On the Docket Pittsburgh: 12/17/12

Edward F. Hirshberg has joined Goehring, Rutter and Boehm as a member of its litigation and real estate law groups. His legal experience includes dealing with insurance claims, foreclosure proceedings, breach of contract suits, personal injury actions, eminent domain questions and creditor's rights issues.

He received his J.D, from Duquesne University School of Law.

Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. said Catrina A. Rogers joined as an associate. She concentrates her practice in the area of medical malpractice.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Rogers served as a judicial law clerk to Allegheny Court of Common Pleas Judge Ronal W. Folino.

Ms. Rogers received her J.D. from the Duquesne University School of Law.

Peacock Keller said Melissa A. John joined its litigation group. Ms. John focuses her practice on civil litigation, health and hospital matters and insurance defense.

Ms. John earned her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Following graduation, she served as a law clerk for former Washington County Court of Common Pleas Judge Mark E. Mascara. Previously a lawyer with the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender, Ms. John also worked as an attorney case manager for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Allegheny County, where she advocated on behalf of abused and neglected children.

She is an adjunct faculty member at the Community College of Allegheny County, where she teaches classes in the business law and paralegal program.

Ms. John is also a member of the Washington County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Steiner & Blechman LLC announced that Alexandra L. Kovalchick has joined as an associate attorney and will be handling support, divorce, custody, and other matters in family court.

Frank, Gale, Bails, Murcko & Pocrass, P.C. announced that the firm has received a 2013 "Best Law Firms" Tier 1 metropolitan ranking by U.S. News Best Lawyers publication for its practice of family law in Pittsburgh. This is the second consecutive year the firm has received this honor.

Samuel J. Reich joined as of counsel to the Law Office of James K. Paulick, which is opening a new office at 707 Grant St., 1744 Gulf Tower, Downtown. The firm handles both civil and criminal cases, but focuses in state and federal criminal proceedings.

Mr. Paulick has been in practice since 2009, handling civil and criminal litigation. Mr. Reich, a 50-year practitioner, is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he prosecuted cases involving organized crime and racketeering.

Cohen & Grigsby said Bruce Chiu was named a partner in the firm's Pittsburgh office. Mr. Chiu previously served as senior counsel. He focuses his practice on e-commerce, technology development and licensing agreements, international business transactions, and general corporate matters. He also negotiates telecommunications procurement agreements and outsourcing agreements.

Reed Smith LLP has been selected as one of the 2012 Working Mother & Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firms for Women. The firm placed "among the leaders of American law firms committed to implementing women-friendly workplaces." The achievements of the 2012 Best Law Firms for Women were be recognized at a Dec. 5 luncheon in New York City. Reed Smith and the other firms named to this year's class will also be featured in the winter issue of Working Mother magazine and at workingmother.com.

Michael Sherman has joined Tucker Arensberg as an associate in the business and finance practice. Mr. Sherman, formerly vice president of commercial and institutional banking finance at PNC Financial Services Group, will be doing general business work as well as focusing on financial transactions and banking regulatory and compliance issues.

U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers edition has awarded Tucker Arensberg a regional "first tier" ranking in the following legal areas: bankruptcy and creditor and debtor rights; insolvency and reorganization; commercial litigation; corporate governance litigation; eminent domain and condemnation; municipal litigation; project finance; and trusts and estates.