We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, Mr. Levine has been selected by The National Trial Lawyers to its “Top 40 Under 40” for the state of Pennsylvania.
The American Society of Legal Advocates Names Scott L. Levine as a Top 40 Under 40 for 2015
The Law Offices of Scott L. Levine, LLC is proud to announce that Attorney Levine has been selected to the 2015 American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40 Family Lawyers in the State of Pennsylvania. This marks the second year for which Mr. Levine received this honor.
About the ASLA Selection Process
Overview
ASLA’s exclusive membership comprises less than 1.5% of all licensed lawyers nationwide. ASLA is both highly selective in extending invitations and in determining which specialties to include for a given state. Because many specialties typically include listings for Top 100 Lawyers and Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, in order to remain selective we ensure that each specialty in a state has a sufficient number of practicing lawyers to merit inclusion. Those states with relatively low populations of practicing lawyers often will support only one or two specialties. ASLA monitors practice trends from year to year prior to extending invitations in each state.
Process
ASLA’s entire selection process is conducted manually by lawyers. Prospective members initially are evaluated based on publicly-available information, although member nominations also are accepted from current members, other lawyers, and past clients. Self-nominations and nominations from public relations firms or advertising agencies are not accepted.
The selection process consists of a rigorous, manual, multi-stage review:
ASLA’s lawyers comprehensively review available information for each candidate, including a review of firm websites, client assessments, and publicly-available filings, which may include: verdicts, settlement information, and information regarding transactions. Each candidate is assessed based on such criteria as educational accomplishments, involvement and leadership in bar associations and professional organizations, activities within their community, and demonstrated legal achievement. In the case of younger lawyers, ASLA also evaluates indications of developing success, both in a candidate’s day-to-day practice and in serving the profession.
Each area of assessment is considered, and each candidate is assessed on his or her own merits. Just as the student body of an elite university is comprised of individuals with many different backgrounds and strengths, ASLA likewise strives to invite a range of members who have stellar legal credentials as a baseline, but also a range of interests and activities.
After the initial list of nominees is prepared, at least one separate lawyer reviews all compiled data and confirms nominations. To ensure the integrity of the process, no lawyer who participated in the first phase of selection is permitted to conduct the second phase.
In the final stage, the list of finalists is again reviewed and candidates either are confirmed for invitation or placed on a holding list for reconsideration the following year.
Allegheny County Custody Update – Generations Education
Allegheny County custody cases require the parties attendance at a “Generations” Education at the outset of a new case. For many years, the Education Seminars were conducted at the Wightman School Building located in Squirrel Hill. Recently however, new custody filings have been assigned Education dates at a new location.
Now new custody filings in Pittsburgh are being scheduled for Education classes on the Second Floor of the Family Court facility located at 440 Ross Street. This change centralizes the location for all local custody matters, provides better access via public transportation and interstates, and provides a secure facility staffed by the local sheriff department.
Allegheny County Family Law Filing Fee Increase – August 2014
The Allegheny County – Department of Court Records has just announced New Filing Fee Increases for Civil Division and Family Division filings.
The changes which will take effect on August 8, 2014 are in response to Acts 113 and 126 of 2014 passed by the PA Legislature and signed by the Governor.
The notable fee increases for Family filings include the following:
Divorce Complaint: $186 (up from $174);
Each additional “count” within a divorce complaint: $40.50 (up from $28.50);
Count for Custody included in a Divorce Complaint: $161.00.
Custody Complaint (if no other fees have been paid): $337.00 (up from $325.00);
Custody Complaint filed after a Divorce filing: $232.50 (up from $220.50).
National Academy of Family Law Attorneys Names Scott L. Levine “Top 10 Attorney Under the Age of 40”
Attorney Scott L. Levine has been selected by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys as a “Top 10 Attorney Under the Age of 40.”
The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys is an organization devoted to recognizing the top family law attorneys in the nation. Through a stringent selection process, the NAFLA awards the best family law attorneys in each state with its most prestigious honor of being named “TOP 10.
Free Summer Camp for Children who’ve lost a parent – Circle of EKC
Circle Camps for Grieving Children has announced a new addition to their existing program for girls ages 9 – 14 who have lost a parent. The latest camp is “Circle of EKC”, held at Emma Kaufman Camp in Morgantown West Virginia. EKC has been serving the Pittsburgh area for many years. The camp is from August 17, 2014 – August 22, 2014 and is free to campers and includes transportation. For more information visit the Circle Camps website.
Conscious Uncoupling – Gimmick or Good Idea?
Until recently most people had never heard the term “conscious uncoupling” which describes a particular way of dissolving a marriage. The term was coined by an L.A. based therapist and author several years ago but has now been thrust into the spotlight when used by a celebrity couple to describe their split. The idea and approach might work for some people who are already approaching a divorce on good terms.
The goals of such an amicable split can still be accomplished within the traditional framework of the Pennsylvania Family Court System and are often utilized in uncontested divorce cases with or without custody issues. It can be as simple as finding the right counsel to (1) assist with drafting and reviewing the appropriate settlement agreement; (2) preparing custody documents; and (3) ensuring everything is filed correctly and timely.
That being said, there’s nothing this “new” idea brings that has not already been available to families with open minds and forward thinking counsel. However, the popularity of the term and its philosophy may help couples contemplating an amicable spilt.
Bottom line, whatever you call it, divorce doesn’t have to be devastating and is often a welcome fresh start for everyone involved, or at least a relatively painless solution for a situation that needed a legal resolution.
Allegheny County Family Law – March 2014 Custody Filing Fee Increases
Starting Monday, March 31, 2014 the filing fees for Custody related filings in Allegheny County are being increased. The new increases include fees for: Initial Custody Complaint (Increase from $232.50 to $325); Divorce with Custody Count (Increase from $271 to $363.50); Petition for Custody Modification (Increase from $200 to $250); Custody after Divorce has been filed (Increase from $108.50 to $220.50) and Petition for Reinstatement of Custody Action ($200).
Family Division Self-Help Center now open in Pittsburgh
On January 6, 2014, the Allegheny County – Family Division Self-Help Center opened in the Family Law Facility in Downtown Pittsburgh at 440 Ross Street.
The Self-Help Center is located on the first floor in room 1014 near the sheriff’s office and is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The waiting room is furnished with abundant comfortable new seating and a staffed help desk. There are various documents and reference material for your review.
This resource is meant to help families by answering a variety of questions regarding court procedures and providing sample forms. They can also give you information on your case and provide court schedules and information on how to get a case scheduled. Also, this resource is available everyday and is free.
After more than a week of operation, things are running smoothly and the turnout has been good. I have personally visited this space and am pleased to report that it is very nice looking and staffed by friendly helpful people. I expect this to become a valued resource by the residents of Allegheny county.
UPDATE: This resource has replaced the former pro se motion assistance program which had been offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Allegheny County Support – New Satellite Office – Penn Hills
March 2014, the new Penn Hills satellite office is expected to be open and will handle support conferences and hearings for persons residing in the East Suburbs. The office is located at 12000 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
This office will be the second satellite office of the Allegheny County Family Division, joining the South Hills office which has been open for almost two years. The intention is to make filing for support and attending conferences/hearings more accessible to litigants by offering suburban offices.
The South Hills office handles support cases for residents of the southern suburbs including: Mt. Lebanon, Upper Saint Clair, Bethel Park and Castle Shannon. The South Hills office is located at 250 Mt. Lebanon Boulvard – Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15234.
