Jordan Laporta, Esq. Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

I represent investors in securities fraud class actions and am involved at all stages of litigation from inception through final resolution, including settlement negotiations.

Responsible for 50% of his non-prisoner cases, conducting research and drafting decisions in employment discrimination cases (involving Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, the FMLA, the Equal Pay Act, and Section 1981), Fair Debt Collection Practices cases, Fair Credit Reporting Act cases, Truth in Lending Act cases, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act cases, foreclosure and dispossessory actions, social security appeals, criminal pre-trail matters, and misc. consent cases. We frequently rule on dispositive motions, discovery-related motions, motions for attorney’s fees, motions to compel arbitration, motions to transfer venue, and in forma pauperis applications, which require analysis of pro se complaints before service upon defendant(s) to determine whether the complaint is frivolous or states a plausible claim. I also evaluate whether there is jurisdiction, often sua sponte. This role requires precise application of the federal and local rules. Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judge when cases are affected by such changes.Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.To date, two of the decisions I drafted have been affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit. One in a section 1981 race discrimination case, in which the individual defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing they were entitled to qualified immunity. We rejected that defense and recommended that summary judgment be granted, and in agreeing with our analysis, the Eleventh Circuit re-affirmed the standard for "clearly established law," holding once again that the right to be free from employment discrimination is clearly established law. The other decision was on a motion for attorney's fees under Section 406(b) in a social security case, which involved an issue of first impression regarding the ability of a prevailing party to seek fees under this statute for work performed by an out-of-state attorney who failed to see pro hac vice admission in accordance with the local rules.

As general counsel for this real estate and development company, I advised the President of the company on daily transactional matters and drafted/reviewed real estate contracts, such as leases, promissory notes, etc. I also facilitated a mortgage refinancing deal for major shopping center, including drafting requisite contracts and acting as liaison between outside counsel, tenants, and the bank. I frequently interpreted and enforced contractual provisions, and translated legalese into easily digestible language for company employees and tenants alike. Assisted real estate agents with contract negotiations. Performed document review for discovery. Participated in depositions.

United States District Court For The Northern District Of Georgia

Responsible for 50% of Judge Anand’s civil, non-prisoner caseload. I performed the duties described above regarding my clerkship with Judge Vineyard. I also performed additional daily case management duties to ensure that all cases moved swiftly through the judicial process without unnecessary delay and to monitor the parties’ compliance with the deadlines and requirements of the federal and local rules. Participated in conferences regarding discovery disputes between the parties and conducted research to assist Judge Anand with resolving those disputes.

Atlanta, Georgia

see above

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Represented clients in immigration, social security, and criminal cases, with most noteworthy results below: Achieved grant of asylum for victim of female genital mutilation (FGM). Drafted client’s affidavit (personal statement about persecution/torture). Interviewed expert witnesses, negotiated price, and obtained reports on country conditions and FGM. Interviewed fact witnesses. Wrote pre-hearing brief. Appeared in immigration court, delivered an opening statement, and performed direct examination of my client. Achieved award of benefits on appeal in child social security income case. Developed extensive factual record by obtaining client’s voluminous medical files and soliciting a functional questionnaire. Drafted prehearing brief highlighting severe impairments. Appeared at hearing, delivered opening statement, performed direct examination of client’s mother, and answered the Judge’s questions about the case. Represented client seeking relief under Convention Against Torture. Appeared for bond hearing at detention center, argued that client was not a danger to the community or a flight risk, and performed direct examination of client. Drafted brief to the Third Circuit, arguing that client was more likely than not to be tortured upon removal to Jamaica, and obtained an order of remand. Earned Best Student Performance Award for my representation of clients in this clinic.

Completed legal research and analysis assignments on diverse subjects, with an emphasis on labor and employment law. Counseled clients on enforceability of non-compete agreements. Helped to draft a brief in support of dismissal of racially hostile work environment and retaliation claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and a retaliation claim under the Family and Medical Leave Act brought against plaintiff’s supervisor. Prepared witnesses for labor arbitration and participated in the resulting settlement conference.I also completed assignments implicating contract law, environmental law, trusts and estates, real and intellectual property law, and the emerging NJ cannabis industry.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As an intern in the Family Law Unit, I was responsible for counseling pro se litigants on how to navigate the Philadelphia Family Court system and prepare for upcoming hearings in child custody, domestic abuse, and divorce cases, including advising on how to obtain Protection from Abuse Orders.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Internship in the pro bono department to assist with finding and implementing new pro bono opportunities for attorneys. Assisted with SeniorLaw (estate planning) and Adjustment of Status (immigration) clinics.

Penn State University

In this role, I led a chapter of this organization with the main goal of providing free legal aid to impoverished communities in Panama. I held weekly meetings with chapter members and led discussions on global human rights issues. I also planned and attended yearly service trips to Panama, where we provided free legal clinics for primarily family law matters and delivered presentations on resources for domestic violence survivors to 100+ attendees.

Penn State

As a research assistant, I was trained in recruitment, data collection, analyzing data, and interviewing participants for the Life Events and Reactions Study (LEARS). I used data from this lab to create my undergraduate honors thesis for graduation, which focused on the moderating impact of parenting styles on the relationship between childhood trauma exposure and the development of internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

State College, Pennsylvania

In this leadership position my daily tasks included: supervising 20 employees, delegating responsibilities, conflict resolution, and tracking financial records to map the progress of the store.

Penn State University

In this role I acted as a mentor to the incoming freshman students, working to acclimate them to the university and provide academic assistance.

Penn State Brandywine Campus

In this position I conducted a literature review for the present study, contributed to lab preparations at Delaware Children’s Museum, developed strategies for research, and created research presentations for colleagues and prospective research participants.

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

In this summer position, my daily tasks included organizing real estate documents and correspondence, transcribing meetings, and arranging appointments. I was a personal shadow and assistant to the Chief Executive Officer.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Activities and Societies: Public Interest Experience Women's Law Society Family Law Society Community Service InitiativeSumma Cum Laude.

Bachelor’S Degree, Human Development And Family Studies

Activities and Societies: Human Rights Brigades Global Brigades Child Maltreatment Lab Alpha Delta Pi Learning Empowerment Academic Mentor.