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The Delaware State Bar Association gratefully recognizes Delaware State Bar Insurance Services, Inc. (DSBIS) as the sponsor of the 2026 Bench and Bar Conference.
May Is Membership Month
Maloney; bottom left: David S. Swayze with Sen. Chris Coons.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER | BY DAVID A. WHITE, ESQUIRE
The Delaware Office of New Americans: Reflecting on Judge Learned Hand’s 1944 “The Spirit of Liberty” Speech
Considering the recent announcement that Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has established the Office of New Americans within the Department of State, I thought it appropriate—and timely—to reflect on Judge Learned Hand’s famous 1944 “Spirit of America” speech in Manhattan’s Central Park, where 150,000 newly naturalized citizens gathered to recite the oath that they would “bear true faith and allegiance” to the United States. They were joined by nearly 1.5 million other Americans that afternoon for what was known as “I am an American Day.”
In the spring of 1944, amid the uncertainty and sacrifice of World War II, Judge Learned Hand, then 72-years-old and in his 20th year on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, delivered one of the most enduring reflections on democratic values: his “Spirit of Liberty” speech, barely 500 words, after having first lead those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Today, 82 years later, Judge Hand’s words continue to resonate—not as a relic of history, but as a living challenge to each generation entrusted with the stewardship of liberty. For members of the legal profession, and particularly for those of us charged with leadership within the DSBA and the Delaware Bar, revisiting the speech is not merely an intellectual exercise. It is an ethical imperative.
Judge Hand’s central premise—that liberty is not secured solely by constitutions, courts, or laws, but instead “lies in the hearts of men and women”—remains as relevant
today as it was in 1944. At a time when institutions are increasingly expected to bear the full weight of safeguarding democracy, his message is a sobering reminder that no legal framework, however well-designed, can endure without a corresponding commitment to its preservation. As I have previously mentioned in this column, the rule of law is not self-executing; it depends on the daily choices, attitudes, and integrity of all of us.
Humility
In 2026, we again find ourselves navigating an uncertain legal and social landscape, marked by deep political polarization, rapid technological change, and evolving public expectations of justice. The pressures on our institutions are different in form from those faced during World War II, but they are no less significant. In such an environment, Judge Hand’s insistence on humility as a cornerstone of liberty deserves renewed attention. He warned against the “spirit of liberty” being “too sure that it is right.” For lawyers, judges, and public officials, this admonition is particularly poignant. Our training equips us to advocate forcefully and to interpret the law with confidence. Yet, if left unchecked, that confidence can harden into certainty, and certainty into intolerance.
Willingness to Listen
Revisiting the speech also invites us to examine how we engage with those with whom we disagree—whether in a courtroom, in public discourse, or within our own communities. The spirit of liberty, as Judge Hand described it, requires an openness to
the possibility of error and a willingness to listen. In an era where discourse is often compressed into sound bites and amplified through aggressive on-line digital platforms, this kind of reflective engagement is increasingly rare, yet more necessary than ever. The legal profession, by virtue of its critical role in mediating conflict and interpreting rights, must model this spirit.
Empathy
Equally significant is Judge Hand’s emphasis on empathy—on understanding the perspectives and experiences of others, even when they diverge sharply from our own. He described the spirit of liberty as one that “seeks to understand the minds of other men and women.” This is not a call for agreement, but for thoughtful understanding. In today’s diverse and pluralistic society, the ability to appreciate differing viewpoints is foundational to the fair administration of justice. Without it, the law risks becoming an instrument of division rather than a vehicle for equity.
For the DSBA, reflecting on these principles carries both symbolic and practical significance. As an organization, we are not only custodians of professional standards but also participants in the broader civic life of our state and country. Our actions—whether through pro bono service, continuing legal education, or public outreach—shape public confidence in the legal system. By grounding our efforts in the values articulated by Judge Hand, we reaffirm our commitment to a vision of justice that is both principled and humane.
Engagement
Moreover, revisiting the “Spirit of Liberty” speech provides an opportunity to engage younger colleagues in a conversation about the profession’s deeper purpose. For many entering the legal field today, the law is as much about navigating complexity as it is about achieving outcomes. Judge Hand’s words remind us that the practice of law is ultimately about people—their rights, their dignity, and their capacity to coexist within a framework of mutual respect. Instilling this perspective early in a lawyer’s career helps ensure that technical competence is matched by ethical awareness.
It is also worth considering how Judge Hand’s message applies to the evolving relationship between law and technology. As artificial intelligence, Chat GPT, data analytics, and digital platforms become increasingly integrated into legal practice and governance, questions about fairness, accountability, and bias take on new dimensions. While Judge Hand could not have anticipated these technological developments, his insistence that liberty
resides in human judgment underscores the importance of maintaining a humancentered approach. Technology can enhance efficiency, but it cannot substitute for the moral reasoning that underpins just decision-making.
Hope
Finally, reflecting on the speech in 2026 invites us to consider the role of hope in sustaining liberty. Delivered during one of the darkest periods of the 20th century, Judge Hand’s address was ultimately an expression of faith—in individuals, in communities, and in the enduring possibility of justice. That faith was not naïve; it was grounded in an understanding of human fallibility. Yet it affirmed that, despite our imperfections, the collective commitment to liberty could prevail.
As we confront today’s challenges, this balance of realism and optimism is instructive. The work of preserving liberty is never complete, and it is never easy. It requires vigilance, humility, and a willingness to engage with complexity. For the legal profession, it also requires a steadfast
dedication to the principles that define our role within a democratic society.
Call to Action
Revisiting Judge Learned Hand’s “Spirit of Liberty” speech is, therefore, more than an act of remembrance. It is a call to action—a reminder that the values we espouse must be lived, not merely articulated. In 2026, as in 1944, the future of liberty depends not only on the strength of our institutions, but on the character of those who serve them. As members of the DSBA, we all have the privilege and the responsibility to ensure that Judge Hand’s spirit of liberty endures, not as an abstract ideal, but as a guiding force in all that we do.
Cheers to the Delaware Office of New Americans and the DSBA!
David A. White is the 78th President of the DSBA. He is a former Superior Court Commissioner and former Managing Partner of McCarter & English, LLP. From March 2021 to November 2024, he served as Chief Disciplinary Counsel, an Arm of the Delaware Supreme Court. He is currently working as a Professional Neutral at Delaware ADR (www.delawareadr.com).
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE | BY KRISTEN S. SWIFT, ESQUIRE
The Modern Work-Life Balance Movement
Work-life balance is more than a myth, more than a concept, more than a goal, more than an eyeroll inducing yawn trigger. It is shaping the way industries hire and retain talent and driving human resources policies.
Work-life balance as a concept in this country originated from the labor movement in the late 19th century and then became popularized in the 1980s. The modern concept has broadened from a focus on working mothers to include anyone participating in a professional job. When I hear the modern concept of work-life balance discussed, the conversation is painted with broad strokes that assume the nameless, faceless “everyone” worker wants: options for remote work, flexibility in hours, autonomy in the workplace, reasonable boundaries on time in and out of the office, a “good” environment, and other vague terms that struggle
to encapsulate a broad concept whose success is predicated on individual desires and needs. Yet while the modern concept of work-life balance applies broadly across the workforce, the application and whether it is successful is narrowed to and measured by the goals of the individual worker.
One can readily see how an organization would struggle with the age old problem that this presents—you cannot satisfy everyone every time. Inevitably, some workers will feel unbalanced. Is that really the fault of the job? Maybe, maybe not. Would the job be blamed regardless? Probably, or at least it would likely be a contributing factor considering the job is where so much time is spent. Practically speaking, sometimes something’s got to give, and often family life can only give so much. Invariably, work life has room to “give” because that is where change can more easily be made.
My anecdotal observation is that a lot of “give” occurred in the legal profession during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We are experiencing a paradigmatic shift towards workers seeking less stressful, more fulfilling jobs. The legal profession is also experiencing a talent gap where one generation is retiring or aging out of practice and the incoming generation does not have the experience to adequately replace what is being lost. Trends indicate that newer generations have less interest in pursuing long-term career paths in general. In four short years, by 2030, the youngest baby boomers will reach age 65.
There are training deficiencies within the legal profession because newer attorneys are learning how to practice law alone in front of their computer screen instead of in an office surrounded by their peers or in a courtroom. The apprenticeship aspect germane to teaching new lawyers how to practice law has difficulty transitioning into a remote environment. Our profession is also, like many others, faced with the uncertain future posed by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advances.
Law firms and the legal profession are approaching these problems in a variety of ways, including considering measures to reduce barriers to practicing law. We don’t typically think of work-life balance in the context of obtaining an education. But some balance is required for those whose path to law school or higher education in general is non-traditional.
The Delaware Supreme Court distributed a survey on March 31st to investigate other ways of obtaining licensure and admission to the Delaware Bar. The survey
email noted that “13 states are considering or have adopted innovative bar licensure pathways” with the goal of removing unnecessary barriers to practicing law and “promoting public interest and rural practice by newly admitted attorneys.”
Also, Dean of the Delaware Law School, Todd J. Clark, was recently appointed to a “national working group charged with examining the future of law school accreditation” known as the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform, or CLEAR.1
Although these strategies do not explicitly target improved work-life balance, it is evident that eliminating or minimizing obstacles causing stress in legal practice would enhance that balance as people endeavor to become licensed to practice.
Caps on education borrowing under new legislation will also impact who gets to go to law school and further reduce those coming to law school from a nontraditional path. It would be great to see law schools act to control education costs. Financial strain can make worklife balance challenging, especially when
constant hustle is required to pay off growing debt.
Law firms are addressing work-life balance, as high associate turnover remains an issue. Measures include transparent compensation and advancement policies to encourage engagement and reduce uncertainty. Firms offer well-being programs, flexible schedules, health club memberships, educational support for new attorneys, and enforce zero tolerance for toxic behaviors. Although billable hours still drive many firms, recognizing that happier attorneys are more productive is becoming more common.
