Richard P. Haaz, Esq. Merging With Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.; Becomes Founding Managing Attorney of Firm's New Montgomery County Office

NORRISTOWN, Pa., April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C. is growing again as Richard P. Haaz, Esq. merges his highly successful litigation practice and becomes the founding Managing Attorney of the Firm's new Montgomery County office, the principals announced today. He will begin working out of the Firm's Norristown office (43 E. Marshall Street) on May 2.

"Richard and the new Montgomery County office are an ideal fit for our Firm as we expand our regional presence," explains Larry Bendesky, Esq., Managing Shareholder of SMBB. "Rich is the lawyer's lawyer who has been remarkably effective as a skilled trial attorney, passionate advocate for vulnerable citizens, and as a thoughtful leader focused on improving the justice system. This is an exciting development for all involved." Bendesky noted that the Firm four years ago opened a Delaware County Office, in Media, under the direction of Managing Attorney Carmen P. Belefonte, Esq.

Haaz, raised in Abington Township and residing in Springfield Township, has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years and a Montgomery County resident for nearly 40. A devoted volunteer in various local professional, social service, and civic activities, he shares Bendesky's enthusiasm over the new relationship.

"Saltz Mongeluzzi is widely regarded as one of the leading plaintiff firms in the region and nation, so I am truly honored to become a member and, in particular, to bringing their unique brand of practice to all the citizens of Montgomery County," Haaz says. "I expect the transition to be seamless because we know one another very well and have similar practice philosophies. We exist to serve our clients in the most dedicated, innovative, and ethical manner possible."

Bendesky and Haaz also emphasized the shared commitment to the highest principles of practice, noting that Haaz presently serves as Chairman of a hearing committee of the non-partisan Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Board enforces the ethical standards governing the practice of law in the Commonwealth. In Montgomery County, he has maintained an office in Jenkintown and is past Chair of the Montgomery County Bar Association's Legal-Medical Committee. The group is comprised of members of the medical and legal community focused on building stronger relationships and enhancing communications between the two professions. He also serves as a Judge Pro Tem in the First Judicial District.

Robert J. Mongeluzzi, Esq., President of the Firm, said Haaz has a well-earned reputation for methodically tackling highly complex cases at the State and Federal levels.

"He has tried more than 35 jury trials to verdict, including several landmark cases involving the rights of seniors and the disabled that helped shape new laws and meaningful reforms," commented Mongeluzzi. The Montgomery County Bar Association, with more than 2,000 members, recently recognized his exemplary service when it rated him "highly recommended" as a candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

Michael F. Barrett, Esq., a Founding Shareholder of the Firm, said Haaz will "feel right at home" with the client-centered culture of SMBB and the overall team approach to trying the most complex and challenging cases across jurisdictions. "Richard is used to mentoring younger attorneys and demonstrating the kind of leadership in and out of court that we are well known for," he said.

"Community service is viewed by SMBB as a very important part of the practice of law," he commented, and "that is one of many reasons we are so compatible." In fact, Richard has served as a Board Member and Solicitor of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern Pennsylvania for the past 20 years.

Haaz and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. He may be reached at 610.278.1591 or [email protected] effective May 2.

About SMBB

Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C. is dedicated to the representation of people who have been seriously or fatally injured. With offices in Philadelphia, Media, Norristown, and Voorhees, New Jersey, the firm specializes in highly complex cases, including those involving medical malpractice, catastrophic construction site and other workplace accidents, products and premises liability, civil rights, class actions, and vehicular negligence. Its main office is located on the 51st and 52nd Floors of One Liberty Place in Center City Philadelphia. For further information please call (215) 496-8282 or visit www.smbb.com.

Contacts:
Larry Bendesky, Esq.
[email protected]
215.575.2952

Steph Rosenfeld (for SMBB)
[email protected]
215.514.4101

SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.