Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan, located in King of Prussia, PA, holds the highest "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, attesting to the skill and experience of our attorneys based upon peer review.

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan, located in King of Prussia, PA, holds the highest "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, attesting to the skill and experience of our attorneys based upon peer review.

Firm Overview

All of our attorneys have many years of experience, some having more than 45 years in practice. Four of our attorneys (Ken Butera, Stu Cohen, Bill Brennan, and Kevin Palmer) have individually received Martindale-Hubbell's highest "AV" rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Several of our attorneys are prolific authors and lecturers in their fields..

Prominent:
BBC&B is one of the oldest and best known suburban Philadelphia law firms, having been in continuous practice in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties for over 50 years. Our partners have written legal treatises, taught seminars for other lawyers and have served on the boards of significant public and private entities. Our attorneys are active in their communities, serving on local governmental bodies and working with educational and charitable institutions.

Result Oriented:
Let's face it, results matter. And so does cost. We have a long track record of successful representation of businesses and individuals alike, clients with wide ranging legal matters looking for prompt and cost effective results. Our client base includes many small and medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs who depend on efficient representation. Many of our clients have come from larger firms which, due to their size and overhead, cannot provide the rapid, cost-conscious and tenacious response required.

Responsive:
We pride ourselves on being responsive. You need answers promptly and "tomorrow" is usually too late. One way we set ourselves apart from other firms is by being diligent in responding to your needs. We realize that while we may handle many legal matters, yours may be the only one you have.

Our History:
What has evolved into Butera, Beausang, Cohen and Brennan has its genesis in Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1961. As the firm expanded, the principal office was moved to King of Prussia in 1973, and in November 1989, our office was relocated to its present address in Freedom Business Center.

Main Office

Main Office
630 Freedom Business Center, Suite 108
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone

610-265-0800

Business

Our firm represents a broad range of clients from individuals to local businesses to larger corporations whose stock is traded publicly.

-estate planning and administration; wills and trusts; power of attorney; living wills; advanced health care directive
-restaurant and liquor licensing matters; PA Liquor Control Board; license sales and renewals; LCB citations and violations
-all phases of commercial transactions from negotiations through preparation of agreements and closing
-purchases and sales of businesses and real estate
-litigation of all types, including personal injury, business disputes, tax matters, employment issues, products liability, real estate questions, and municipal enforcement in state and federal courts
-comprehensive income, estate and gift tax counseling
-serving as counsel to corporations, partnerships and other organizations, including acquisitions, mergers, liquidations and shareholder matters
-acting as general counsel to life and health insurance companies
-serving as counsel to major regional developers and individual owners in all phases of real estate transactions, including acquisition, planning, subdivision and zoning
-acting as corporate litigation counsel to banks and financial institutions
-employment matters/wrongful discharge
-acting as counsel in domestic and family disputes
-representation of municipalities and municipal organizations
-creditor's rights and bankruptcy; collection matters
-representing franchisors and franchisees
-regulatory matters (such as environmental and OSHA)
-selected criminal matters, including DUI charges and driver licensing matters
-residential real estate matters; purchases and sales; closings
-residential zoning and subdivision
-change of name; credit report disputes and corrections
-boundary and real estate disputes

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Karen Peterson

Law Practice:
Ken Butera is the firm's founder and Managing Shareholder. He has been a fixture in Montgomery County and suburban legal circles for over forty years. His practice concentrates on commercial transactions, estate planning, real estate and business law. A large part of Ken's practice includes restaurant and liquor licensing matters, including liquor license transfers and the purchase and sale of restaurant businesses. Ken has years of experience working on behalf of clients with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. In addition to his law practice, Ken has served as a featured lecturer on real estate law in seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

An important part of Ken's practice involves working with newly created businesses, including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. He has been instrumental in the creation of countless new restaurants and other small businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Ken clearly enjoys the challenges that come with meeting new clients and launching new business enterprises, and many of his clients have also become friends over the years.

Professional Memberships:
-Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Member, Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1957

Education:
-Dickinson School of Law (LL.B., 1956)
-Dickinson College (B.S., 1953)

Professional Activities:
-Director and Chairman, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 1986 - 2007
-Member, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
-Director and Vice Chairman, Amici Advisory Board, Center of Italian Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1986 - 1997
-Director and Vice President, Montgomery County Victim Services Center, 1981-87
-Board Member, Montgomery County Girl Scouts of America
-Board Member, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross
-Former President, Montgomery County Estate Planning Association.
-Board Member of the Civil War Museum in Philadelphia

Select Practice Areas:
-Restaurants/Liquor Law
-Commercial Transactions/Contracts/Franchises
-Real Estate/Zoning/Leases
-Estates/Wills/Trusts/Estate Planning and Administration
-New Business Start-Up and Development
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Business

Ken has handled literally hundreds of restaurant and business acquisitions over the years, including liquor license transfers, LCB matters and related real estate conveyances.

Personal:
Ken, who resides in Philadelphia, was born in Norristown and has always lived in the Philadelphia region except for a few tough years in Verona, Italy, with the Army. He was educated in the Norristown public schools and spent seven years in Carlisle ("They threatened to make me the Mayor"), attending Dickinson College and the Dickinson School of Law.

Although he spent two and a half years on the staff of the Montgomery County District Attorney, he leaves the litigation (criminal and civil) to others in the office and focuses mainly on commercial transactions and estate planning. A large number of his clients are restaurateurs, for which he is grateful on two counts: first, he loves a good meal out; and second, he finds his restaurant clients endlessly engaging and a bit more colorful.

He is married to Karol M. Wasylyshyn who is a consultant on leadership to corporations. He is the father of three daughters and two sons (twins!) and eight grandchildren. His interests vary, but he is particularly fond of traveling and cooking, and he claims there is no such thing as a bad movie.

Education

Dickinson School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Karen Peterson

Law Practice:
Ken Butera is the firm's founder and Managing Shareholder. He has been a fixture in Montgomery County and suburban legal circles for over forty years. His practice concentrates on commercial transactions, estate planning, real estate and business law. A large part of Ken's practice includes restaurant and liquor licensing matters, including liquor license transfers and the purchase and sale of restaurant businesses. Ken has years of experience working on behalf of clients with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. In addition to his law practice, Ken has served as a featured lecturer on real estate law in seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

An important part of Ken's practice involves working with newly created businesses, including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. He has been instrumental in the creation of countless new restaurants and other small businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Ken clearly enjoys the challenges that come with meeting new clients and launching new business enterprises, and many of his clients have also become friends over the years.

Professional Memberships:
-Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Member, Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1957

Education:
-Dickinson School of Law (LL.B., 1956)
-Dickinson College (B.S., 1953)

Professional Activities:
-Director and Chairman, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 1986 - 2007
-Member, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
-Director and Vice Chairman, Amici Advisory Board, Center of Italian Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1986 - 1997
-Director and Vice President, Montgomery County Victim Services Center, 1981-87
-Board Member, Montgomery County Girl Scouts of America
-Board Member, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross
-Former President, Montgomery County Estate Planning Association.
-Board Member of the Civil War Museum in Philadelphia

Select Practice Areas:
-Restaurants/Liquor Law
-Commercial Transactions/Contracts/Franchises
-Real Estate/Zoning/Leases
-Estates/Wills/Trusts/Estate Planning and Administration
-New Business Start-Up and Development
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Business

Ken has handled literally hundreds of restaurant and business acquisitions over the years, including liquor license transfers, LCB matters and related real estate conveyances.

Personal:
Ken, who resides in Philadelphia, was born in Norristown and has always lived in the Philadelphia region except for a few tough years in Verona, Italy, with the Army. He was educated in the Norristown public schools and spent seven years in Carlisle ("They threatened to make me the Mayor"), attending Dickinson College and the Dickinson School of Law.

Although he spent two and a half years on the staff of the Montgomery County District Attorney, he leaves the litigation (criminal and civil) to others in the office and focuses mainly on commercial transactions and estate planning. A large number of his clients are restaurateurs, for which he is grateful on two counts: first, he loves a good meal out; and second, he finds his restaurant clients endlessly engaging and a bit more colorful.

He is married to Karol M. Wasylyshyn who is a consultant on leadership to corporations. He is the father of three daughters and two sons (twins!) and eight grandchildren. His interests vary, but he is particularly fond of traveling and cooking, and he claims there is no such thing as a bad movie.