Promoting work-life balance helps law firms stay competitive and address talent shortages in the evolving legal industry.
Note:
Dear LAW column readers:
As you know, the LAW column has been running a feature to highlight women owned or led law firms over the last several issues. The feature has concluded and we wish to thank all our contributors for sharing their stories, experiences, and words of wisdom:
Felicia Brownell
Dana Reynolds
Michele Procino-Wells & Amber Woodland
Tania Culley
Jennifer Ellsworth-Aults
Molly DiBianca
Mary Thomas
Jennifer Zelvin McCloskey
The column will resume in September. We are currently looking for new contributors and new content ideas for the column. If you are interested in contributing or suggesting an article for the column, please contact Kristen. Swift@kaufmandolowich.com.
1. Dean Todd J. Clark Appointed to National Law School Accreditation Working Group | Widener University.
CORRECTION
On page 19 in the April 2026 issue in the “Advice For New Attorneys, Part Two” article, the incorrect law firm was attributed to Loren Barron, Esquire. The correct law firm is Lewis Brisbois. We apologize for this error.
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee has reported the following determinations with respect to nominations to the Executive Committee for fiscal year 2026-2027:
Vice President-at-Large: Jennifer Ying, Esquire
Vice President, New Castle County: Frederick H. Mitsdarfer, III, Esquire
Secretary: Zachary S. Stirparo, Esquire
Assistant Secretary: Paige C. Chapman, Esquire
Treasurer: Anthony V. Panicola, Esquire
Assistant Treasurer: Brenda R. Mayrack, Esquire
Members-at-Large: Tayler D. Bolton, Esquire, Crystal L. Carey, Esquire, Richard A. Forsten, Esquire, James G. Griffin-Stanco, Esquire, Michael J. Hoffman, Esquire, and Juan E. Martinez, Esquire
Young Lawyers Delegate to the ABA: Caneel Radinson-Blasucci, Esquire
DSBA Representative to the Delaware Bar Foundation: Rebecca A. Guzman, Esquire
This report is being filed pursuant to Section 6.16(e) of the Association Bylaws. Section 6.16(f) of the Bylaws of the Association provides:
“Any ten members of the Association may nominate other members in good standing of the Association for any office for which nominations have been made by the committee by filing a signed written petition with the Secretary of the Association within ten days after the report of the Committee has been published. If a petition nominating other candidates be duly filed the Secretary shall publish notice, in a Bar Association publication or by any other reasonable means of notification, of the petition with the name(s) of the candidate(s) proposed so that the membership has notice of at least fourteen days prior to the election of the names of all candidates so nominated. There shall be no other nominations.”
BECOME A DSBA SECTION MEMBER
EXECUTIVE COMMIT
David A. White President
Ian Connor Bifferato President-Elect
Francis J. Murphy, Jr. Vice President-at-Large
Jennifer Ying Vice President, New Castle County
Liam N. Gallagher Vice President, Kent County
Christophe C. Emmert Vice President, Sussex County
Leroy A. Tice
Vice President, Solo & Small Firms, New Castle County
Jeffery A. Young
Vice President, Solo & Small Firms, Kent County
Stephen A. Spence Vice President, Solo & Small Firms, Sussex County
Dates, times, and locations of events and CLEs may occasionally change. Please consult the DSBA website for the most up-to-date information at dsba.org .
OF NOTE
Condolences to the family of Michael Malkiewicz, Esquire, whose brother, Steven Malkiewicz, passed away on March 22, 2026.
Condolences to the family of Anthony Flynn, Esquire, whose sister, Susan Flynn, passed away on April 1, 2026.
Condolences to the family of The Hon. John T. Dorsey, who passed away on April 14, 2026.
If you have an item you would like to submit for the Of Note section, please contact Danielle BouchatFriedman at dbouchatfriedman@dsba.org.
OVERLOOKED EFFICIENCIES IN EDISCOVERY
BY IAN MCCAULEY, ESQUIRE
Technology Assisted Review (“TAR”) and GenAI get most of the press when discussing improved efficiency in eDiscovery. These are powerful tools that should be employed in many instances, but counsel should not overlook other techniques to increase efficiency. These tools save time and money and thus allow case teams to focus on the substantive issues in the matter.
Preservation and Identification of Data
Counsel will often issue a litigation hold and then do nothing further to preserve documents. It is imperative that counsel has a wide-ranging conversation with the client, especially in cases where a motion to dismiss is pending. Beyond the obvious benefit of ensuring that potentially relevant data is preserved, this also allows counsel to understand IT systems early, identify individuals who may have relevant documents and knowledge, and ensure that necessary IT professionals who are needed to implement preservation are read into the case early.
These conversations often provide counsel with an advantage when it comes time to meet and confer and can assist in responding to written discovery with more clarity. Further, such conversations provide an opportunity to speak with the client about the court’s expectations regarding discovery, explain the costs to them, and allow them to prepare employees for the time commitment and to address any privacy concerns they have.
Clients often have little experience with discovery at the start of litigation. Receiving a litigation hold can be a jarring experience. Communicating expectations early can set their mind at ease and build trust, which will be needed when discovery begins. A conversation that discusses vendor involvement, how collected data is stored, and ultimately what opposing parties can do with any production material will help ensure a smooth discovery process.
The Custodian Interview
Conducting a custodian interview prior to receiving written discovery can be effective for developing search parameters, identifying key dates, and confirming the representations that clients have made about their systems and documents. Clients will be familiar with the terminology used when discussing events leading to the litigation, including shorthand and code names. This information will make responding to written discovery easier, while also assisting with the drafting of a search protocol.
A client may represent to counsel that no relevant text or instant messages exist, that employees do not use personal email for business, or that data is not stored on any cloud services. Confirming this representation during the interview through screen sharing will make for a smoother and more efficient meet and confer process and assist in drafting responses to written discovery.
Collection
Over AND under collection of data remains an issue. Most clients want counsel to collect as little data as possible for both cost and confidentiality reasons. In addition, many clients now
have enterprise tools that allow for more targeted collection of email messages, rather than collecting everything within a given date range.
If parties can come to an early agreement on search parameters, then this type of targeted collection can save on data processing and hosting. Clients will be happy that the tools they purchased were able to be utilized and clearly irrelevant data will not be hosted on vendor servers.
There are limitations to this approach, however. Scanned data and password protected documents, for example, are not typically searchable within these systems. In addition, validation of documents that do not contain search terms cannot be performed, since the documents will not be collected in the first place. Targeted document collection can also be a laborintensive process involving many vendor hours, thus potentially negating the potential savings on processing and hosting of data.
If, however, it is understood that there will be additional fights over scope or that a long validation process will occur, then it is best to take a broader approach to document collection. Further, if a TAR process is planned, it is best to collect all communications within a relevant date range.
Often counsel will take a “blunt force” approach in collecting every single data source from clients, including computers or even servers that may only contain a handful of relevant documents. This can cost clients thousands of dollars, when a more feasible (and still defensible) approach would be a targeted collection of only specific documents, while disclosing this narrow collection to opposing counsel.
Negotiating versus Reviewing/ Collecting
The meet and confer is an excellent way to cut through issues and avoid motion practice. It helps to refine issues that exist between parties. It can also be a platform in which parties come to an understanding over terminology, and clarify what is important in the case.
Further, it can clarify what is worth fighting over. For example, the difference
The meet and confer is an excellent way to cut through issues and avoid motion practice. It helps to refine issues that exist between parties.
between a search term requested by one side and the narrowed term may only be 1,000 documents. In that situation, counsel may determine that it is more efficient to simply review the 1,000 documents rather than spending countless hours fighting over the term. Counsel will often fight until the end to avoid reviewing certain data, when it likely could have saved time by having a junior associate or contract attorney review that data, while also avoiding a fight.
Document Review
Document review is typically the most expensive part of the eDiscovery process, but often the most overlooked. More senior lawyers should be mindful that this is often where the discovery process goes wrong, and where inefficiencies pile up, including reviewing documents more than once, reviewing the wrong documents, and redacting and logging errors.
Efficiencies can be gained through an effective document review protocol and training. Providing a knowledge base to the review team, as well as creating a permission structure to reach out to the case team, will ensure that documents are coded correctly and reviewed quickly. An effective document review may also allow a case team to get a head start on deposition preparation through the use of issue codes.
There will be multiple documents that do not need to be reviewed on the first level and can be sent to the more senior members of the case team immediately. For example, there may be documents that contain multiple known lawyers’ names that must be analyzed for privilege. These would typically be reviewed by more senior members of the case team prior to production or logging. In a situation such as this, these documents should go directly to the case team in the first instance without first-level review.
In addition, the review should be approached in a structured way. Using email threading and organizing the documents by date order will ensure that reviewers receive the full picture when analyzing data.
Counsel should also be mindful to code documents that they are disputing in such a way that they can “flip a switch” later. It does no good to object to documents and simply mark them as “non-responsive” when there is a good chance that a party will either affirmatively produce them or eventually be ordered to do so.
Finally, counsel will often want to begin redacting partially privileged documents and logging documents without additional quality control. The less people who work on this aspect of the review the better to ensure consistency. A good approach is for a subject matter expert to review the documents to confirm they are privileged while also reviewing documents containing lawyers’ names which have been marked not privileged.
In Conclusion
Keeping in mind the above tried and true approaches during document discovery should decrease costs throughout the process. Counsel should be mindful to use all tools available to them, even those that have long been established and are no longer discussed with regularity.
Ian McCauley is a director in Bayard’s litigation group and leads the firm’s eDiscovery practice. Ian focuses his practice on electronic discovery from the anticipation to the conclusion of litigation.
Mental Health Awareness Month: A Gentle Check-In
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month—a time set aside not only to raise awareness, but to offer a simple invitation: to pause, to check in, and to notice.
In a profession that asks so much of you, this is not always easy. It is often easier to continue moving forward—focused on what needs to be done next—without stopping to ask a simple question:
How am I, really?
Listening Beneath the Surface
Attorneys are trained to push through— to stay focused, manage pressure, and continue even when things feel heavy. That ability serves the profession well, but it can also make it difficult to recognize when something has begun to shift.
Often, when something begins to feel different, it reflects a change that has already taken place beneath the surface. Our minds and bodies have a way of communicating—quietly at first, and then more persistently if ignored. In fact, mental health concerns rarely appear all at once; more often, they emerge gradually and are easily overlooked when our attention is consistently directed outward.
You may begin to notice subtle shifts in your mood—feeling more irritable, discouraged, or detached than usual, or finding that things that once brought satisfaction no longer hold the same meaning. Your thoughts may become harder to manage, with increased worry or difficulty turning your mind off at the end of the day.
These changes can also appear in how you relate to others. You may find yourself
withdrawing from colleagues, friends, or family, feeling less patient in conversations, or experiencing a sense of disconnection even when you are not alone.
Daily routines may begin to shift as well. Sleep may become inconsistent, appetite may change, and tasks that once felt automatic may require more effort. At times, there may be a growing reliance on coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, to take the edge off.
You may also notice changes in your ability to function—difficulty concentrating, taking longer to complete tasks, or feeling mentally fatigued even after rest. And often, the body carries what the mind has not yet named. Headaches, muscle tension, stomach discomfort, low energy, or a general sense that something feels “off” can all be part of the picture.
Pay Attention During Times of Change
It is especially important to be mindful of changes during periods of transition.
Even positive life events carry stress. The mind and body respond to change regardless of how it is labeled, and periods of transition can quietly increase strain— particularly when multiple demands or adjustments occur at the same time.¹
This may include relationship changes such as marriage, divorce, or separation; the birth or adoption of a child; the loss of a loved one; changes in employment such as a new role or promotion; or significant shifts in workload and responsibility.
As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds in May, it also coincides with Mother’s Day—a time that can carry meaning, but also complex and often unspoken emotions.
For those welcoming a child, this season may bring sleep disruption, physical exhaustion, increased responsibility, and shifts in identity and routine. For others, Mother’s Day may bring grief, complicated relationships, or a sense of longing that is not easily expressed.
It is also important to recognize that the period following the birth of a child can include postpartum depression or anxiety—conditions that are common, treatable, and often overlooked in highperforming professionals.
If you begin to notice any of these changes in connection with a significant life event, it is important to check in with your primary care provider or treating physician. Early conversations can help identify concerns, support adjustment, and protect both your physical and mental well-being.²
Your Body Is Speaking—Take Time to Listen
There is a wisdom in the body that often goes unrecognized. Tension in your shoulders, a restless night of sleep, or fatigue that does not resolve with rest are not inconveniences—they are messages.
Many physical health concerns are closely connected to mental health, particularly chronic stress, which can affect sleep,
digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. As described in The Body Keeps the Score, the body often carries and reflects stress and emotional strain in ways that may not always be immediately recognized. Research also highlights the gut–brain axis, demonstrating that the systems regulating digestion and mood are closely linked and influence one another.³ ⁴
Taking a moment to notice what your body is telling you is not something to ignore—it is responsible.
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
Legal culture often rewards self-reliance. There is an expectation that you manage your workload and stress independently, often without pause. But support was never meant to be a last resort.
Sometimes it begins with a simple step—talking with someone you trust, naming what you are experiencing, or reaching out earlier rather than later.
The Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (DE-LAP) provides confidential, individualized support informed by the demands of the legal profession. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of awareness.
If you are considering reaching out, DE-LAP can be contacted directly at 302610-8234 or jdeel@de-lap.org
A Closing Thought
Mental Health Awareness Month does not ask you to change everything. It simply offers an invitation to notice. To notice how the work is affecting you, to recognize what you may have been carrying longer than you realized, and to consider that you do not have to carry it alone.
If something feels off—physically, mentally, or emotionally—it is worth paying attention to. Because the same care and attention you give to your work is something you deserve as well.
4. National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The Gut-Brain Axis
Jim Deel serves as the Executive Director of the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (DE-LAP), where he leads efforts to address the growing mental health and substance use crisis within the legal profession. Through confidential support, advocacy, and access to treatment, Jim works to reduce stigma and offer meaningful pathways to recovery for attorneys and judges facing mental health challenges, addiction, grief, and burnout.
With over two decades of experience spanning the criminal justice, behavioral health, and public safety systems, Jim brings a trauma-informed, multi-disciplinary approach to DE-LAP services. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Department of Corrections employee, Jim has spent his career bridging gaps between legal, law enforcement, and clinical communities. He served on multiple advisory boards, including Wilmington University’s Human Trafficking and Behavioral Science departments, and continues to provide education and training on disaster mental health, de-escalation, and crisis intervention across Delaware.
Through his leadership at DE-LAP, Jim remains a steadfast advocate for healthier, more resilient legal professionals and systems.
Roxana C. Arsht Fellowship Applications
The DSBA is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Roxana C Arsht Fellowship This prestigious oppor tunity suppor ts recent law school graduates committed to public service in Delaware Eligible applicants must be recent law graduates who have passed, or plan to sit for, the Delaware Bar and who are employed by, or intend to work with, the State of Delaware or a civil legal aid nonprofit organization within the state Fellowship recipients may renew their award for up to two additional consecutive years
This Fund is an endowment held at the Delaware Community Foundation (“DCF”), a Delaware nonprofit organization Each year, members of the DSBA Women and the Law Section raise money for the Fund
Notes:
1. Holmes, T. H., & Rahe, R. H. (1967). The Social Readjustment Rating Scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
2. National Institute of Mental Health . Stress and Your Health.
3. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Deadline to apply is May 22, 2026
Apply online at www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dcfs
THE JUGGLE IS REAL
Six women from the Delaware Bench and Bar discuss the challenges and triumphs of juggling mom life and work life.
Is work life/family life balance a myth?
Work life/family life balance is not a MYTH. Without a doubt it is a formidable challenge, that requires juggling priorities and identify boundaries. As women we struggle with establishing and maintaining boundaries because we innately believe we must be all things to all people. I have learned very late in my career that I must ensure my physical, mental and emotional health is optimal because it is critical to my ability to fully engage and serve others. HEALTH IS WEALTH!
What is the best advice you’ve received as a working mom? How about the worst?
The best advice I’ve received as a working mom is: “Time is your most valuable asset.” As a young lawyer, I assumed money was my most valuable asset because it affords one the ability to meet your needs and acquire some of your desires. The worst advice I received is that you can’t have it ALL! After a legal career spanning 40+ years, I can unequivocally say yes you CAN! It simply requires a great support system, unwavering commitment, resiliency, and GRIT.
What are some things you have had to sacrifice as a working mom (miss kid’s sporting events, not having dinner together, etc.)
There are many sacrifices I’ve had to make in meeting the demands of a legal career and accomplishing my greatest, BEST and most important job of raising my children. My children consumed more fast food than I dare admit! I occasionally missed sporting events after school because I did not have control of my own schedule, and my job required me to be present in the courtroom. I sometimes traded face time in the office over spending valuable time with my family. Those precious moments are invaluable, and irreplaceable.
What stage of motherhood was the hardest to navigate? (newborn, teens, etc.)
For me, the most challenging stage of motherhood was infancy/newborn. Given babies have their own language, my constant struggle was identifying my child’s wants, needs, discomforts, and pleasures. It was a real guessing game. My first born never slept and I was regularly challenged with trying to figure out how to meet her needs while navigating the responsibilities as a young lawyer and the nuances of the law firm dynamics. In the 80s, six weeks was the maternity leave protocol and leaving my newborn with a non-relative childcare provider was very difficult and scary.
The Hon. Arlene Minus Coppadge
Family Court Judge with two adult children.
Who do you lean on when things get overwhelming?
I am very lucky to have a spouse who was hands on in parenting our children and very supportive of my demanding legal career. We truly shared responsibilities relating to raising our children as well as managing our household. Additionally, I found my tribe and enjoy the benefit of sistah/girlfriends navigating demanding careers along with raising amazing children. We regularly leaned on each other for support and camaraderie.
How can law firms support working moms?
Law firms can support working moms by establishing work from home (WFH) opportunities that can serve both the firm’s and attorneys’ productivity. Firms can also consider job share opportunities that afford working moms the ability to continue honing their legal acumen and yet ease the pressures of 70-80 hours a week of requirement in the office, by having two individuals share one position.
What have your children learned (or what do you want them to have learned) from your legal career?
I gave each of my children a copy of The Four Agreements. The book provides an easy formula for success in life as well as any career you choose. The agreements are easy to remember and easier to practice and implement in your daily life.
Be Impeccable With Your Word: It’s easy to practice integrity to and for others. This mantra is most challenging to practice keeping your word to yourself. The goal is to be intentional about how you communicate both externally and internally. The words we speak can bring life or death to any situation.
Do Not Take Anything Personally: That’s more difficult because as human beings we easily become entangled and disrupted by opinions of other’s which can attack one’s own self-worth.
Don’t Make Assumptions: Clear communication is key. The power of clarity is indispensable. Always be ready to ask questions, rather than erroneously creating your own narrative.
Always Do Your Best: First recognize your best will not be the same every day. Some days you will be at peak performance and celebrate your successes. Other days your best may be, “I made it through the day.” That’s a worthy celebration as well. The key is to embrace excellence over perfection. To show up with your best effort and meet the moment as best you can.
Is work life/family life balance a myth?
I don’t think so, but I think as an attorney and a parent you have to define what that balance is for your work and for your family. Certainly both are very important and I want my children to grow up knowing how passionate I was about work, but also that I prioritized them and our family as well.
