Prior to forming Ahmad & Zaffarese, Mr. Ahmad spent several years in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted hundreds of quality of life crimes. As a premiere defense attorney, Mr. Ahmad has practiced in both federal and state courts throughout Pennsylvania and has tried hundred of cases. His clients include high-ranking police officials, celebrities, and businesses. He has served as counsel to the “Ten Thousand Men Initiative,” which was created to encourage African American Men to volunteer in existing community-based organizations and was given The Outstanding Young Lawyer’s Award by the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia. Mr. Ahmad served on Philadelphia District Attorney, Seth R. Williams’ Transition Team, and was a member of The School District of Philadelphia’s Accountability Committee. He currently sits on The Philadelphia Defenders Association board and the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) board, which oversees Philadelphia’s budget and reviews areas of financial concern affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Philadelphia.

- PRACTICE AREAS

Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Government Relations

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+ PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS |

Philadelphia Barrister’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient
Frequent Guest Lecturer at Temple University
Adjunct Professor Eastern University 2006-2008
Counsel to 10,000 Men Project
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) Board Member
Serves on The School District of Philadelphia’s Accountability Committee
Transition Team for DA Seth Williams
Philadelphia Defender Association Board Member
Co-Founder of TradePhilly.com

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+ EDUCATION |

Temple University, B.A.,
Widener University School of Law

Joseph Zaffarese is a distinguished trial attorney and appellate advocate.   Joseph has repeatedly been selected as one of Pennsylvania’s top young lawyers in Philadelphia Magazine’s Super Lawyer and Rising Star Section.  He attributes his success to his relationships with his clients and his extensive trial preparation.    Joseph graduated from Rollins College with Honors.  After receiving his law degree at Villanova University School of Law, he worked for both Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court and Superior Court before joining the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in 2001. As a prosecutor, Joseph earned a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He completed his prosecutorial service as a member of the elite Special Investigations Unit, where he successfully prosecuted government corruption and other sensitive high profile cases.   Currently, Joseph’s practice focuses on representing clients in divorce litigation, complex civil litigation, contract disputes, personal injury cases, and appellate practice.

- PRACTICE AREAS

Commercial Litigation, Family Law, Personal Injury

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+ PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS |

Superlawyer Rising Star 2008,2009, 2010
University
Adjunct Professor Eastern University 2006-2008
Frequent Guest Lecturer at Temple University

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+ EDUCATION |

Rollins college, B.A., cum laude
Villanova University School of Law

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+ BAR ADMISSIONS |

• Pennsylvania Supreme Court

• New Jersey Supreme Court

• Federal District Court for Eastern District of Pennsylvania

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+ PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS |

• American Bar Association

• Montgomery County Bar Association

Gerald Bish has been a practicing attorney and counselor-at-law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for over 30 years. Mr. Bish has extensive civil experience in the areas of family law, personal injury, contracts, real estate, and wills and estates. He has appeared before trial courts and argued appellate court cases as well. Mr.Bish was a tenured Assistant Professor at Clarion University of Pennsylvania where he taught business and real estate law. He was also a court appointed family law master for the Court of Common Pleas of Jefferson County.

Saroeun Svay brings seven years of experience as a coordinator and an exceptional reputation for organization and customer service to Ahmad & Zaffarese, LLC. Saroeun is currently in her final year at the Widener University School of Law. She speaks English and Cambodian. As our Office Manager and Chief Paralegal, Saroeun is usually the first contact new clients will make in our office. She looks forward to serving you.