HomeMy WebLinkAbout13-1332 un C
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COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS
GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C.
BY: Steven M. Williams, Esquire -
Identification No.: 62051
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
Identification No.: 36031
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
Attorneys for Plaintiff/Appellant
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
V.
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC., NO. 13-1332 Civil c '
+Vt -
-
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMAND--
7Z(7
PRAECIPE
To the Prothonotary:
Please accept for filing, as supplemental proof of service of the Notice of Appeal in this
case, the attached Domestic Return Receipts.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall &Ippllan, PC
i�
Dated: �ll l,�/J BY/
Steven M. Williams, PA I.D. #62051
swilliams@cohenseglias.com
Michael L. Solomon, PA I.D. 436031
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
Attorneys for Defendant
42049598-v1 51845-0001
DER: GOIVIPLEN TH/SSEC-riON COMPLETE THIS SEC FION ON DELIVERY
• Complete items 1,2,and 3.Also complete S' n (ure
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. A.A. J� ►r Agent
■ Print your name and address on the reverse lll���.JJJ
so that we can return the card to you. ❑Addressee
• Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, • eceived by(Printed Name) C. Date f Delivery
or on the front if space permits. 3 7�
1. Article Addressed to: D. Is delivery address different from item 1? ❑Yes
If YES,enter delivery address below: 'PI-110
Honorable Paula P.Correal
5275 East Trindle Road,Suite 110
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
3. Se�rv'ce Type
L7 Certified Mail ❑ Express Mail
❑ Registered return Receipt for Merchandise
❑ Insured Mail ❑C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery?(Extra Fee) ❑Yes
2. Article Number 8
(transfer from service label) 3230 0 0 0 0 3 414 0
285
PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt
102595-02-M-1540
ER: CONIPLE TE I HIS SEC FION COMPLETE •
■ Complete items 1,2,and 3.Also complete ure
item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. Agent
• Print your name and address on the reverse ❑Addressee
so that we Can return the Card to you. B. Receiv y nted ) Date f Delivery
• Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, Q- 1 —I�J-3
or on the front if space permits.
D. Is delivery add reds different from item 1? ❑Yes
1. Article Addressed to: If YES,enter delivery address below: A No
Realty Management, Inc.
5006 Trindle Road,Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
3. S ice Type
[ ertified Mail ❑press Mail
❑ Registered g Return Receipt for Merchandise
❑ Insured Mail ❑C.O.D.
4. Restricted Delivery/?(Extra Fee) ❑Yes
2. Article Number
(Transfer from service label) 7008 3 2 3 0 0000 3 414 0308
PS Form 3811,February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540
COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS @'
GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C.
Steven M. Williams, Esquire _ ?
swilliams @cohenseglias.com �-* ?=:'t
Identification No.: 62051 =
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire -,
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 36031
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
V. .
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
MOTION OF COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C. FOR
LEAVE TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT,
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. AND STEVE WESTHAFER AND REQUEST
FOR TEMPORARY STAY,WITH CONCURRENCE OF PLAINTIFF
AND NOW, comes Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C. ("CSPG&F") and
files this Motion for Leave to Withdraw as Counsel for Defendants, Westhafer Construction, Inc.
and Steve Westhafer (collectively, "Westhafer") in the above-captioned matter, and in support
thereof, avers as follows:
1. Westhafer engaged CSPG&F to represent its interests in this case.
2. In its representation, CSPG&F appeared and represented Westhafer at a
Magisterial District Court proceeding, filed an appeal of an adverse judgment therein, and has
attempted to negotiate a settlement of this case on behalf of Westhafer.
3. Despite demand, Westhafer has refused to pay CSPG&F's attorney's fees
incurred in its representation of Westhafer in this case.
4. CSPG&F has repeatedly notified Westhafer that it would seek leave of Court to
withdraw as attorneys for Westhafer if Westhafer did not pay CSPG&F's fees.
5. Notwithstanding repeated assurances, Westhafer has failed to pay CSPG&F's fees
6. CSPG&F is entitled to withdraw as counsel for Westhafer in the above-captioned
matter pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(5), which states that a
lawyer may withdraw from representing a client if "the client fails substantially to fulfill an
obligation to the lawyer regarding the lawyer's services and has been given reasonable warning
that the lawyer will withdraw unless the obligation is fulfilled."
7. CSPG&F is entitled to withdraw as counsel for Westhafer in the above-captioned
matter pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(6), which allows a lawyer
to withdraw from representing a client "if the representation will result in an unreasonable
financial burden on the lawyer or has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client."
8. Because Plaintiff has agreed to a stay in this case pending the resolution of this
Motion, see below, the withdrawal by CSPG&F will not cause any material adverse affect on
Westhafer's interests. Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(1).
9. Due to Westhafer's refusal to pay CSPG&F for its services in this case, and based
upon the Rules of Professional Conduct cited above, CSPG&F is entitled to withdraw as counsel
for Westhafer.
10. Plaintiff has filed a Complaint in this case, and an Answer by Westhafer is
overdue. However, no 10-day notice has yet been served. In order to provide Westhafer with
the opportunity to obtain substitute counsel in this case, CSPG&F requests that this Court stay
this case for two weeks after the entry of this Court's order(the "Stay").
11. No discovery is necessary or required in connection with this Motion.
12. No hearing is necessary or required in connection with this Motion.
13. No Judge of this Court has yet had any involvement in this case.
14. On June 6, 2012, the undersigned spoke with Plaintiff's counsel, Paul D. Edger,
regarding the filing of this Motion. Plaintiff's counsel concurs in this Motion and in the Stay
requested herein.
