Jacqueline E. Schneiders

June 14, 2021

Jacqueline is a hands-on trial attorney involved in all aspects of a case, from initial accident response and investigation through trial and appeal. She is sensitive to the business objectives and core values of her clients and works closely with them to develop the best defense strategy for each case.

Jacqueline defends insured and self-insured companies in commercial vehicle, construction accident, employment, premises liability, and product liability cases. She leads real-time catastrophic accident investigations to identify any potential claims early on and secure the evidence needed to defend them. Her unique approach involves finding creative ways to move cases forward, be cost-effective, and identify pathways for early resolution or dismissal. To that end, she frequently discovers opportunities for tendering defense or transferring risk, removes cases to federal court, and moves for dismissal based on lack of personal jurisdiction or improper venue.

Jacqueline has successfully tried several complex injury cases to verdict in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. She has significant experience defending third-party claims brought by employees and temporary workers and enforcing her client’s worker’s compensation immunity. In addition to litigation, Jacqueline counsels clients on drafting contract provisions and releases that provide them with the most protection from future claims. Also, Jacqueline handles employment litigation cases involving claims of discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination. She has been selected to serve as an arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County.

A Bucks County native, Jacqueline has lived in Philadelphia since the Phillies won the World Series in 2008. She lives in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia and eagerly awaits the next victory parade on Broad Street.

Education

University of Delaware

B.A. in Biological Sciences with Honors,
Minor in Management Information Systems, 2005

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law

J.D., Health Law Concentration with Honors, 2009

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association
Temple American Inn of Court
HenLaw Alumni Society Board of Directors

Honors & Awards

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
Rising Star, 2022

April 30, 2025

Schneiders and Persichetti Secure Summary Judgment

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April 21, 2025

Summary Judgment Affirmed on Appeal in Medical Malpractice Case

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May 24, 2023

Jacqueline E. Schneiders and M. Dinora Smith Defend Order Granting Summary Judgment for Surgeon

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Gianna Silverman

January 10, 2021

Gianna focuses her practice on the defense of employers,  insurance carriers, and third party administrators  in all aspects of worker’ compensation matters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Gianna Silverman joined GGM in 2019 as an associate in the firm’s workers compensation department. At GGM, Gianna represents employers, insurance carriers, and third party administrators in a variety of workers’ compensation cases.

Gianna is a 2016 graduate of Widener University School of Law, where she was an Articles Editor of the Law Review and member of the Moot Court Honor Society. She also obtained a specialization certificate in Criminal Law. Following graduation, Ms. Silverman clerked for a Superior Court Judge in New Jersey, completing Criminal Law and Family Law rotations.

Prior to joining GG&M, Ms. Silverman worked for a firm with varied practices, including  concentrations  in workers’ compensation, contract disputes, and family law.

Education

Saint Joseph’s University
B.A. in English with minor in Business Administration, 2013

Widener University School of Law
J.D. 2016

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Attorneys:

Yana N. Shapiro

December 14, 2020

Ms. Shapiro is a Partner practicing in the firm’s Workers’ Compensation Department. Her practice includes representation of self-insureds, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. She also represents clients in various employment matters. 

Education

Temple University
B.S., magna cum laude, 2001

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 2004

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

American Trial Lawyers Association

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Worker’s Compensation Section

Philadelphia Bar Association, Section Liaison to the Young Lawyers Division

Honors & Awards

Elected to Pennsylvania Rising Star (2010-2013)

April 2, 2025

Yana N. Shapiro Presents at the 2025 ALFA Workers’ Compensation Practice Group Seminar

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August 15, 2024

GGM Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2025

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August 17, 2023

GGM Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2024

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Attorneys:

Nikki A. Mosco

December 14, 2020

Nikki is a trial attorney who focuses her practice on the defense of medical professional liability matters throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Nikki Mosco joined German, Gallagher & Murtagh as an Associate in 2017. Nikki’s practice centers on the representation of professional liability cases involving medical professionals. She devotes her time entirely to the defense of physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, medical practices and others professionals in the medical field.

