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Capehart Scatchard Attorneys Named To The 2026 Super Lawyers And Rising Stars Lists

Capehart Scatchard is pleased to announce that shareholders Sanmathi (Sanu) Dev (Schools & Education) and Betsy Ramos (Business Litigation) have recently been named to the 2026 New Jersey Super Lawyers list as voted by their peers and facilitated by Thomson Reuters. Fewer than 5% of lawyers in the state are selected for the Super Lawyers list.

Additionally, Christina Dewland (Civil Litigation: Defense), Nuo (Norman) Jiang (Civil Litigation: Defense), Evan Kerstetter (Estate & Probate), and Alexis Rose (Workers’ Compensation), were selected for inclusion in the 2026 New Jersey Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list. Fewer than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected for the Rising Stars list.

  • The Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists are issued by Thomson Reuters.
  • A description of the selection methodology may be obtained here.

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

  • Firm News

Alexis Rose Presents At NJPRIMA Seminar

Capehart Scatchard Shareholder, Alexis M. Rose, Esq., spoke on March 12, 2026, at the New Jersey Public Risk Management Association’s (NJPRIMA) Spring Educational Seminar. The event was held at the Knoll Country Club – West in Boonton, New Jersey.

During her presentation, Ms. Rose provided a legal update on two recent laws relating to mental health and PTSD claims for first responders. The first law, signed in June 2025, took away from employers the right to direct medical care in certain mental health cases for first responders, and allows these first responders to choose their own mental health professional for treatment of a work-related “critical incident.” The second law, signed in January 2026, provides employees diagnosed with PTSD with additional employment protections.

A member of the firm’s Workers’ Compensation Department, Ms. Rose focuses her practice in the representation of employers, self-insured companies, and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation defense matters. She received her law degree from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law and a B.A. degree in Political Science from Rowan University. Upon graduating from law school, Ms. Rose worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Yolanda Rodriguez, J.S.C. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

  • Firm News

Capehart Scatchard Supports Kids’ Chance of NJ at Eleventh Annual “Bowl for the Kids” Fundraiser

Attorneys from Capehart Scatchard’s Workers’ Compensation Department recently participated in the 11th Annual Bowl for the Kids event hosted by Kids’ Chance of New Jersey. Held on March 5, 2026, at Colonial Bowling in Lawrenceville, the annual fundraiser benefits Kids’ Chance, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and educational opportunities to children of workers who have suffered fatal or catastrophic workplace injuries.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting injured workers and their families, Capehart Scatchard proudly served as an event sponsor, helping to raise critical funds to advance the organization’s mission.

PHOTO: Standing (left to right): Jason Sikoryak, Evan Kerstetter, Brian Berkoff, Alexis Rose, Jennifer Loughran, Kelly Sobon (Workers’ Compensation Manager at Virtua Health), Martie Campbell Baggett, Reece McGovern, and Michael Bileci. Kneeling in front: Kenneth Chiarella.

  • Firm News

Jodi Howlett Addresses NJ Principals and Supervisors Association on Section 504 Compliance

Capehart Scatchard is pleased to announce that Jodi S. Howlett, a shareholder in the firm’s School Law Department, spoke at a seminar hosted by the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association on February 12, 2026, in Monroe Township, New Jersey.

Ms. Howlett presented a program entitled “Section 504 Explained.” The session provided attendees with a detailed overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its application within school districts. The presentation examined eligibility requirements, the development of 504 plans, parent and student rights, and practical considerations in providing services under a Section 504 plan.

With over 14 years of experience in education law, Ms. Howlett devotes her practice to advising and representing boards of education in New Jersey. She is a skilled special education litigator who represents school districts in due process matters from initial complaint through final resolution, including trial.

Ms. Howlett earned her Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Green Mountain College. She served two terms as a law clerk to the Honorable Michael A. MacDonald of the Alaska Superior Court, Fourth Judicial District. Ms. Howlett is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and New Jersey School Boards Association.

