Accomplished family court attorney with 41 years of experience, notably winning a pivotal case at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court while at Stewart, Sorice, Whalen, Farrell, Finoli, Cavanaugh. Renowned for exceptional negotiation skills and a practical approach to problem-solving, achieving favorable outcomes through effective litigation strategies and active listening.
Family court attorney. Litigated numerous cases, including custody trials, equitable distribution/alimony trials, support hearings, custody hearings, All Counts Conferences.
Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
Went to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on a termination of parental rights case and won, defeating the termination of father's parental rights.
Responsible for all research and drafting of my documents, correspondence, Orders and settlements agreements. Literally, during Covid, when staff was laid off.
Associate Attorney
Fisher, Long and Rigone
04.1991 - 05.1994
Brought my own practice with me. Cases were predominately family law, but also included some civil litigation/medical malpractice cases.
Litigated custody, support and divorce/equitable/distribution cases.
Conduction written discovery and depositions in civil litigation cases.
Tried two civil cases injury trials.
Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, and motions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.
Achieved favorable outcomes for clients through skilled negotiation and effective litigation strategies.
Sole Practitioner
Linda L. Whalen, Esq.
09.1983 - 04.1991
Maintained my own general solo practice, with particular emphasis on family law and dependency cases.
Conducted thorough research on relevant statutes, case law, and regulations to provide informed legal advice.
Developed persuasive arguments for court proceedings, resulting in positive outcomes for clients'' cases.
Managed complex caseloads with attention to detail and organization, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
Managed the business details of a solo practice with one employee.
Partner
Boyle and Whalen
10.1981 - 09.1983
Engaged in the general practice of law.
Handled a variety of matters, handled cases delegated by the senior partner and started building my own practice.
Drafted all my own pleadings, correspondence, Orders and agreements.
Drafted the bulk of pleadings, Orders and agreements for senior partner.
Provided outstanding service to all individuals, promoting effective, and lasting business relationships.
Law Clerk
William E. Boyle and Emmett C. Boyle
05.1980 - 09.1983
Created and prepared legal drafts by organizing and assembling information for legal documents and forms.
Supported attorneys in preparing for trials by organizing case materials and drafting legal documents.
Developed a reputation for professionalism and reliability, frequently entrusted with sensitive information and high-stakes assignments.
Supported legal team by conducting research, drafting briefs, gathering information and interpreting legal documents.
All accomplished while attending and commuting from Greensburg PA to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Law Clerk
Cyril Fox, Jr.
08.1979 - 04.1980
Conducted legal research and drafted memos on various topics requested by professor of property, natural resources and mining
Assisted in the first Eastern Mineral Law Conference, cofounded by Professor Fox.
Education
J.D. - Law
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Pittsburgh, PA
04-1981
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA
05-1976
High School Diploma -
Connellsville High School
Connellsville, PA
06-1972
Skills
While I was known as a formidable and effective litigator, I also had a reputation for being practical, adept at problem solving and able to manage difficult persons and cases in order to arrive at negotiated settlements
Served as Court appointed Divorce Master on Divorce cases Many cases were settled by holding settlement conferences and assisting in negotiations Cases that were unable to be settled were tried and I issued Master's Reports with Recommendations and Proposed Order as provided for by the Rules of Civil Procedure
Served as Chair of the Westmoreland County Family Law Committee for 9 years Responsible for organizing and preparing agenda for monthly meetings and liaising with the Family Court judges
Guest lecturer for various Pennsylvania Bar Institute and Westmoreland County Bar Association continuing education panels and programs
Wrote the Westmoreland County chapters for various Pennsylvania Bar Association Seminar materials
Assisted in drafting various Westmoreland County Local Family Court Rules in the 1990s
Computer skills which allow me to draft pleadings, settlement agreements, Orders, memos and correspondence and to revise, save, organize and email the same
Active listening, Interpersonal communication, Excellent communication
Creative and critical thinking, excellent problem solving skills
Judgement and decision making
Settlement negotiation
Legal research and review
Excellent writing skills
Litigation experience
Case law and outcome analysis
Efficient researcher
Family law background, for 41 years
Interests
Horseback Riding Rding and owning horses for 27 years has allowed me to develop great patience, to read nonverbal communication and to recognize what can be negotiated and what cannot be negotiated but simply accepted Having horses is the best relationship training available as they are who they are, they have positive and negative attributes and generally don't change Hopefully, the positive attributes outweigh the bad and the negative attributes are tolerable
Cooking
Gardening Pulling weeds is cathartic and allows me to take out my aggressive tendencies in a socially acceptable manner Beautiful and fragrant flowers are a bonus
I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles