LANCASTER, Pa., August 18, 2022 — Saxton & Stump is pleased to announce that 17 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2023 edition of the Best Lawyers in America, one of the legal profession’s oldest and most respected lawyer ranking publications. For almost four decades, Best Lawyers lists have been compiled by conducting peer review surveys in which leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers, with its core mission of highlighting the top legal talent.
Three attorneys named “Lawyer of the Year”
To be named a “Lawyer of the Year,” an attorney earns the highest peer review ranking in their geographic area. All three of the Saxton & Stump attorneys that achieved this distinction in the Harrisburg metro market. This is the first time each of these attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year.”
Erik M. Hume, Esq. has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Real Estate Law, and this is the fourth consecutive year Hume has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America. The chair of the firm’s Real Estate Group, Hume advises clients through all aspects of real estate transactions and development. He regularly handles commercial and residential real estate transactions, subdivision, land development and zoning matters and the creation and administration of condominiums and planned communities. Hume is an author for Pennsylvania Community Association Law & Practice, the leading treatise on condominiums, cooperatives, planned communities and homeowners’ associations in Pennsylvania.
Shaun J. Mumford, Esq. is recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. This is the third time Mumford has been named to the Best Lawyers in America list. He is an experienced attorney concentrating his practice in healthcare litigation matters, including the defense of medical device and medical professional negligence claims. Mumford has successfully defended hospitals, health systems, physician practices and medical professionals at both trials and arbitrations throughout Pennsylvania.
Barry A. Solodky, Esq. is received his recognition as a “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Bankruptcy Litigation. He also was named to The Best Lawyers in America list for his work in the field of Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Solodky previously served 33 years as a court-appointed Chapter 7 trustee, providing independent oversight for bankruptcy cases and as counsel for other fellow trustees. He brings four decades of experience in all aspects of debt settlement and bankruptcy law, and this is the second time he’s been recognized on the Best Lawyers list.
Twelve Saxton & Stump attorneys named to 2023 Best Lawyers in America list
In addition to Hume, Mumford and Solodky, these Saxton & Stump attorneys also made the Best Lawyers in America list:
James W. Saxton, Esq. is recognized for his work in Litigation – Health Care; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. He has been recognized by the Best Lawyers in America for eight consecutive years. Saxton is the CEO of Saxton & Stump and has represented doctors, hospitals and other healthcare professionals in state and federal courts for over 30 years. Besides advising hospitals and medical groups both nationally and internationally on their professional liability risk, he provides the strategic vision for the firm and works closely with managers and department chairs to execute that strategy while maintaining the firm’s business discipline.
Christopher A. Stump, Esq. is recognized for his work in Litigation – Health Care; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants. Stump, who is co-founder of Saxton & Stump and co-chair of the Healthcare Litigation and Mitigation group, concentrates his practice in the representation of hospitals, doctors and healthcare professionals in all areas of healthcare litigation, including malpractice defense, coverage issues, medical device litigation, product liability and risk management. He actively tries cases in courts throughout Pennsylvania and has taken more than 100 cases to verdict through trial and arbitration or appeal and has been recognized on this list since 2021.
Katherine Pandelidis Granbois, Esq. is recognized for her work in Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Corporate Law. This is her third time being named to the Best Lawyers in America. Granbois is chair of the firm’s growing Business and Corporate Law group, where she focuses her practice in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, joint ventures, sales and distribution, entity selection and formation and commercial matters for clients ranging from startups and professional practices to large family-owned businesses and middle market companies. Active in the community, Granbois currently serves as board member and immediate past board chair of the United Way of Lancaster County, board member of ASSETS and acting president of the Lancaster chapter of Daughters of Penelope.
Steven D. Costello, Esq. has been recognized for his work in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants for the eighth consecutive year, and on the 2022 list, he was named a “Lawyer of the Year” in Medical Malpractice – Defendants. He has devoted his legal career to handling civil litigation and has successfully represented numerous Fortune 500 companies and major hospitals, healthcare systems and insurance companies and has received nearly 150 defense verdicts over his nearly 40-year career.
Ronald H. Pollock, Esq. is recognized for his work in Litigation – Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. This is his third time being named to the Best Lawyers in America. Pollock has significant experience in insurance and medical device litigation and serves as a trial lawyer with case experience in both state and federal court. His experience includes personal injury and property damage matters, representing insurance companies and individuals. Pollock also serves as chair of the firm’s Construction Law and Commercial Litigation groups.
William C. Costopoulos, Esq. is recognized for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Costopoulos is considered one of the top criminal defense lawyers on the East Coast and has handled many high-profile cases throughout his career. As a member of the Investigations and Criminal Defense Group, he represents clients in matters related to institutional and individual criminal investigations. Costopoulos has made the Criminal Defense list for the Best Lawyers in America since its inception in 1983.
Mark E. Cedrone, Esq. is recognized for Criminal Defense: White Collar in the Philadelphia region for the fourth time. Cedrone has dedicated his 35-year career to representing clients under investigation by or in disputes with various governmental units and administrative agencies. Mark has represented and counseled individuals and businesses in a wide range of sophisticated criminal and quasi-criminal matters, ranging from complex tax and fraud matters to computer crimes to narcotics and firearm offenses.
Elizabeth “Beth” J. Palmer, Esq. is recognized in Commercial Litigation for the third straight year. A shareholder in Saxton & Stump’s Charleston office, Beth partners with businesses to provide guidance on operational issues such as risk management, contracts and employment matters. When disputes arise, Beth has developed a reputation for guiding clients to solutions through litigation, mediation or arbitration while keeping their needs and interests top-of-mind. She regularly represents businesses and professionals in the hospitality, real estate, nonprofit and industrial distribution industries.
Alice F. Paylor, Esq. is recognized in six different practice areas: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Individuals, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Litigation – Trusts and Estates. Paylor, who has been named to the list 13 consecutive times, practices in the firm’s Charleston office, where she brings over four decades of experience in representing businesses, governmental entities and individuals in complex commercial litigation, probate and estate litigation, zoning issues, labor and employment matters and investigations. She is a former president of the South Carolina Bar after serving in various other positions including the chair of the House of Delegates.
Five Saxton & Stump attorneys named to “Ones to Watch” list
This Best Lawyers in America list recognizes lawyers that have been practicing for five to nine years who have made a significant impact early in their careers. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America is also developed through peer review. The three Saxton & Stump attorneys recognized are:
Zachary J. Duffy, Esq. is recognized in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants for the third consecutive year. A senior counsel in the firm’s Healthcare Litigation and Mitigation Group, Duffy has handled all levels of medical malpractice cases. He’s built defense strategies, performed direct and cross-examinations in arbitrations, developed and performed deposition questioning, and prepared expert witnesses for testimony. To keep malpractice claims from ever happening, he’s presented to new doctors regarding proactive practice habits that may help avoid malpractice claims.
Bijan Ghom, Esq. was also named to the “Ones to Watch” for Commercial Litigation. Bijan recently joined Saxton & Stump in its Charleston office as an associate and is a member of the Saxton & Stump Business and Corporate Law, Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment and Trusts and Estates groups, He received his law degree at Charleston School of Law and his MBA from the College of Charleston and has been recognized on this list since 2021.
Lance D. Greene, Esq. is recognized in the areas of Commercial Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. This is the first time he’s been recognized by Best Lawyers. Greene focuses his practice on counseling and representing businesses and individuals facing civil and criminal investigations. He also handles a range of commercial litigation matters and represents physicians and hospitals on healthcare litigation matters. Greene also is a member of the board of directors of ASSETS, which works to create economic opportunity and cultivates entrepreneurial leadership to alleviate poverty and build vibrant, sustainable communities in Lancaster.
Katy S. Landis, Esq. is recognized in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. This is the first time she’s been recognized by Best Lawyers. Landis works in risk mitigation and drafts, reviews and revises contracts, subcontracts and waivers. She also has represented clients under investigation for violations of the False Claims Act.
Lauren A. Green has been named to the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list for the first time in her career in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants: Defense in Malvern, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the firm’s Franchising, Licensing and Distribution, Healthcare Litigation and Mitigation and Quality Assurance and Peer Review groups at Saxton & Stump. Green is a graduate of the Temple University Beasley School of Law.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
The firm was named the fastest growing law firm in Pennsylvania by The Legal Intelligencer, having added 53 professionals in 2021, including 22 attorneys. Overall, Saxton & Stump has grown to a team of more than 150 professionals, including 90 attorneys. Recently, the firm has added new services and established groups dedicated to environmental, workplace safety and utilities, franchising, licensing and distribution and investigations and criminal defense. In addition to bolstering their infrastructure, they have added a new office location in Center City Philadelphia and grown key existing practice areas such as healthcare, senior care, real estate, government affairs and trusts and estates.
The firm continues to grow based on their strategic plan for 2022 and will continue to expand its current team of lawyers and professionals, focusing on bringing additional resources to support client needs.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.