Congratulations to the Hon. Frederica Massiah-Jackson, 2022 Justice Michael A. Musmanno Honoree

The attorneys at Feldman Shepherd extend their congratulations to the Hon. Frederica Massiah-Jackson, the 2022 Justice Michael A. Musmanno Honoree. The Musmanno Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. It is given annually to an outstanding individual who represents the spirit and ideals of the late Justice Michael A. Musmanno of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. A lawyer, speaker, statesman and legislator, Justice Musmanno never stood aside complacently when he believed that cruelty and injustice were being inflicted.

Judge Massiah-Jackson received the honor at a banquet on October 19, 2022, at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia.

Judge Massiah-Jackson served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1984 to 2021. She presided over medical malpractice, products liability cases, complex commercial litigation and personal injury matters. She was the first African American female judge to preside in civil jury trials in Philadelphia’s courts and was elected the first African American President Judge of any county in Pennsylvania. The Judge was an effective leader, engaging the Philadelphia courts with innovative management and advances in technology. Access to Justice was her hallmark, as she enhanced the public perception of judges and the organization.

The Musmanno Award holds special meaning for the attorneys at Feldman Shepherd. Co-founding shareholders Alan M. Feldman and Carol Nelson Shepherd received the award in 2017 and 2000, respectively. Roberta D. Pichini, who was a partner at Feldman Shepherd for 18 years and is now of counsel, received the award in 2014.

Five Feldman Shepherd shareholders have served as past presidents of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. They are: Ezra Wohlgelernter (2016-2017); Mark W. Tanner (2007-2008); John M. Dodig (2006-2007); Alan M. Feldman (1995-1996); and Carol Nelson Shepherd (1987-1988).

In addition, Feldman Shepherd attorneys have held many leadership positions at the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association over the years. Partner Jason A. Daria presently serves as secretary, and partners James P. “JP” Faunes and Daniel J. Mann presently serve on the Board of Directors.

We extend our gratitude and appreciation to Judge Massiah-Jackson and the many talented members of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association who share Justice Musmanno’s ideals and work tirelessly to uphold his vision for our civil justice system.