Education

Dickinson School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Stuart N. Cohen

Law Practice:
Stuart Cohen joined the Firm in 1972 and is a shareholder. His practice areas include real estate, commercial law, municipal law, zoning law and land use. Stu has many years of experience in real estate and municipal law, including land development, zoning and construction matters. He is also a municipal solicitor in Chester County and has frequent contact with local developers and municipalities. Stu handles land development and zoning matters large and small, and is often involved in major complex projects in the area. He represents developers and commercial operators as well as apartment complexes and other large owners.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-New York, 1972
-Pennsylvania, 1972

Education:
-Queens College of the City University of New York (B.A., cum laude, 1968)
-University of Michigan (J.D., 1971)

Professional Activities:
-Chairman, Montgomery County Bar Association Committee on Banking, Corporation and Business Law, 1983
-Solicitor to East Vincent Township

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate
-Municipal Law
-Zoning/Land Development
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses

Personal:
Stu and Jayne, his wife, live near Phoenixville and have two sons, Michael and Benjamin. They are avid hikers and think nothing of doing full loops on the five-mile trail in Valley Forge. Among their interests are travel, reading, and movies.

Education

University of Michigan
Juris Doctorate, 1971

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Stuart N. Cohen

Law Practice:
Stuart Cohen joined the Firm in 1972 and is a shareholder. His practice areas include real estate, commercial law, municipal law, zoning law and land use. Stu has many years of experience in real estate and municipal law, including land development, zoning and construction matters. He is also a municipal solicitor in Chester County and has frequent contact with local developers and municipalities. Stu handles land development and zoning matters large and small, and is often involved in major complex projects in the area. He represents developers and commercial operators as well as apartment complexes and other large owners.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-New York, 1972
-Pennsylvania, 1972

Education:
-Queens College of the City University of New York (B.A., cum laude, 1968)
-University of Michigan (J.D., 1971)

Professional Activities:
-Chairman, Montgomery County Bar Association Committee on Banking, Corporation and Business Law, 1983
-Solicitor to East Vincent Township

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate
-Municipal Law
-Zoning/Land Development
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses

Personal:
Stu and Jayne, his wife, live near Phoenixville and have two sons, Michael and Benjamin. They are avid hikers and think nothing of doing full loops on the five-mile trail in Valley Forge. Among their interests are travel, reading, and movies.

Education

University of Michigan Juris Doctorate, 1971


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
William J. Brennan

Law Practice:
William J. (Bill) Brennan is an "AV" rated trial lawyer and municipal solicitor who has spent his entire 35 year legal career with the Firm. Bill routinely represents local government, large and small corporations, partnerships and individuals in complex civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. As a result of his diligence, persistence and attention to detail, his clients have achieved excellent and cost effective results. In 1992, Bill tried a catastrophic personal injury case to a jury in Bucks County, Pennsylvania which resulted in the largest personal injury verdict in the history of that county it stood as the largest verdict for more than 10 years Bui v. Officine Meccaniche No. 90-3443. Bill has represented municipalities, landowners and developers in significant zoning and development litigation and has also been involved in numerous labor law and employment cases. Judges rarely note favorably the performance of lawyers who appear before them, however, in a published U.S. District Court Opinion, the Honorable Clarence Newcomer specifically commented on Mr. Brennan's "excellent performance at trial". 1995 W.L. 116646. In another published Opinion, the Honorable William Vogel of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas commented favorably on Bill's "skillful research" and the "eloquence with which it was presented at oral argurment." 102 Montg. L. R. 319.

Recognizing the importance of cost effective business resolutions, Bill strongly favors practical, thoughtful and innovative solutions to business disputes, but is experienced, creative and aggressive on behalf of his clients when formal litigation is required.

Bill spent more than 20 years as the municipal Solicitor to Upper Providence Township in Montgomery County, where he also represented the Upper Providence Municipal Authority. During that time, he defeated, after 42 hearings, a well funded development proposal for a 50,000 watt 6 tower AM radio station and was involved in management of municipal legal affairs for the development of major commercial and industrial sites, including the present world headquarters of several Fortune 500 drug companies. Bill has recently been appointed to serve as Solicitor to Schuylkill Township, Chester County and the Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority. Bill has also been involved in litigation which ultimately resulted in a change in the law of Pennsylvania concerning the so called "English Rule" regarding malicious prosecution, allowing victims of improper lawsuits to recover.

Bill has written articles in the field of personal injury, tort law, including on the topic of "assumption of risk" and he regularly participates in writing for the Firm's newsletter. He is a former member of the Planning Commission in Schuylkill Township and the Council of Trustees at West Chester University.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1976
-U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1976
-United States Tax Court
-United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
-United States Supreme Court

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., cum laude, 1973)
-Villanova University (J.D., 1976)

Professional Activities:
-Solicitor to Schuylkill Township
-Solicitor to Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority

Selected Practice Areas:
-Major Business Civil Litigation in state and federal court
-Municipal Law and Land Use/Zoning
-Major Personal Injury matters/Wrongful Death
-Motor Vehicle Law and Arbitration
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Employment Litigation/Non-Union Labor Matters (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Discrimination Cases (Race/Sex/Age/Disability) (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Corporate/Partnership Disputes
-Insurance Matters (Claims disputes, Coverage matters)
-Shareholder/Investor Litigation
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Civil Rights Litigation

Education

Villanova University
Juris Doctorate, 1976

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
William J. Brennan

Law Practice:
William J. (Bill) Brennan is an "AV" rated trial lawyer and municipal solicitor who has spent his entire 35 year legal career with the Firm. Bill routinely represents local government, large and small corporations, partnerships and individuals in complex civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. As a result of his diligence, persistence and attention to detail, his clients have achieved excellent and cost effective results. In 1992, Bill tried a catastrophic personal injury case to a jury in Bucks County, Pennsylvania which resulted in the largest personal injury verdict in the history of that county it stood as the largest verdict for more than 10 years Bui v. Officine Meccaniche No. 90-3443. Bill has represented municipalities, landowners and developers in significant zoning and development litigation and has also been involved in numerous labor law and employment cases. Judges rarely note favorably the performance of lawyers who appear before them, however, in a published U.S. District Court Opinion, the Honorable Clarence Newcomer specifically commented on Mr. Brennan's "excellent performance at trial". 1995 W.L. 116646. In another published Opinion, the Honorable William Vogel of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas commented favorably on Bill's "skillful research" and the "eloquence with which it was presented at oral argurment." 102 Montg. L. R. 319.

Recognizing the importance of cost effective business resolutions, Bill strongly favors practical, thoughtful and innovative solutions to business disputes, but is experienced, creative and aggressive on behalf of his clients when formal litigation is required.

Bill spent more than 20 years as the municipal Solicitor to Upper Providence Township in Montgomery County, where he also represented the Upper Providence Municipal Authority. During that time, he defeated, after 42 hearings, a well funded development proposal for a 50,000 watt 6 tower AM radio station and was involved in management of municipal legal affairs for the development of major commercial and industrial sites, including the present world headquarters of several Fortune 500 drug companies. Bill has recently been appointed to serve as Solicitor to Schuylkill Township, Chester County and the Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority. Bill has also been involved in litigation which ultimately resulted in a change in the law of Pennsylvania concerning the so called "English Rule" regarding malicious prosecution, allowing victims of improper lawsuits to recover.

Bill has written articles in the field of personal injury, tort law, including on the topic of "assumption of risk" and he regularly participates in writing for the Firm's newsletter. He is a former member of the Planning Commission in Schuylkill Township and the Council of Trustees at West Chester University.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1976
-U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1976
-United States Tax Court
-United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
-United States Supreme Court

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., cum laude, 1973)
-Villanova University (J.D., 1976)

Professional Activities:
-Solicitor to Schuylkill Township
-Solicitor to Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority

Selected Practice Areas:
-Major Business Civil Litigation in state and federal court
-Municipal Law and Land Use/Zoning
-Major Personal Injury matters/Wrongful Death
-Motor Vehicle Law and Arbitration
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Employment Litigation/Non-Union Labor Matters (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Discrimination Cases (Race/Sex/Age/Disability) (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Corporate/Partnership Disputes
-Insurance Matters (Claims disputes, Coverage matters)
-Shareholder/Investor Litigation
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Civil Rights Litigation

Education

Villanova University Juris Doctorate, 1976


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Kevin A. Palmer

Law Practice:
Kevin Palmer joined the firm in 1983 and is a shareholder. His varied practice includes commercial and corporate law, business acquisitions, real estate, municipal law, zoning, land use, taxation, banking law and commercial litigation. He has been a featured lecturer on real estate law in continuing legal education seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Kevin serves as general counsel for a Swiss corporation which designs and manufactures cryogenic equipment, and he represents a diverse array of local businesses, including auto parts distributors, beverage companies, oil and gas distributors, real estate developers, physicians, accountants and other professionals. He also handles residential real estate closings for a major national relocation company.

Kevin's unique multi-dimensional practice combines real estate, business and corporate transactional matters as well as business and commercial litigation matters. As a result he is a knowledgeable business planner with a concrete grasp of how to handle business disputes and litigation should the need arise. Few transactional lawyers also have this added dimension. He has handled a large number of purchases and sales of businesses and real estate ranging from under $500,000 to transactions involving many millions of dollars. Kevin has successfully handled countless zoning cases (commercial and residential) and is comfortable appearing before local zoning boards and municipal governing bodies, including Upper Merion Township. He also has extensive courtroom experience in various state and federal courts on behalf of business and private clients, including the Courts of Common Pleas of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Kevin has received the highest "AV" peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale Hubbell and has authored numerous published articles in various professional law journals. (See below.) He also serves as unofficial editor of the Firm's newsletter, Law Update.
Professional Memberships:

Montgomery County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1983
-New Jersey, 1984
-U.S. District Court to 2012
-U.S. Tax Court
-U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1980; B.A.Honors Program, magna cum laude, 1980). Recipient, Robert P. Russell Medal for Academic Excellence.
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 1983)

Legal Articles:
-Kevin has authored many articles over the years for national law journals. Reprints of these articles are available upon request:
-"IRS Search and Seizure Involving Individual Taxpayers: A Constitutional Checklist," 64 TAXES 467, 1986
-"Offers of Judgment," 92 Case & Comment, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 1987
-"Securities Fraud: Supreme Court Says That Tax Benefits Do Not Reduce Recisionary Recoveries: Randall v. Loftsgaarden," 65 TAXES 147, 1987
-"Costs of Litigating Tax Cases Still Recoverable, But New Restrictions Added," 16 Taxation for Lawyers 348, 1988
-"The Taxation of Damage Awards and Settlements Under the Antidiscrimination Laws," 67 TAXES 461, 1989
-"The D'Oench Doctrine: A Proposal for Reform," 108 Banking Law Journal, 585, 1991
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty," 110 Banking Law Journal, 342, 1993
-"Revisiting the Tax Treatment of Discrimination Awards and Settlements After Burke", 71 TAXES 642, 1993
-"Recent Developments in the Taxation of Punitive Damage Awards," 73 TAXES 546, 1995
-"ECOA and the Spousal Guaranty: Change on the Horizon?" 113 Banking Law Journal, 491, 1996
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty: Recent Developments, " 115 Banking Law Journal 357, 1998

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate (sales, purchases, commercial and residential)
-Land Development/Zoning/Subdivision
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Entities
-Commercial and Employment Litigation
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses
-Commercial Collection and Creditor Matters
-Contracts/Commercial Transactions
-Motor Vehicle (Driving and Licensing Matters)

Education

Villanova University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1983

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Kevin A. Palmer

Law Practice:
Kevin Palmer joined the firm in 1983 and is a shareholder. His varied practice includes commercial and corporate law, business acquisitions, real estate, municipal law, zoning, land use, taxation, banking law and commercial litigation. He has been a featured lecturer on real estate law in continuing legal education seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Kevin serves as general counsel for a Swiss corporation which designs and manufactures cryogenic equipment, and he represents a diverse array of local businesses, including auto parts distributors, beverage companies, oil and gas distributors, real estate developers, physicians, accountants and other professionals. He also handles residential real estate closings for a major national relocation company.

Kevin's unique multi-dimensional practice combines real estate, business and corporate transactional matters as well as business and commercial litigation matters. As a result he is a knowledgeable business planner with a concrete grasp of how to handle business disputes and litigation should the need arise. Few transactional lawyers also have this added dimension. He has handled a large number of purchases and sales of businesses and real estate ranging from under $500,000 to transactions involving many millions of dollars. Kevin has successfully handled countless zoning cases (commercial and residential) and is comfortable appearing before local zoning boards and municipal governing bodies, including Upper Merion Township. He also has extensive courtroom experience in various state and federal courts on behalf of business and private clients, including the Courts of Common Pleas of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Kevin has received the highest "AV" peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale Hubbell and has authored numerous published articles in various professional law journals. (See below.) He also serves as unofficial editor of the Firm's newsletter, Law Update.
Professional Memberships:

Montgomery County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1983
-New Jersey, 1984
-U.S. District Court to 2012
-U.S. Tax Court
-U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1980; B.A.Honors Program, magna cum laude, 1980). Recipient, Robert P. Russell Medal for Academic Excellence.
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 1983)

Legal Articles:
-Kevin has authored many articles over the years for national law journals. Reprints of these articles are available upon request:
-"IRS Search and Seizure Involving Individual Taxpayers: A Constitutional Checklist," 64 TAXES 467, 1986
-"Offers of Judgment," 92 Case & Comment, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 1987
-"Securities Fraud: Supreme Court Says That Tax Benefits Do Not Reduce Recisionary Recoveries: Randall v. Loftsgaarden," 65 TAXES 147, 1987
-"Costs of Litigating Tax Cases Still Recoverable, But New Restrictions Added," 16 Taxation for Lawyers 348, 1988
-"The Taxation of Damage Awards and Settlements Under the Antidiscrimination Laws," 67 TAXES 461, 1989
-"The D'Oench Doctrine: A Proposal for Reform," 108 Banking Law Journal, 585, 1991
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty," 110 Banking Law Journal, 342, 1993
-"Revisiting the Tax Treatment of Discrimination Awards and Settlements After Burke", 71 TAXES 642, 1993
-"Recent Developments in the Taxation of Punitive Damage Awards," 73 TAXES 546, 1995
-"ECOA and the Spousal Guaranty: Change on the Horizon?" 113 Banking Law Journal, 491, 1996
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty: Recent Developments, " 115 Banking Law Journal 357, 1998

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate (sales, purchases, commercial and residential)
-Land Development/Zoning/Subdivision
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Entities
-Commercial and Employment Litigation
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses
-Commercial Collection and Creditor Matters
-Contracts/Commercial Transactions
-Motor Vehicle (Driving and Licensing Matters)

Education

Villanova University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 1983


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
N. Curtis Ward

Law Practice:
Curt Ward has been with the firm since 1989 and is a shareholder.

Curt has successfully handled many personal injury cases. He has obtained significant awards and settlements for his clients in very complex personal injury matters. His practice includes cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall and products liability. He has earned a well deserved reputation for tirelessly working for his clients who have been injured and always keeping his clients well informed. He is personally involved in each case to assure the most favorable results.

Curt also handles commercial and other civil litigation matters including shareholder and partner disputes; cases involving covenants not to compete, commercial disparagement, and misappropriation of trade secrets; real estate litigation including representing large commercial and residential landlords; breach of contract lawsuits; construction litigation, including performance disputes and mechanics' liens; collection cases; employment litigation; representing bars and restaurants in litigation involving their operations and liquor licenses; and family law and divorces. With approximately 20 years of trial experience and a substantial business background, he is able to effectively handle even the most complex commercial lawsuit. Curt takes pride in making sure that even his most sophisticated business clients understand the nature of the lawsuit in which they are involved and how the law pertains to that case.
Curt has also successfully handled many cases in Orphans' Court (Pennsylvania's probate court) with regard to disputes involving administration of estates and beneficiaries of trusts and estates. These cases can be emotionally charged and often difficult but Curt's steady and thoughtful approach allows his clients to understand the law and facts of the case and to ultimately make sound and well reasoned decisions.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1988
-U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1988

Education:
-Indiana University (B.S., 1984)
-Wake Forest University (J.D., 1987)

Professional Activities:
-Curt works with our younger attorneys to provide guidance and mentoring in litigation matters.

Select Practice Areas:
-Business and Commercial Litigation (state and federal court)
-Shareholder and Partner Disputes
-Liquor License Litigation (violations, renewals and revocation litigation)
-Landlord/Tenant Matters
-Will, Estate, and Trust Litigation
-Real Estate Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Collections
-Employment Litigation
-Insurance Litigation
-Family Law and Divorces
-Consumer Rights and Fraud Litigation
-Minor Criminal and Driving License Matters

Personal:
Curt is married to Lisa Ward who is a physical therapist and they have three children, Will, Maddie and Colin. They live near Collegeville.

Curt's courtroom intensity is matched only by his behavior on the basketball court, where despite age and injuries he still insists on full-court competition.

Surprising factoid: There was a point in Curt's life when he chose between sitting for the bar exam and becoming a certified public accountant.

Education

Wake Forest University
Juris Doctorate, 1987

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
N. Curtis Ward

Law Practice:
Curt Ward has been with the firm since 1989 and is a shareholder.

Curt has successfully handled many personal injury cases. He has obtained significant awards and settlements for his clients in very complex personal injury matters. His practice includes cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall and products liability. He has earned a well deserved reputation for tirelessly working for his clients who have been injured and always keeping his clients well informed. He is personally involved in each case to assure the most favorable results.

Curt also handles commercial and other civil litigation matters including shareholder and partner disputes; cases involving covenants not to compete, commercial disparagement, and misappropriation of trade secrets; real estate litigation including representing large commercial and residential landlords; breach of contract lawsuits; construction litigation, including performance disputes and mechanics' liens; collection cases; employment litigation; representing bars and restaurants in litigation involving their operations and liquor licenses; and family law and divorces. With approximately 20 years of trial experience and a substantial business background, he is able to effectively handle even the most complex commercial lawsuit. Curt takes pride in making sure that even his most sophisticated business clients understand the nature of the lawsuit in which they are involved and how the law pertains to that case.
Curt has also successfully handled many cases in Orphans' Court (Pennsylvania's probate court) with regard to disputes involving administration of estates and beneficiaries of trusts and estates. These cases can be emotionally charged and often difficult but Curt's steady and thoughtful approach allows his clients to understand the law and facts of the case and to ultimately make sound and well reasoned decisions.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1988
-U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1988

Education:
-Indiana University (B.S., 1984)
-Wake Forest University (J.D., 1987)

Professional Activities:
-Curt works with our younger attorneys to provide guidance and mentoring in litigation matters.

Select Practice Areas:
-Business and Commercial Litigation (state and federal court)
-Shareholder and Partner Disputes
-Liquor License Litigation (violations, renewals and revocation litigation)
-Landlord/Tenant Matters
-Will, Estate, and Trust Litigation
-Real Estate Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Collections
-Employment Litigation
-Insurance Litigation
-Family Law and Divorces
-Consumer Rights and Fraud Litigation
-Minor Criminal and Driving License Matters

Personal:
Curt is married to Lisa Ward who is a physical therapist and they have three children, Will, Maddie and Colin. They live near Collegeville.

Curt's courtroom intensity is matched only by his behavior on the basketball court, where despite age and injuries he still insists on full-court competition.

Surprising factoid: There was a point in Curt's life when he chose between sitting for the bar exam and becoming a certified public accountant.

Education

Wake Forest University Juris Doctorate, 1987


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
J. Kenneth Butera

Law Practice:
Ken Butera joined the firm in 2002 and is a shareholder.

Ken is known variously as "young Kenny", "little Kenny" and Ken Junior (even though he is not a Jr.)

His practice focuses on restaurant and liquor license law, commercial and personal civil litigation, construction litigation, municipal law, zoning and land development issues, real estate, estate planning, commercial collections and domestic relations law. Ken, Jr. has effectively litigated cases in Federal Court, as well as, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ken, Jr. clerked for an Associate Dean of the Villanova University School of Law, served on the board of the Villanova Public Interest Fellowship Program and worked in the Villanova Farm Worker's Legal Aid Clinic. He also served as a clerk at the Senior Citizen Judicare Project in Philadelphia representing the interest of lower income seniors. Before beginning law school, Ken, Jr. owned and operated an accomplished contracting business that focused on the renovation and restoration of architecturally significant buildings. He is thus well grounded in all aspects of construction litigation. He remains active in local politics.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association
-Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 2002
-United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-University of Washington (B.S., 1996)
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 2002)

Professional Activities:
-Board Member, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 2007 - 2013
-In 2011 Ken was elected to serve on the Phoenixville Area School Board.

Select Practice Areas:
-Liquor Licenses
-Restaurants
-Real Estate
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships
-Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Commercial Collection
-Zoning and Land Development
-Estate Planning

Personal:
Ken, Jr. lives in Phoenixville with his wife and children. Born and raised in the region, he moved to Seattle Washington in the early 90's where he finished his undergraduate education from the University of Washington. Despite his love for the Pacific Northwest, he returned to the region in the late 90's and attended Villanova University School of Law. Ken joined the firm in 2002 shortly after his graduation.

His interests are in architecture, cooking, cycling and history.

Ken's wife Alissa Halperin is an attorney who recently began consulting on issues of health law in Pennsylvania and nationally. When Alissa and he are not playing with their children they can usually be found restoring their 110 year old house.

Education

Villanova University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2002

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
J. Kenneth Butera

Law Practice:
Ken Butera joined the firm in 2002 and is a shareholder.

Ken is known variously as "young Kenny", "little Kenny" and Ken Junior (even though he is not a Jr.)

His practice focuses on restaurant and liquor license law, commercial and personal civil litigation, construction litigation, municipal law, zoning and land development issues, real estate, estate planning, commercial collections and domestic relations law. Ken, Jr. has effectively litigated cases in Federal Court, as well as, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ken, Jr. clerked for an Associate Dean of the Villanova University School of Law, served on the board of the Villanova Public Interest Fellowship Program and worked in the Villanova Farm Worker's Legal Aid Clinic. He also served as a clerk at the Senior Citizen Judicare Project in Philadelphia representing the interest of lower income seniors. Before beginning law school, Ken, Jr. owned and operated an accomplished contracting business that focused on the renovation and restoration of architecturally significant buildings. He is thus well grounded in all aspects of construction litigation. He remains active in local politics.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association
-Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 2002
-United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-University of Washington (B.S., 1996)
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 2002)

Professional Activities:
-Board Member, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 2007 - 2013
-In 2011 Ken was elected to serve on the Phoenixville Area School Board.

Select Practice Areas:
-Liquor Licenses
-Restaurants
-Real Estate
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships
-Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Commercial Collection
-Zoning and Land Development
-Estate Planning

Personal:
Ken, Jr. lives in Phoenixville with his wife and children. Born and raised in the region, he moved to Seattle Washington in the early 90's where he finished his undergraduate education from the University of Washington. Despite his love for the Pacific Northwest, he returned to the region in the late 90's and attended Villanova University School of Law. Ken joined the firm in 2002 shortly after his graduation.

His interests are in architecture, cooking, cycling and history.

Ken's wife Alissa Halperin is an attorney who recently began consulting on issues of health law in Pennsylvania and nationally. When Alissa and he are not playing with their children they can usually be found restoring their 110 year old house.

Education

Villanova University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2002


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Rodney S. Fluck

Law Practice:

Rod joined the firm in 2007. He has represented a variety of clients in a wide array of matters, principally involving real estate, corporate law, bank lending, creditors' rights, employment law and landlord/tenant matters. Rod's recent focus has been on transactional matters; however, he also represents companies and individuals involved in employment and labor disputes, shareholder/partnership disputes, real estate litigation and commercial litigation. His clients have included banks, real estate developers, contractors, hospitals, physicians, landlords, tax exempt organizations, and entrepreneurs and a wide variety of small businesses. In all of his matters, Rod brings a commitment to thoroughness and an understanding of the issues, which are aimed at achieving a successful and cost effective solution for the client.

Professional Memberships:
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Montgomery County Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania 1999
-U.S District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-Princeton University (A.B., cum laude, 1993)\
-Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude, 1999)

Publications:
-PBICounseling Small Business Seminar, 2000, CorporationsOperational Considerations (contributing author)
-Sterling Educational Services--Commercial and Residential Evictions in Pennsylvania Seminary, 2007
-Landlord's Rights and Options When the Deal Goes Bad (course presenter and author)
-Sterling Education - Landlord & Tenant Law, October 2007

Personal:
Rod is a native of Upper Bucks County. He is a 1993 graduate of Princeton University (A.B., cum laude) and a 1999 graduate of the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude) where he served on the Dickinson Journal of Environmental Law and the Wagner Labor Law moot court team.

When not practicing law Rod enjoys most types of outdoor activities, and is a particularly avid fisherman and hiker.

Education

Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University
Juris Doctorate, 1999

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Rodney S. Fluck

Law Practice:

Rod joined the firm in 2007. He has represented a variety of clients in a wide array of matters, principally involving real estate, corporate law, bank lending, creditors' rights, employment law and landlord/tenant matters. Rod's recent focus has been on transactional matters; however, he also represents companies and individuals involved in employment and labor disputes, shareholder/partnership disputes, real estate litigation and commercial litigation. His clients have included banks, real estate developers, contractors, hospitals, physicians, landlords, tax exempt organizations, and entrepreneurs and a wide variety of small businesses. In all of his matters, Rod brings a commitment to thoroughness and an understanding of the issues, which are aimed at achieving a successful and cost effective solution for the client.

Professional Memberships:
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Montgomery County Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania 1999
-U.S District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-Princeton University (A.B., cum laude, 1993)\
-Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude, 1999)

Publications:
-PBICounseling Small Business Seminar, 2000, CorporationsOperational Considerations (contributing author)
-Sterling Educational Services--Commercial and Residential Evictions in Pennsylvania Seminary, 2007
-Landlord's Rights and Options When the Deal Goes Bad (course presenter and author)
-Sterling Education - Landlord & Tenant Law, October 2007

Personal:
Rod is a native of Upper Bucks County. He is a 1993 graduate of Princeton University (A.B., cum laude) and a 1999 graduate of the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude) where he served on the Dickinson Journal of Environmental Law and the Wagner Labor Law moot court team.

When not practicing law Rod enjoys most types of outdoor activities, and is a particularly avid fisherman and hiker.

Education

Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University Juris Doctorate, 1999


Firm Overview

All of our attorneys have many years of experience, some having more than 45 years in practice. Four of our attorneys (Ken Butera, Stu Cohen, Bill Brennan, and Kevin Palmer) have individually received Martindale-Hubbell's highest "AV" rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Several of our attorneys are prolific authors and lecturers in their fields..