WHEREFORE, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C. respectfully requests
that this Honorable Court grant it leave to withdraw as counsel for Defendants, Westhafer
Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer, in this case, issue a stay of this case for two weeks after
the entry of this Court's order, and grant such other relief as this Court deems just and
appropriate.
Respectfully Submitt ,
Cohen Seglias las
Greenha Furman, PC
Dated: �f 1'� > By:
rteven;M.,Williams, PA I.D. #62051
licohenseglias.com
MchaeL. Solomon, PA I.D. #36031
msolomon@cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that the foregoing Motion for Leave to Withdraw as Counsel was sent by
first class mail,postage prepaid, this day to the following:
Paul D. Edger, Esquire
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esquire
The Law Office of Peter J. Russo, Esquire
5006 East Trindle Road
Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Attorney for Plaintiff
Steve Westhafer
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall & Furman, PC
Dated:�/)I/43 By:�IZ71'e� �;_a
lison Zortman, Lega ssistant
VERIFICATION
I, Steven M. Williams, hereby state that I am partner with the law firm of Cohen Seglias
Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C., and am authorized to make this verification on its behalf. I
have reviewed the facts set forth in the foregoing Motion, and state that they are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that the statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.
§4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
Steven M. Williams
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC.,: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION—LAW
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION,:
INC., and STEVE WESTHAFER,:
Defendants NO. 13-1332 CIVIL TERM
IN RE: MOTION OF COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS
GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C. FOR LEAVE TO
WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT, WESTHAFER
CONSTRUCTION INC., AND STEVE WESTHAFER AND
REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY STAY, WITH CONCURRENCE
OF PLAINTIFF
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 14'h day of June, 2013, upon consideration of the Motion of
Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C. ("CSPG&F") for Leave to Withdraw as
Counsel, and in consideration of Plaintiff's concurrence therein, it is hereby ORDERED
that the Motion for Leave To Withdraw as Counsel is GRANTED and CSPG&F, and all
attorneys associated therewith, shall be permitted to withdraw their appearance as counsel
of record for Defendants, Westhafer Construction, Inc., and Steve Westhafer, in the
above-captioned matter, by, filing a Praecipe with the Prothonotary. It is further
ORDERED that a stay is hereby issued in this case for 30 days after the entry of this
Order.
FURTHER, Westhafer Construction, Inc. is ordered to obtain substitute counsel
within 30 days after the entry of this Order.
BY THE COURT,
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ChristylVe L. Peck, J.
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ul D. Edger, Esq.
Peter J. Russo, Esq.
Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esq.
The Law Office of
Peter J. Russo, Esq.
5006 East Trindle Road
Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Attorney for Plaintiff
even M. Williams, Esq.
240 North Third Street
7t' Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
�$teve Westhafter
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
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CDMDFRLAIID COUNiTY
PENN'SYLVA#CIA
COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS
GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C.
Steven M. Williams, Esquire
Identification No.: 62051
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
Identification No.: 36031
msolomon@cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 36031
240 North Third Street, 7`" Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
V. .
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER,
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
To the Prothonotary:
In accordance with the Order entered by the Honorable Judge Christylee L. Peck on June 14,
2013, please note in the docket of this case the withdrawal of my firm and me as counsel for the
Defendants.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Selias Pall
/Greenh-all, rman, PC
Dated: g`I b B
iams, PA I.D. #62051
swilliams @cohenseglias.com
Michael L. Solomon, PA I.D. #36031
msolomon@cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7`h Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
I
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that the foregoing Praecipe was sent by first class mail, postage prepaid,
this day to the following:
Paul D. Edger, Esquire
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esquire
The Law Office of Peter J. Russo, Esquire
5006 East Trindle Road
Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Attorney for Plaintiff
Steve Westhafer
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall & Furman, PC
Dated:
Alison Zortman, Le Assistant
2189732.151845-0001
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332 te =' ,
and STEVE WESTHAFER rn
Defendants'
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
TO: Westhafer Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer ;
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
DATE OF NOTICE: August 26, 2013
IMPORTANT NOTICE
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAILED TO PLEAD TO THE
COMPLAINTS SET FORTH AGAINST YOU IN THE ABOVE-CAPTIONED MATTER.
UNLESS YOU ACT WITHIN TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A JUDGMENT
MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT A HEARING AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR
PROPERTY OR OTHER IMPORTANT RIGHTS.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS
OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Court Administrator, Fourth Floor
Cumberland County Courthouse
Carlisle,PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
Respectfully Su Witted
T e aw OjWes of Peter J. Russo, P.C.
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
Lindsay Gingrich-Maclay, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 87954
p Paul D. Edger, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 312713
5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Date: August 26, 2013 Telephone: (717) 591-1755
P j
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER
Defendants
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Derek M. Strouphauer, Paralegal, hereby certify that I have on this day served a true
and correct copy of foregoing document upon the following persons, in the manner indicated:
US MAIL
Westhafer Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
W OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO, P.C.
B :
Y
erek M. S r pha �, aral e a
Date: August 26, 2013
1 3
OF F1LE0-0Fp1,CE-
2013 v[P 9
CUMBE'RL AND COU�'T',
P �dMSY(.yANIA
COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS
GREENHALL&FURMAN,P.C.
