Leif Ocheltree, Shareholder and Managing Partner, Goldberg, Persky, & White P.C. (GPW)
Leif Ocheltree, shareholder and managing partner at Goldberg, Persky, & White P.C. (GPW), a law firm that focuses on asbestos litigation, sat down with Invest: to discuss trends and challenges impacting the legal space, how workplace dynamics have shifted so far this decade, and plans to develop more practice lines. “There is always going to be someone or something out there causing injury to innocent folks at no fault of their own, and the lawyers at GPW are here waiting to help those individuals when they are in need,” Ocheltree said.
What changes over the past year impacted the firm, and in what ways?
GPW has been in existence for over 40 years. We’ve seen lots of ups and downs in the economy and significant changes in the legal market in general throughout that time period. We are one of the largest plaintiff law firms in the state of Pennsylvania and exclusively represent injured parties. We have historically been most involved in asbestos litigation but also handle cases in the field of personal injury, sexual abuse, nursing home abuse, and other toxic tort cases such as individuals who develop leukemia after being exposed to benzene.
All asbestos firms are facing the challenge of an overall decreasing number of mesothelioma cases being filed nationally on an annual basis. It is really a wonderful thing to see fewer and fewer folk diagnosed with mesothelioma each year across the country. By being a leader in the field of asbestos litigation and having a diversified practice, we have managed to stay as busy as ever and continue to see large numbers of folks suffering from asbestos-related disease seeking our expertise.
What trends are you seeing in the legal space, and how is GPW adapting to these trends?
In the legal industry, and particularly in civil litigation, there has been a trend to force cases to mediation and arbitration as opposed to trying cases in front of a jury. Civil cases being resolved outside of the court system is not necessarily a bad thing. At GPW, we’re prepared to mediate, arbitrate, or try our cases to verdict depending on what makes the most sense for our clients.
Staffing has also been a challenge since COVID-19. A lot of folks have an interest in remote work; a growing trend in nearly all industries. As a large employer in Pennsylvania, we work with our employees to provide a schedule that works for them. Given the nature of our work, we do our best to be flexible while still satisfying the needs of the business overall.
How have regional initiatives, such as the project to replace asbestos-infused water pipes in North Huntingdon, influenced your firm’s focus and community engagement?
GPW has been heavily engaged in community outreach all the way back to its inception. We do everything that we can to give back to the community. We promote an annual Toys for Tots Drive, we are a proud supporter of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and we donate to organizations actively searching for a cure for mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer each year. Many of our clients have lived and worked in the greater Pittsburgh and tristate areas their entire lives. When a major issue arises, we are the ones they call when they need the help of a lawyer.
What is your industry outlook, considering recent legal developments and public awareness?
The industry outlook appears to be very positive in my opinion. We have a very large client base, and there is always going to be someone or something out there causing injury to innocent folks at no fault of their own and the lawyers at GPW are here waiting to help those individuals when they are in need.
What are your key goals and priorities for GPW in the near term, both in terms of case focus and organizational growth?
For the next 12 to 18 months, our trial dockets are largely already established due to how the court systems operate and how cases are set for trial. Preparing those cases for trial and successfully representing families who have a loved one suffering from asbestos-related disease or who may have already passed away is our top priority.
In addition to focusing on resolving our cases that are set for trial, we’re always engaged in business development and working to further develop other areas of the law.