Prominent:
BBC&B is one of the oldest and best known suburban Philadelphia law firms, having been in continuous practice in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties for over 50 years. Our partners have written legal treatises, taught seminars for other lawyers and have served on the boards of significant public and private entities. Our attorneys are active in their communities, serving on local governmental bodies and working with educational and charitable institutions.

Result Oriented:
Let's face it, results matter. And so does cost. We have a long track record of successful representation of businesses and individuals alike, clients with wide ranging legal matters looking for prompt and cost effective results. Our client base includes many small and medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs who depend on efficient representation. Many of our clients have come from larger firms which, due to their size and overhead, cannot provide the rapid, cost-conscious and tenacious response required.

Responsive:
We pride ourselves on being responsive. You need answers promptly and "tomorrow" is usually too late. One way we set ourselves apart from other firms is by being diligent in responding to your needs. We realize that while we may handle many legal matters, yours may be the only one you have.

Our History:
What has evolved into Butera, Beausang, Cohen and Brennan has its genesis in Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1961. As the firm expanded, the principal office was moved to King of Prussia in 1973, and in November 1989, our office was relocated to its present address in Freedom Business Center.

Main Office

Main Office
630 Freedom Business Center, Suite 108
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone

610-265-0800

Business

Our firm represents a broad range of clients from individuals to local businesses to larger corporations whose stock is traded publicly.

-estate planning and administration; wills and trusts; power of attorney; living wills; advanced health care directive
-restaurant and liquor licensing matters; PA Liquor Control Board; license sales and renewals; LCB citations and violations
-all phases of commercial transactions from negotiations through preparation of agreements and closing
-purchases and sales of businesses and real estate
-litigation of all types, including personal injury, business disputes, tax matters, employment issues, products liability, real estate questions, and municipal enforcement in state and federal courts
-comprehensive income, estate and gift tax counseling
-serving as counsel to corporations, partnerships and other organizations, including acquisitions, mergers, liquidations and shareholder matters
-acting as general counsel to life and health insurance companies
-serving as counsel to major regional developers and individual owners in all phases of real estate transactions, including acquisition, planning, subdivision and zoning
-acting as corporate litigation counsel to banks and financial institutions
-employment matters/wrongful discharge
-acting as counsel in domestic and family disputes
-representation of municipalities and municipal organizations
-creditor's rights and bankruptcy; collection matters
-representing franchisors and franchisees
-regulatory matters (such as environmental and OSHA)
-selected criminal matters, including DUI charges and driver licensing matters
-residential real estate matters; purchases and sales; closings
-residential zoning and subdivision
-change of name; credit report disputes and corrections
-boundary and real estate disputes

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Karen Peterson

Law Practice:
Ken Butera is the firm's founder and Managing Shareholder. He has been a fixture in Montgomery County and suburban legal circles for over forty years. His practice concentrates on commercial transactions, estate planning, real estate and business law. A large part of Ken's practice includes restaurant and liquor licensing matters, including liquor license transfers and the purchase and sale of restaurant businesses. Ken has years of experience working on behalf of clients with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. In addition to his law practice, Ken has served as a featured lecturer on real estate law in seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

An important part of Ken's practice involves working with newly created businesses, including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. He has been instrumental in the creation of countless new restaurants and other small businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Ken clearly enjoys the challenges that come with meeting new clients and launching new business enterprises, and many of his clients have also become friends over the years.

Professional Memberships:
-Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Member, Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1957

Education:
-Dickinson School of Law (LL.B., 1956)
-Dickinson College (B.S., 1953)

Professional Activities:
-Director and Chairman, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 1986 - 2007
-Member, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
-Director and Vice Chairman, Amici Advisory Board, Center of Italian Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1986 - 1997
-Director and Vice President, Montgomery County Victim Services Center, 1981-87
-Board Member, Montgomery County Girl Scouts of America
-Board Member, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross
-Former President, Montgomery County Estate Planning Association.
-Board Member of the Civil War Museum in Philadelphia

Select Practice Areas:
-Restaurants/Liquor Law
-Commercial Transactions/Contracts/Franchises
-Real Estate/Zoning/Leases
-Estates/Wills/Trusts/Estate Planning and Administration
-New Business Start-Up and Development
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Business

Ken has handled literally hundreds of restaurant and business acquisitions over the years, including liquor license transfers, LCB matters and related real estate conveyances.

Personal:
Ken, who resides in Philadelphia, was born in Norristown and has always lived in the Philadelphia region except for a few tough years in Verona, Italy, with the Army. He was educated in the Norristown public schools and spent seven years in Carlisle ("They threatened to make me the Mayor"), attending Dickinson College and the Dickinson School of Law.

Although he spent two and a half years on the staff of the Montgomery County District Attorney, he leaves the litigation (criminal and civil) to others in the office and focuses mainly on commercial transactions and estate planning. A large number of his clients are restaurateurs, for which he is grateful on two counts: first, he loves a good meal out; and second, he finds his restaurant clients endlessly engaging and a bit more colorful.

He is married to Karol M. Wasylyshyn who is a consultant on leadership to corporations. He is the father of three daughters and two sons (twins!) and eight grandchildren. His interests vary, but he is particularly fond of traveling and cooking, and he claims there is no such thing as a bad movie.

Education

Dickinson School of Law
Juris Doctorate,

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Karen Peterson

Law Practice:
Ken Butera is the firm's founder and Managing Shareholder. He has been a fixture in Montgomery County and suburban legal circles for over forty years. His practice concentrates on commercial transactions, estate planning, real estate and business law. A large part of Ken's practice includes restaurant and liquor licensing matters, including liquor license transfers and the purchase and sale of restaurant businesses. Ken has years of experience working on behalf of clients with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. In addition to his law practice, Ken has served as a featured lecturer on real estate law in seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

An important part of Ken's practice involves working with newly created businesses, including corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. He has been instrumental in the creation of countless new restaurants and other small businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Ken clearly enjoys the challenges that come with meeting new clients and launching new business enterprises, and many of his clients have also become friends over the years.

Professional Memberships:
-Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Member, Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1957

Education:
-Dickinson School of Law (LL.B., 1956)
-Dickinson College (B.S., 1953)

Professional Activities:
-Director and Chairman, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 1986 - 2007
-Member, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council
-Director and Vice Chairman, Amici Advisory Board, Center of Italian Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1986 - 1997
-Director and Vice President, Montgomery County Victim Services Center, 1981-87
-Board Member, Montgomery County Girl Scouts of America
-Board Member, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross
-Former President, Montgomery County Estate Planning Association.
-Board Member of the Civil War Museum in Philadelphia

Select Practice Areas:
-Restaurants/Liquor Law
-Commercial Transactions/Contracts/Franchises
-Real Estate/Zoning/Leases
-Estates/Wills/Trusts/Estate Planning and Administration
-New Business Start-Up and Development
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Business

Ken has handled literally hundreds of restaurant and business acquisitions over the years, including liquor license transfers, LCB matters and related real estate conveyances.

Personal:
Ken, who resides in Philadelphia, was born in Norristown and has always lived in the Philadelphia region except for a few tough years in Verona, Italy, with the Army. He was educated in the Norristown public schools and spent seven years in Carlisle ("They threatened to make me the Mayor"), attending Dickinson College and the Dickinson School of Law.

Although he spent two and a half years on the staff of the Montgomery County District Attorney, he leaves the litigation (criminal and civil) to others in the office and focuses mainly on commercial transactions and estate planning. A large number of his clients are restaurateurs, for which he is grateful on two counts: first, he loves a good meal out; and second, he finds his restaurant clients endlessly engaging and a bit more colorful.

He is married to Karol M. Wasylyshyn who is a consultant on leadership to corporations. He is the father of three daughters and two sons (twins!) and eight grandchildren. His interests vary, but he is particularly fond of traveling and cooking, and he claims there is no such thing as a bad movie.

Education

Dickinson School of Law Juris Doctorate,


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Stuart N. Cohen

Law Practice:
Stuart Cohen joined the Firm in 1972 and is a shareholder. His practice areas include real estate, commercial law, municipal law, zoning law and land use. Stu has many years of experience in real estate and municipal law, including land development, zoning and construction matters. He is also a municipal solicitor in Chester County and has frequent contact with local developers and municipalities. Stu handles land development and zoning matters large and small, and is often involved in major complex projects in the area. He represents developers and commercial operators as well as apartment complexes and other large owners.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-New York, 1972
-Pennsylvania, 1972

Education:
-Queens College of the City University of New York (B.A., cum laude, 1968)
-University of Michigan (J.D., 1971)

Professional Activities:
-Chairman, Montgomery County Bar Association Committee on Banking, Corporation and Business Law, 1983
-Solicitor to East Vincent Township

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate
-Municipal Law
-Zoning/Land Development
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses

Personal:
Stu and Jayne, his wife, live near Phoenixville and have two sons, Michael and Benjamin. They are avid hikers and think nothing of doing full loops on the five-mile trail in Valley Forge. Among their interests are travel, reading, and movies.

