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Honoring the Guardians of the Injured Worker

In a city renowned for its rich legal history, the Philadelphia vicinity stands as a premier hub for advocacy and justice. On May 7, 2025, the legal community gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the inaugural induction of Jeff Gross and Marla Joseph into the Legends of Justice Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor was established to recognize legal counselors who have dedicated their lives to representing those unable to represent themselves—specifically those suffering from work-related injuries and the negligence of others.

The “Legends of Justice” is more than a simple award; it is a perpetuation of legacy. Inspired by the “Legends of Labor Hall of Fame,” this initiative ensures that the stories of compassion, grit, and legal excellence are recorded for future generations of attorneys to study and emulate.

Marla Joseph: “Robin Hood in a Pantsuit”

The testimony regarding Marla Joseph painted a picture of a fierce litigator who balances “savage” courtroom skills with an unwavering sense of civility. Her son, Alec Joseph, shared a moving account of growing up thinking his mother’s job was “boring,” only to witness the high-stakes reality of her practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described her as “Robin Hood in a pantsuit,” a solo practitioner who took the risk of starting her own firm while raising two children, driven by a desire to rectify the disrespect often found in male-dominated fields.

Her impact was further solidified by Art Williams, a former state corrections officer, who described Marla as a “shepherd” for the weak. For 15 years, she represented him through a “cascade of effects” following a duty-related injury, proving that in her practice, a client is never just a number.

Jeff Gross: The Legacy of the Underdog

Jeff Gross’s induction was a tribute to a career built on a family legacy of looking out for the “little guy.” His son, Jake Gross, and partner, Pat Kenny, highlighted his relentless work ethic—including his recent successful lobbying efforts in Pennsylvania to require insurance companies to deposit checks directly into claimants’ bank accounts rather than relying on the often-delayed postal service.

Jeff himself shared the emotional cornerstone of his career: a story from the 1950s involving his grandfather, Robert Codel. After witnessing a horrific assembly-line accident and the subsequent cold-hearted firing of the injured worker by management, his grandfather instilled in him a permanent mandate: “If you can help someone, why wouldn’t you?” Jeff transitioned from personal injury to focus exclusively on workers’ compensation, famously winning the “Coors beer” case where he successfully challenged an employer who denied benefits to a catastrophically injured driver.

A Commitment to the Future

This induction ceremony serves as a beacon for the next generation. By highlighting the careers of Gross and Joseph, the legal community advocates for the rights of injured victims and reminds the public of the vital role labor attorneys play in making the “broken whole again.”

Transcript: Legends of Justice Hall of Fame Induction

Date: May 7, 2025 Inductees: Jeff Gross, Esq. & Marla Joseph, Esq.

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Joe Dougherty: The Legends of Justice Hall of Fame was inspired by our Legends of Labor Hall of Fame initiative and our Philly Labor Injured Workers Advocacy Program as a way to celebrate in perpetuity the legacy and the careers of those legal counselors who, at the highest level, have represented those who are unable to represent themselves—including those suffering from injuries due to the negligence of others, as well as those suffering from work-related injuries.

In particular, the Legends of Justice Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those legal counselors who have made an indelible impact on their profession, their community, and to the general public through their actions. Jeff Gross and Marla Joseph, through their decades of service, dedication, and excellence to their craft and their clients, embody the spirit to the fullest.

Our inaugural induction inductees—the esteemed honorees inducted into the inaugural Legends of Justice Hall of Fame class—are as follows: Sam Pond, Jerry Lehocky, Bob Mongeluzzi, Larry Bendesky, Bernie Smalley of Raynes Law, Jeff Gross of Gross & Kenny, Marla Joseph of the Law Offices of Marla Joseph, and soon to be announced: George Martin of Martin Law, Shannin Specter, and Tom Kline of Kline & Specter.

We wanted the inaugural class to be a worthy class. It has been said that Philadelphia vicinity is one of the premier legal regions in America, and the reason for that is because we have some of the most passionate lawyers and firm owners in America right here in the Delaware Valley. Tonight, we get to celebrate the legacies, the careers, and the Hall of Fame induction of two of Philadelphia’s legendary and most passionate lawyers, firm owners, and leaders: Jeff Gross and Marla Joseph, both who epitomize the spirit of the world’s Legends of Justice.

In the process, the goal was to educate and inspire the next generation of attorneys and firm owners, while at the same time educating the general public on what our legal and labor communities are all about, as well as to advocate for injured workers and injury victims’ rights. That’s why we broadcast the event, because we utilize this and it’ll go up on the website, so that people can get to listen to the stories and the testimony about those who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. It’s why we don’t do one big banquet. It’s awesome to bring 500 people into a room, but no one else hears it after that. We have the opportunity to air these broadcasts in perpetuity. The legacies of Jeff Gross and Marla Joseph will continue to inspire and make a difference in the future.

I’m going to read some of the bios of our honorees. Now, if I read them all and all their accomplishments, they’d be turning the lights out on us. But let me start off with Jeff Gross. He is a leader in the legal community that has a track record of excellence on behalf of his clients that is second to none. He is the immediate past chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Workers’ Comp Section, Treasurer of the Alexander Barbieri Workers’ Compensation Inn of Court since 2011, and served on the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Board of Governors from 2008 to 2010. Jeff was awarded the Martha Hampton Award in recognition of his strong advocacy and compassion for injured workers. He’s been recognized by Philadelphia Magazine every year since 2004 as one of the area’s leading attorneys and has been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America. He is a board member of Kids’ Chance of PA and is also an FAA-licensed pilot and a board member of the Camden Youth Aviation Program. Jeff Gross, ladies and gentlemen.

Marla Joseph is also a leader in the legal community with a track record of excellence second to none. The Best Lawyers in America publication recently named Marla Joseph “2025 Lawyer of the Year,” an honor she also earned in 2023 and 2020—a distinction earned by only 0.4% of lawyers. She received the Philadelphia Bar Association’s prestigious Martha Hampton Award for her dedication and leadership. In 2022, Marla Joseph was inducted as a fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, a national organization that honors professional qualifications and ethical standards. She became a Kids’ Chance of PA board member in 2018 and instituted an annual silent auction which has raised over $70,000 in scholarships for students whose parents died or were catastrophically injured in a PA work accident. She is a former chair of the PBA’s Workers’ Compensation Section and has served in numerous leadership roles with the Philadelphia Bar Association. Marla Joseph, ladies and gentlemen.

This radio special, the Legends of Justice Hall of Fame induction of Marla Joseph and Jeff Gross, is presented by Easy Scripts and Dr. David Qu, founder of Penn Pain. What I’m going to do right now is bring up some individuals to lay testimonies. Can I have Alec Joseph to the mic, please?

Alec Joseph: Hey, how’s everyone going? Marla Joseph is my mother. When I was growing up, I thought my mom had like, a very boring job. When I thought of a lawyer, I thought of legal drama, surprise witnesses—you know, like how you see it on Law & Order and Better Call Saul—not really the technical stuff she does with niche statutes, writing briefs, and analyzing medical records. I didn’t understand her work or show interest in it until I learned what her job encompassed.

As a kid, I always wondered how my mom was such a successful lawyer, because she never argued at home and would always avoid arguments in her personal life. During COVID, it allowed me to indirectly witness my mom’s job and see it in a new light through the thin walls of my bedroom. While playing Playstation, I would hear depositions, negotiations, and sometimes even trials. I realized I was dead wrong. It wasn’t boring. She engaged in fierce litigation, high stakes for her clients, and the occasional legal drama. I discovered my kind, agreeable, easygoing mom is a “savage” in the courtroom.

I learned very quickly that you do not want to mess with my mom’s clients. When people would try to violate her clients’ rights or deny compensation, she would always show them who’s boss. She always stressed that although it is an adversarial system, you want to treat your opposing counsel as coworkers rather than enemies, because you’re just on different sides. My mom wasn’t always a solo practitioner. She worked at firms for over a decade, but knew she wasn’t reaching her potential. So what did she do? She took a risk and started her own practice, even though she had two young kids—not because it was a safe option, but because she was tired of being passed over and disrespected in the male-dominated field.

Success is impossible if you don’t take risks. She was always getting the best deal for her clients. My mom always told me, “People come to me broken. My job is simply to make them whole again.” This wasn’t always through monetary compensation, but also through supporting them throughout the process, giving life advice, and making sure that they are not only physically okay, but mentally as well. She inspired me through example to use my law degree for good and make a positive impact on the world. Because of her example, I can’t wait to continue the family tradition and be your family’s third generation of workers’ comp lawyers. Thank you.

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Joe Dougherty: Paralegal Angela Chernivtsky describes Jeff Gross as generous, dependable, and resourceful. Jeff Gross is one of those leaders who has made an indelible mark on his profession. Angela is proud to salute the career and the legacy of Jeff Gross into the Legends of Justice Hall of Fame. Now, I’m gonna bring up Art Williams. Art is a longtime client and a friend.

Art Williams: I don’t know where to begin. Folks, Marla took on a very tough case with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I was a state corrections officer, and I got injured on duty. It was just a cascade of effects that happened during my workman’s comp. She was just beginning her practice early in 2006, and she has represented me exemplary in the field of workman’s compensation for 15 years. She’s a champion for the weak. She’s the shepherd that everybody should have if you’re that little lamb standing on a ledge overlooking a cliff with a 500-foot drop. She’s the shepherd that’ll say, “Come on now, you’ll be okay. I got you.” You sleep good at nights knowing you have that type of representation. You’re not just a number. You’re her client. You’re never in the dark. She keeps you aware through text, emails, or smoke signals in the sky. She really gives a damn. I always refer folks to her. I honor you in all accolades. If you ever run for president, I’ll lobby for you. Thank you, folks.

Joe Dougherty: All right, I’m going to bring up Valerie Lieberman, who is going to speak about Jeff and Marla.

Valerie Lieberman: When Marla asked me to speak tonight about this award, I was honored. I’m probably the only insurance defense person in the room, and if I’m not, don’t spoil my speech. I’ve known Marla over 30 years. We met when we were very young lawyers. Miraculously, Marla and I hit it off and we have been friends ever since—sometimes we’re adversaries. The reason I’m here to speak about Marla and Jeff is because they encompass and embody what it means to be a lawyer.

We recently had a discussion about civility in the legal practice, and when you look at Marla and Jeff, that’s what civility is. We can argue, we can fight about cases, but it stays in the courtroom. When you’re thinking of who you want to represent you if you’re injured, these are the kind of people that you want in your corner. I can tell you that they are both the most consummate professionals. I’ve known Jeff 30 years as well. We met in the context of a Bar Association meeting. If it weren’t for Marla, I don’t know that I would be as advanced with my Bar Association responsibilities. One day she called me and said, “Hey, I’m YLD Chair. Do you want to be the workers’ comp liaison for the section?” I loved it. For those of us in the room who are lawyers, we always need to find a way to give back. Marla and Jeff, congratulations.

Joe Dougherty: This radio special, the Legends of Justice Hall of Fame induction, presented by Dean Weitzman of MyPhillyLawyer.com and the law firm of Gross & Kenny. Let me bring up Pat Kenny, who is going to speak on Jeff Gross.

Pat Kenny: Thanks. What can I say about Jeff? Well, first of all, when Joe said “Legends Hall of Fame,” that means you’re really good at what you do, but it also means you’re probably getting a little old! But you’re like a fine wine, Jeff—getting better with age. I looked on my wall and saw I was admitted to practice in 2005, and that’s when I started with Jeff. It’s been 19 years.

I remember the five-minute interview for the position. I went home and told my wife, “I just think this feels right.” It was one of the best professional decisions I ever made. Jeff has been a great mentor to me. Jeff treats every single case the same. It could be the smallest case in the world, but he treats everyone the same. Clients will call non-stop, and Jeff will never not take the call. If it takes an hour to talk to them, he will talk for an hour. Everyone knows that you care about everyone in the bar—defense attorneys and judges. You do it from your heart. I’m glad to be your partner and your friend.

