This summer, the Philadelphia Bar Association bids farewell to Harvey Hurdle as he steps down from executive director and begins his retirement. We greatly appreciate all of Harvey’s work and dedication to the Association, and wish him the very best as he embarks on the next stage of his lifetime with his family and friends. In this issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer, co-editor-in-chief Shelli Fedullo interviewed Harvey about the past six years and his experience leading the Association.

As we roll into summer, the son of one friend is leaving for journalism camp, the grandchild of another friend is off to Normandy for a French immersion experience, and the offspring of others are doing a variety of unpaid internships. I’m excited for these young people who are having a set of experiences that I could never have imagined, and their adventures have caused me to reflect on the summer experiences of my working youth.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 516, addressing the circumstances under which a lawyer may permissibly withdraw from representing a client under ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(1). Because Pa. Rule of Professional Conduct 1/16(b)(1) is identical to the Model Rule, this opinion provides helpful guidance for Pennsylvania lawyers navigating the ethical complexities of terminating client relationships, particularly when withdrawal is not mandatory or explicitly justified under other provisions of Rule 1.16. 

We traveled back to moments in our history for which we are shamed, but from which we should, and must, be able to learn.

This is the first of a series of "pro bono success stories" which highlight the essential needs of pro bono clients and the transformative impact of work by our public interest law centers and dedicated legal volunteers. Look for more "success stories" in the coming months. 

The first time I met Harvey Hurdle was during the fall of 2018, although “met” is not really    the best description. I listened and watched Harvey while he stood at the front of a conference room, presenting to and answering questions from about 15 lawyers. It was his first interview with the search committee tasked with screening candidates for the Philadelphia Bar Association executive director’s job.