Prior to joining German, Gallagher & Murtagh, Nikki was an Associate at a firm in the Philadelphia area where she also focused on the defense of medical liability matters. While in law school, Nikki worked for a personal injury firm. In her final year at Widener Law, she served as a Legal Intern for Widener’s Veterans Law Clinic where she assisted disabled veterans apply for benefits and appeal denials of benefits. In her final semester at Widener Law, Nikki served as a Legal Extern for the legal department of a large Philadelphia area hospital and health system.

Education

Cabrini College
B.A. Political Science, History and American Studies, 2012

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 2015

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Professional Affiliations

Member of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

Certification in Medicine and Law, 2019

Obtained Summary Judgement

Obtained Summary Judgement in favor of a family medicine physician.

Obtained a Summary Judgment Order in favor of her client

In a New Jersey Case, Nikki obtained a Summary Judgment Order in favor of her client, a family medicine physician, after the Plaintiff failed to produce an expert report from a qualified expert pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-41(Patients First Act).

Obtained Court Order

Obtained Court Order granting Motion to Dismiss radiology practice.

Obtained an Order granting a Motion to Dismiss

Nikki Successfully obtained an Order granting a Motion to Dismiss the Defendant radiology practice after proving that the Defendant could not be held contractually nor ostensibly liable for the alleged negligence by an independent contractor tele-radiologist.

Obtained Summary Judgment

Obtained Summary Judgment on all professional negligence claims against a medical aide.

Obtained an Order from the New Jersey Superior Court

Nikki successfully obtained an Order from the New Jersey Superior Court granting partial Summary Judgment and striking all professional negligence claims against a medical aide.
July 22, 2024

Defense Verdict for Radiologist

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February 22, 2023

Defense Verdict for Radiologist and Radiology Group

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January 6, 2023

GGM is pleased to announce that Nikki A. Mosco has been named a Partner of the Firm

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Attorneys:

Matthew J. McColgan

December 14, 2020

Matthew J. McColgan is a  key player in the firm’s transportation practice, defending trucking and transportation companies in cases ranging from catastrophic injuries to property damage and cargo claims. He also handles premises liability and other casualty matters.

Matt’s practice consists not only of defending transportation matters in suit, but also providing 24/7 support to investigate accidents and losses when they occur and in counseling clients about how to manage losses pre-suit.  Matt’s practice covers all of  New Jersey and  Pennsylvania where he practices in all relevant  state and federal courts.  In addition, Matt assists in the defense of premises liability cases and other casualty matters.  Throughout Matt’s career, he has had the privilege of representing a variety of clients, including supply chain logistics, property management, full service oil, lending and home care businesses.  As a trial attorney, Matt understands the best settlement strategy is to be trial-ready. He strives to be efficient, to identify cases that merit early resolution, and to be responsive to his client’s business needs. 

Matt  earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, PA (now known as Commonwealth Law School).  His trial experience began during his time as an intern with the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, he represented clients at preliminary hearings and formal arraignments, and successfully tried a case before a jury to verdict, resulting in an acquittal.  Matt graduated from Widener having achieved Dean’s List and receiving Pro Bono Service distinction.

In addition to his trial and litigation practice. , Matt  serves as an arbitrator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Education

Temple University,
B.A. Philosophy: Pre-law, 2011

Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Juris Doctorate, 2014

Court Admissions

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

State of New Jersey

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

  • ALFA International – Steering Committee Member: Transportation Practice and Gig Economy Practice Groups
  • New Jersey Defense Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel – Executive Committee Member
  • Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) – Young Professional Committee Member

Honors & Awards

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
Rising Star, 2024

Amicus Curie Brief

Matt prepared an Amicus Curie brief on behalf of Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel relating to issues involving disclosure of communications with non-managerial employees by outside counsel and counsel’s related work product.

Speaker at CLE-accredited Luncheon

Matt presented as speaker at CLE-accredited luncheon on favorable Superior Court decision in September 2019.

Summary judgment in Union County, New Jersey

Matt successfully prepared, argued and obtained summary judgment in Union County, New Jersey on claim stemming from a physical altercation between Plaintiff and Company employee/driver, which resulted in orbital reconstruction surgery where altercation took place beyond scope of employment.

Transfer of Philadelphia County lawsuit

Successfully petitioned for transfer of Philadelphia County lawsuit filed against Pennsylvania Company to out-of-state jurisdiction where accident occurred in Indiana and neither Plaintiff nor key fact witnesses resided in Pennsylvania.

Summary judgment in Montgomery County, PA

Matt successfully prepared, argued and obtained summary judgment in Montgomery County, PA on major personal injury lawsuit alleging damage as result of Freight Company’s loading and packaging practices and policies.
January 6, 2025

Full Dismissal in $70 Million Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania

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October 30, 2024

Partner, Matthew J. McColgan Co-Moderates Panel at ALFA International’s 2024 Future Leaders Group Seminar

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May 23, 2024

Matthew J. McColgan Presents at the 2024 ALFA Transportation Seminar

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Marni J. Stahl

December 14, 2020

Ms. Stahl is a Partner with the firm in our Workers’ Compensation Department.

Her zealous practice includes representation of self-insureds, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. Ms. Stahl is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Education

East Stroudsburg University
B.A. Political Science, 1998

Widener University School of Law
magna cum laude, 2002

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Federal District Court of New Jersey
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Professional Affiliations

Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

Elected to Pennsylvania Rising Star (2010)

May 4, 2022

German Gallagher & Murtagh participates in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb

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December 2, 2020

German Gallagher & Murtagh congratulates our Workers' Compensation Attorneys for being regionally ranked by "Best Law Firms"

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November 11, 2019

German, Gallagher & Murtagh's Tort Trotters Participate in Rocky Run 2019

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Attorneys:

Kim R. Plouffe

December 14, 2020

Mr. Plouffe is an experienced and accomplished advocate who handles a broad range of civil litigation matters.

He has extensive bench and jury trial experience in a broad spectrum of cases including products liability, bad faith, medical malpractice, trucking, and general negligence claims. A substantial part of his practice is devoted to construction and premises liability cases. He has represented contractors, property owners, building managers, lessors, franchisors and franchisees, and operators of retail and commercial establishments in matters involving claims of inadequate security, slander, catastrophic injuries, use of excessive force, and physical and sexual assault. He also has represented insurers in ERISA cases and declaratory judgment actions concerning coverage afforded by automobile, homeowner and commercial insurance policies. Mr. Plouffe has argued before the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Education

Millersville University
B.A., cum laude, 1977

Temple University School of Law
J.D., cum laude, 1981

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Professional Affiliations

The Defense Research Institute

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Pennsylvania Defense Institute

Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell

February 17, 2015

Kim Plouffe and Jacob Lehman author article on landmark Pennsylvania Supreme Court products liability decision

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December 9, 2014

Tincher v. Omega Flex: Pennsylvania Product Liability Law Undergoes a Sea-Change

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Attorneys:

Kathryn A. Dux

December 14, 2020

Kathy’s practice has been focused on the representation of insurers in insurance coverage disputes and also includes the representation of professionals in professional malpractice actions,  commercial litigation and appellate work.

Kathy has been involved in various aspects of insurance coverage from opinion letters and reservation of rights letters to litigation between insureds and insurers or among insurers in many jurisdictions throughout the United States. Kathy has handled disputes between insureds and insurers over coverage for environmental contamination, patent infringement, advertising liability, TCPA violations, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault and battery, employment claims, discrimination and civil rights violations, and involving claims for bad faith, violations of the Unfair Insurance Practices Act and Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. 

