PTLA’s Annual Meeting is a celebration of our members, leadership, and rising stars in the field of trial advocacy.  On Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Sofitel Philadelphia, we welcomed our 66th President, Thomas Sweeney.

Before Association business, attendees paused to reflect on and honor the memory of PTLA President Jason Daria, who courageously battled cancer and passed away before completing his term.  His unwavering dedication to PTLA and the civil justice system continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

We also recognized the recipients of the James J. Manderino Award for Trial Advocacy.  Presented annually, these awards honor outstanding law school graduates from the Philadelphia area who have demonstrated exceptional skill, advocacy, and promise in the courtroom.

Though this year’s Annual Meeting included a heartfelt tribute to President Daria’s service and legacy by his law partner John Dodig, it also highlighted the strength of PTLA’s incoming leadership — President Thomas Sweeney, President Elect Nadeem Bezar, and Vice President Robert Miller — and, the bright future of the Association.

	Tom Sweeney, John Dodig, Nadeem Bezar, Rob Miller, David Thiruselvam, and Josh Schwartz

Matthew Peipher, Villanova University, Charles Widger School of Law;  Rachelle Casement, Temple University, Beasley School of Law; Amanda Jonas Lorentson, Trial Advocacy Awards Committee Chairwoman;  Caroline Albert, Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law; and,  Kevon Elzey, Rutgers University Not pictured:  Jerome J. Verdier, Widener University, Delaware Law School; and, Markella Tsalikis, University of Pennsylvania, Carey School of Law.

In Memoriam Jason Daria PTLA PTLA President 2025-2026