Education

University of Michigan
Juris Doctorate, 1971

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Stuart N. Cohen

Law Practice:
Stuart Cohen joined the Firm in 1972 and is a shareholder. His practice areas include real estate, commercial law, municipal law, zoning law and land use. Stu has many years of experience in real estate and municipal law, including land development, zoning and construction matters. He is also a municipal solicitor in Chester County and has frequent contact with local developers and municipalities. Stu handles land development and zoning matters large and small, and is often involved in major complex projects in the area. He represents developers and commercial operators as well as apartment complexes and other large owners.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-New York, 1972
-Pennsylvania, 1972

Education:
-Queens College of the City University of New York (B.A., cum laude, 1968)
-University of Michigan (J.D., 1971)

Professional Activities:
-Chairman, Montgomery County Bar Association Committee on Banking, Corporation and Business Law, 1983
-Solicitor to East Vincent Township

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate
-Municipal Law
-Zoning/Land Development
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Companies
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses

Personal:
Stu and Jayne, his wife, live near Phoenixville and have two sons, Michael and Benjamin. They are avid hikers and think nothing of doing full loops on the five-mile trail in Valley Forge. Among their interests are travel, reading, and movies.

Education

University of Michigan Juris Doctorate, 1971


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
William J. Brennan

Law Practice:
William J. (Bill) Brennan is an "AV" rated trial lawyer and municipal solicitor who has spent his entire 35 year legal career with the Firm. Bill routinely represents local government, large and small corporations, partnerships and individuals in complex civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. As a result of his diligence, persistence and attention to detail, his clients have achieved excellent and cost effective results. In 1992, Bill tried a catastrophic personal injury case to a jury in Bucks County, Pennsylvania which resulted in the largest personal injury verdict in the history of that county it stood as the largest verdict for more than 10 years Bui v. Officine Meccaniche No. 90-3443. Bill has represented municipalities, landowners and developers in significant zoning and development litigation and has also been involved in numerous labor law and employment cases. Judges rarely note favorably the performance of lawyers who appear before them, however, in a published U.S. District Court Opinion, the Honorable Clarence Newcomer specifically commented on Mr. Brennan's "excellent performance at trial". 1995 W.L. 116646. In another published Opinion, the Honorable William Vogel of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas commented favorably on Bill's "skillful research" and the "eloquence with which it was presented at oral argurment." 102 Montg. L. R. 319.

Recognizing the importance of cost effective business resolutions, Bill strongly favors practical, thoughtful and innovative solutions to business disputes, but is experienced, creative and aggressive on behalf of his clients when formal litigation is required.

Bill spent more than 20 years as the municipal Solicitor to Upper Providence Township in Montgomery County, where he also represented the Upper Providence Municipal Authority. During that time, he defeated, after 42 hearings, a well funded development proposal for a 50,000 watt 6 tower AM radio station and was involved in management of municipal legal affairs for the development of major commercial and industrial sites, including the present world headquarters of several Fortune 500 drug companies. Bill has recently been appointed to serve as Solicitor to Schuylkill Township, Chester County and the Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority. Bill has also been involved in litigation which ultimately resulted in a change in the law of Pennsylvania concerning the so called "English Rule" regarding malicious prosecution, allowing victims of improper lawsuits to recover.

Bill has written articles in the field of personal injury, tort law, including on the topic of "assumption of risk" and he regularly participates in writing for the Firm's newsletter. He is a former member of the Planning Commission in Schuylkill Township and the Council of Trustees at West Chester University.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1976
-U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1976
-United States Tax Court
-United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
-United States Supreme Court

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., cum laude, 1973)
-Villanova University (J.D., 1976)

Professional Activities:
-Solicitor to Schuylkill Township
-Solicitor to Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority

Selected Practice Areas:
-Major Business Civil Litigation in state and federal court
-Municipal Law and Land Use/Zoning
-Major Personal Injury matters/Wrongful Death
-Motor Vehicle Law and Arbitration
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Employment Litigation/Non-Union Labor Matters (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Discrimination Cases (Race/Sex/Age/Disability) (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Corporate/Partnership Disputes
-Insurance Matters (Claims disputes, Coverage matters)
-Shareholder/Investor Litigation
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Civil Rights Litigation

Education

Villanova University
Juris Doctorate, 1976

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
William J. Brennan

Law Practice:
William J. (Bill) Brennan is an "AV" rated trial lawyer and municipal solicitor who has spent his entire 35 year legal career with the Firm. Bill routinely represents local government, large and small corporations, partnerships and individuals in complex civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. As a result of his diligence, persistence and attention to detail, his clients have achieved excellent and cost effective results. In 1992, Bill tried a catastrophic personal injury case to a jury in Bucks County, Pennsylvania which resulted in the largest personal injury verdict in the history of that county it stood as the largest verdict for more than 10 years Bui v. Officine Meccaniche No. 90-3443. Bill has represented municipalities, landowners and developers in significant zoning and development litigation and has also been involved in numerous labor law and employment cases. Judges rarely note favorably the performance of lawyers who appear before them, however, in a published U.S. District Court Opinion, the Honorable Clarence Newcomer specifically commented on Mr. Brennan's "excellent performance at trial". 1995 W.L. 116646. In another published Opinion, the Honorable William Vogel of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas commented favorably on Bill's "skillful research" and the "eloquence with which it was presented at oral argurment." 102 Montg. L. R. 319.

Recognizing the importance of cost effective business resolutions, Bill strongly favors practical, thoughtful and innovative solutions to business disputes, but is experienced, creative and aggressive on behalf of his clients when formal litigation is required.

Bill spent more than 20 years as the municipal Solicitor to Upper Providence Township in Montgomery County, where he also represented the Upper Providence Municipal Authority. During that time, he defeated, after 42 hearings, a well funded development proposal for a 50,000 watt 6 tower AM radio station and was involved in management of municipal legal affairs for the development of major commercial and industrial sites, including the present world headquarters of several Fortune 500 drug companies. Bill has recently been appointed to serve as Solicitor to Schuylkill Township, Chester County and the Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority. Bill has also been involved in litigation which ultimately resulted in a change in the law of Pennsylvania concerning the so called "English Rule" regarding malicious prosecution, allowing victims of improper lawsuits to recover.

Bill has written articles in the field of personal injury, tort law, including on the topic of "assumption of risk" and he regularly participates in writing for the Firm's newsletter. He is a former member of the Planning Commission in Schuylkill Township and the Council of Trustees at West Chester University.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1976
-U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1976
-United States Tax Court
-United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
-United States Supreme Court

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., cum laude, 1973)
-Villanova University (J.D., 1976)

Professional Activities:
-Solicitor to Schuylkill Township
-Solicitor to Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority

Selected Practice Areas:
-Major Business Civil Litigation in state and federal court
-Municipal Law and Land Use/Zoning
-Major Personal Injury matters/Wrongful Death
-Motor Vehicle Law and Arbitration
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Employment Litigation/Non-Union Labor Matters (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Discrimination Cases (Race/Sex/Age/Disability) (Plaintiff and Defense)
-Corporate/Partnership Disputes
-Insurance Matters (Claims disputes, Coverage matters)
-Shareholder/Investor Litigation
-Estate/Probate Litigation
-Civil Rights Litigation

Education

Villanova University Juris Doctorate, 1976


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Kevin A. Palmer

Law Practice:
Kevin Palmer joined the firm in 1983 and is a shareholder. His varied practice includes commercial and corporate law, business acquisitions, real estate, municipal law, zoning, land use, taxation, banking law and commercial litigation. He has been a featured lecturer on real estate law in continuing legal education seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Kevin serves as general counsel for a Swiss corporation which designs and manufactures cryogenic equipment, and he represents a diverse array of local businesses, including auto parts distributors, beverage companies, oil and gas distributors, real estate developers, physicians, accountants and other professionals. He also handles residential real estate closings for a major national relocation company.

