Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Linda Whalen

Greensburg,PA

Summary

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.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Partner

Stewart, Sorice, Whalen, Farrell, Finoli,Cavanaugh
05.1994 - 06.2022

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

Timeline

Partner

Stewart, Sorice, Whalen, Farrell, Finoli,Cavanaugh
05.1994 - 06.2022

Associate Attorney

Fisher, Long and Rigone
04.1991 - 05.1994

Sole Practitioner

Linda L. Whalen, Esq.
09.1983 - 04.1991

Partner

Boyle and Whalen
10.1981 - 09.1983

Law Clerk

William E. Boyle and Emmett C. Boyle
05.1980 - 09.1983

Law Clerk

Cyril Fox, Jr.
08.1979 - 04.1980

J.D. - Law

University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Susquehanna University

High School Diploma -

Connellsville High School