Kathy, along with other members of the firm, acted as national coordinating counsel for an insurer on environmental, asbestos and toxic exposure insurance coverage disputes.

She has represented property insurers with respect to a variety of issues including claims under money and securities coverage and employee dishonesty coverage.  She has represented life insurers with respect to claims for accidental death benefits, claims relating to variable life insurance policies, competing claims for death benefits requiring interpleader of benefits, claims for disability benefits, claims for fraud in the application and rescission. She has also represented life insurers and/or the companies to which the life insurers assigned annuities in actions for the transfer of structured settlement payment rights.

Kathy also has experience in the area of defense of professional liability claims having represented insurance agents and brokers, real estate agents and brokers, structured settlement brokers, architects and engineers and nurse midwives.  She has been involved in commercial litigation and arbitration disputes, including American Arbitration Association proceedings.   Her practice  also includes post-trial and appellate work.

Education

Marywood College, B.A.

Temple University School of Law, J.D.

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

  • Philadelphia Bar Association

Honors & Awards

  • AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell

Pennsylvania Superior Court

Pennsylvania Superior Court affirms trial court grant of summary judgment declaring that owner of condominium was not an insured and was not an intended third party beneficiary of insurance policy issued to homeowners’ association and therefore not entitled to sue association’s insurance company over property loss.

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Third Circuit Court of Appeals agrees that there was no coverage for an action alleging breach of a contract for the delivery of goods, finding that there was no “occurrence”.

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Third Circuit Court of Appeals agrees with trial court decision finding no duty to defend and indemnify parents for intentional and criminal acts of their son, based on intentional acts exclusion.

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Third Circuit Court of Appeals agrees that insured's increasing his liability coverage did not obligate the insurer to obtain a written confirmation that the insured wished to continue receiving UM/UIM coverage in a reduced amount.

United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA

United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA,  Smith, J, finds no UIM coverage for claim involving serious injury of resident relative while operating motorcycle not listed on policy

United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA

United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA, Robreno, J., grants summary judgment in favor of insurer on bad faith claim in connection with handling of underinsured motorist claim

United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA

United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA, Surrick, J., grants summary judgment in favor of insurer based on late notice and voluntary payments and against plaintiff on bad faith claim

Court of Common Pleas

Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia, Commerce Court, grants summary judgment in favor of defendant in action claiming defamation and tortious interference with contract

Attorneys:

John P. Shusted

December 14, 2020

“Jack” is an experienced trial lawyer with a focus on efficiency, excellence and client-responsiveness.

Jack’s practice centers on the trials of professional liability cases involving medical professionals, financial advisors and brokers/dealers. He also defends and prosecutes matters on behalf of insurance companies involving fraud in the insurance coverage, securities and life insurance fields. Jack  represents local governmental entities in federal civil rights litigation.  Jack advises clients on employment related disputes.  He also handles larger exposure casualty matters. He has tried over 100 cases to verdict, and appears often in commercial and securities proceedings pending in the American Arbitration Association and National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) dispute forums.  Jack is the Responsible Attorney for the New Jersey office.

“Jack” is proud to be a member of GGM for the past 25 years and counting.

Education

Boston College
B.A., magna cum laude, 1981

Boston College Law School
J.D., 1985

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Member

Honors & Awards

AV Peer Review Rating by Lexis Nexis Martindale-Hubbell
Elected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2012-2024)

Defendant's Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Alleged delay in diagnosis of bladder cancer - Wrongful death of 58-year old stockbroker (Montgomery County)

Defendant's Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Alleged failure to diagnose DVT - Compartment syndrome - Permanent disability from employment claimed - (Philadelphia County)

Defendant's Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Alleged failure to diagnose and treat Superscalpular Neuropathy - Permanent disability claimed - (Federal, Philadelphia)