Kevin's unique multi-dimensional practice combines real estate, business and corporate transactional matters as well as business and commercial litigation matters. As a result he is a knowledgeable business planner with a concrete grasp of how to handle business disputes and litigation should the need arise. Few transactional lawyers also have this added dimension. He has handled a large number of purchases and sales of businesses and real estate ranging from under $500,000 to transactions involving many millions of dollars. Kevin has successfully handled countless zoning cases (commercial and residential) and is comfortable appearing before local zoning boards and municipal governing bodies, including Upper Merion Township. He also has extensive courtroom experience in various state and federal courts on behalf of business and private clients, including the Courts of Common Pleas of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Kevin has received the highest "AV" peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale Hubbell and has authored numerous published articles in various professional law journals. (See below.) He also serves as unofficial editor of the Firm's newsletter, Law Update.
Professional Memberships:

Montgomery County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1983
-New Jersey, 1984
-U.S. District Court to 2012
-U.S. Tax Court
-U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1980; B.A.Honors Program, magna cum laude, 1980). Recipient, Robert P. Russell Medal for Academic Excellence.
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 1983)

Legal Articles:
-Kevin has authored many articles over the years for national law journals. Reprints of these articles are available upon request:
-"IRS Search and Seizure Involving Individual Taxpayers: A Constitutional Checklist," 64 TAXES 467, 1986
-"Offers of Judgment," 92 Case & Comment, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 1987
-"Securities Fraud: Supreme Court Says That Tax Benefits Do Not Reduce Recisionary Recoveries: Randall v. Loftsgaarden," 65 TAXES 147, 1987
-"Costs of Litigating Tax Cases Still Recoverable, But New Restrictions Added," 16 Taxation for Lawyers 348, 1988
-"The Taxation of Damage Awards and Settlements Under the Antidiscrimination Laws," 67 TAXES 461, 1989
-"The D'Oench Doctrine: A Proposal for Reform," 108 Banking Law Journal, 585, 1991
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty," 110 Banking Law Journal, 342, 1993
-"Revisiting the Tax Treatment of Discrimination Awards and Settlements After Burke", 71 TAXES 642, 1993
-"Recent Developments in the Taxation of Punitive Damage Awards," 73 TAXES 546, 1995
-"ECOA and the Spousal Guaranty: Change on the Horizon?" 113 Banking Law Journal, 491, 1996
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty: Recent Developments, " 115 Banking Law Journal 357, 1998

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate (sales, purchases, commercial and residential)
-Land Development/Zoning/Subdivision
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Entities
-Commercial and Employment Litigation
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses
-Commercial Collection and Creditor Matters
-Contracts/Commercial Transactions
-Motor Vehicle (Driving and Licensing Matters)

Education

Villanova University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1983

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Kevin A. Palmer

Law Practice:
Kevin Palmer joined the firm in 1983 and is a shareholder. His varied practice includes commercial and corporate law, business acquisitions, real estate, municipal law, zoning, land use, taxation, banking law and commercial litigation. He has been a featured lecturer on real estate law in continuing legal education seminars given by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Kevin serves as general counsel for a Swiss corporation which designs and manufactures cryogenic equipment, and he represents a diverse array of local businesses, including auto parts distributors, beverage companies, oil and gas distributors, real estate developers, physicians, accountants and other professionals. He also handles residential real estate closings for a major national relocation company.

Kevin's unique multi-dimensional practice combines real estate, business and corporate transactional matters as well as business and commercial litigation matters. As a result he is a knowledgeable business planner with a concrete grasp of how to handle business disputes and litigation should the need arise. Few transactional lawyers also have this added dimension. He has handled a large number of purchases and sales of businesses and real estate ranging from under $500,000 to transactions involving many millions of dollars. Kevin has successfully handled countless zoning cases (commercial and residential) and is comfortable appearing before local zoning boards and municipal governing bodies, including Upper Merion Township. He also has extensive courtroom experience in various state and federal courts on behalf of business and private clients, including the Courts of Common Pleas of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Kevin has received the highest "AV" peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale Hubbell and has authored numerous published articles in various professional law journals. (See below.) He also serves as unofficial editor of the Firm's newsletter, Law Update.
Professional Memberships:

Montgomery County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1983
-New Jersey, 1984
-U.S. District Court to 2012
-U.S. Tax Court
-U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Education:
-Villanova University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1980; B.A.Honors Program, magna cum laude, 1980). Recipient, Robert P. Russell Medal for Academic Excellence.
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 1983)

Legal Articles:
-Kevin has authored many articles over the years for national law journals. Reprints of these articles are available upon request:
-"IRS Search and Seizure Involving Individual Taxpayers: A Constitutional Checklist," 64 TAXES 467, 1986
-"Offers of Judgment," 92 Case & Comment, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 1987
-"Securities Fraud: Supreme Court Says That Tax Benefits Do Not Reduce Recisionary Recoveries: Randall v. Loftsgaarden," 65 TAXES 147, 1987
-"Costs of Litigating Tax Cases Still Recoverable, But New Restrictions Added," 16 Taxation for Lawyers 348, 1988
-"The Taxation of Damage Awards and Settlements Under the Antidiscrimination Laws," 67 TAXES 461, 1989
-"The D'Oench Doctrine: A Proposal for Reform," 108 Banking Law Journal, 585, 1991
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty," 110 Banking Law Journal, 342, 1993
-"Revisiting the Tax Treatment of Discrimination Awards and Settlements After Burke", 71 TAXES 642, 1993
-"Recent Developments in the Taxation of Punitive Damage Awards," 73 TAXES 546, 1995
-"ECOA and the Spousal Guaranty: Change on the Horizon?" 113 Banking Law Journal, 491, 1996
-"ECOA, Regulation B, and the Spousal Guaranty: Recent Developments, " 115 Banking Law Journal 357, 1998

Select Practice Areas:
-Real Estate (sales, purchases, commercial and residential)
-Land Development/Zoning/Subdivision
-Corporations/Partnerships/Limited Liability Entities
-Commercial and Employment Litigation
-Purchase and Sale of Businesses
-Commercial Collection and Creditor Matters
-Contracts/Commercial Transactions
-Motor Vehicle (Driving and Licensing Matters)

Education

Villanova University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 1983


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
N. Curtis Ward

Law Practice:
Curt Ward has been with the firm since 1989 and is a shareholder.

Curt has successfully handled many personal injury cases. He has obtained significant awards and settlements for his clients in very complex personal injury matters. His practice includes cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall and products liability. He has earned a well deserved reputation for tirelessly working for his clients who have been injured and always keeping his clients well informed. He is personally involved in each case to assure the most favorable results.

Curt also handles commercial and other civil litigation matters including shareholder and partner disputes; cases involving covenants not to compete, commercial disparagement, and misappropriation of trade secrets; real estate litigation including representing large commercial and residential landlords; breach of contract lawsuits; construction litigation, including performance disputes and mechanics' liens; collection cases; employment litigation; representing bars and restaurants in litigation involving their operations and liquor licenses; and family law and divorces. With approximately 20 years of trial experience and a substantial business background, he is able to effectively handle even the most complex commercial lawsuit. Curt takes pride in making sure that even his most sophisticated business clients understand the nature of the lawsuit in which they are involved and how the law pertains to that case.
Curt has also successfully handled many cases in Orphans' Court (Pennsylvania's probate court) with regard to disputes involving administration of estates and beneficiaries of trusts and estates. These cases can be emotionally charged and often difficult but Curt's steady and thoughtful approach allows his clients to understand the law and facts of the case and to ultimately make sound and well reasoned decisions.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1988
-U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1988

Education:
-Indiana University (B.S., 1984)
-Wake Forest University (J.D., 1987)

Professional Activities:
-Curt works with our younger attorneys to provide guidance and mentoring in litigation matters.

Select Practice Areas:
-Business and Commercial Litigation (state and federal court)
-Shareholder and Partner Disputes
-Liquor License Litigation (violations, renewals and revocation litigation)
-Landlord/Tenant Matters
-Will, Estate, and Trust Litigation
-Real Estate Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Collections
-Employment Litigation
-Insurance Litigation
-Family Law and Divorces
-Consumer Rights and Fraud Litigation
-Minor Criminal and Driving License Matters

Personal:
Curt is married to Lisa Ward who is a physical therapist and they have three children, Will, Maddie and Colin. They live near Collegeville.

Curt's courtroom intensity is matched only by his behavior on the basketball court, where despite age and injuries he still insists on full-court competition.

Surprising factoid: There was a point in Curt's life when he chose between sitting for the bar exam and becoming a certified public accountant.

Education

Wake Forest University
Juris Doctorate, 1987

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
N. Curtis Ward

Law Practice:
Curt Ward has been with the firm since 1989 and is a shareholder.

Curt has successfully handled many personal injury cases. He has obtained significant awards and settlements for his clients in very complex personal injury matters. His practice includes cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall and products liability. He has earned a well deserved reputation for tirelessly working for his clients who have been injured and always keeping his clients well informed. He is personally involved in each case to assure the most favorable results.

Curt also handles commercial and other civil litigation matters including shareholder and partner disputes; cases involving covenants not to compete, commercial disparagement, and misappropriation of trade secrets; real estate litigation including representing large commercial and residential landlords; breach of contract lawsuits; construction litigation, including performance disputes and mechanics' liens; collection cases; employment litigation; representing bars and restaurants in litigation involving their operations and liquor licenses; and family law and divorces. With approximately 20 years of trial experience and a substantial business background, he is able to effectively handle even the most complex commercial lawsuit. Curt takes pride in making sure that even his most sophisticated business clients understand the nature of the lawsuit in which they are involved and how the law pertains to that case.
Curt has also successfully handled many cases in Orphans' Court (Pennsylvania's probate court) with regard to disputes involving administration of estates and beneficiaries of trusts and estates. These cases can be emotionally charged and often difficult but Curt's steady and thoughtful approach allows his clients to understand the law and facts of the case and to ultimately make sound and well reasoned decisions.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 1988
-U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1988

Education:
-Indiana University (B.S., 1984)
-Wake Forest University (J.D., 1987)

Professional Activities:
-Curt works with our younger attorneys to provide guidance and mentoring in litigation matters.