Steven M. Williams,Esquire
Identification No.: 62051
Michael L. Solomon,Esquire
Identification No.: 36031
msolomon@cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 36031
240 North Third Street,7`"Floor
Harrisburg,PA 17101
(717)234-5530
REALTY MANAGEMENT,INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
V.
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION,INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER,
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
To: Realty Management, Inc., c/o Paul D. Edger, Esquire, The Law Office of Peter J. Russo,
Esquire, 5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203,Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED to plead to the within New Matter and Counterclaims
within twenty (20) days from service hereof, or a default judgment may be entered against you.
n '
Respectfully Submitted,
Coh4enas&Pa
an, PC
Dated: °jlt.(�r/ By:
ms, PA I.D. #62051
nseglias.com
Michael L. Solomon, PA I.D. #36031
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
Attorneys for Defendants
2
REALTY MANAGEMENT,INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
V. ,
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER,
Defendants ,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER,NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIMS
AND NOW, come Defendants, Westhafer Construction, Inc. (hereinafter "WCI") and Steve
Westhafer (hereinafter "Mr. Westhafer"), by and through their attorneys, Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall & Furman, P.C., and file this Answer, New Matter and Counterclaims, stating the
following:
Parties
1. Admitted upon information and belief.
2. Admitted.
3. It is admitted only that Mr. Westhafer is the President of WCI and that his current
address is as stated. It is specifically denied that Mr. Westhafer is an appropriate defendant in this
case, as set forth more fully below, and proof is demanded.
4. Admitted upon information and belief.
Operative Facts
5. Admitted.
6. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to answer this paragraph, the same therefore being specifically denied, and
proof is demanded. By way of further answer, the Allentown Enterprise project, defined in
Plaintiff s paragraph 6 is referred to hereafter as the "Project."
7. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to answer this paragraph, the same therefore being specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
8. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI was never asked to provide a bid for the Project. By way of further answer,
Plaintiff asked WCI to provide a proposed budget for the Project, and Plaintiff and WCI thereafter
negotiated a final budget price of$75,000 for the Project.
9. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI was never asked to provide a bid for the Project. By way of further answer,
Plaintiff asked WCI to provide a proposed budget for the Project, and Plaintiff and WCI thereafter
negotiated a final budget price of$75,000 for the Project.
10. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiff and WCI had
done business in the past. The remainder of this paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is
demanded.
11. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiff and WCI did
not enter into a written contract for the Project. The remainder of this paragraph is specifically
denied, and proof is demanded.
12. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI understood that Plaintiff had a contract directly with Enterprise Rent-A-Car
and was either the owner of, or the general contractor for,the Project.
2
13. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI's role on the Project was as a sub-contractor to Plaintiff.
14. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that WCI was obligated to
pay the bills and invoices of its sub-contractors who provided materials or services for the Project.
The remainder of this paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
15. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that on or about April 6,
2012, Mr. Westhafer picked up part of a toilet charged said item to Plaintiff's corporate account.
The remainder of this paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, WCI was never obligated to provide a toilet for the Project. Rather, Plaintiff was
responsible to provide the toilet because a toilet at the Project site was broken and could not be
used. By way of further answer, Mr. Westhafer picked up the toilet at the direction of, and as an
accommodation for, Plaintiff for the Pottsville Enterprise Project.
16. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that on or about April 12,
2012, Mr. Westhafer picked up the other part of a toilet and charged said item to Plaintiff's
corporate account. The remainder of this paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
By way of further answer, WCI was never obligated to provide a toilet for the Project. Rather,
Plaintiff was responsible to provide the toilet because a toilet at the Project site was broken and
could not be used. By way of further answer, Mr. Westhafer picked up the toilet at the direction of,
and as an accommodation for, Plaintiff for the Pottsville Enterprise Project.
17. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form an answer to this paragraph, the same therefore being specifically
denied and proof is demanded. By way of further answer, however, the invoice attached to
3
Plaintiffs Complaint as Exhibit C states that the items reflected on the invoice were ordered by
"Gene,"who is an employee of Plaintiff.
18. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
19. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
20. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or
information sufficient to form an answer to this paragraph, the same therefore being specifically
denied and proof is demanded.
21. Denied. It is specifically denied that Defendants were obligated to pay the Tri-Boro
invoice, and proof is demanded. With regard to the remainder of this paragraph, after reasonable
investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form an answer to this
paragraph, the same therefore being specifically denied and proof is demanded.
22. Denied. It is specifically denied that Defendants were obligated to pay the Thos.
Somerville Co. invoices, and proof is demanded. With regard to the remainder of this paragraph,
after reasonable investigation, Defendants are without knowledge or information sufficient to form
an answer to this paragraph,the same therefore being specifically denied and proof is demanded.
23. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
24. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
25. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
26. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
27. Admitted.
28. Admitted.
29. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that the Plaintiff's claim in
this case does not exceed the jurisdictional limit for mandatory arbitration.
4
First Cause of Action
Breach of Contract
30. Paragraphs 1 through 29 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
forth.
31. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiff and WCI orally
agreed that WCI would undertake the Project for the sum of $75,000. The remainder of this
paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
32. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that WCI was obligated to
pay the bills and invoices of its sub-contractors who provided materials or services for the Project.
The remainder of this paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
33. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted only that Plaintiff agreed to pay to
WCI the sum of $75,000 in exchange for WCI undertaking the Project. The remainder of this
paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
34. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI was not obligated to pay the Tri-Born or Thos. Somerville Co. invoices.
35. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI was not obligated to pay the Tri-Boro or Thos. Somerville Co. invoices.
36. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded. By way of
further answer, WCI was not obligated to pay the Tri-Boro or Thos. Somerville Co. invoices.
37. Denied. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent that this Court deems an answer is required, this paragraph is specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
5
38. Denied. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent that this Court deems an answer is required, this paragraph is specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
39. Denied. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent that this Court deems an answer is required, this paragraph is specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
40. Denied. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent that this Court deems an answer is required, this paragraph is specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court enter judgment
in their favor and against Plaintiff, dismiss Plaintiff's claims, and grant such other relief as this
Court deems just and appropriate.
Second Cause of Action
Unjust Enrichment
41. Paragraphs 1 through 40 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
forth.
42. Denied. This paragraph is specifically denied, and proof is demanded.
43. Denied. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent that this Court deems an answer is required, this paragraph is specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
44. Denied. This paragraph states conclusions of law to which no answer is required.
To the extent that this Court deems an answer is required, this paragraph is specifically denied, and
proof is demanded.
6
WHEREFORE, Defendants respectfully request that this Honorable Court enter judgment in
their favor and against Plaintiff, dismiss Plaintiff's claims, and grant such other relief that as Court
deems just and appropriate.
New Matter
45. Paragraphs 1 through 44 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
forth.
46. WCI is a corporation duly formed, registered and authorized to do business in
Pennsylvania.
47. Plaintiff orally contracted with WCI for the Project.
48. All payments from Plaintiff relating to the Project were made to WCI.
49. All payments from WCI to its sub-contractors were made via checks drawn on
WCI's accounts.
50. Mr. Westhafer is a shareholder of WCI.
51. Mr. Westhafer was not a party to the oral contract between Plaintiff and WCI.
52. Mr. Westhafer did not guarantee WCI's obligations under the oral contract that
Plaintiff had with WCI.
53. At no time has Mr. Westhafer agreed to pay any debts of WCI.
54. All dealings that Mr. Westhafer had with Plaintiff relating to the Project was merely
in his capacity as a representative of WCI.
55. As is well known to Plaintiff, Mr. Westhafer is not a proper party to this action.
56. Each of the Tri-Boro or Thos. Somerville Co. invoices reflected purchases of
materials for the Project by Plaintiff.
57. Plaintiff was responsible to purchase the materials reflected on the Tri-Boro and
Thos. Somerville Co. invoices.
7
58. Defendants were not obligated to pay the Tri-Boro or Thos. Somerville Co. invoices.
59. WCI substantially performed all of its obligations under the oral contract relating to
the Project.
60. WCI earned full payment of the contract price relating to the Project.
61. Notwithstanding WCI's completion of its work on the Project, Plaintiff failed to pay
all amounts to WCI to which WCI was entitled to be paid.
62. WCI repeatedly requested payment from Plaintiff so that it could pay its sub-
contractors.
63. In response to its requests for payments, WCI was repeatedly told by Plaintiff such
things as "when we have money, we will pay you," "we'll get you paid," "we don't have the money
to pay you," "just stall [your subs]," and, "if you just pay your subs a little bit, they will leave you
alone for a while."
64. To the extent that WCI did not pay its sub-contractors, such nonpayment was a direct
result of Plaintiff's failure to pay to WCI all amount owed to it.
65. In addition to the Project, Plaintiff and WCI had various oral contracts and one
written contract, regarding various other projects on which WCI was working for Plaintiff (the
"Other Contracts"). A true and correct copy of the written contract between the parties is attached
as Exhibit B to Plaintiff's Complaints docketed at 2013-1330, 2013-1334 and 2013-1335, and is
incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.
66. WCI substantially performed all of its obligations under the Other Contracts.
67. WCI earned full payment of the amounts owed to it under the Other Contracts.
68. Notwithstanding WCI's completion of its work under the Other Contracts, Plaintiff
failed to pay all amounts to WCI to which WCI was entitled to be paid.
8
69. As a result, WCI was unable to pay all of its sub-contractors who performed work on
the projects for which the Other Contracts were in place.
70. To the extent that WCI did not pay its sub-contractors, such nonpayment was a direct
result of Plaintiff's failure to pay to WCI all amount owed to it.
71. Plaintiff has no right to claim attorney's fees in this case, and such demand should be
stricken.
Counterclaim—Count I
Breach of Contract
72. Paragraphs 1 through 71 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
forth.
73. Plaintiff's failure to pay to WCI the amounts it was owed on the Project constituted a
breach of the parties' oral contract.
74. Plaintiff's failure to pay to WCI the amounts it was owed under the Other Contracts
constituted a breach of the Other Contracts.
75. WCI was damaged as a result of Plaintiff's breaches of the parties' oral contract
related to the Project and as a result of Plaintiff's breaches of the Other Contracts.
76. WCI's damages are in excess of$49,600.
77. WCI is entitled to recover its damages from Plaintiff.
78. In addition to its damages, WCI is entitled to recover interest, penalties and
attorney's fees under the Pennsylvania Contractor and Subcontractor Act.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Westhafer Construction, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff in an amount to be determined at
trial, plus interest, penalties, attorney's fees, the costs of this action and for such other relief as this
Court deems just and appropriate.
9
Counterclaim—Count 11
Breach of Contract
79. Paragraphs I through 78 hereof are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set
forth.
