January 2024

High Swartz | January 24, 2024

John S. Han, Esq. Appointed to Moving Montco Forward Advisory Committee

John was recently informed that he was selected to participate in the Criminal Justice & The Courts Advisory Committee as part of the Moving Montco Forward initiative.

What is Montco Moving Forward?

Moving Montco Forward aims to assist newly elected Montgomery County Board Commissioners Neil Makhija and Jamila Winder navigate their first 100 days in office. A diverse Steering Committee was assembled to help select and guide Advisory Committees in developing a report of actionable recommendations. Those Advisory Committees will then look at key priorities and provide guidance on actions the commissioners can take to serve the people of Montgomery County.

The advisory committees include:

Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Commerce and Economic Development
Criminal Justice and the Courts
Government Operations and Innovation
Human Services and Public Health
Labor Relations and Worker Protection
Local and Intergovernmental Affairs
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Planning, Transportation and Infrastructure
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Sustainability and Climate Change
Voting Rights and Election Integrity

The Criminal Justice & The Courts Advisory Committee will be co-chaired by Paul Heaton and Lauren Hughes.

Currently, John S. Han serves as a trial and criminal defense attorney, representing clients facing investigation and prosecution by State and Federal Law Enforcement authorities throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan region, with a particular focus on Montgomery and Bucks Counties.

John sits on the Board of Directors for the Montgomery Bar Association and is a Judicial Council Member for the National Asian Pacific Bar Association. He recently was selected to serve on the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel in the Eastern District of PA. The CJA panel is comprised of attorneys chosen by the Board of Judges who possess the competence, experience, and commitment to provide outstanding criminal defense representation for indigent people facing prosecution in federal criminal cases.

Tom Gabor | January 15, 2024

Municipal Attorney Matthew T. Hovey Elected Partner at High Swartz LLP

High Swartz LLP is pleased to announce that Matthew T. Hovey has been named the firm’s newest partner, effective January 1, 2024.

Matthew T. Hovey, a seasoned municipal attorney with a focus on civil litigation, zoning, land use, and real estate, has been a valuable member of High Swartz since 2021. His promotion reflects his dedication and contributions to the firm.

“I am honored to be named partner by the oldest firm in Montgomery County and follow so many distinguished attorneys named before me. High Swartz has given me the opportunity to grow my municipal practice and I greatly appreciate the guidance and assistance the attorneys and staff provided me since I joined the firm.” says Matthew.

Matthew holds various municipal appointments in Montgomery County and Chester County. His regional appointments include roles such as Solicitor for Spring City Borough, Assistant Solicitor for Pottstown Borough, and serving on zoning hearing boards for multiple townships.

Aside from his legal work, Matthew has been involved in community service, serving as the former President of the Board of Directors of Multi Service, Inc. The organization operates the Center at Spring Street, providing essential services to the community.

High Swartz LLP congratulates Matt on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to his continued contributions.

High Swartz | January 12, 2024

Thomas E. Panzer, Esq. Reappointed to New Term on MIRIA Board in Horsham

In 2023, MIRIA, or the allocated $19.27 million in grant money utilized for PFAS remediation.

Reappointed by Horsham Township Council, High Swartz LLP equity partner Thomas E. Panzer will serve another 5-year term on the MIRIA Board of Directors.

MIRIA, or the Military Installation Remediation and Infrastructure Authority, is tasked with identifying existing tax funds to support grant opportunities for local water providers. These grants are utilized for PFAS and PFOA remediation within water delivery systems. It also provides reductions and rebates to rate payers facing increased water costs due to PFAS and PFOA infiltration into groundwater around the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB) Willow Grove.

Additionally, MIRIA works on mitigating or eliminating the costs of connecting rate payers served by well water to public water service. During the January reorganization meeting of MIRIA, Tom was re-elected to serve as the Board’s Secretary.

Tom Gabor | January 8, 2024

Family Law Attorney Kimberly J. Krzyzaniak Joins High Swartz LLP

High Swartz LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Kimberly J. Krzyzaniak, Esq., practicing in Wayne, PA, to its family law team.

Kim is a dedicated family lawyer with a primary focus on divorce, custody, support, and mediation. Her experience extends to specialized areas, including gray divorce and grandparent custody. Kim serves clients in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties along the Main Line. Kim approaches each case with an eye to the individual. She can assist clients with unique solutions such as pre and post marital agreements and mediation.

“I am excited to join High Swartz and look forward to representing the firm along the Main Line. Additionally, my clients will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and practice areas the firm offers.” says Kim.

Kim is an active member of the Delaware County Bar Association and a past chair of its family law committee. Kim holds a significant role in the executive committee of the Guy G. deFuria American Inn of Court in Media, PA.

Kim considers herself a mediation-friendly divorce attorney and frequently collaborates with Main Line Divorce Support Networks. Her academic background includes a Juris Doctor from the Charles Widger School of Law at Villanova University.

High Swartz LLP is excited about the enhanced capabilities and experience that Kim brings to the firm, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional legal services across the Philadelphia region, including the Main Line.

High Swartz | January 2, 2024

Tom Panzer Esq. Elected to the Bucks County Bar Board of Directors in 2024

High Swartz LLP is pleased to announce that Thomas E. Panzer, an equity partner specializing in zoning, municipal, and workers’ compensation law, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bucks County Bar Association (BCBA) for a three year term, starting in the year 2024. This marks Tom's third 3-year term serving on the Board over the past two decades.

“The BCBA goes beyond the essential goal of upholding standards in the legal community. It’s a well-run organization. I am eager to collaborate with fellow members in the new year.” says Tom.

Established in 1883 with just 40 charter members, the Bucks County Bar Association is one of the oldest and most active Bar Associations in the United States. The association traces its origins back to the courts established by William Penn in 1683. Presently, the BCBA boasts over 800 members spread across Bucks County.

Tom brings a wealth of community service and legal experience to his role, currently serving as Solicitor to multiple zoning hearing boards in Bucks municipalities, as well as serving as Solicitor to the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary , appointed by the Hon. Coleen Christian, Prothonotary. His past community service includes a four-year term as Bucks County Treasurer, two terms as a Supervisor in Warminster Township, Bucks County, and a full five-year term as an appointed member of the Warminster Municipal Authority Board of Directors. In 2020, Tom was appointed as the Secretary to the Military Installation Remediation and Infrastructure Authority (MIRIA). MIRIA provides grant money and reimbursements to offset and mitigate the cost of remediating PFC contamination associated with military installations in Pennsylvania, in particular the NAS-JRB Willow Grove property.