Events

Blank Rome hosted a series of private film screenings of "Just Mercy," which tells the true story of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson and his fight for the life of Walter McMillian, after he was sentenced to death for murder despite evidence proving his innocence.

The events were held in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Houston.

The firm dedicated the screenings in memory of the life and legacy of Judge Nathaniel R. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, who advocated for civil rights.

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The Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel is set to offer a program titled "How Women Attorneys Can Develop Leadership Skills They Can Use in the Courtroom and in Practice" at 5 p.m. March 9 at Cozen O'Connor in Philadelphia.

One ethics CLE credit is offered.

Price is $30, which includes a catered reception beginning at 4:15 p.m. and immediately following the program.

For more information, call 844-744-5600.

Additions

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott associate Jessica Southwick returned to the firm's Philadelphia office and professional liability group.

She is a litigation and regulatory attorney with a background in serving the health care industry.

Southwick concentrates her practice in complex civil litigation, representing physicians and health care networks facing medical malpractice claims.

She also represents pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in products liability litigation, including multidistrict litigation, as well as state attorney general investigations.

Prior to rejoining Eckert Seamans, she practiced in the health sciences department of another private law firm for four years.

Southwick earned her Juris Doctor from the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in 2010.

Elected and Appointed

Anthony T. Verwey, an attorney and partner with the law firm Gawthrop Greenwood, was elected to the board of advisors for the Brandywine YMCA in Coatesville.

He was also reelected for a second term to the board of directors of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

Verwey is a member of Gawthrop Greenwood's real estate, municipal and litigation departments.

With a focus on real estate development, eminent domain, government and school law, he has nearly 30 years of experience navigating government regulations on behalf of developers, property owners, municipalities, appointed officials, school districts and boards.

In addition to obtaining land development approvals on both large- and small-scale projects,

Verwey also litigates real estate taxation, digital billboard and telecommunication matters.

His practice also includes appeals addressing constitutional and other complex issues.

He is the author of several articles and a frequent speaker before township supervisors, legislative committees and chambers of commerce on a variety of topics.

Verwey volunteers his time on the board of Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, where he co-founded the organization's Trial Run 5K.

Verwey is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, where he serves on the legal ethics and professional responsibility committee, as well as of the Chester County Bar Association and its municipal and real estate law sections.