Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP

November 19, 2009 : Weber Gallagher Co-Sponsors IADC Regional Meeting

On November 11, 2009, Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, along with firms Duane Morris LLP, Fineman, Krekstein & Harris P.C., Gibbons P.C. and Montgomery McCracken, sponsored the International Association of Defense Counsel Philadelphia Regional Meeting at the Union League. The event was chaired by partner Paul M. Fires and featured speakers included the Hon. John E. Jones III and partner P.J. Stapleton III.  Judge Jones, who serves as a District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, wrote the decision in Kitzmiller v. Dover School District, commonly known as the “intelligent design" decision. Judge Jones spoke about this case and other controversial decisions, public and legislative reaction, and the role of judges in ensuring the rule of law over public opinion. Mr. Stapleton, who is the Chair of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, discussed the role of the LCB in today’s society, its role in prevention of underage drinking and the revenues returned to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The evening ended with a wine tasting. Guests from as far as Scranton, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland attended along with dozens of Philadelphia-area attorneys.