Paralegal Biographies
Hangley Aronchick employs an outstanding and talented set of paralegals. As a result, our paralegals have been important contributors to our ongoing success. Read more below about our firm's paralegals:
Elizabeth F. Bethel has over twenty years of experience as a real estate and corporate paralegal. She assists with the drafting of conveyancing and leasing documents and guides Hangley Aronchick attorneys through the niceties of filing for zoning and permitting approvals. On the corporate side, she helps on innumerable aspects of projects, including drafting articles of incorporation and assisting with trade name filings. Outside the office, she volunteers with Stray Cat Blues, a non-profit animal rescue group. She is a graduate of Temple University and received Paralegal Certifications in both real estate and corporate law from the Philadelphia Institute of Paralegal Training.
Tina Donohoe is the firm's Practice Support Specialist for the Litigation Department, assisting the firm's litigators in their use of various technologies. Ms. Donohoe brought 18 years experience and knowledge as a litigation paralegal with her when she moved into this position. During her first 6 years as a paralegal at Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, she assisted in several major trials including a 5 week trial on a surety bond validity action in New York; a two week trial in Delaware on a patent infringement action; and a week long trial in Allentown, Pennsylvania on a civil RICO putative class action and contract action. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Donohoe worked as a paralegal in ERISA and domestic relations matters. Most recently she coordinated the firm's participation in the Federal Court's Electronic Case Filing (ECF) system and the training of the firm's personnel in the ECF system. Ms. Donohoe is also a member of the firm's Technology Committee and the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals. One of the things we love most about Tina Donohoe is her cooking. Ms. Donohoe won the firm's "Ultimate Friday Lunch" competition for her team's Texas Barbecue menu which included "Tasty Texas Caviar," "Blastin' Barbecue Beef" and "Killer Kole Slaw." She is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
Amy Glessner is a New Jersey real estate paralegal specializing in zoning and land use matters. Ms. Glessner was a legal secretary working for a zoning and land use attorney for 8 years before being recently promoted to paralegal. Prior to working in the real estate field, Ms. Glessner was a paralegal for a small law firm specializing in criminal defense and personal injury.
Robert S. Hrouda, RP, is a Litigation paralegal with expertise in litigation support technology. Mr. Hrouda is a former President of the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals where he also served as a delegate to both the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. In 2006, Mr. Hrouda received the Outstanding Local Leadership Award from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). He currently serves on the NFPA Board of Directors as Region IV Director. In May, 2008, Mr. Hrouda passed the PACE exam designating him as a PACE Registered Paralegal (RP). Prior to joining Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, Mr. Hrouda was employed as a paralegal at two prominent Philadelphia law firms where he worked in the areas of Personal Injury, Litigation, Labor Law, Aviation Law, and Family Law. Mr. Hrouda is a 1992 graduate of Temple University, receiving a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Law & Business.
Maria J. Laabs joined the firm in early 2006. Specializing in complex litigation, Ms. Laabs brings extensive international, paralegal experience in diverse matters ranging from large international litigation in sureties and pharmaceuticals to antitrust matters, including defense in a large class action suit. Ms. Laabs enjoys getting involved in cases and identifying potential case weaknesses, and she is always ready to assist in the production of motions and briefs, as well as witness and trial preparation. Since joining Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, Ms. Laabs has worked on matters that have resulted in a positive outcome for the client, including assisting shortly after her arrival at the firm in a successful three day preliminary injunction hearing.
Kim Luisi joined the firm in 2008. She has over 13 years experience working in both public and private sectors including five years as an in-house corporate paralegal. Prior to joining Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, Kim worked for a large, international law firm based in Philadelphia for almost seven years specializing in labor and employment litigation. She has also worked in the areas of insurance, business and finance, health care and banking. Kim is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and English Writing, and received a paralegal certificate in litigation management from The Philadelphia Institute of Paralegal Training. Kim has served on the Board of the Central Pennsylvania Paralegal Association as President and Membership Director, and she is the recipient of that organization's 2004 Outstanding Paralegal Award.
Barbara McBride has been a paralegal for over 20 years and works primarily on litigation cases. She is a graduate of Temple University and received her Paralegal Certificate from The Philadelphia Institute. Ms. McBride has served on the Board of The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals and held the positions of Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary. Ms. McBride received the 2007 Philadelphia Association of Paralegals President's Award for her outstanding contributions to the profession and the Association. She is a big time Phillies fan.
Gisela Miller has been a paralegal for seven years and works primarily on litigation cases. Gisela is currently serving on the Board of Directors of The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals and is Chair of the Professional Development Committee. Gisela is also a contributing author to the Association's newsletter The Philadelphia Forum.
Christina Singh has over six years of legal experience specializing in litigation. Ms. Singh joined the firm in 2008. Prior to joining Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, Christina worked in the litigation department of a major law firm where she was the recipient of a prestigious pro bono award and a Community Legal Services' 2008 Equal Justice Award for her outstanding commitment to provide legal assistance to tenant's facing eviction in the City of Philadelphia. Christina enjoys spending time with her family, three dogs, and competing in triathlons.
Jennifer Stein is a paralegal with more than fifteen years worth of experience, primarily in the area of general litigation. Prior to joining Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, Jenn was a paralegal at another prominent law firm in Philadelphia. Jenn is a graduate of King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. During her down time, Jenn enjoys reading, swimming and hiking.
Patricia Tallent has been a paralegal for 19 years and works on all facets of litigation. She received her B.A. in Speech Communication from West Chester University in 1981 and attended Widener University graduate school. Prior to joining Hangley Aronchick, Patricia worked in the litigation departments of two major Philadelphia law firms. She is an instructor at Delaware County Community College in the paralegal program. Patricia is a member of the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. She has also been a volunteer with the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Philadelphia VIP and Homeless Advocacy Project. In addition to her professional contributions, Patricia has been a longtime volunteer and member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and continues to be an active alumni parent with The Shipley School.
Kimberly J. Tinker has been a paralegal for four years. She has experience in complex civil litigation including commercial litigation, mass toxic tort, consumer fraud and product liability. Kim has experience in all areas of case management including, discovery, drafting and filing pleadings, litigation support databases and trial preparation. She has worked with attorneys in state and federal courts as well as international mediations and arbitrations. Kim is currently a member of the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals. Prior to joining the firm in 2007, she worked in the New Jersey and New York offices of two of American Lawyer's "Top 100" US law firms, where she worked on the World Trade Center litigation. Ms. Tinker received her bachelor's degree in Political Science from William Paterson University. Outside the office, she enjoys playing on the Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin softball team, snowboarding and traveling.