What is the best advice you’ve received as a working mom? How about the worst?
Best advice: Take the time and don’t feel guilty about it. If my kids have a day off from school, I take the day off so we can spend time together. Plan the vacations and don’t work during them unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Worst advice: To pretend you are the same when you return to work after adding to your family. Nothing is the same, not your body, your rest, your priorities, everything has shifted some and there should be more grace for parents from the work environment as well as from themselves.
What are some things you have to sacrifice as a working mom?
I don’t get to put my kids on the bus often or get them off often. I miss sports practices and school events that are scheduled during the day and without much notice if I have trial, but we have weeknight evening routines and I try to make that something we all look forward to and try to have a hard stop at a certain time every evening.
What stage of motherhood was the hardest to navigate?
Hands down returning to work as a mother to a newborn and a very active litigation attorney. Trying to navigate the timing and location of pumping, the storage of milk, sterilizing equipment at the office, etc., was simply exhausting especially when being up regularly during the night.
Who do you lean on when things get overwhelming?
I have a wonderfully supportive husband who can pick up a ton of the slack with regards to kids’ appointments, etc.,
Ashley Bickel, Esq.
Family
law attorney
with three children, ages 10, 5 & 6 months.
and my office staff is truly the best ever. They are always willing to go above and beyond to help and support when needed.
Trying to navigate the timing and location of pumping, the storage of milk, sterilizing equipment at the office, etc., was simply exhausting.
Can you share an example when your work/family life collided?
I would say any school-wide function. Delaware is small, Sussex is even smaller, and every meet the teacher night, field day, etc., is a minefield of present and former clients and present and former opposing parties.
What are some ways law firms can support working moms?
I’ve been fortunate enough to start my own firm a few years ago and I really tried to prioritize the working parent by offering 1) a nursing room with natural light and a mini fridge and a crib/toddler bed for any parents of babies and/or younger children. It’s 2026 and I don’t believe a new mother should be pumping at her desk, in a closet somewhere or even while working; 2) unlimited leave; 3) full health benefits; 4) the ability to bring your children to the office if childcare falls through and room in everyone’s office to accommodate the same and toys, coloring books, etc., that they can utilize; 5) snacks; and 6) flexible working hours (and the ability to work remote) that can accommodate parents’ kids’ school and activities schedules.
What have your children learned (or what do you want them to have learned) from your legal career?
I think my children have learned it’s important to care for others and to work hard. I have learned from them that it’s important to have fun and that what we see in Court every day is just a small section of reality and there is so much good out there that we need to embrace and enjoy whenever we have the chance.
Is work life/family life balance a myth?
There is nothing inconsistent about doing meaningful work and also raising a family. The rubber meets the road in the application—how do you allocate the hours in the day, and the days in the week, to generate a certain quantity and quality of work product, while also being present for your family? The answer for me is that we go through seasons and we ask for help. Sometimes work takes precedence and we need more help at home. Sometimes home life takes priority and we need more support at work. The good news, I think, is that time spent at home helps your work, and vice versa, because having a job you love makes you better for your family, and spending time with family refreshes and recharges your creativity at work.
What is the best advice you’ve received as a working mom? How about the worst?
The thing about advice is that life is always changing and so the advice that resonates also changes depending on the stage you’re in. A partner at a law firm once told me, “only do what only you can do”—in other words, outsource tasks (like cleaning, laundry, errands) that don’t bring you joy. When I worked at a law firm and had more resources than time, that advice served me well. Now, with somewhat fewer resources at my disposal, that advice doesn’t resonate in the same way, so rather than outsourcing, I focus on prioritizing what matters most and letting go of what doesn’t.
As far as bad advice goes, anytime someone suggests there is a “right” time in your career to have children, I think you’ve got to take that with a grain of salt. The “right” time is when you feel ready, full stop.
What are some things you have to sacrifice as a working mom?
It is a tremendous privilege of my current position—one I don’t take for granted—that I have a fair amount of control over my schedule outside of normal working hours, which means I rarely miss a sporting event or dinner with my kids (even if it means working late after their bedtime to make up the time). But in the
overwhelm of balancing work and children, I frequently forget themed days at school (when did we start making t-shirts for the 100th day of school?). Missing the little things can feel really bad, but I speak openly with my kids about what my work entails, and they understand, even at 7 and 9, that they need to share in the responsibility of managing our schedule.
What stage of motherhood was the hardest to navigate?
Every stage is hard for different reasons and my kids are still young, so I can’t speak to the horrors of the teen years quite yet. There are growing pains with babies. When
The Hon. Bonnie W. David
Vice Chancellor, Court of Chancery with two kids, ages 7 & 9.
they were in day care, I think the separation was harder for me than for them, and the constant illness—I call it the day care kennel cough—has its challenges. Now that our kids are older, our evenings are consumed with sports practices and games, which presents additional scheduling challenges we didn’t have when the kids were babies.
when it means a career change or a geographic move.
Can you share an example when your work/family life collided?
Work and family collide for me on every snow day. Because hearings are difficult to reschedule, I typically will hold hearings by Zoom or telephone if the courts are closed and school is cancelled. Inevitably, my children will appear outside the glass French doors of my home office minutes after the start of a hearing, and may be doing any manner of strange things behind the scenes.
What are some ways law firms can support working moms?
During the pandemic, I wrote an article for Delaware Lawyer suggesting that the embrace of remote work at law firms offered a small silver lining for parents of young children seeking to be more present for their families. I worry that in the post-pandemic world, many law firms have taken a step backward in terms of offering parents flexible schedules, remote work options, and caregiving resources. These are the efforts that firms need to keep pushing forward to support working parents.
What have your children learned (or what do you want them to have learned) from your legal career?
Who do you lean on when things get overwhelming?
The best decision I’ve made has been in choosing the right person with whom to share life and raise a family. My husband never tells me no, even
For our children, my hope is that they are growing up with an appreciation for how to find joy in their work (whatever that means for them) and support a partner to do the same. I think (and hope) this is what we are modeling for them now. And for me, being a mom has helped tremendously in my battle against perfectionism. Out of necessity, I’ve learned to let go of some things that don’t matter and prioritize what does—doing good work in service to our State and keeping our kids healthy and happy.
Is work life/family life balance a myth?
There is a pervasive narrative that worklife balance is a myth. But in my experience, it is an attainable reality when you are surrounded by the right team. Balance is not about achieving a perfect 50/50 split; it’s about being part of a culture that understands the ebb and flow of practice and life. Some days my work requires more of me, and other days my family does. Embracing that ongoing shift throughout the weeks, months, and years is what makes balance both realistic and sustainable.
What is the best advice you’ve received as a working mom? How about the worst?
The best advice I’ve received as a working mom is to embrace the natural lulls when they come and allow room for spontaneity. A slow afternoon can become a surprise trip to the pool, and an early wrap-up at the office can turn into ice cream for dinner—small moments that feel big to my kids. I’ve never considered any advice “bad;” people simply speak from different perspectives and seasons of life.
What are some things you have to sacrifice as a working mom?
As a working mom, there are inevitable sacrifices—sporting events, field trips, family dinners, and other special moments I’ve had to miss over the years—but I try to keep those instances few and far between. Unfortunately, some commitments simply cannot be adjusted to accommodate my schedule. For example, both kids’ soccer games are at 4:30/5:00 p.m. on weeknights, which is often a busy window for me. To balance that, I schedule other activities during times that fall outside a typical workday. A 6:30 a.m. swim lesson may not sound ideal (especially for a non-morning person), but those early hours are the least likely to be disrupted, and I get to cheer on my kids as they learn new skills. I look for creative opportunities to participate in the moments that allow me to show up meaningfully and be visibly present for my kids.
What stage of motherhood was the hardest to navigate?
Because my children are still young, I’ve only navigated the early phases of parenting: newborns, toddlers, and a 4 year old with pre-teen energy. Every stage brings new, distinct challenges. As I move into the next phases of parenting, I hope to learn from the many accomplished working moms in our Bar whose experiences can help guide me through the stages I have yet to encounter.
Who do you lean on when things get overwhelming?
My husband. I’m grateful that his schedule gives him the flexibility to pivot
preparing for, which required long hours away from my family. That weekend, just as I was getting ready to spend time with them, a partner on the case emailed a list of tasks for the following week. I replied with a quick “Will do,” and almost instantly received a message back indicating the tasks could wait and urging me to “please spend time with family.” That simple, explicit acknowledgment reflected a level of trust and humanity that has stayed with me. It reminded me how fortunate I am to have mentors who recognize that even though our work is often high-stakes, family remains a core priority, too.
What are some ways law firms can support working moms?
Supporting working moms really comes down to building a culture of flexibility and trust. Connecting with senior members of the Bar who have paved the way is invaluable for perspective, but the real impact comes from the people you work with. When leadership prioritizes thoughtful workload management and shows genuine understanding of the parent-lawyer balance, it changes the entire experience for the better.
Jillian A. Tyson, Esq. Corporate Litigation
Counseling attorney
and
with two kids, ages 4 & 2.
when plans fall apart and deadlines run long (especially when last-minute obligations arise). He’s my greatest supporter and has helped cultivate a home where our children see my work as something to be proud of, not a source of absence. We frame my professional commitments as moments when they need to “share” me because my clients and colleagues also depend on me. It’s this team effort that has transformed my career into more of a shared family journey.
Can you share an example when your work/family life collided?
One moment that stands out came immediately after a trial I spent months
What have your children learned (or what do you want them to have learned) from your legal career?
Even at ages 4 and 2, my children already sense that time is our most limited resource. They know they have to “share” me with others, but they also seem to understand that when I am with them, they receive my undivided attention. As they grow, I hope they learn that time is our most valuable investment, and we must be intentional about where we spend it. Motherhood has underscored this reality; it serves as a constant, beautiful reminder that these early years are fleeting. This realization has profoundly impacted my career. I have become far more disciplined, and intentional, with my time. When I am in “work mode,” I work with purpose knowing that my two littles are eagerly waiting for me to walk through the door each evening to make memories (and most importantly—read bedtime stories).