Defendant’s Verdict - Medical Malpra

Severing of laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery resulting in loss of voice.  (Philadelphia County)

Defendant’s Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Wrongful death – perforation of bowel after polyp removal during a colonoscopy resulting in coma and then death.  (Montgomery County)

Defendant’s Verdict - Construction Defect

Fractured radius and permanent disability sustained during mall construction.  (Atlantic County)

Defendant’s Verdict - §1983 Civil Rights claim

Alleged use of excessive police force - herniated cervical discs.   (Federal, Philadelphia)

Defendant’s Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Alleged negligent post-operative care after plastic surgery – infection – disfigurement and multiple reconstructive breast surgeries required.  (Chester County)

Defendant’s Verdict - ATV rollover

Comminuted bilateral leg fractures with surgery.  (Philadelphia County)

Defendant’s Verdict - Multiple vehicle collision

Multiple cervical disc herniations.  (Philadelphia County)

Defendant's Verdict - Medical Malpractice

Alleged negligent post-operative care- Failure to timely treat post-operative infection - Osteomyelitis - loss of patella.  (Philadelphia County)
April 7, 2025

Defense Verdict for Vascular Surgeon

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October 21, 2024

Unanimous Defense Verdict for Orthopedic Surgeon

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July 22, 2024

Defense Verdict for Radiologist

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Attorneys:

Jeffrey D. Laudenbach

December 14, 2020

Mr. Laudenbach’s practice involves representing National self-insured employers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of New Jersey and he has developed a national client base through client education, communication and goal oriented results.

Mr. Laudenbach is a Partner in the Workers’ Compensation and Employment Practice Group, joining German, Gallagher & Murtagh, in 1999. He is a graduate of Lehigh University and Widener School of Law and has over 25 years of experience litigating Workers’ Compensation, Employment and Casualty related matters.

Mr. Laudenbach’s practice involves representing National self-insured Companies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of New Jersey and he has developed a national client base through client education, communication and goal oriented results.  His past experience as Vice President to a privately held business,  where he was responsible for the legal, operational, retail web development and financial management matters, offers a valued business perspective on the litigation and resolution strategy for all matters.  His practice has also included handling various casualty, employment practices and subrogation matters.

Additionally, he has been an  active participant in the ALFA International organization.  Previously, he was the Program Chair for the 2014 ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Program in Charleston, SC, former Practice Group Chair for ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Practice Group and a member of the ALFA International Marketing Committee.   He has been a regular speaker at various educational programs and served on the ALFA International Board of Directors and Executive Committee as Secretary.  Jeff is an active member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), a widely recognized defense organization composed of leaders in their practice area who have achieved professional distinction. The FDCC membership is highly selective via nomination only.

In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Laudenbach also provides Alternative Dispute Resolution services in the form of Binding Arbitration and Mediation services.  Jeff’s experience in representing national employers with diverse needs and strategies through the litigation, arbitration and mediation process offers a broad understanding of the requirements needed to bring cases to conclusion through binding arbitration or even mediation.  He also participates as an Arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County – Compulsory Arbitration Program.

 

Education

Lehigh University
B.S., 1989

Widener University School of Law
J.D., 1993

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

  • ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Program Chair – September 2012 – April 2014 – Navigating the shifting Tides of Your Workers’ Compensation Program – Charleston, SC
  • ALFA International Workers’ Compensation Practice Group Chair – April 2014 – September 2015
  • American Law Firm Association International – Workers’ Compensation and Employment Practice Groups
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Self Insured Association
  • Philadelphia Bar Association – Workers’ Compensation

Honors & Awards

  • Elected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2008-2024)
April 2, 2025

Jeffrey D. Laudenbach Presents at the 2025 ALFA Workers' Compensation Practice Group Seminar

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May 20, 2024

GGM Announces 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

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April 9, 2024

Jeff Laudenbach Honored to be a Speaker on the Panel at ALFA International Regional Workers' Compensation Seminar 2024

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