Joe Dougherty: Awesome. We are going to finish up with Jake Gross. We’re going to have Dean Weitzman on the line in a few minutes, but I’m ecstatic to bring up Jake Gross to say a few things about his dad.

Jake Gross: Good evening, everyone. My name is Jake Gross, and I’m so proud to have the honor of speaking about my father, Jeffrey Gross. I’d like to start out with a quote: “It’s not your aptitude, but your attitude that determines your altitude.” Now, I don’t know who originally came up with that, but my dad would say it was him, so we’re gonna go with that for tonight.

I grew up hearing this constantly. His legal career started because of his grandfather—my great-grandfather—Robert Codel. Robert worked in a factory and told my dad a story about a woman who was injured at work. He told my dad to always look out for the underdog, which is exactly the attitude my dad has carried for over 30 years. I’ve had the privilege of watching my dad show up every single day for his clients with unwavering support. Whether it be answering calls at all hours, giving out his personal cell phone number, or making his family listen in via Bluetooth on long car rides as he returns calls.

I’ve also witnessed how committed my dad is to the legal community, working with organizations like the PBA and the Philadelphia Bar Association to make the community a better place. Most recently, my dad helped lobby for insurance companies having to deposit checks into claimants’ bank accounts instead of having them receive it through the mail. Previously, these checks were often lost or late, causing issues for clients struggling to pay rent or provide food. This bill was passed in Pennsylvania and will help thousands. My dad has also been a mentor to many lawyers. Alongside my mom, Susie Gross, they even managed to convince my older sister Jamie to pursue a law degree. I’m so proud of my dad. His attitude shines through it all.

Joe Dougherty: Paralegal Angela Chernivtsky describes Jeff Gross as generous and dependable. Jeff Gross is one of those leaders who has made an indelible mark. Easy Scripts Pharmacy and Care Path Injury Centers—your recovery is our priority. I have known Jeff Gross for nearly 20 years now. I’m going to bring on Dean Weitzman.

Dean Weitzman: I have known Jeff Gross for nearly 20 years. We met when we were young attorneys at the Arbitration Center. Jeff was passionate about workers’ comp, an area I knew very little about, but I knew I had a lot of clients at MyPhillyLawyer that needed the assistance of a workers’ comp attorney. Jeff and I met, and he began to represent a few of the clients. I noticed from the beginning that he was passionate about representing people in a way that resonated with me. He would take a case and know the facts intimately. He understood how to handle the employers’ attorneys in a way that maximized his client’s return. It became evident quickly that he was going to be the guy I relied upon. Any client who comes to MyPhillyLawyer with a workers’ comp issue is referred to Jeff. I focus on the third-party aspect and Jeff on the workers’ comp claim, but we work hand-in-hand. Jeff is still as passionate today as he was 20 years ago.

Joe Dougherty: If you had one trait to describe Jeff, what would it be?

Dean Weitzman: Jeff understands the law of workers’ compensation inside and out. He has a team of expert witnesses that are tried and true, and he knows exactly what he needs to prove in front of every judge. He wins. That’s what he does.

Joe Dougherty: Dean Weitzman, thank you for calling in. I’m going to call our inductees up for the presentation. Marla Joseph, please take the mic.

Marla Joseph: So when Joe told me I was getting this award, I honestly didn’t know what it was, but he was excited, so I started to get excited about it. Jeff and I thought we would do this together, because all these decades we’ve known each other, and we thought it would be more meaningful to share in this award. I’ve been joking that we’re getting Bar and Bat Mitzvah’d together! Hearing these speeches from people meaningful to Jeff and myself—for both of us, it’s about family, civility, and justice, in that order.

Looking around this room, I’m staring at Robin Jansack, who I’ve known since third grade. My brother Andrew Abramson, who’s an excellent employment lawyer; my sister Lisa Goldstein. And my husband—I’m not going to forget this time—I would not be here without him. Alec talked about not understanding what I did. Alec was not even a year old when I was Chair of the YLD, and I just took the approach that you just kind of say yes and figure it out.

