Having accumulated a rich history spanning over a century, High Swartz LLP stands as a prominent regional law firm with a distinguished reputation. We are proud to serve the mid-atlantic region from our law offices in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Our clients' success is a testament to the dedication of our legal staff, comprised of skilled attorneys and a committed administrative team. It all starts with fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace culture. Our attorneys, legal assistants, and paralegals work together to deliver optimal outcomes for our valued clients.
Below are some of the people that make up our dedicated team here at the firm.
Our Legal Staff
Emily Bushnell
Executive Director
Emily Bushnell is the Executive Director at High Swartz. She graduated from Rutgers University with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice and joined High Swartz in 2016 as a Legal/Executive Assistant. Emily later transitioned into roles as the firm’s Training and Technology Manager and Firm Administrator. In 2022, she became the firm's Executive Director, overseeing the firm’s day-to-day operations including IT, facilities, finance, human resources and more.
Emily actively serves as an Officer of the Independence Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators and co-chairs the digital media committee.
When Emily is not working or volunteering, she prioritizes spending time with her daughter and long-lost twin sister. In 2021, she discovered she had an identical twin, leading to their participation in the Amazing Race on CBS. In her remaining spare time Emily enjoys exploring local hiking trails and dog parks with her Jack Russell Terrier, Ruth.
Tom Gabor
Marketing & Intake Director
Before joining the firm in 2018, Tom designed for ad agencies and in-house at various organizations. He graduated from Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University with a degree in graphic and interactive design. Tom works on all aspects of the firm's marketing, from branding, digital content, public relations, RFPs, analytics and strategy.
Tom serves on the Association of Legal Administrators Independence Chapter's Digital Media Committee. Additionally, he is active in the Legal Marketing Association and continues to freelance brand and design for local causes and projects.
Tom grew up in Philadelphia and is an avid Philly sports fan. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, pomiculture, classic cars, and spending time with family in the Poconos.
Darlene Sellers
Office Manager | Doylestown
Darlene Sellers is the office manager at the Bucks County office. She joined the High Swartz staff in 2016 following the merger with McNamara, Bolla & Panzer, P.C.
Darlene is an active member of the ALA Independence Chapter and serves on the Community Relations Committee. She will become the Committee Chair in 2024.
With over 30 years of experience in various administrative roles, including executive assistant and payroll manager, Darlene has acquired an extensive skillset. Her experience includes marketing, sales, finance, and human resources.
Outside of work, Darlene enjoys family trips to Disney and honing her crocheting skills, which have been passed down from her mother over the years. She is a devoted mom, dog mom, and Philadelphia sports fan.
Brooke McKay
Accounting Specialist
Brooke was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated from the City University of New York (CUNY) at Queens College with a BA in Early Childhood Education and Anthropology.
Joining High Swartz in October 2019, Brooke enjoys working with the team in various capacities. She handles day-to-day firm accounting including accounts payable, accounts receivable and collections. Brooke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in various accounting roles to the firm.
Outside of work, her hobbies include cooking, reading, and traveling.
Renata Bailey
Facilities and IT Coordinator
Renata Bailey is the firm’s Facilities and IT Coordinator based in the Norristown office. Originally from the Czech Republic, she obtained her BA in Russian Language and Literature from Queen Mary, University of London, England.
Renata brings a diverse professional background to our legal staff, having previously worked in publishing, education, and archives and collection management at the Royal Opera House in London.
Joining High Swartz in 2018, Renata handles the day-to-day facilities and IT needs of the firm, including oversight of the library and records management.
During her free time, Renata volunteers for her daughter's competitive swim team. She also enjoys sustainable gardening, baking, running, and yoga.
Mariel Drevyanko
Paralegal | Norristown
Mariel holds a double major in art history and painting/drawing from the University of the Arts. She also received her paralegal certification from Villanova.
Joining High Swartz in 2019 as a legal/executive assistant, Mariel swiftly transitioned to a paralegal position.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, and painting. Mariel also enjoys visiting her siblings in Philadelphia, exploring local restaurants, and attending concerts.
Spending time with her son, husband, and rescue dog, Charlie, brings Mariel immense happiness. Charlie, a blend of Australian cattle, boxer, terrier, and beagle, was rescued from Charlie's Crusaders Pet Rescue. Naming him Charlie though, was just a coincidence!
Mariel eagerly looks forward to taking her son to a Phillies game and introducing him to the world of music.
Jennifer Gisondi
Paralegal | Doylestown
Jen holds a BS in Family Studies from Penn State University and joined our legal staff team in November 2022.
With a 20-year tenure at the County of Bucks in the Domestic Relations Section, Jen began as a customer service representative and quickly advanced to the role of Domestic Relations Officer.
While there, she managed a caseload of support matters. That included making financial adjustments to support accounts and preparing calculations based on PA State Child Support guidelines.
Her experience extends to representing clients in front of judges in court. She also handles various legal proceedings and enforces support obligations.
Outside work, Jen enjoys spending quality time with her children, taking leisurely walks with her poodle, and participating in Zumba classes.
Kathi Grant
Paralegal | Norristown
Kathi brings over 25 years of experience in Estate and Trust Administration. Since joining our legal staff in 2019, she has worked with numerous clients while supporting attorneys in estate administration.
Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks. She prepares and files probate documents, asset valuation, debt management, tax returns, accountings, family settlement agreements, and beneficiary distributions.
Kathi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Temple University. She received specialized training in Estate and Trust administration from the Philadelphia Institute for Paralegal Training.
During her leisure time, Kathi enjoys gardening, reading, playing mahjong, and attending her grandkids' soccer games on the weekends. Additionally, she occasionally fosters kittens in need of forever homes.
Joanne McLinden
Paralegal | Doylestown
Joanne obtained her paralegal certificate from Bucks County Community College in 2012. She joined McNamara, Bolla, & Panzer P.C. as a Legal Assistant in 2011.
She would later transition with the firm's merger to High Swartz in April 2016. In 2021, she became a Paralegal within the firm's staff.
Throughout her career, Joanne has collaborated closely with Donald Petrille, Jr., Esq., specializing in estates and business law, drawing from her extensive experience since 2005.
Outside work, Joanne enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and going on day trips to explore new places and create lasting memories.