Sweet Stevens Adds Two Attorneys
News Release
New Britain, PA – Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams, the first private law practice in Pennsylvania dedicated entirely to education law, continues to expand with the addition of two new attorneys: Leslie A. Collins is of counsel to the firm, and Rose E. McHugh has joined Sweet Stevens as an associate. Both concentrate their practices in the areas of special education and student services.
Previously, Collins was a staff attorney for the Pennsylvania State Education Association. There, she counseled members, governmental officials and staff on matters pertaining to individuals with disabilities, special education, and other legal issues arising in the public educational setting. She was instrumental in drafting, reviewing and analyzing federal and state statutes, regulations and guidelines pertaining to these areas. Prior to that, she worked for the US Department of Education in Washington, DC, where she also analyzed and drafted legislation, and prepared departmental recommendations for Congress on legislation affecting special education. Collins currently serves as a board member of the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners and is a frequent speaker on special education and related issues. She is a graduate of Antioch College and Georgetown University Law Center and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
McHugh previously spent several years with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. Most recently, she was interim chief of the Juvenile Division, supervising the work of other attorneys and serving as liaison with members of the judiciary to efficiently adjudicate criminal prosecutions. Additionally, she worked in the Special Victims Division, investigating and prosecuting offenders charged with offenses against children. She also served as Mental Health Liaison, participating in yearly commitment hearings of individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity. In addition, she worked with the Narcotics Division, prosecuting individuals involved in illegal drug sales. McHugh is a graduate of Cabrini College and Widener University School of Law and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams, LLP was formed in 1995 by nine experienced education lawyers who created the first private law practice in Pennsylvania dedicated entirely to Education Law. Since then, the firm has grown to 20 attorneys who represent over 290 school and municipal entities as Solicitors or as Special Counsel in more than 50 counties throughout Pennsylvania.