Firm News

After decades of trusted service to clients and the legal community, Capehart Scatchard announces the retirement of shareholders Stephen T. Fannon and Mary Ellen Rose, marking the conclusion of distinguished legal careers that together span more than 80 years of service to the firm.

Steve joined the firm in 1979 as a summer law clerk while attending the University of Pennsylvania Law School and has been with the firm ever since. A member of the firm’s Workers’ Compensation Department, he held numerous leadership roles including Co-Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Department and member of the Executive Committee.

Over the years, Steve became a highly respected authority in New Jersey workers’ compensation law and a valued mentor whose guidance and generosity have shaped the careers of many attorneys within the department.

Mary Ellen joined the firm in 1987 after attending Rutgers University School of Law in Camden. A member of the firm’s Banking & Finance and Litigation Departments, she concentrated her practice on commercial and business law, transportation, and franchise law. Throughout her career, she held numerous leadership roles including Chair of the Franchise Practice Group, Hiring Shareholder for more than a decade, and Managing Shareholder beginning in 2015.

As the firm’s first female Managing Shareholder, and at the time the only woman leading one of News Jersey’s largest law firms, Mary Ellen set a powerful example of leadership and excellence. She guided the firm with steadiness and resolve through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 years and was a source of strength and reassurance for colleagues and clients alike. Her leadership and dedication have left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the firm for years to come.