Is work life/family life balance a myth?
Yes, at least I have found it to be in my 18 years as a working mom. I think balance between work and family ebbs and flows with what’s going on. On those days that my professional life is very hectic, I don’t worry so much about whether I’m balancing everything well because I know that on the other days, I’m doing what I need to do to take care of my family and enjoy that time together.
What is the best advice you’ve received as a working mom? How about the worst?
Someone told me the following advice: “Be kind to yourself and be intentional with saying ‘yes’ to things.” More often that phrase is flipped with the demand “to learn how to say no.” Learning how to say no never worked for me. We can’t go to everything. Choose the events that are most helpful to you in your personal or professional life.
What are some things you have to sacrifice as a working mom?
When the General Assembly is in session (January through June 30), I usually don’t have meals with my family. Getting home later in the evening leaves little time to catch up on everyone’s day. So that can be tough. I try to never miss an event that my sons are participating in—from sports to school plays.
What stage of motherhood was the hardest to navigate?
I have loved every stage and have learned from the unique challenges each brings.
Who do you lean on when things get overwhelming?
My husband, Ted, is a great support to me. He understands the demands of my job and steps in when I can’t be around. And for venting, I love my friends and coworkers who are going through the same things. A good laugh or cry amongst friends always helps.
Can you share an example when your work/family life collided?
Just a few weeks after my son, Nate, turned 1, he received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The news was unfathomable, crushing, and scary. His doctors told us that Nate would need to essentially live in the hospital for six months as he underwent grueling chemotherapy treatments.
Fortunately, my husband and I had good insurance plans with our employers so we decided one of us should leave their job to see Nate through the treatment. I loved my job so much. I was prosecuting domestic violence and child abuse for the Delaware Department of Justice and
Krista Griffith Esq. State Representative, Delaware General
Assembly with two kids, ages 18 & 11.
As Nate was getting better, I sometimes worried how I would find my way back into my career. After he was cancer free for a year, I decided to try something new. I ran for office and won the seat in the House of Representatives serving the 12th District.
More recently, I decided to step back from my additional position as CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware. There was no crisis motivating this decision. I just felt the need to take some time to spend with my boys as this is a major transition year for both of them.
What are some ways law firms can support working moms?
Assistance with childcare is very important. Also giving working moms (and dads) flexibility to work from home.
What have your children learned (or what do you want them to have learned) from your legal career?
I hope I have showed them that it is possible to combine your personal values with employment to effect change for the better. Being a mom has had a big impact on my career as my children have helped me to be more empathic and resilient. I also have a deeper purpose for my work as the work we do today as moms will influence their lives and the lives of their peers.
worked with a great team. I was proud of my career and would have been happy to continue that work.
However, with Nate’s diagnosis, my priorities immediately shifted and there wasn’t a question of what I would do. I left the DOJ to take care of Nate.
Someone told me the following advice: “Be kind to yourself and be intentional with saying ‘yes’ to things.”
Is work life/family life balance a myth?
I think that it is possible to have a work/ family balance, but it is not necessarily going to always look the same. Sometimes, there is more work—and sometimes, there is more family time. When you have the family time, be present and engaged.
What is the best advice you’ve received as a working mom? How about the worst?
As lawyers, we are perfectionists. As moms, we must embrace flexibility. These two concepts can co-exist! The best advice I received was to build a trusted network—other attorney mothers are great resources for support and advice. Your career is a long game, and there is no straight line on the path to success.
The worst advice that I have received is to wait to have children if you want to [make partner, get ahead, you name it]! Everyone is ready to have children (or not) at their own time. Your legal and family path does not have to look like anyone else’s.
What are some things you have to sacrifice as a working mom?
I have missed (most) field trips, sporting events, help with homework, dinner —the list goes on. But as I said previously, when I am home, I try my best to be present and putting away my phone or computer. There is always work to be done, and if possible, I try to keep my family time sacrosanct.
What stage of motherhood was the hardest to navigate?
Judge Andrea Rocanelli once told me that “as your children get older, their needs only get bigger.” I think this is true. I think all the stages are difficult
for different reasons, but as my children get older, there are just more sporting events to attend, more (and much more difficult) homework to assist with, and more navigating peer relationships.
Who do you lean on when things get overwhelming?
I am fortunate to have a supportive husband and parents/in-laws to help when needed. I also think it is important to have a supportive core group of friends— either with children or not—who understand the difficulties of your job and you can just call or text for advice.
The Hon. Meghan A. Adams NCC Judge, Superior Court with two kids, ages 13 & 9.
Can you share an example when your work/family life collided?
Too many to discuss! Keeping an online family calendar has been very helpful to try to avoid these situations as much as possible.
What are some ways law firms can support working moms?
I think that law firms are realizing the importance and value of women and working mothers to the workplace. Women are naturally good at multitasking and getting many responsibilities accomplished with limited hours in a day. As I always say, “If you want something done, give it to a busy woman.” We will find a way to get it done. Most law firms in town now give a very generous leave after the birth of a child, and law firms are making great strides at having a supportive workplace environment for women and working mothers. Many firms have a billable hour requirement, and while “face time” in the office is very important, firms should realize that many mothers work their “second” job after they leave the office and then turn back to work after sporting events or their children go to bed. Flexibility and understanding is key.
What have your children learned (or what do you want them to have learned) from your legal career?
I would like them to learn that there is not a straight line on the path to success. There will be setbacks along the way in your life and your career, but with resilience, a strong work ethic, and having faith in yourself and your abilities, you can get through setbacks and find success. Success also does not look the same to everyone. From my kids, it is really fun to watch them grow and be curious. I am also better at prioritizing tasks and being more efficient in order to manage both my home and work obligations.
Law firms are realizing the importance and value of women and working mothers to the workplace.
David S. Swayze, Esquire 1944 - 2026
BY CHRISTINE SCHILTZ, ESQUIRE, MIKE PARKOWSKI, ESQUIRE, MIKE TEICHMAN, ESQUIRE, AND VINCE ROBERTSON, ESQUIRE
On January 23, 2026, we lost our dear colleague and friend, David S. Swayze.
Delaware also lost a pillar of the legal community and a kind and generous individual who was a good friend to everyone he knew.
Dave was a native Delawarean and a distinguished member of the Delaware Bar. His commitment to the legal profession and public service was unparalleled, and he inspired others with his great intellect, humility, political acumen and his love of the State of Delaware. He was
truly an advocate for the First State, and he provided advice and counsel to countless political leaders.
Dave graduated from Mount Pleasant High School, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
The five-plus decades of his career included his service as an Officer in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division from 1969 to 1972.
After serving his country, he went on to assume a number of leadership positions as a public sector attorney. He served as Wilmington City Solicitor under Mayor Tom Maloney and later, during the period when the State of Delaware was in the process of transitioning from
a Commission to a Cabinet form government, Dave served as Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff to Governor Pete du Pont. It was during his time with Governor du Pont that Dave was directly involved in the successful legislative and administrative initiatives which strengthened Delaware’s unique standing as a business powerhouse, including most notably the 1981 Financial Center Development Act. Dave’s commitment to the State’s fiscal management resulted in a long tenure with both the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council and the City of Wilmington Economic and Financial Advisory Council. Dave epitomized bipartisanship, and his concern was always the betterment of the State of Delaware.
After leaving public service, Dave served as a partner at a number of
David S. Swayze, Esquire with President George H.W. Bush.
prestigious law firms including Prickett Jones & Elliott and Duane Morris LLP. In 2003, he decided to join and lend his name and talents to the firm of Parkowski, Guerke & Swayze, P.A. He practiced with the firm for 22 years, and he joined his colleagues, clients and friends for the firm’s 50th Anniversary celebration last year.
In addition to Dave’s professional success, his commitment to the community made an impact on the State he loved. Dave served as chairman of the Board of Downtown Visions, chairman of the Delaware Sentencing Research and Evaluation Committee, chairman of the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, chairman of the Wilmington Housing Authority and other boards, councils and commissions too numerous to mention.
Dave’s professional accomplishments represent only a small part of the story of his life. He was devoted to his wife Carolyn, children Lisa and Scott, and his extended family. His colleagues both in law and politics were his good friends. In his younger days, he enjoyed a good tennis match and a pickup basketball game in Frank Balotti’s driveway. During his days at Duane Morris, the annual retreat of partners and associates at Great Oak Manor was a highlight of everyone’s year—especially the round of golf where the rule required you play the round with only one club. He and Carolyn enjoyed hosting family and friends at Great Escape, their lovely home in Sussex County. Dave was a consummate storyteller who enjoyed holding court with friends over a cocktail.
Dave was an exceptionally talented individual and consummate gentleman, who not only served his clients well, but also privately touched the lives of everyone who had the opportunity to know him. Dave was honored by Governor Carney with The Order of the First State on August 18, 2022. During the ceremony, Governor Carney remarked on Dave’s contributions stating: “When I think about the last 50 to 60 years and the progress we’ve made in Delaware, no one is more representative than this wise man standing next to me.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife, Carolyn, his children Lisa and Scott, and his family. He will be deeply missed.
David S. Swayze, Esquire with Governor Pete duPont.
The Delaware Bar Foundation: Advancing Justice Through Partnership and Purpose
BY MEGAN S. GREENBERG, ESQUIRE
Each day, members of the Delaware bar contribute to a legal system that is widely respected for its integrity, excellence, and commitment to fairness. The strength of that system, however, depends not only on what happens in courtrooms and law offices, but also on the broader support we provide to our communities. That is where the Delaware Bar Foundation plays a vital role.