80. In or about July 2012, Plaintiff and WCI entered into an oral contract whereby WCI
agreed to lease to Plaintiff a security fence that Plaintiff used at an Enterprise Rent-A-Car
construction site in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
81. Pursuant to the oral contract, Plaintiff leased the fence on a month to month basis at a
monthly rental rate of$480.00.
82. Notwithstanding that Plaintiff had possession of and used the fence through March
2013, Plaintiff has failed and refused to pay the monthly rental fees to WCI.
83. Rent in the amount of$3,360.00 through March 31, 2013 is due to WCI.
84. On February 27, 2013, WCI notified Plaintiff that if the rental amounts are not paid
by March 15, 2013, WCI intended to remove the fence from Plaintiff's construction site.
85. Notwithstanding, Plaintiff did not pay the rental amounts to WCI.
86. Plaintiff has removed the fence from its construction site, and has not returned it to
WCI.
87. WCI does not know where the fence is located.
88. Plaintiff's failure to return the fence to WCI or to allow WCI to retrieve it constitutes
a breach of the oral contract between the parties.
89. The fence is valued at approximately$4,000.
90. As a result of Plaintiffs breaches, WCI has been damaged in the amount of the
unpaid rents and the value of the fence.
91. WCI is entitled to recover its damages from Plaintiff.
10
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Westhafer Construction, Inc., respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff in an amount to be determined at
trial, plus interest, the costs of this action and for such other relief as this Court deems just and
appropriate.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Palla
Greenhall & an, PC
Dated: �!'16�1/ �j By:
teven M. Williams, PA I.D. #62051
Williams @cohenseglias.com
Michael L. Solomon, PA I.D. #36031
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7t"Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
11
VERIFICATION
I have read the foregoing, and verify that the statements therein are correct to the best of
my knowledge, information and belief. This statement and, verification is made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities, which provides
that if I make knowingly false averments, I may be subject to criminal penalties.
f
Steven Westhafer
2279765.1 51845-0001
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that the foregoing was sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, this day to
the following:
Paul D. Edger, Esquire
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esquire
The Law Office of Peter J. Russo, Esquire
5006 East Trindle Road
Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Attorney for Plaintiff
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall & Furman, PC
Dated: 911-1113 By: Av
lison Zortman, Le al Assistant
2281639.151845-0001
0
LAW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO,P.C.
)RO THOl a LAi i
BY: Paul D. Edger, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 312713 ')' OCT 2
Peter J. Russo, Esquire C(iiiI ERL1 ®11 COUNT',
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897 PENNSYLVANIA
5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Attorneys for Plaintiff
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA
v. : CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. : NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER
•
Defendants
: JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S ANSWER TO DEFENDANTS'
NEW MATTER AND COUNTERCLAIMS
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Realty Management, Inc., by and through their attorney
Paul D. Edger, Esquire and the Law Offices of Peter J. Russo, P.C., and avers the following in
support of their Answer to Defendants' New Matter and Counterclaims:
45. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure do not require a response to the averment
contained in Paragraph 45 pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(d).
46. Admitted.
47. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is further stated that the parties did enter into an
oral contract concerning the work to be conducted after the Defendant submitted a bid for
the project Plaintiff was seeking bid proposals on. It is denied that the parties to the
contract were only Plaintiff and WCI, as Steve Westhafer, individually, was also a party
to the oral contract.
48. Denied. This Paragraph 48 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, payments by the Plaintiff were made to both WCI and Steve Westhafer,
depending on the work completed.
49. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of Defendant's averment, and therefore, strict
proof is demanded.
50. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of Defendant's averment, and therefore, strict
proof is demanded.
51. Denied. This Paragraph 51 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, the contract with Plaintiff was for the services of WCI, as well as with Steve
Westhafer, individually.
52. Denied. This Paragraph 52 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, all obligations made under the oral contract were made by Steve Westhafer
individually, and at other times, on behalf of WCI.
53. Denied. This Paragraph 53 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, Mr. Westhafer at numerous times offered Plaintiff personal assurances and
personal assets in order to pay debts of WCI, including Mr. Westhafer's Mercedes-Benz
and other classic vehicles.
54. Denied. This Paragraph 54 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, Westhafer represented himself and made personal assurances on his own behalf,
outside of his acting as a representative of WCI.
55. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 55 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Defendant filed Preliminary
Objections asserting his claim to his being an inappropriate party, and has therefore
consented to his participation in this litigation.
56. Admitted.
57. Denied. Plaintiff required Defendant, as part of the oral contract, to purchase materials,
including those from Tri-Boro and Thos. Somerville Co. on occasion.
58. Denied. This Paragraph 58 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, Plaintiff paid Defendant for the cost of the materials, with the expectation that
the funds paid by Plaintiff to Defendants for the materials would be paid to the sub-
contractors. Defendants' holding onto funds and requiring Plaintiff to pay funds already
paid to Defendants unjustly enriches the Defendants.
59. Denied. This Paragraph 59 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, Defendants have failed to perform its obligations under the contract in way of
paying all sub-contractors hired by Defendant for the project, and as such, placed
Plaintiff in danger of liens being placed upon the property and litigation for nonpayment
of work.
60. Denied. Defendants failed to comply with essential terms of the contract agreed by the
parties, but regardless, Plaintiff paid Defendant full payment of the contract, including
those costs owed to sub-contractors.
61. Denied. This Paragraph 61 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, Plaintiff has provided WCI with full payment of all work completed on this
project.
62. Denied. This Paragraph 62 is denied, and strict proof is demanded. By way of further
answer, WCI did make requests for payment at times other than those guaranteed by
Plaintiff for the timing of said payments, but all payments were made by Plaintiff to WCI
in the times agreed by the parties. As a result, WCI has been paid in full all costs owed by
Plaintiff, including those costs which Defendants were to pay to the sub-contractors.
63. Denied. This Paragraph 63 is denied, and strict proof is demanded.
64. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 64 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Plaintiff paid to Defendant all
sums owed to Defendant under the terms of the oral contract. Defendants' failure to
properly pay its subcontractors and place Plaintiff in threat of liens being placed upon the
property is only the fault of the Defendants' own failures.
65. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 65 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. Further, the contract is a document which speaks for itself, and
therefore no response is required.
66. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of Defendant's averment, and therefore, strict
proof is demanded.
67. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of Defendant's averment, and therefore, strict
proof is demanded.
68. Denied. This Paragraph 68 is denied, and strict proof is demanded.
69. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 69 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Plaintiff fully paid Defendants
all sums owed to Defendants for this project. Any attempt by the Defendants to relate
issues with other contracts between the parties to payment of sub-contractors for this
current project has no weight, since Defendant was paid in full by Plaintiff for this
project, which included the work completed by sub-contractors, but Defendants failed to
pay itself
70. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 70 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Plaintiff fully paid Defendants
all sums owed to Defendants for this project. Any attempt by the Defendants to relate
issues with other contracts between the parties to payment of sub-contractors for this
current project has no weight, since Defendant was paid in full by Plaintiff for this
project, which included the work completed by sub-contractors, but Defendants failed to
pay itself.
71. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 71 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
COUNTERCLAIM—COUNT I
BREACH OF CONTRACT
72. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure do not require a response to the averment
contained in Paragraph 72 pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(d).
73. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 73 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Plaintiff paid Defendant the full
sum owed to the Defendant for the Allentown Project, and therefore no breach of contract
exists.
74. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 74 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is required, Plaintiff is unaware of any
other contracts which a balance is owed by Plaintiffs to Defendant(s), and therefore strict
proof is demanded of the Defendant(s).
75. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 75 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
76. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 76 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
77. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 77 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
78. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 78 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court to dismiss
Defendants' Counterclaim and enter judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the
Defendants.
COUNTERCLAIM—COUNT II
BREACH OF CONTRACT
79. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure do not require a response to the averment
contained in Paragraph 79 pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1029(d).
80. Admitted.
81. Admitted.
82. Denied. Plaintiff made numerous attempts to notify Defendants in March of 2013 that the
Plaintiff was no longer in need of the security fence, and for the Defendant to pick up the
fence. Defendant never responded to Plaintiff's numerous requests, and in order to
protect Defendant's property, properly stored the fence for safekeeping. As such, any
rental fees after Defendant refused to retrieve its property were waived due to the
Defendants' failure to retrieve its property after Plaintiff's notification. Plaintiff is still in
possession of the fence in Plaintiff's storage, and has sought numerous attempts to return
the fence to Defendants.
83. Denied. Plaintiff made numerous attempts to notify Defendants in March of 2013 to the
date of this Answer that the Plaintiff was no longer in need of the security fence, and for
the Defendant to pick up the fence. Defendant never responded to Plaintiff's numerous
requests, and in order to protect Defendant's property, properly stored the fence for
safekeeping. As such, any rental fees after Defendant refused to retrieve its property were
waived due to the Defendants' failure to retrieve its property after Plaintiff's notification.
84. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of Defendant's averment, and therefore, strict
proof is demanded.
85. Denied. Plaintiff did not pay the rental amounts to WCI, due to numerous attempts made
by the Plaintiff to notify Defendants in March of 2013 that the Plaintiff was no longer in
need of the security fence, and for the Defendant to pick up the fence. Defendant never
responded to Plaintiff's numerous requests, and in order to protect Defendant's property,
properly stored the fence for safekeeping. As such, any rental fees after Defendant
refused to retrieve its property were waived due to the Defendants' failure to retrieve its
property after Plaintiff's notification. Plaintiff has sought an opportunity since March of
2013 for Defendants to retrieve their fence.
86. Denied. Plaintiff made numerous attempts to notify Defendants in March of 2013 to the
date of this Answer that the Plaintiff was no longer in need of the security fence, and for
the Defendant to pick up the fence. Defendant never responded to Plaintiff's numerous
requests, and in order to protect Defendant's property, properly stored the fence for
safekeeping. As such, any rental fees after Defendant refused to retrieve its property were
waived due to the Defendants' failure to retrieve its property after Plaintiffs notification.
Plaintiff is still in possession of the fence in Plaintiffs storage, and has sought numerous
attempts to return the fence to Defendants.
87. Denied. Plaintiff made numerous attempts to notify Defendants in March of 2013 to the
date of this Answer that the Plaintiff was no longer in need of the security fence, and for
the Defendant to pick up the fence. Defendant never responded to Plaintiff's numerous
requests, and in order to protect Defendant's property, properly stored the fence for
safekeeping. As such, Defendant is aware of the location of the fence and is willfully
ignoring the fact in an attempt to seek additional rental fees from the Plaintiff
88. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 88 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
89. Denied. After reasonable investigation, Plaintiff is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of Defendant's averment, and therefore, strict
proof is demanded.
90. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 90 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
91. Denied. The averment contained in Paragraph 91 is a conclusion of law to which no
response is required.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court to dismiss
Defendants' Counterclaim and enter judgment in favor of the Plaintiff and against the
Defendants.
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO, P.C.
1r/
BY:
Pe -r J. Russo dKuire
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
Paul D. Edger, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 312713
5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Date: October 18, 2013
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. : CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. : NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER
Defendants
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Derek M. Strouphauer, Paralegal, hereby certify that I have on this day served a true
and correct copy of Plaintiff's Answer to New Matter and Counterclaims upon the following
persons, in the manner indicated:
FIRST CLASS MAIL
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
c/o Steven M. Williams, Esquire
240 N. Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
AW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO, P.C.
By: � \_ — _/tf►
Derek , .. -e _ e.. .- , •:ralega
Date: October 18, 2013
LAW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO,P.C. f =w 1�0 H,0 44 TA .r
BY: Paul D. Edger, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 312713 ?1J GC i 24 Pik 1: 01.,
Email: pedger @pjrlaw.com CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Peter J. Russo,Esquire PENNSYLVANIA
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
Email: prusso @pjrlaw.com
5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Facsimile: (717) 591-1756
Attorneys for Plaintiff
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION,INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER .
Defendants
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE TO AMEND VERIFICATION
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly amend Plaintiff's Answer to Defendants' New Matter and Counterclaims, which
was filed on October 21, 2013, by adding the attached, original verification signed by Plaintiff.
Respectfully submitted,
THE LAW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO, P.C.
BY: --
Pet . Russ quire
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
-ePaul D. Edger, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 312713
5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Facsimile: (717) 591-1756
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Date: October 22, 2013
N
VERIFICATION
I, Thomas Flynn, President of Realty Management; Inc. that the statements made in the
foregoing document are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject
to the penalties of perjury of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
Thomas Flynn,President
Realty Management,Inc.
LAW OFFICES OF PETER J.RUSSO,P.C.
BY: Paul D. Edger, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 312713
Email: pedger @pjrlaw.com
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
Email: prusso @pjrlaw.com
5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Facsimile: (717) 591-1756
Attorneys for Plaintiff
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER
Defendants ,
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
1, Derek M. Strouphauer, Paralegal, hereby certify that I am on this day serving a copy of
the Praecipe to Amend Verification upon the person(s) and in the manner indicated below:
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
c/o Steven M. Williams, Esquire
240 N. Third Street, 7t" Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Date: lob3 60 a - De . Strou auer,Paralegal
fd-t7, '..
•7 F',:4 I;
COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS
GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C.
Steven M. Williams, Esquire
swilliams @cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 62051
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 36031
240 North Third Street, 7t" Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
v.
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER,
Defendants
•
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
SECOND MOTION OF COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS GREENHALL & FURMAN, P.C.
FOR LEAVE TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANTS
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. AND STEVE WESTHAFER
AND REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY STAY, WITH CONCURRENCE OF PLAINTIFF
AND NOW, comes Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C. ("CSPG&F") and
files this Second Motion for Leave to Withdraw as Counsel for Defendants, Westhafer
Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer (collectively, "Westhafer") in the above-captioned
matter, and in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. Westhafer engaged CSPG&F to represent its interests in this case.
2. In its representation, CSPG&F appeared and represented Westhafer at a
Magisterial District Court proceeding, filed an appeal of an adverse judgment therein, filed an
Answer, New Matter and Counterclaims, and has attempted to negotiate a settlement of this case
on behalf of Westhafer.
3. This Court entered an Order on June 14, 2013 granting permission for CSPG&F
to withdraw as counsel of record for Westhafer. However, Westhafer thereafter paid a portion of
its past due obligation to CSPG&F, and CSPG&F continued in its representation of Westhafer.
4. Despite further demand, however, Westhafer has again refused to pay CSPG&F's
attorney's fees incurred in its continued representation of Westhafer in this case.
5. CSPG&F has repeatedly notified Westhafer that it would seek leave of Court to
withdraw as attorneys for Westhafer if Westhafer did not pay CSPG&F's fees.
6. Notwithstanding repeated assurances, Westhafer has failed to pay CSPG&F's fees
7. CSPG&F is entitled to withdraw as counsel for Westhafer in the above-captioned
matter pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(5), which states that a
lawyer may withdraw from representing a client if "the client fails substantially to fulfill an
obligation to the lawyer regarding the lawyer's services and has been given reasonable warning
that the lawyer will withdraw unless the obligation is fulfilled."
8. CSPG&F is entitled to withdraw as counsel for Westhafer in the above-captioned
matter pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(6), which allows a lawyer
to withdraw from representing a client "if the representation will result in an unreasonable
financial burden on the lawyer or has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client."
9. The withdrawal by CSPG&F will not cause any material adverse affect on
Westhafer's interests. Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.16(b)(1).
10. Due to Westhafer's refusal to pay CSPG&F for its services in this case, and based
upon the Rules of Professional Conduct cited above, CSPG&F is entitled to withdraw as counsel
for Westhafer.
11. The pleadings are closed, but no discovery has commenced yet in this case.
12. No discovery is necessary or required in connection with this Motion.
13. No hearing is necessary or required in connection with this Motion.
14. The Honorable Judge Christy Lee Peck has had prior involvement in this case.
15. On November 22, 2013, the undersigned communicated via email with Plaintiff's
counsel, Paul D. Edger, regarding the filing of this Motion. Plaintiff's counsel has no objection
to this Motion.
WHEREFORE, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C. respectfully requests
that this Honorable Court grant it leave to withdraw as counsel for Defendants, Westhafer
Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer, in this case and grant such other relief as this Court
deems just and appropriate.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias
Greenhal :Furman, PC
Dated: )1)tt / 3 By: _
even M. Williams, PA I.D. #62051
silliams@cohenseglias.com
Michael L. Solomon, PA I.D. #36031
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that the foregoing Second Motion for Leave to Withdraw as Counsel was
sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, this day to the following:
Paul D. Edger, Esquire
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esquire
The Law Office of Peter J. Russo, Esquire
5006 East Trindle Road
Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Attorney for Plaintiff
Steve Westhafer
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall & Furman, PC
Dated: ///as//
Alison Zortman, /al Assistant
VERIFICATION
I, Steven M. Williams, hereby state that I am partner with the law firm of Cohen Seglias
Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C., and am authorized to make this verification on its behalf. I
have reviewed the facts set forth in the foregoing Motion, and state that they are true and correct
to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that the statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A.
§4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: I0Z(113
•.teven M. Williams
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, `
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
r,t°' c:, +
V. r--
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER =c--> -
• F.a
Defendants
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of 2013, upon consideration
of the Second Motion of Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C. ("CSPG&F") for Leave
to Withdraw as Counsel, and in consideration of Plaintiff's concurrence therein, it is hereby
ORDERED that the Second Motion for Leave to Withdraw as Counsel is GRANTED and
CSPG&F, and all attorneys associated therewith, shall be permitted to withdraw their appearance
as counsel of record for Defendants, Westhafer Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer, in the
above-captioned matter, by filing a Praecipe with the Prothonotary.
BY THE COURT:
J.
�en :
Williams, Es q.,240 North Third Street, 7`�' Floor, Harrisburg,PA 17101
aul D. Edger, Esq., Peter J. Russo, Esq. and Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esq., 5006 East Trindle Road, Suite 203,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
,,-S't'eve Westhafer and Westhafer Construction, Inc., 71 Silver Crown Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
2403693.151845-0001
•P; Fti
J�frLl�flliAt-
2D13DEC 13 p,4 1: 30
CUMBERLAND
CEy QUNTY
ANIA
COHEN SEGLIAS PALLAS
GREENHALL & FURMAN,P.C.
Steven M. Williams, Esquire
swilliams@cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 62051
Michael L. Solomon, Esquire
msolomon @cohenseglias.com
Identification No.: 36031
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717)234-5530
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
Plaintiff PENNSYLVANIA
•
v.
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER,
•
Defendants
•
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE
To the Prothonotary:
In accordance with the Order of the Honorable Judge Christylee L. Peck dated December
4, 2013, please note in the docket that the undersigned and his firm hereby withdraw their
appearance as counsel for Defendants in this case.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pall.:
Greenhall : `urman, PC
Dated: ! /// /`- By:
S -yen M. Williams, PA I.D. #62051
..williams @cohenseglias.com
Michael L. Solomon, PA I.D. #36031
msolomon@cohenseglias.com
240 North Third Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-5530
• .
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that the foregoing Praecipe was sent by first class mail, postage prepaid,
this day to the following:
Paul D. Edger, Esquire
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
Lindsey Gingrich-Maclay, Esquire
The Law Office of Peter J. Russo, Esquire
5006 East Trindle Road
Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Attorney for Plaintiff
Steve Westhafer
Westhafer Construction, Inc.
71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Respectfully Submitted,
Cohen Seglias Pallas
Greenhall & Furman, PC
Dated: /c0///6 B 44.4i eIP.�/ A-
Alison Zortman, l Assistant
2424121.1 51845-0001
LAW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO, P.C.
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
5006 E. Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 P E-NN S Y 1..`�`r'+N I r�
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Attorneys for Plaintiff
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER
Defendants
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTION INTERROGATORIES
REQUESTS FOR ADMISSIONS ADDRESSED TO DEFENDANT (First Set)
TO: THE PROTHONOTARY
This is to certify that on this day, I,Peter J. Russo, did serve a copy of
Plaintiffs Contention Interrogatories Requests for Admissions
Addressed to Defendant(First Set)
to Defendants, Westhafer Construction, Inc. and Steve Westhafer,by depositing a copy of same
with the UPS, which was addressed as follows:
Westhafer Construction, Inc. Steve Westhafer
71 Silver Crown Drive 71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Peter so, sq.
Date: Wednesday, January 07, 2015
LAW OFFICES OF PETER J. RUSSO,P.C.
Peter J. Russo, Esquire
PA Supreme Court ID: 72897
5006 E. Trindle Road, Suite 203
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Telephone: (717) 591-1755
Attorneys for Plaintiff
REALTY MANAGEMENT, INC. : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. CIVIL ACTION
WESTHAFER CONSTRUCTION, INC. NO. 2013-1332
and STEVE WESTHAFER
Defendants
JURY-TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Peter J. Russo, hereby certify that I am on this day serving a copy of the
Plaintiffs Contention Interrogatories Requests for Admissions
Addressed to Defendant(First Set)
upon the person(s) and in the manner indicated below, service by UPS, and Addressed as Follows:
Westhafer Construction, Inc. Steve Westhafer
71 Silver Crown Drive 71 Silver Crown Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Peter s o, Esquire
Date: Wednesday, January 07, 2015