Select Practice Areas:
-Business and Commercial Litigation (state and federal court)
-Shareholder and Partner Disputes
-Liquor License Litigation (violations, renewals and revocation litigation)
-Landlord/Tenant Matters
-Will, Estate, and Trust Litigation
-Real Estate Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Collections
-Employment Litigation
-Insurance Litigation
-Family Law and Divorces
-Consumer Rights and Fraud Litigation
-Minor Criminal and Driving License Matters

Personal:
Curt is married to Lisa Ward who is a physical therapist and they have three children, Will, Maddie and Colin. They live near Collegeville.

Curt's courtroom intensity is matched only by his behavior on the basketball court, where despite age and injuries he still insists on full-court competition.

Surprising factoid: There was a point in Curt's life when he chose between sitting for the bar exam and becoming a certified public accountant.

Education

Wake Forest University Juris Doctorate, 1987


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
J. Kenneth Butera

Law Practice:
Ken Butera joined the firm in 2002 and is a shareholder.

Ken is known variously as "young Kenny", "little Kenny" and Ken Junior (even though he is not a Jr.)

His practice focuses on restaurant and liquor license law, commercial and personal civil litigation, construction litigation, municipal law, zoning and land development issues, real estate, estate planning, commercial collections and domestic relations law. Ken, Jr. has effectively litigated cases in Federal Court, as well as, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ken, Jr. clerked for an Associate Dean of the Villanova University School of Law, served on the board of the Villanova Public Interest Fellowship Program and worked in the Villanova Farm Worker's Legal Aid Clinic. He also served as a clerk at the Senior Citizen Judicare Project in Philadelphia representing the interest of lower income seniors. Before beginning law school, Ken, Jr. owned and operated an accomplished contracting business that focused on the renovation and restoration of architecturally significant buildings. He is thus well grounded in all aspects of construction litigation. He remains active in local politics.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association
-Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 2002
-United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-University of Washington (B.S., 1996)
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 2002)

Professional Activities:
-Board Member, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 2007 - 2013
-In 2011 Ken was elected to serve on the Phoenixville Area School Board.

Select Practice Areas:
-Liquor Licenses
-Restaurants
-Real Estate
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships
-Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Commercial Collection
-Zoning and Land Development
-Estate Planning

Personal:
Ken, Jr. lives in Phoenixville with his wife and children. Born and raised in the region, he moved to Seattle Washington in the early 90's where he finished his undergraduate education from the University of Washington. Despite his love for the Pacific Northwest, he returned to the region in the late 90's and attended Villanova University School of Law. Ken joined the firm in 2002 shortly after his graduation.

His interests are in architecture, cooking, cycling and history.

Ken's wife Alissa Halperin is an attorney who recently began consulting on issues of health law in Pennsylvania and nationally. When Alissa and he are not playing with their children they can usually be found restoring their 110 year old house.

Education

Villanova University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2002

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
J. Kenneth Butera

Law Practice:
Ken Butera joined the firm in 2002 and is a shareholder.

Ken is known variously as "young Kenny", "little Kenny" and Ken Junior (even though he is not a Jr.)

His practice focuses on restaurant and liquor license law, commercial and personal civil litigation, construction litigation, municipal law, zoning and land development issues, real estate, estate planning, commercial collections and domestic relations law. Ken, Jr. has effectively litigated cases in Federal Court, as well as, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ken, Jr. clerked for an Associate Dean of the Villanova University School of Law, served on the board of the Villanova Public Interest Fellowship Program and worked in the Villanova Farm Worker's Legal Aid Clinic. He also served as a clerk at the Senior Citizen Judicare Project in Philadelphia representing the interest of lower income seniors. Before beginning law school, Ken, Jr. owned and operated an accomplished contracting business that focused on the renovation and restoration of architecturally significant buildings. He is thus well grounded in all aspects of construction litigation. He remains active in local politics.

Professional Memberships:
-Montgomery County Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
-Montgomery County Trial Lawyers Association
-Pennsylvania Tavern Association
-Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania, 2002
-United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-University of Washington (B.S., 1996)
-Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 2002)

Professional Activities:
-Board Member, Pathway School for the Learning Disabled, 2007 - 2013
-In 2011 Ken was elected to serve on the Phoenixville Area School Board.

Select Practice Areas:
-Liquor Licenses
-Restaurants
-Real Estate
-Commercial Transactions
-Corporations/Partnerships
-Litigation
-Construction Litigation
-Commercial Collection
-Zoning and Land Development
-Estate Planning

Personal:
Ken, Jr. lives in Phoenixville with his wife and children. Born and raised in the region, he moved to Seattle Washington in the early 90's where he finished his undergraduate education from the University of Washington. Despite his love for the Pacific Northwest, he returned to the region in the late 90's and attended Villanova University School of Law. Ken joined the firm in 2002 shortly after his graduation.

His interests are in architecture, cooking, cycling and history.

Ken's wife Alissa Halperin is an attorney who recently began consulting on issues of health law in Pennsylvania and nationally. When Alissa and he are not playing with their children they can usually be found restoring their 110 year old house.

Education

Villanova University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2002


Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Rodney S. Fluck

Law Practice:

Rod joined the firm in 2007. He has represented a variety of clients in a wide array of matters, principally involving real estate, corporate law, bank lending, creditors' rights, employment law and landlord/tenant matters. Rod's recent focus has been on transactional matters; however, he also represents companies and individuals involved in employment and labor disputes, shareholder/partnership disputes, real estate litigation and commercial litigation. His clients have included banks, real estate developers, contractors, hospitals, physicians, landlords, tax exempt organizations, and entrepreneurs and a wide variety of small businesses. In all of his matters, Rod brings a commitment to thoroughness and an understanding of the issues, which are aimed at achieving a successful and cost effective solution for the client.

Professional Memberships:
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Montgomery County Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania 1999
-U.S District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-Princeton University (A.B., cum laude, 1993)\
-Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude, 1999)

Publications:
-PBICounseling Small Business Seminar, 2000, CorporationsOperational Considerations (contributing author)
-Sterling Educational Services--Commercial and Residential Evictions in Pennsylvania Seminary, 2007
-Landlord's Rights and Options When the Deal Goes Bad (course presenter and author)
-Sterling Education - Landlord & Tenant Law, October 2007

Personal:
Rod is a native of Upper Bucks County. He is a 1993 graduate of Princeton University (A.B., cum laude) and a 1999 graduate of the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude) where he served on the Dickinson Journal of Environmental Law and the Wagner Labor Law moot court team.

When not practicing law Rod enjoys most types of outdoor activities, and is a particularly avid fisherman and hiker.

Education

Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University
Juris Doctorate, 1999

Butera, Beausang, Cohen & Brennan Professional Corporation
Rodney S. Fluck

Law Practice:

Rod joined the firm in 2007. He has represented a variety of clients in a wide array of matters, principally involving real estate, corporate law, bank lending, creditors' rights, employment law and landlord/tenant matters. Rod's recent focus has been on transactional matters; however, he also represents companies and individuals involved in employment and labor disputes, shareholder/partnership disputes, real estate litigation and commercial litigation. His clients have included banks, real estate developers, contractors, hospitals, physicians, landlords, tax exempt organizations, and entrepreneurs and a wide variety of small businesses. In all of his matters, Rod brings a commitment to thoroughness and an understanding of the issues, which are aimed at achieving a successful and cost effective solution for the client.

Professional Memberships:
-Pennsylvania Bar Association
-Montgomery County Bar Association

Admissions:
-Pennsylvania 1999
-U.S District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
-U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania

Education:
-Princeton University (A.B., cum laude, 1993)\
-Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude, 1999)

Publications:
-PBICounseling Small Business Seminar, 2000, CorporationsOperational Considerations (contributing author)
-Sterling Educational Services--Commercial and Residential Evictions in Pennsylvania Seminary, 2007
-Landlord's Rights and Options When the Deal Goes Bad (course presenter and author)
-Sterling Education - Landlord & Tenant Law, October 2007

Personal:
Rod is a native of Upper Bucks County. He is a 1993 graduate of Princeton University (A.B., cum laude) and a 1999 graduate of the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University (J.D., cum laude) where he served on the Dickinson Journal of Environmental Law and the Wagner Labor Law moot court team.

When not practicing law Rod enjoys most types of outdoor activities, and is a particularly avid fisherman and hiker.

Education

Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University Juris Doctorate, 1999


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