums, all of the presenters participate in a moderated panel discussion. They discuss common themes and practice pointers applicable to administrative litigation in general, including ethical considerations, and offer their unique insights into administrative litigation.
Jonathan W. Kunkel, Esq., Assistant Counsel, PA Dept. of Corrections, Camp Hill
Begene A. Bahl, Esq., PA Department of Banking, Harrisburg
Nicole M. Bordonaro, Esq., PA Department of Education, Harrisburg
Thomas S. Cook, Esq., Schmidt Kramer, PC, Harrisburg
Charlene Couch, Esq., Director, PA Bureau of Equal Employment Opportunity, Office of Administration, Harrisburg
Alvina R. Forthner, Esq., Pennsylvania Dept. of State, Harrisburg
Robin D. Jones, Equal Opportunities Specialist, PA Bureau of Equal Employment Opportunity, Office of Administration, Harrisburg
Edward D. Rawlings, Appeals System Administrator, Unemployment Comp. Board of Review, Harrisburg
Shawn E. Smith, Esq., PA Department of State, Harrisburg
