The General Counsel Initiative Leadership Team

For over 40 years, Michael G. Trachtman has counseled businesses in the myriad of legal issues that affect their growth and profitability, and he serves as the outside general counsel to an association of over 500 mainly midsized businesses. Mr. Trachtman is the author of two nationally published books on the intersections between law and business, and teaches Law and Entrepreneurship at the Villanova University School of Law.

Jason J. Herron focuses his practice on the negotiation and documentation of commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and leases. In addition, Mr. Herron represents lenders and borrowers in various types of commercial financing transactions, and has substantial experience in zoning and land use, contract law, commercial transactions, and general business representation.

Adam L. Fernandez’s practice focuses on structuring and implementing estate, tax, and succession planning strategies for individuals and closely held businesses, as well as assisting clients with the legal and tax aspects of the formation and operation of various business entities, and navigating the complexities of business and real estate transactions. He holds a Master of Laws in taxation.

Brian Elias has more than 20 years of experience litigating complex disputes involving diverse areas of law, including breach of contract, construction law, bankruptcy, unfair trade practices, trade secrets, non-competition agreements, non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property, information technology and government investigations.  Based on this experience, Mr. Elias is uniquely positioned to counsel business clients in litigation avoidance, risk management and business planning.

Mary J. Pedersen’s practice focuses on representation of businesses involved in employment practices claims, shareholder/partnership disputes, restrictive covenant disputes, breach of contract matters and other commercial litigation matters. Ms. Pedersen also assists clients in employment compliance matters, including issues involving discrimination, harassment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Joseph Clement brings a business perspective to intellectual property. He holds both a law degree and a Master of Laws in intellectual property, and before joining Wisler Pearlstine he worked in the Office of the General Counsel for a leading manufacturer of commercial and military avionics and electro-optic systems, he clerked for a well-respected intellectual property boutique law firm, and he worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Clement counsels clients on the most advantageous ways to capitalize on their intellectual property, including the establishment and enforcement of protective strategies, licensing arrangements, and sale transactions.