Art Williams was one of my first clients when I went out on my own. He had faith in me right away. And Valerie—as she said, we were opponents, but Jeff and I both take the approach to catch more flies with honey, so we get along with our opponents. That doesn’t mean we don’t fight hard, but part of dealing with these cases is finding common ground. Alec is here; he’s a first-year at Rutgers Law. It’s nice for the students to be here because they can see what it’s really like to practice.

One of my goals is to teach younger women and men that you need to think about your career path and how you can be passionate but also balanced. I’m looking at Michaela Graph—she was the first student I met through Kids’ Chance who had sadly lost her father. She’s kind of become like an adopted daughter to me. Watching her thrive as she’s going to law school gives me great pleasure. I want to thank everyone here. Every person here means something special.

Joe Dougherty: Jeff Gross, if you will, sir.

Jeff Gross: Thank you, Joe. This award is very meaningful to me. I mimic everything that Marla said; she hit the nail right on the head about what it takes to be a lawyer. For me, it’s all about my surroundings. I would not be the successful lawyer I am without the people that surround me. My staff are absolutely amazing: Angie, Jen, Patrick, Chris, Jean, Jamie, Iris. They are wonderful people and they help me thrive.

This really comes down to what Jake said. My background with my grandfather—my parents are amazing people. There’s a Jewish phrase called Tikkun Olam, which is “repairing the world.” That’s what I was brought up to do. My grandfather told me a story when I was in law school. In the 1950s, he was a foreman on an assembly line at Bond Bread. One of the women on the assembly line had very long hair and was not wearing a hair net. Her hair got caught in the machinery, and her scalp got pulled out of her head. My grandfather stopped the presses, grabbed her scalp, ran her in his arms to his Oldsmobile, and drove her to Albert Einstein Medical Center. He waited five hours in his bloody shirt for her surgery to be completed. He got her a teddy bear and told her everything would be okay.

When he went back to the plant, management said, “F her. She wasn’t wearing a hair net. She’s fired.” That story stuck with him. He told me, “The little guy needs your help.” That stuck with me. When I became a lawyer working with my mentor, Joe Messa—who is also a legend—Joe asked me one Friday, “What do you know about workers’ compensation?” I said, “Nothing.” He said, “Here’s three volumes of Purdon’s Title 77. Go home and read them. We have a guy coming in with a big case on Monday.” I read them cover to cover.

On Monday, a guy came in who had flipped an 18-wheel truck delivering Coors beer from Colorado. He had multiple levels of trauma and was in a wheelchair. They denied his claim and said, “You ruined our load. You’re done.” I filed petitions. The judge, after hearing the testimony, asked the other lawyer, “What the F is wrong with you? Why is this claim not picked up?” The lawyer said the worker “violated a positive work order” by sleeping while driving. The judge said that is not a positive work order and told me to try the case to the end. I did. I took lots of depositions, fact witnesses, and experts. I won the whole kit and caboodle—attorney’s fees, penalties, everything. It was one of the most satisfying things I had ever done. It made me feel like I was living out my grandfather’s legacy. My grandfather had a saying: “If you can help someone, why wouldn’t you?” That’s what I’ve done my entire career. I love what I do. I can’t thank my wife Susie enough, and my kids Jake and Jamie. I am humbled and grateful.

Joe Dougherty: We’re going to do a plaque presentation. “Legends of Justice Hall of Fame: Marla A. Joseph and Jeffrey S. Gross.” I’m gonna do them separately. “Legends of Justice Hall of Fame, Marla A. Joseph: Honoring the career, the legacy, and the induction of Marla A. Joseph, founder of the Law Offices of Marla Joseph, a true legend and champion of justice.”

“Legends of Justice Hall of Fame, Jeffrey S. Gross: Honoring the career, the legacy, and the induction of Jeffrey S. Gross, founder of Gross & Kenny LLP, a true legend and champion of justice.” April 16, 2025. An honor well deserved.

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