Blog - Philly Legal News

Independence Hall Philadelphia where May 1986 naturalization ceremony was held

Legal Analysis

A Spring Day of New Citizens at Independence Hall (May 1986)

May 4, 2026

courtroom story showing an elder attorney’s scuffed shoes during a closing argument, a moment no transcript captures

Criminal

A Courtroom Story the Transcript Could Never Tell

February 14, 2026

George J. Lavin, Jr., Edward A. Gray, and Thomas G. Oakes II — mentors whose guidance shaped a trial lawyer before his first case

About

Before the First Case: How Mentorship Shapes a Trial Lawyer

February 14, 2026

Firefighters and an excavator working at the scene of the Bristol, PA nursing home fire after the December 2025 explosion.

Legal Analysis

Bristol Nursing Home Fire: What This Tragedy Reveals

January 9, 2026

Edward A. Gray reputation lesson demonstrated by water pouring from a bottle onto a table during a legal teaching moment

Legal Analysis

You Can’t Put the Water Back: A Lesson on Reputation I Will Never Forget

February 14, 2026

Engraved clock presented to Thomas Oakes in appreciation for his service at the 30th Annual IADC Trial Academy

About

This Clock Marks More Than Time: A Turning Point at the IADC Trial Academy

February 14, 2026

rofessor Barbara Lynne Ashcroft, Thomas G. Oakes, and Jack Delany, Esquire, following the Temple LL.M. in Trial Advocacy trial technology lecture series.

Depositions

How Teaching Trial Technology Transformed a Generation of Trial Lawyers at Temple’s LL.M. in Trial Advocacy

May 4, 2026

Cinematic-style image of two silhouetted attorneys facing opposite directions with a gavel between them and the Philadelphia skyline glowing in the background, representing the real case that inspired the movie Philadelphia.

Depositions

The Real Philadelphia AIDS Case Behind the Movie “Philadelphia”

May 10, 2026

Attorney presenting smoothly with high-tech trial tools while opposing counsel panics with outdated equipment in a courtroom.

News Updates & Technology

You Don’t Take a Knife to a Gunfight: A True Story About High-Tech Trial Presentation

December 3, 2025

Silent Advocacy in Action federal trial courtroom George Lavin no objections jury presentation

Legal Analysis

Silent Advocacy in Action: How Two Elite Trial Lawyers Tried a Federal Case Without a Single Objection

May 4, 2026

George J. Lavin, Jr. and Tom Oakes - Lunch at LaFamiglia

News Updates & Technology

🏛️ Court Officials: The Forgotten Key to Silent Advocacy

May 4, 2026

Judge meeting with attorneys during final pre-trial conference — Silent Advocacy Series, Philly Legal News

Legal Analysis

Chapter IV: The Final Pre-Trial Meeting with the Court

May 4, 2026

A Spring Day of New Citizens at Independence Hall (May 1986)

A Courtroom Story the Transcript Could Never Tell

Before the First Case: How Mentorship Shapes a Trial Lawyer

Bristol Nursing Home Fire: What This Tragedy Reveals

You Can’t Put the Water Back: A Lesson on Reputation I Will Never Forget

This Clock Marks More Than Time: A Turning Point at the IADC Trial Academy

How Teaching Trial Technology Transformed a Generation of Trial Lawyers at Temple’s LL.M. in Trial Advocacy

The Real Philadelphia AIDS Case Behind the Movie “Philadelphia”

You Don’t Take a Knife to a Gunfight: A True Story About High-Tech Trial Presentation

Silent Advocacy in Action: How Two Elite Trial Lawyers Tried a Federal Case Without a Single Objection

🏛️ Court Officials: The Forgotten Key to Silent Advocacy

Chapter IV: The Final Pre-Trial Meeting with the Court

Browse by Category

Recent News

A Spring Day of New Citizens at Independence Hall (May 1986)

PCFFF (“PC Triple-F”): The Post-Collision Fuel-Fed Fire Cases That Launched My Firm and Career

Sign Up For Our Newsletter