It is with profound sadness that Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig LLP announces the untimely death of our Shareholder Jason A. Daria, who passed away on February 14, 2026. In addition to tirelessly advocating for his clients, Jason shared his many skills and talents with his community and the legal profession. Along with his many pro bono activities, Jason served as the current President of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. He cherished this role, and was specifically recognized for his efforts defending the rule of law by the three Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices that were retained by the voters during Jason’s leadership. Consistent with his leadership style, when he was inducted as President, Jason’s acceptance speech was not about him; rather, he acknowledged and thanked his loving wife and daughters for their sacrifices over the years, and then turned his attention to an ambitious agenda focused on protecting the rights of Pennsylvania citizens.
Jason graduated with honors from the University of Scranton, and then attended Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, graduating in 1994. He joined Feldman Shepherd in 2004 where, through his hard work and his talent for creative lawyering, he quickly became a partner and eventually a shareholder of the firm. For decades, Jason collaborated with his colleague and “buddy,” Shareholder John M. Dodig, on innumerable complex matters and was widely recognized for the seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements he recovered on behalf of catastrophically injured clients and their families.
Jason’s hard work had a much broader impact than simply improving the lives of his clients, as his efforts resulted in safety enhancements that — even today — protect motorists travelling the highways of both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His cases resulted in the use of safer guardrails and a reduction in roadside hazards, including the installation of additional crosswalks and other safety features along the Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, an area he was determined to make safer for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Dedicated to pro bono service, Jason served on the Board of Directors of the Legal Clinic for the Disabled at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for over 15 years and was the Board’s President from 2015 through 2017. Prior to serving as Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association President, he served as President Elect, Vice President, Secretary and Assistant Secretary and was a member of the Board of Directors for several years before becoming an officer. Jason was also a past volunteer for the Support Center for Child Advocates, the Juvenile Justice Center of Philadelphia, and the Police Athletic League in Philadelphia.
Jason was devoted to his family, and is survived by his wife Marianne and his daughters Maia and Daniella.
Here are some reflections by Jason’s colleagues:
“Twenty-one years ago, when I arrived at the firm Jason Daria became my trial partner. Unbeknownst to me at the time, we both grew up in neighboring towns in Upstate New York. We formed a special professional and personal bond. There was never a time that we tried a case separately; we tried everything together, as a team. I took enormous pride watching Jason develop as a trial lawyer, firm leader, and ultimately as President of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers. Jason was the hardest working attorney I have ever had the privilege of working with. He had absolutely no ego and never ever sought the spotlight despite his enormous success and accomplishments. He was motivated in making a difference in everyone’s lives, and that he did. His love of the law was second only to the love he had for his family, his wife Marianne, daughters Daniella and Maia. Jason Daria was simply the best and we all will miss him and will honor his memory every day.” — John M. Dodig, Feldman Shepherd Shareholder
“Twenty-two years ago, we took a chance on a promising young attorney, Jason Daria. We weren’t looking to hire anyone at the time, but after meeting Jason, we were convinced we could not let him walk out the door. Over the next two decades I had the privilege of working with Jason, trying cases with Jason, and sitting side by side with him as my partner. My admiration and respect for him as a person and a lawyer cannot be overstated. Egos and personalities that seek the spotlight admittedly dominate the world of the trial lawyer, but Jason Daria was special. He was an excellent lawyer who served his clients superbly well, and no case was ever about him. He did not seek the spotlight, nor did he shirk responsibility when that light was thrust upon him. There are many things I will miss about Jason, but most of all, I will miss his ever-present smile that brightened our offices every single day.” — Mark W. Tanner, Feldman Shepherd Co-Managing Shareholder
