PITTSBURGH, PA, June 16, 2011 -- Grogan Graffam, P.C. announced that Jeannine L. Bertig, Holly M. Whalen and Russell D. Giancola were recently named 2011 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars by Law & Politics and Philadelphia Magazine.  Only 2.5% of Pennsylvania attorneys are selected each year as Rising Stars, defined as outstanding up-and-coming attorneys, age 40 or under or in practice for ten years or less, who have demonstrated superior professional potential.

Ms. Bertig, a shareholder and member of the Litigation practice group, joined the firm in 2000.  She concentrates her practice primarily in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, products liability defense, insurance defense, toxic tort litigation and workers' compensation.  Ms. Bertig received two bachelors degrees, magna cum laude, from Duquesne University in 1993 and her juris doctorate, cum laude, from Duquesne University School of Law in 1996.

Ms. Whalen is a shareholder in the Litigation practice group.  She concentrates her practice in commercial litigation, professional liability, insurance defense and coverage matters and maritime law.  Ms. Whalen received her B.S. from Allegheny College in 1996 and her J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University in 1999.  Prior to joining the firm in 2003, she clerked for Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Judge Dan Pellegrini.

Mr. Giancola is an associate in the Litigation practice group.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from University of Notre Dame in 2002 and his J.D. from University of Colorado School of Law in 2005.  Mr. Giancola concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, insurance defense and professional liability.  Prior to joining the firm, he was a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Ronald W. Folino in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.