As the charitable arm of the Delaware State Bar Association, the Delaware Bar Foundation exists to extend the reach of the legal profession beyond traditional practices supporting initiatives that advance access to justice, promote civic understanding, and strengthen respect for the rule of law across our state. Through strategic grantmaking and collaboration, the Foundation serves as a bridge between the legal community and the public it serves.
Many attorneys associate the Foundation only with the Delaware Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts Program. The Foundation administers that program on behalf of the Supreme
Court that has been critical to our three state-wide civil legal aid agencies since the IOLTA program’s start in 1983. We look forward to a deeper dive into that important feature of our work in another article later this year. This month we will focus on the work that depends on the generosity and donations of our members to highlight the impact of this shared investment in justice.
A Shared Mission Rooted in Service
The Foundation’s mission reflects core values long embraced by Delaware lawyers: providing legal services to those in need, fostering knowledge of rights and responsibilities, supporting the study of law, and enhancing public confidence in our system of justice. These principles are not abstract; they come to life through
partnerships with organizations that are working on the ground in communities throughout Delaware.
Since 1981, the Foundation’s work has been possible due to the generosity of members of the Delaware Bar. Annual contributions from attorneys and law firms directly fund the Foundation’s Community Grants Program, enabling meaningful investments in programs that expand opportunity, protect rights, and promote civic engagement.
This year, the Foundation is especially grateful for a significant investment from a fund established by the family of Bruce Stargatt after his passing in 2012. Bruce Stargatt was instrumental in the early development of the Foundation, helping to shape its vision and guide its formative years. His leadership, professionalism, and deep respect for the rule of law left a lasting mark on Delaware’s legal community. The Stargatt family’s generosity has helped expand this year’s grantmaking, allowing the Foundation to reach even more individuals and communities in need.
Announcing the 2026 Community Grant Recipients
This year the Foundation received a record number of applications from a broad array of local organizations located throughout the state. We are proud to announce the 2026 Community Grant recipients, a group of organizations whose work reflects both innovation and impact:
■ Center for Structural Equity: Supporting a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project engaging high school students in examining school discipline policies and constitutional due process protections.
■ Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council (DCRAC): Expanding access to estate planning services for low-income residents facing “tangled title” issues, helping preserve generational wealth and housing stability.
■ Delaware State Bar Association —ILYA Backpacks Program: Providing essential household and personal items to youth aging out of foster care, helping ease their transition to independence and honoring their success in graduating from school.
■ DSBA Disabilities Survey Initiative: Identifying barriers faced by attorneys with disabilities in Delaware to inform more inclusive policies and practices within the legal profession.
■ El Sandalo: Hosting community workshops on tenant rights, family court processes, expungement, and access to legal aid for underserved populations in New Castle County.
■ Innocence Project Delaware: Supporting investigative costs, including trial transcripts and expert analysis, to identify individuals who have been wrongfully convicted.
■ La Esperanza: Providing citizenship education to immigrants pursuing naturalization and full participation in civic life in Sussex County.
■ Latin American Community Center: Expanding a family immigration legal clinic offering direct
legal services and civics education to immigrant communities in New Castle County.
■ Literacy Delaware: Delivering English language instruction and citizenship education to adult learners, strengthening civic engagement and workforce readiness throughout the State.
■ YMCA of Delaware: Supporting the Youth in Government program, which educates middle and high school students about civics, leadership, and public service throughout the State.
Together, these grants represent a thoughtful investment in Delaware’s future. They support programs that empower individuals with knowledge, protect fundamental rights, and create pathways to stability and opportunity. From helping families secure clear title to their homes, to equipping young people with the tools of civic participation, these initiatives demonstrate the wide-ranging impact of the Foundation’s work.
The Power of Collective Giving
One of the most compelling aspects of the Delaware Bar Foundation is its ability to transform individual contributions into collective impact. A single donation, whether large or small, becomes part of a broader effort that supports organizations across the state. In this way, every member of the Bar has an opportunity to participate in strengthening our communities.
The Community Grants Program reflects the values of the profession by prioritizing initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission while also responding to emerging needs. The result is a dynamic portfolio of grants that address issues such as housing stability, access to legal services, education, and civic engagement.
The addition of the Stargatt family’s gift this year underscores another key point: philanthropy within the legal community can be both deeply personal and broadly impactful. By honoring Bruce Stargatt’s legacy, this contribution not only expands the Foundation’s reach but also reinforces the tradition of service that defines the Delaware Bar.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Collaboration Across the Bar
As the Foundation looks to the future, one of its key priorities is to educate members of the Bar about its efforts and impact. We hope to engage with each Section of the Bar to better coordinate charitable efforts, reduce fragmentation, and amplify impact. The goal is not only to increase the scale of our work, but also to ensure that it is aligned, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the Delaware communities and interests of our members.
An Invitation to Engage
The work of the Delaware Bar Foundation reflects the collective commitment of the legal profession to serve the public good. It is a reminder that the practice of law carries with it a broader responsibility: to ensure that justice is accessible, that rights are understood, and that our institutions remain strong.
Members of the Bar are encouraged to engage with the Foundation in whatever ways are most meaningful to them. This may include making a financial contribution, volunteering time or expertise, partnering on initiatives through DSBA sections, or simply sharing ideas about how the Foundation can continue to evolve and grow.
As we celebrate this year’s Community Grant recipients, we also look ahead with a sense of purpose and possibility. By working together, through the Foundation and across the Delaware State Bar Association, we can continue to advance the administration of justice, promote the rule of law, and foster a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities that define our civic life.
The Delaware Bar Foundation stands ready to serve as a partner in that effort.
Megan Greenberg, Esq., is the Executive Director of the Delaware Bar Foundation. Admitted to practice law in Delaware, she previously worked on corporate litigation matters at Richards, Layton and Finger and later served as manager of professional development for the firm, the first in Delaware to have such a position.
Salesianum Repeats as Delaware High School Mock Trial Champions for 2026
BY SEAN O’SULLIVAN, THE CHIEF OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
Delaware's winning team from Salesianum School. Courtesy of Sean O’Sullivan and Chris Coletti.
After five rounds of competition, over March 6 and 7, 2026, students from Salesianum School took the title of Delaware High School Mock Trial champion, marking a repeat for the school that won in 2025. It also marks only the second time in the competition’s 35 years that Salesianum has won the top spot, and the second time the school advanced to the final round. Salesianum will now go on to represent Delaware at the National High School Mock Trial Championship, which will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, May 7-9, 2026.
The final round on Saturday evening, at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington, saw Salesianum facing off against Padua Academy. It was Padua’s first time in the finals in over 25 years as well. The teams appeared in front of U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who acted as the presiding judge, and U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) who sat on the judging panel. Serving on the judging panel was a bit of a full-circle moment for McBride, who competed in mock trial when she was a student at Cab Calloway High School. Also, on the judging panel were Veronica Finkelstein, who wrote this year’s problem, Anthony (“Roddy”) Flynn, Chief of Staff to Rep. McBride, and James Barton, General Counsel to Sen. Chris Coons.
“We were thrilled by both the number and diversity of the teams representing Delaware this year. We had four brand new teams, one of which was from Sussex County. It’s been really important to us that we expand who competes in mock trial in Delaware” said Betsy Renzo, Executive Director of the Delaware Law Related Education Center (DELREC), which organizes the competition. With more than 26 teams, from 20 public, private, and parochial schools across Delaware, along with one after-school program, more than 330 students participated—about 100 more than 2025. That
turnout makes this year’s mock trial the largest state-level competition since its 1991 founding. “We are in awe of these students, who commit to this rigorous academic sport in their free time of their own free will. The time and effort needed to participate is laudable and the payoff is not only a better understanding of the law, but also transferable skills including public speaking, critical thinking, constructing a logical argument, and teamwork. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the growth that happens the entire time,” said Renzo.
The competition is round-robin style, where student teams must present or defend a case—whose facts were provided to them by the organizers—following the law and courtroom procedures under the guidance of a teacher coach and attorney coach. One team is assigned to the prosecution or plaintiff side while the other acts as defense. In the following round, the team must argue the opposite side of the case against a different team. Every year the problem presented switches between a civil matter and a criminal matter. This year’s problem was a criminal matter related to a fictitious fire at a movie theater (called the ‘Reel Deal’) in the Brandywine Town Center. Fire investigators concluded it was accidental, caused by a popcorn machine, but the insurance investigator concluded the fire was deliberately set by the theater owner, who—at the trial— faces arson charges.
At the competition, the judges (who often are state or federal judges) do not determine who “won” the case but instead evaluate the students on their knowledge of the law and the case, their courtroom conduct and how well they argue their side. Awards are also given for best attorney and best witness.
The competition represents a massive commitment by the Delaware legal community, the Delaware Courts and DELREC. Several floors of the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center—with 13 courtrooms—were turned over to the high school competitors
and supported by more than 240 members of the legal community, teachers and court staff who served as coaches, judges, courtroom monitors, bailiffs or administrative support. “It is a heavy lift every year and we particularly want to thank the Delaware Judiciary for making the courtrooms available. It is truly a group effort and we are grateful to our volunteers, the Delaware Bar, our two law schools, court officials, court staff, security, and bailiffs for their help,” said Renzo. She also thanked Colonial Parking for opening the courthouse parking garage on Saturday and providing a discount rate. “Putting this competition together is as much of a team effort behind the scenes as it is for the student competitors in the courtroom,” she said.
Rounding out the top 10 teams this year—following Salesianum and Padua—were Wilmington Friends (A-team), Archmere Academy (B-team), Archmere Academy (A-team), Concord High School, Newark Charter High School (B-team), Tower Hill, Wilmington Friends (B-team), and Ursuline.
