Philadelphia’s Complex Litigation Center Undergoes Leadership Changes Amidst Surge in Mass Tort Programs

Philadelphia, PA – The First Judicial District’s Complex Litigation Center is undergoing leadership changes as multiple mass tort programs approach trial. Last week, Philadelphia Administrative Judge Lisette Shirdan-Harris promoted Judge Joshua Roberts to team leader of the center, replacing Judge Abbe Fletman who was appointed the supervising judge of the Commerce Court. These changes were prompted by the election of Judge Nina Wright Padilla as president judge, which created a vacancy on the Commerce Court bench she previously oversaw. Judge Joshua Roberts joined the Philadelphia bench in 2019 after working at the firm Datz & … Read more

Judge Abbe Fletman Takes on New Role Leading Philadelphia’s Commerce Court, Returning to Her Legal Roots

Philadelphia, PA – Judge Abbe Fletman has been appointed as the supervising judge of the commerce section in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. This move comes after Judge Nina Wright Padilla was elected as the president judge of the First Judicial District. Fletman, who has a background in practicing law in Philadelphia’s commerce court, expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that it feels like going back to her roots. The commerce section of the court handles commercial and business-to-business disputes, as well as class actions and motions related to confessed judgments. Fletman has been … Read more