  • Firm News

Capehart Scatchard Sponsors Samaritan’s Celebration Of Life Gala

Capehart Scatchard was a Silver sponsor of Samaritan’s 2026 Celebration of Life Gala, held on February 7, 2026, at Live! Casino Philadelphia. Workers’ Compensation Department attorneys John W. Pszwaro and Jason Sikoryak represented the firm at the event.

The annual Gala supports Samaritan’s mission to provide hospice, grief support, palliative, and primary care services. In addition to fundraising, the event celebrated Samaritan’s 45 years of delivering life-enhancing care to more than 11,000 families each year throughout Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties. For more information about Samaritan, visit www.samaritannj.org.

PHOTO L to R: Jason Sikoryak and John Pszwaro

  • Firm News

Capehart Scatchard Admits Two New Shareholders

Capehart Scatchard is pleased to announce that two attorneys were admitted as shareholders of the 150 year old law firm.  The new shareholders at Capehart Scatchard are:

Kenneth R. Chiarella – Workers’ Compensation Department

Alexis M. Rose – Workers’ Compensation Department

  • Firm News

Capehart Scatchard Partners With Local Food Bank To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Capehart Scatchard partnered with the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) to support its mission to combat hunger in the region. On January 19, 2026, attorneys and staff volunteered at FBSJ’s headquarters in Pennsauken, New Jersey, assisting with the collection, inspection, sorting, and packaging of food for distribution to individuals and families in need.  Volunteers also donated food items collected from firm employees to further supplement the Food Bank’s supplies.

The Food Bank of South Jersey is dedicated to providing immediate solutions to hunger by distributing food to those in need, promoting nutritious eating, and helping individuals and families find sustainable paths toward self-sufficiency. For more information on the Food Bank of South Jersey, please visit https://foodbanksj.org/.

PHOTO L to R: Dillon DiGuglielmo, Jason Sikoryak, Tania Parra, TJ Bauersachs, Ana-Eliza Bauersachs (Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee), Jennifer Haddon, Robert Steere, Alexandra Escobedo, and Evan Kerstetter

  • Firm News

Capehart Scatchard Names Laura M. Danks As Executive Director

Capehart Scatchard is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2026, Laura M. Danks will assume the role of Executive Director of the firm. Ms. Danks will succeed Mary Ellen Rose, who retired from the firm at the end of 2025, following a distinguished career marked by exceptional leadership and service.

Ms. Danks joined Capehart Scatchard as an associate in 2005 and has been a valued member of the firm for two decades. She is a shareholder in the Commercial Litigation Department, where she focuses her practice on both general litigation and commercial litigation matters.

Ms. Danks received her Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Capehart Scatchard looks forward to Ms. Danks’ leadership as the firm enters its next chapter and celebrates its 150th anniversary, a milestone that reflects a century and a half of service, integrity, and excellence.

  • Firm News

Capehart Scatchard Announces Retirement of Stephen T. Fannon and Mary Ellen Rose

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.  

  • Firm News

In Memoriam: Peter S. Bejsiuk, 1954-2025

Capehart Scatchard, P.A. mourns the loss of our beloved former Managing Shareholder and cherished friend, Peter S. Bejsiuk, who passed away on December 18, 2025.

Peter joined Capehart Scatchard in 1985 and retired from the firm in 2016. He was a graduate of Washington University School of Law and clerked for the Hon. Paul Lowengrub, Superior Court of New Jersey in Camden. Throughout his distinguished career at Capehart, Peter held numerous leadership roles, including member of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Business and Finance Department, and Managing Shareholder from 2001-2014. He also served as Chair of the Banking Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association from 2000-2002.

Peter represented the very best of our firm’s values through both his character and his conduct. A trusted mentor and colleague, he approached every relationship with generosity, respect, and genuine care. Known for his quick wit and sharp sense of humor, Peter brought warmth and laughter to the workplace, creating an environment where people felt supported and inspired. Working alongside Peter was not only a privilege, but a true joy.

 We extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family and friends. A link to his obituary can be found here.

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