Monica is an experienced commercial litigator who focuses on complex business disputes, financial-services litigation, class actions, and First Amendment claims. Having litigated matters from inception through trial and appeal, Monica is a strategic thinker who looks for opportunities to leverage her clients’ strongest positions into early settlement where desirable while also developing each case so as to be trial-ready.
Monica has represented businesses of all kinds in litigation, and is equally adept at handling a complex fraud case as she is handling disputes relating to commercial leases and real estate development. As a former editor, Monica has a keen interest in First Amendment claims. She has represented plaintiffs in multiple high-profile freedom of speech cases, and has represented several clients in defamation claims.
In addition, Monica frequently represents petitioners seeking conservatorship of abandoned and blighted properties under the Pennsylvania Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act (Act 135). Monica has successfully litigated numerous conservatorship cases, securing conservatorship of abandoned properties throughout Philadelphia. She also has obtained successful settlements resulting in rehabilitation by owners.
While in law school, Monica completed an externship with the Honorable Sue L. Robinson in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. She also interned at a legal services organization that counsels non-profit companies in the areas of affordable-housing development, community revitalization, and non-profit governance. While there, she assisted an award-winning effort to preserve affordable housing in Pittsburgh using HUD Neighborhood Stabilization funds.
Prior to entering the legal profession, Monica worked in fundraising at a local nonprofit that engaged in affordable-housing development and provided supportive services to homeless families. Her non-legal work has given her a unique perspective on the business needs and concerns that clients have, and continues to inform her practice.
Drexel University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude
University of Florida, B.A., English
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
Board Member, ACHIEVEAbility
Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
Member, Drexel University, Kline School of Law Inn of Court
Named to “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” list for Litigation – Construction and Litigation – Real Estate by Best Lawyers® (2021)*
Named a “Pennsylvania Rising Star” by Thompson Reuters for Litigation (2015-2020)*
The First Judicial District Pro Bono Roll of Honor (2013-2015)*
Author, “COVID-19 Considerations for Act 135 Participants,” April 14, 2020
Author, “Pennsylvania Issues New Guidance Regarding Essential Businesses,” March 26, 2020
Author, “Conservatorship Act Is Pa.’s Best Property Restoration Tool,” Law360, March 24, 2020
Author, “Alert – New Jersey Announces Shutdown of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses,” March 21, 2020
Author, “Alert: The Force Du Jour: Coronavirus and Force Majeure Clauses,” Litigation Alert, March 9, 2020
Mentioned, “Memorabilia Sellers Dodge NFL Agent’s Poaching Claims,” Law360, September 9, 2019
Author, “Alert: Pennsylvania Superior Court Clarifies “Legally Occupied” Under the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act,” Litigation Alert, April 18, 2019
Author, “Dismissal of a Complaint Due to an Arbitration Clause Does Not Toll the Statute of Limitations,” Litigation Alert, March 28, 2019
Author, “Local Exceptions in CAFA for In-State Class Actions,” Law360, January 26, 2014)
Author, 2015 ABA Annual Review of Developments in Business & Corporate Litigation, Criminal & Enforcement Litigation chapter, 2015
Author, 2014 ABA Annual Review of Developments in Business & Corporate Litigation, Criminal & Enforcement Litigation chapter
Author, 2013 ABA Annual Review of Developments in Business & Corporate Litigation, Criminal & Enforcement Litigation chapter
Author, 2012 ABA Annual Review of Developments in Business & Corporate Litigation, Criminal & Enforcement Litigation chapter
Author, “An Uncertain Regulatory Future for Prepaid Cards,” Banking & Financial Services Policy Report, Vol. 31, No. 7, July 2012
Author, “2011 Sees Focus on Whistleblowing and Dodd-Frank Claims,” Business Law Today, January 23, 2012.
Pro Bono Experience: