Smyrna Lawyers

Joseph Jachetti has a diverse civil litigation practice. His primary practice focuses in the area of personal injury claims, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death from automobile accidents, work-related injuries, products liability and general negligence. Prior to practicing law, Joe was an automobile insurance claims adjuster for 10 years. Therefore, he is exceptionally qualified in dealing with all types of insurance related personal injury claims.

Benjamin A. Schwartz is a husband, father, trial lawyer, and Managing Partner of the firm. Ben was born and raised in Dover, Delaware and now resides in Wilmington, Delaware. Ben primarily accepts representation in cases involving serious personal injury and death as the result of negligent, careless or reckless behavior. Ben believes that by holding society’s wrongdoers responsible for their harmful conduct, we create a safer society.

Justin K. Weeks focuses on providing exceptional legal representation to individuals injured by the negligence of others in personal injury, and workers’ compensation matters. Throughout his legal career, Justin remains dedicated and committed to the goal of serving all Delawareans with integrity and dedication. Prior to joining Morris James, Justin served as a Deputy Attorney General for the Delaware Department of Justice. During that time, he prosecuted criminal misdemeanor offenses in the Court of Common Pleas for Kent and Sussex County. In this role, he gained valuable skills and a unique perspective on judicial proceedings. In the year 2003, Justin enlisted in...

Keith has spent his entire career litigating personal injury and insurance-related cases since 1991. During the first decade of his career he worked in Delaware focused on representing insurance companies and insureds in litigation. Starting in 2002 Keith started working with individuals injured by the negligence of others. He now exclusively handles these types of cases. Keith is a frequent speaker on personal injury insurance issues and on trial techniques and strategies. He is often selected by his peers to serve as an arbitrator and/or mediator.

Susan Ament is a partner at Morris James Personal Injury Group and works primarily out of the Broom Street office in Wilmington, DE. She also serves as Guardian Ad Litem attorney through the Office of the Child Advocate for the Family Court of Delaware.

At heart, I am a teacher. That's what happens when you come from a family full of educators. When a client comes in, I listen to their story and ask a lot of questions. Then, I explain their legal situation to them and give them a "road map" of how their case will likely play out. When a client's doctor doesn't explain their medical condition to them very well, I give them more information so they can understand what's happening to their body. When they don't understand a medical procedure, I'll explain that to them as well. I'll explain to...

Bill is an attorney practicing in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation. Bill spent over a decade defending insurance companies in personal injury lawsuits. During this time, Bill worked for a regional defense law firm and as staff counsel for one of the country’s largest insurance carriers. This experience has provided Bill with a keen insight on how insurance carriers value and defend claims that he now uses to provide excellent results for his clients. Prior to joining Pratcher Krayer, Bill was employed by another personal injury and workers’ compensation firm in Wilmington, Delaware where he represented...

With years of legal experience under her belt, Mary has championed causes in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation, fighting for her clients in Delaware and New Jersey. She also brings a unique perspective from her time defending large corporations. In addition to her formal work, Mary has made impactful contributions through pro bono services. She's stood as a guardian for a vulnerable adult and has acted as a Fair Hearing Officer for the State of Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Mary's passion extends beyond law and into public service. With a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, she’s been recognized with...

Ms. Williams' practice focuses on Intellectual Property and General Business matters. She handles intellectual property prosecution, litigation, contracts, sales, and licensing. Additionally, Ms. Williams advises clients on general business issues including IP portfolio assessment and management. Utilizing her vast experience in the areas of risk management, business analytics, and due diligence, Ms. Williams works with emerging growth businesses counseling on risk reduction and capitalization. She provides unique legal counseling to businesses looking to establish and grow their intellectual property portfolios. Ms. Williams specializes in advising businesses on long-term and layered strategies for intellectual property protection; brand establishment and re-branding; and intellectual...

Lewis Lazarus focuses his practice on corporate governance and commercial matters in the Delaware Court of Chancery. He has been lead counsel in trials arising out of mergers and acquisitions, including cases involving the entire fairness standard of review, appraisal, books and records actions, actions to compel annual meetings, and actions to determine who rightfully are the managers of a Delaware entity. As a result of his knowledge and familiarity with these and related cases, Lewis often advises special committees and boards in conflict-of-interest transactions. He has counseled boards, companies, or special committees in conflict-of-interest transactions totaling over $7 billion...

I am a trial lawyer specializing in the areas of medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and personal injury. My practice is focused on helping people who have been injured by the negligence of others. All too often, when a person is injured they are confused about what happened, why it happened, who is responsible, and what to do next. I am committed to providing the personal attention my clients need to get their questions answered and to help them better understand their legal options. In my view, helping individuals obtain fair compensation for their injuries promotes...

Chris Componovo is a civil litigation attorney with almost 30 years of experience handling cases for clients involved in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. Chris has the knowledge needed to efficiently advocate for his clients. He provides innovative legal strategies and tactics to recover maximum compensation for his clients who are hurt or injured by the negligence of others or companies. Prior to joining Morris James, Chris focused his practice on representing individuals in Lemon Law and breach of warranty claims against automobile manufacturers, and personal injury and worker's compensation matters. He gained valuable legal experience managing all aspects of...

Kevin Healy is a founding member of the Morris James Personal Injury Group and is the resident Personal Injury Attorney in the Newark, Delaware location. Every day offers Kevin the opportunity and privilege to serve our clients with the help of our personal injury team. The Personal Injury Group is dedicated to helping individuals who have been injured as a result of the negligence of others as well as those who have suffered injuries at work. It is with great pride that Kevin takes a personal interest in his clients, counseling them through a claims process...

If you are injured at work or in an automobile accident, I will be there through the thick and the thin. I have offices in Wilmington, New Castle and Seaford because I want to be near to you when you need me the most. I am a dedicated personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney who will answer all of your questions – even the ones you forgot to ask when you talked to me the first time – and I will lay out a practical, step-by-step plan for you and your family moving forward. When you are hurt...

Jason Antoine was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and attended John Dickinson High School. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in History Education in 2003. He then attended and graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2006. While in law school Jason clerked with the State of Delaware Attorney General's Office and clerked for his now-deceased Uncle, C. Paul Estep, a notable personal injury attorney in West Virginia. Prior to entering private practice as a criminal and civil trial attorney, Jason served as an Assistant District Attorney in Pennsylvania. The District...

Ross Karsnitz chairs the workers' compensation practice and assists clients with a wide variety of civil litigation including personal injury, workers' compensation, business, and real estate matters in the Georgetown Office. Ross was raised in Sussex County Delaware, and is a second-generation attorney with both his mother and father practicing in Delaware. Following his clerkship with the now President Judge of the Superior Court, Ross practiced criminal defense for the Office of Defense Services, rising through the ranks in Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas and Superior Court in Kent County and New Castle County. By the end of his...

Eric J. Monzo focuses on issues relating to business restructuring and insolvency. He regularly represents a wide range of stakeholders with a focus on official and unofficial committees, indenture trustees, commercial creditors and lender groups, in addition to, corporate debtors and their independent and special committee management. Eric is widely recognized by clients and peers for his preeminent legal ability and creative solutions. Clients regard him as a true professional, who is fully prepared and focused on the business objectives. Eric handles matters relating to the restructuring and liquidation of companies in a broad range of industries with experience...

Samuel D. Pratcher, III is an attorney at Pratcher Krayer LLC. Samuel was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and attended Salesianum High School. He graduated with honors from Hampton University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. In 2009, he received his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.

While in law school, Samuel served as judicial extern to the Honorable Joseph J. Farnan, Jr., in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. He gained valuable experience researching and writing court opinions on civil rights and employment law matters.

After law school, Samuel completed a...

Jim Gallagher maintains a comprehensive business and tax practice that includes the preparation of wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. In his business practice, Jim counsels and advises clients on business formation and management, including the drafting of operating agreements and stockholder agreements. He is experienced in the preparation, review, and negotiation of documents for the purchase and sale of assets or stock or other equity interests, as well as commercial and employment-related contracts. Through the representation of physicians and physician groups, Jim has also developed a thorough understanding of federal and state healthcare regulatory compliance issues, which accentuates...

Daulton Gregory is a partner of Marin & Gregory LLC: a Litigation Law Firm focusing in Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, and Insurance Claims. Daulton Gregory is licensed to practice law in Delaware, New Jersey, and the Delaware District Court. Daulton is also a board member of the Wilmington Police Foundation and is a part-time educator for local middle schools in the Christina School District. Daulton graduated a 1/2 year early from the University of Delaware and was a member of the Blue Hen's football team. Daulton received his J.D. from Widener-Delaware Law were he graduated with honors (Cum Laude) and volunteered...

Wilson A. Gualpa is an attorney in the Morris James personal injury practice, with experience representing clients in personal injury cases, including automobile accidents, premise liability cases, and workers’ compensation matters. Wilson advocates for his clients to ensure they are rightfully compensated and receive all the benefits they are entitled to through alternative dispute resolution and litigation. He is a bilingual attorney that can provide services in English and Spanish. Practice areas: • Áreas De Especialización • Car Accidents • Construction Accidents • Dog Bites / Attacks • Infant Formula Litigation • Injury Law • Mass Torts • Motorcycle Accidents • Negligent Security • Product Liability • Rideshare Accidents • Serious Injuries • Slip and Fall • Truck Accidents • Workers' Compensation • Wrongful Death wgualpa@morrisjames.com 302.651.3582

Dennis D. Ferri, Of Counsel to the Wilmington, Delaware office of Reger Rizzo & Darnall, has been an active trial lawyer for 43 years. Over those years, he has tried to conclusion nearly 100 cases in Delaware’s State and Federal Courts, obtaining excellent results for his clients. Dennis has earned the respect of lawyers and Judges for his trial skills and his professionalism. His areas of practice have included general liability, personal injury (plaintiff and defense), product liability and professional liability - primarily medical negligence. Mr. Ferri has practiced law in both small and large law firm settings. Most recently,...

Samuel Bashman is a member of the Corporate and Commercial Litigation Group at Morris James LLP. He focuses his practice on corporate and complex commercial litigation for business entities formed under Delaware law. During law school, Samuel completed an externship at the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where he assisted in the investigation and litigation of civil cases in Manhattan's federal courthouse. Practice areas: • Business Torts • Contract Litigation • Corporate and Fiduciary Litigation • LLC, LP, Partnership Litigation sbashman@morrisjames.com 302.888.6890

Tyler J. Waad, Esq. earned in Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Delaware Law School – Widener University, graduating cum laude, and is admitted to the Bar of the Delaware Supreme Court for the state of Delaware. Prior to earning his J.D., Mr. Waad studied in the Alfred Lerner School of Business at the University of Delaware and received his B.S. degrees in both Finance and Economics. While in law school, Mr. Waad was a member of the Moot Court Honors Society, the Vice President of Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honors Society, Vice President of the American Association for Justice and...

Megan D. Halter focuses her practice in the representation of school districts, administrative personnel, teachers, staff, and third-party vendors, with regard to education and special education law matters. Ms. Halter implements preventive strategies in order to minimize exposure to legal risk and potential liabilities for public school systems, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations and charter schools.

Ms. Halter, along with other members of the Firm’s Special Education Group, proactively provide in-house training programs to all school district employees so that our clients can stay abreast of changes in the law and keep current on education-related legal requirements in order to...

GARY S. NITSCHE is the managing partner of the law firm of Nitsche & Fredricks LLC. He handles personal injury matters with an emphasis on motor vehicle accidents, work injuries, nursing home cases and premises liability cases. He has substantial litigation and trial experience and has tried approximately fifty jury trials. He has received numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. He has litigated some of the most significant and important personal injury cases and law changing decisions in the fields of personal injury uninsured motorist coverage and worker’s compensation. Gary has been regularly honored as a Super Lawyer seven...

Rebecca Kilmon is a member of Morris James' Business Transactions, Strategic Planning and Counseling Practice, a group that handles over $100B in financings annually for a wide range of clients. Rebecca’s focus has been with the administration of Delaware Statutory Trusts in connection with securitizations, equipment finance and vessel finance. While in law school, Rebecca served as a Judicial Intern to The Honorable Sherry R. Fallon in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Practice areas: • Business Transactions, Strategic Planning and Counseling • Corporate Trust and Fiduciary Services • Delaware Alternative Entities: LLC, LP, Partnership and Trust • Energy Industry • Legal Opinions rkilmon@morrisjames.com 302.888.6846

John Newcomer practices in the areas of real estate and commercial litigation. His experience in these dual fields provides his clients with a rare perspective in dealing with complex real estate and business matters. Understanding the dynamics of litigation, and how it impacts his clients’ business strategies, gives John the ability to draft transactional documents with an eye towards avoiding problems before they arise. John chairs Morris James' Real Estate Group. In his real estate practice, he represents landowners and developers in the acquisition, improvement and financing of properties in Delaware, including hotels, medical and assisted living facilities, apartments, shopping centers...

Jeff Waxman represents debtors, official committees of unsecured creditors, official committees of equity holders, secured creditors, plan administrators, liquidating trustees, purchasers of assets, and a wide variety of creditor constituencies and interested parties in Chapter 11 cases. Jeff also represents Chapter 7 trustees, and plaintiffs, and defendants in bankruptcy-related preference and fraudulent transfer litigation. Prior to entering private practice, Jeff served as a law clerk to The Honorable Mary F. Walrath, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, and to The Honorable Michael J. Kaplan, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York. Jeff co-chairs Morris James’ Small Businesses and Start-Ups Group which...

Michael is a partner in the Intellectual Property Litigation Group and serves on the Firm’s Diversity Committee. He represents clients as lead or Delaware counsel in litigation in the District of Delaware in a wide variety of industries, with a particular focus on web-based technology, networking, biotechnology and consumer products. Representative clients include Amazon.com, Aruba Networks, Cisco Systems, f’real Foods, Gillette, Nespresso, Orbitz, Rite Aid, Sprint, Staples, Symantec, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Trend Micro, UCB, and Xilinx. In 2016 and 2017, Michael was named an “associate to watch” in the Chambers USA category for Delaware Intellectual Property.

Prior to law...

Mike Dingerdissen is uniquely qualified to represent clients in the areas of tax, estate planning, trust administration, and strategic business planning. As part of the Tax, Estates and Business Practice, he assists businesses and individuals with various matters, including strategic business & succession planning, tax planning & controversies, stock & asset acquisitions, including private equity transactions, wealth transfer & estate planning. Mike has gained a wide range of experience throughout his career, including most recently serving as Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at The Goldman Sachs Trust Company, where he focused on managing and administering trusts, estates, and other...

Matthew R. Hindley, Partner in Reger Rizzo & Darnall’s Wilmington Office, is a member of the Firm’s Litigation and Insurance Practices Groups. Matthew is admitted to practice in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, and regularly represents clients in both Delaware’s Superior Court and Delaware’s Court of Chancery. Matthew focuses on products and premises liability, commercial litigation, and casualty defense. He also devotes a portion of his practice to representing insurance carriers in subrogation matters. While attending Widener University School of Law, Matthew interned with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office and also served as a judicial extern for the Honorable...

Ryan T. Keating is an experienced and skilled medical malpractice attorney, focusing exclusively on complex cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. He represents individuals in the States of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Ryan has litigated hundreds of medical malpractice cases covering a wide range of claims, including those involving birth injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, medication errors, hospital malpractice, surgery errors, emergency medicine errors, failures to diagnose, and nursing home neglect and abuse. While Ryan now advocates for those who are victims of medical negligence, he previously spent several years defending medical providers and hospitals in medical malpractice cases. Ryan's...