The winner of the courtroom sketch artist competition was Tallulah Daisey from Archmere, who took first place, with Elizabeth Maynard from the Charter School of Wilmington in second place. Kaya Ergan won the top courtroom journalist award from Newark Charter School, and Maci Reno came in second. St. Mark’s High School was awarded the Delaware Way Award, which is voted on by the students for the team that best exemplifies civility and fair play.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers—Judges, Justices, Attorneys, Court Staff, Law Students and community members—for taking the time to help with this year’s competition. We cannot and would not do it without you. If you are a teacher or a student or school administrator and would like more information about mock trial, you can visit the DELREC website or contact DELREC Executive Director Betsy Renzo at Brenzo@delrec.org.
DELREC would like to thank the following individuals who served as judges during the competitions:
Mary Akhimien
Rachel Allen
Shannon Ammon
Lauren Angelina
Michelle Ankenbrand
Addie Asay
Sonia Augusthy
Gregory Babowal
Christian Bale
Stephani Ballard
James Barton
David Baumberger
David Beach
Cynthia Beam
Jesse Beato
Kevin Beaugez
Dawn Becker
Jason Beehler
Adia Berkel
Brenner Birth
Robert Bria
Laura Brooks
Thomas Brown
Lauren Brown
Deja Bryant
Crystal Burbage
Leah Burcat
Daniel Butz
Rae Campagnola
Ahdel Candelaria Vega
William Carpenter
Tiphanie Cascella
Robert Cecil
Paige Chapman
Shae Chasanov
Curtis Crowther
Alan Davis
Meryem Dede
Matthew Denn
Madison Devlin
Sean Elman
William Emery
Elizabeth Emmi
Kyle Estel
Nicole Faries
Veronica Finkelstein
Anthony Flynn, Jr.
Melissa Green
Nathan Greenlee
N. Christopher Griffiths
Victoria Groff
Lisa Grubb
Wilson Gualpa
Eric Hacker
Shauna Hagan
Joseph Halsey
Melissa Hamm
Jing Han
Joseph Handlon
Daniel Harbison
Ron Hartnett
Julia Heaney
Christian Heesters
Jared Hoffman
Carla Jarosz
Francis Jones
Jan Jurden
Rachel Karstetter
Lee Kaufman
Shelley Kinsella
Robert Kleiner
Tara Lattomus
Kimberly Lawson
Lewis Lazarus
Bradley Lehman
Renee Leverette
Michael Logullo
Sean Lugg
Irina Luzhatsky
Randall MacTough
Lisa Maeyer
Josette Manning
Jaclyn Marasco
Tim Martin
Sarah McBride
Drea McCloskey
Lauren McCrea
James McGiffin
James Meissler
Andrew Meyer
Kathleen Miller
Dana Molk
Keri Morris-Johnston
Michael Neri
Maryellen Noreika
Martin O'Connor
Joshua Osborne
Femon Padmore II
Darryl Parson
Jordan Perry
Jillian Pratt
Erin Radulski
Leigh-Anne Raport
Angel Rivera
Makayla Roccia
Abby Rodgers
Alicia Rodriguez-Feliciano
Patricia Rogowski
Michael Rosendorf
Deborah Ross
David Ross
Kathryn Sanchez
Dan Sand
Jason Saville
Aman Sharma
Melanie Sharp
Michael Slights
Kevin Smith
Kathleen Smith
Stephen Sosnowicz
Kayli Spialter
Shelby Stack
Zachary Stirparo
Paul Sunshine
Kali Swoyer
Damien Tancredi
Eric Thompson
Alexandra Tolhurst
Hector Torres-Diaz
Heather Townsend
Paul Wallace
Ben Wallace
Shericka Ward
Thomas Webber
Nicholas Wenner
Jonathan Weyand
Eileen Wilkinson
Dawn Williams
Christian Wright
BOOK REVIEW | REVIEW BY RICHARD
A. FORSTEN, ESQUIRE
The Never-Ending Story
Rage And The Republic, The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution
By Jonathan Turley (Simon & Schuster, 2026)
This year marks the 250th anniversary of American independence—a remarkably long and successful run. Meanwhile, just 13 years after the Declaration of Independence, the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille. Unlike the American Revolution, though, the French Revolution did not go so well. After a series of different forms of government and a “reign of terror” which saw an estimated 16,000 executed, including many of the original revolutionists, Napoleon finally seized power as First Consul in 1799. Rather than liberty and equality, the French Revolution ended in dictatorship.
Exactly how and why the American and French Revolutions led to such opposite outcomes is one of the many fascinating questions which Professor Johnathan Turley addresses in his new book, Rage And The Republic, The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution —but, spoiler alert, the short answer is simply this: respect for the checks, balances, and protections put in place by the Constitution.
History is littered with revolutions that led to a new regime coming to power and then failing and leading to dictatorships and authoritarian regimes. The French Revolution led to Napoleon. The Russian Revolution led to Lenin. The Cuban Revolution led to Castro. And so on, and so on. Once in power, the new regime fractures if it is unable to agree (which is usually the case), and raw power becomes the currency of the new regime. Revolutionary factions turn on each other, until only one is left standing, thereby ensuring that the revolution is a “success.”
But, in the United States, respect for the constitutional system prevailed. Adams did leave, and Jefferson did assume, the presidency without violence. Marbury v. Madison did cement the role of the federal judiciary. And, except for one rather notable exception, being of course, the Civil War, the nation has held together, and our constitutional system has worked.
Turley tells us that all revolutions are born out of rage. Rage about economic conditions. Rage about governmental policies. Rage about religion. Rage can lead to action, but it can also be difficult to put the genie back in the bottle. Which is why so many revolutions end in failure. Turley quotes Tocqueville, who once observed that the problem with revolutions is that, like writing a book, “the most difficult part to invent is the end.”
Ultimately, Turley’s history and analysis can be divided into three main parts: the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and American political discourse today. And, he has some surprising and enlightening things to say about each.
Turley gives more credit to Thomas Paine than standard histories for coalescing the rage of the American Revolution and then keeping it going during the dark years of Valley Forge before ultimate success at Yorktown. Without Paine, the nation might not have soldiered on.
Ironically, Paine nearly lost his head during the French Revolution. Initially warmly received by the French, he was imprisoned and after months of imprisonment, his cell door marked for death. But the cell door had been marked when it was open, and when
then-President Joe Biden to simply ignore inconvenient Supreme Court rulings in favor of “popular constitutionalism.” The dean of a prominent law school has written a book entitled No Democracy Lasts Forever: How the Constitution Threatens the United States. Legal academia is replete with calls for the abolition of the Constitution or a massive re-writing thereof. But law professors are not alone. Politicians and political pundits, on both the left and the right, argue against the very checks and balances imposed by the Constitution and designed to protect liberty and freedom.
doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others,” before finally concluding: “I consent . . . to this Constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best.”
Turley also writes:
Where the Declaration [of Independence] was the ultimate expression of American values, the Constitution was the ultimate expression of American pragmatism. It was written not to inspire but to last. Madison took
Put another way, what enabled our revolution to succeed, and not break down into tyranny and authoritarianism, was our respect and devotion to the Constitution and its constraints.
the door was closed, the mark was on the inside of the cell, meaning that the guards did not see it. The next day, Robespierre fell from power and the Reign of Terror ended. Paine’s life was spared, although he remained imprisoned for several more months, until future-President James Monroe, the then-American minister to France, was able to secure his release. Paine was lucky, as the French Revolution did not end well for many of the revolutionaries or for France itself.
Mark Twain is purported to have said that “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” In the third and longest part of his narrative, Professor Turley examines much of our modern political discourse and sees growing rage on both sides of the political spectrum that cause him concern. If the American Revolution survived and our country has prospered these last 250 years, it is in large part due to our commitment to the Constitution and its constraints on the tyranny of the majority. Yet, from both sides of the aisle today, those on the extremes, and some not so far on the extremes, call for those constraints to be eliminated, the Constitution re-written, and the popular will empowered, all to make society better. One Harvard law professor called on
Put another way, what enabled our revolution to succeed, and not break down into tyranny and authoritarianism, was our respect and devotion to the Constitution and its constraints. Just because the Constitution is difficult, and one side or another doesn’t always get their way, doesn’t make the Constitution obsolete or wrong. The whole point of the Constitution, as James Madison wrote in Federalist No. 51, was that “ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” This was the ultimate safeguard against tyranny.
Yet, in today’s age of “click bait” and “viral” social media, one sees many attempting to create “rage” that their particular policy preferences are not being enacted. If only the Constitution were changed, so their policies could be enacted, the country would be better. But raw political power was what brought the French Revolution (and so many other revolutions) down.
In his concluding chapter, Turley reminds us of Benjamin Franklin’s famous statement to his fellow delegates on the last day of the Constitutional Convention that “there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve,” but then Franklin continued, “the older I grow, the more apt I am to
us for what we are and designed a system that could not only attain our loftiest values but also withstand our lowest impulses. It was (and remains) an article of faith.
The Founders’ faith in their then-new nation has been justly rewarded. The history of our country may be less than perfect, but the fault lies not in our stars (or our Constitution), but in ourselves. Those who would create rage in order to change our constitutional system for some perceived policy benefit risk not only our constitutional system, but our very liberty and freedom. In the play (and movie) A Man For All Seasons, after his son-in-law declares that he would cut down every law in England to get after the Devil (instead of giving the Devil the benefit of the law), Thomas More famously responds: “And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned on you, where would you hide ... Yes, I’d give the Devil the benefit of the law, for my own safety’s sake!” So too with our Constitution.
Richard “Shark” Forsten is a Partner with Saul Ewing LLP, where he practices in the areas of commercial real estate, land use, business transactions, and related litigation. He can be reached at Richard.Forsten@saul.com.
THE JUDICIAL PALATE |
BY SUSAN E. POPPITI, ESQUIRE
Savoring Our Semiquincentennial, Part Five
This May we continue exploring original Southern Colonies, heading from our last stops in Maryland and Virginia to the Carolinas and Georgia. During this trip, I learned some extraordinary facts about a famous food label. I was fortunate to discover Adventures in Good Cooking (Famous Recipes) and the Art of Carving in the Home by Duncan Hines, the food critic – the man behind the brand.
I admit that before this month’s research, when I heard “Duncan Hines” I thought of cake mix and frosting. Now I understand his unique importance in the culinary world. Hines was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1880 and became a traveling salesman for a printing company. While eating along the road, he explored diners, restaurants, and inns, and documented his experiences. In 1935, after his wife, Florence, nudged Hines to share his recommendations with the public, he published Adventures in Good Eating. Before Fodor’s, Zagat’s, and Rick Steves, there was Duncan Hines. Vacation guides and cookbooks followed, as diners and travelers trusted Hines’ critiques. In 1952, Hines sold the rights to his name to the company later acquired by Procter & Gamble. The rest is history—first came ice cream and then the famous baking mixes.1
This month features recipes from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina from Hines’ Adventures in Good Cooking (Famous Recipes) and the Art of Carving in the Home, a collection from establishments and individuals Hines met during his travels.
You will notice some of the recipes contain brackets where I made insertions. The layout of the cookbook lists the ingredients in the left column with corresponding instructions in the right column. For clarity, I included the ingredients within the instructions.
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup milk
• 1½ cups cake flour – sifted
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup butter – melted
• 2 egg whites – beaten stiff
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
Stir [everything up through the butter] to a smooth batter. Fold in eggs and baking powder. 2
WAFFLES – THE HOUSE BY THE ROAD, ASHBURN, GEORGIA
Peak corn season hasn’t yet arrived, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about how to incorporate this favorite summer vegetable into a soup course.
CORN SOUP – HENRY’S, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
(Serves 8)
• 1 lb. lean dry salt meat [pork belly or bacon, for example]
• 6 large bell peppers – chopped
• 1 large onion – chopped
• ½ dozen tomatoes
• 1 doz. ears of corn cut off cob
• (butter beans or okra also may be added, if desired)
• salt and pepper to taste
If salty, scald [the salt meat] first. Cube and fry a golden brown. Add [peppers, onion, tomatoes, and corn] to meat and cover and cook slowly until thoroughly done before adding any water. The corn soup mixture should stick to the pot to obtain the best flavor but of course should not be scorched. 3
Wilted spinach is a classic retro recipe. I’ve usually seen the spinach leaves left whole, but this offers an interesting alternative.
WILTED SPINACH –WAVERLY GUEST HOUSE, HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
(Serves 4)
• 1 lb. spinach
• 1 onion chopped fine
• 3 slices bacon
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• pepper to taste
Wash [spinach] thoroughly and cut in small pieces. Mix [onion] in with the spinach. Cut [bacon] in small pieces and fry until brown and crispy. Put [vinegar, salt, and pepper] in with the bacon and heat. Pour over spinach and serve immediately. 4
These cheese biscuits would make a nice addition to a spring picnic. The pecan is an attractive accent, and the use of powdered sugar balances out the savory and sweet.
CHEESE BISCUITS – MRS. EARLE FORBES, GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
• ¼ lb. butter
• ¼ lb. very sharp cheese
• ¼ lb. flour
Cream butter. Grate cheese, work in and cream with butter. Work flour into above. Roll out ½ inch thick and cut with cutter 1¼ to 1½ inches in diameter. Bake from 12 to 15 minutes in 450 F. oven. Place ½ pecan on each and brush with powdered sugar. 5
This pie makes rhubarb the star, not second fiddle to strawberries. We should start seeing vibrant rhubarb stalks in markets, a sign that summer is around the corner.
RHUBARB PIE – SUNSET FARM, WHITTIER, NORTH CAROLINA
Crust:
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup shortening
• water
Filling:
• 4 cups rhubarb
• 1½ cups sugar
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
Crust: Sift dry ingredients together. Work in shortening quickly with fingers until of crumb consistency. Add just enough cold water to make stiff dough. Roll out and line 9’’ pie pan.
Filling: Cut rhubarb in ½’’ cubes. Place in uncooked pastry shell. Mix together [sugar and flour] and sprinkle over rhubarb. Beat whole eggs well and put by spoonfulls over rhubarb.
Break [butter] in small pieces and sprinkle over pie. Strip pie with thin strips of pastry. Bake in oven 350º until done.6
I think this mélange of recipes calls for a rosé. (Aside from breakfast waffles, that is…but you could make savory dinner waffles as in my February 2017 article.) A crisp, red berry flavored rosé wine featuring the Grenache grape would complement these warmer weather fruits and vegetables nicely.
2. Hines, D. (1952). Adventures in good cooking (famous recipes) and the art of carving in the home. Bowling Green, Ky.: Adventures in Good Eating, Inc.
3. Hines, p. 31.
4. Hines, p. 363.
5. Hines, p. 133.
6. Hines, p. 531.
Susan E. Poppiti is the owner of Susan Poppiti Math Tutoring LLC. Susan holds a WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit. You can contact Susan at spoppiti@hotmail.com and find a searchable collection of her “Judicial Palate” articles at cucinadipoppiti.com.
CDC - INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EVALUATIONS
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is seeking to add an attorney to its corporate and commercial litigation practice. The candidate should be a member of the Delaware bar with 1-3 years of experience. The candidate must be an excellent writer and researcher and be detail oriented. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and the attorney will work in the firm’s Lewes, Delaware office. Please send resume to Heather.Alleman@maslawde.com.
DIBIANCA LAW IS GROWING!
REID COLLINS & TSAI LLP, an entrepreneurial, plaintiffs’ trial firm with offices in Austin, Dallas, New York, and Wilmington, seeks a Senior Paralegal for its Wilmington office. This is a full-time, in-office position supporting our complexcommercial-litigation practice, with a particular focus on matters in the Court of Chancery. The candidate must have 4 years of Delaware paralegal, including Chancery efiling, experience. Attention to detail, ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines, as well as a bachelor’s degree and/or paralegal certificate are also required. Salary is $95,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience, plus benefits. Please submit resumes to recruiting@reidcollins.com. EOE.
WILMINGTON OFFICE OF WHITE AND WILLIAMS
LLP, a large multi-practice law firm, is seeking an attorney with 1-3 years of experience to work in the areas of product liability, insurance coverage, and commercial litigation. DE Bar admission required. We offer a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and the opportunity for professional growth. Please send your resume to Recruiting@whiteandwilliams.com for consideration.
Delaware bar license and a sense of humor required; litigation experience and interest in employment law preferred. Fully remote and hybrid positions available; flexible hours. Email Molly DiBianca at mdibianca@dibilaw.com.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S DIVISION
OF
LEGISLATIVE
SERVICES is seeking a paralegal for a casual-seasonal position working in the Registrar of Regulations Office. For more information, e-mail us at legislative. council@delaware.gov or visit our website at https://legis.delaware.gov/Offices/ DivisionOfResearch/DivisionCareerOpportunities.
CITY OF WILMINGTON LAW DEPARTMENT seeks an attorney for the position of Assistant City Solicitor. Minimum of two years legal experience is preferred. The Law Department offers a variety of practice areas, including litigation, transactional (contracts, real estate, and FOIA), employment/labor, legislation, code enforcement, and environmental. Delaware Bar Admission required. Negotiable compensation with a targeted starting salary range for well-qualified individuals of $100,000 to $115,000. Robust benefits package inclusive of medical/ dental/vision coverage, pension plan, CLE allowance, professional membership dues, yearly DE bar registration fee, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 18 vacation days and 1 day per month accrued sick time. Tenure is provided following three years of satisfactory performance. Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: City of Wilmington Law Dept., Attn: Rosamaria Tassone-DiNardo, 800 French St., 9th Fl., Wilmington, DE 19801-3537, or email them to Javette Lane at jlane@wilmingtonde. gov. Full job descriptions available at www.wilmingtonde.gov.
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WOMEN WHO RULE CLE MARCH 31, 2026
RIVERFRONT EVENTS
This engaging seminar capped off Women’s History Month and featured conversations and unique insight from some of the women who have courageously shattered the glass ceiling and forever changed the legal landscape in the state of Delaware. The CLE featured four panels: Making Herstory, featuring The Honorable Sherry R. Fallon as moderator with the Honorable Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick, the Honorable Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves, and the Honorable Karen L. Valihura; The Climb, featuring moderator Yvonne Takvorian Saville, Esq. with The Honorable Sonia Augusthy, the Honorable Reneta L. Green-Streett, and the Honorable Abigail M. LeGrow; Finding Balance , featuring moderator Shakuntla L. Bhaya, Esquire, with the Honorable Arlene Minus Coppadge, the Honorable Theresa M. Hayes, and the Honorable Katharine L. Mayer; and concluded with Beyond the Bench, featuring moderator Margaret M. DiBianca, Esquire, with the Honorable Jan R. Jurden (Ret.), the Honorable Vivian L. Medinilla (Ret.), and the Honorable Aida Waserstein (Ret.). Thank you to DiBianca Law for sponsoring the reception.
COURT-APPOINTED NEUTRALS
• Judicial adjuncts in various roles
• Delaware Court of Chancery
• Complex Commercial Litigation Division (CCLD) of Delaware’s Superior Court
ARBITRATION
• Delaware ADR administration
• Summary Chancery Proceedings
• Delaware Rapid Arbitration Act
• Highly Expedited Awards
MEDIATION
• Multi-party disputes
• Pre-litigation posture and active litigation
• Intensive, ex parte engagement
• High degree of success
Bill Johnston
Civil Justice Award: Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals (ACAN)
The Civil Justice Award is bestowed upon individuals who exhibit excellence in civil justice and promote the service of our profession.
Delaware ADR’s Professional Neutrals serve as judicial adjuncts in various roles as court-appointed neutrals, including in Delaware’s Court of Chancery and the Complex Commercial Litigation Division (CCLD) of Delaware’s Superior Court.
