PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 2025) – Personal injury law firm Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is excited to announce that trial attorney Brenda Harkavy has joined the Crime Victim Team. Harkavy is a fearless advocate and expert litigator who has dedicated her career to securing justice for survivors of abuse, exploitation, and human rights violations.
“Brenda’s unwavering dedication to advocating for survivors of abuse and her record of achieving precedent-setting results make her a perfect fit for our team,” said Jeff Laffey, Firm President and Co-Managing Partner. “Her relentless approach to litigation, paired with the empathy and respect she shows her clients, embodies the very principles our firm stands for.”
As a trial attorney, Harkavy has been at the forefront of landmark cases, including securing the record-breaking settlement against USC involving former gynecologist George Tyndall—the largest sexual abuse recovery and personal injury settlement ever achieved against a university in U.S. history. Prior to her civil work, Harkavy was a Special Victims Unit prosecutor in Maryland, where she prosecuted hundreds of cases and achieved systemic change through training, legislation and public advocacy. Harkavy’s survivor-focused advocacy began well before the start of her formal legal career. Upon graduating college, she worked as a case manager providing emergency services to women and children fleeing abuse and spent her law school years assisting women and girls seeking asylum from gender-based violence in their countries of origin.
“Brenda’s tenacity in taking on powerful institutions and securing justice for survivors of abuse is nothing short of inspiring,” said Stew Ryan, Partner. “She brings not only unparalleled expertise but also a deep understanding of trauma-informed advocacy, which will be invaluable to our clients. We couldn’t be more excited to have her join our firm.”
“I’m honored to join this incredible team of passionate and skilled advocates,” said Harkavy. “The firm’s commitment to fighting for survivors and leveling the playing field resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of those who deserve justice. Together, I’m confident we will make a lasting impact for our clients and the communities we serve.”
Harkavy earned her law degree from American University Washington College of Law where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She is certified to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. She holds leadership roles in and serves on several legal committees, is a board member on the Support Center for Child Advocates, and has earned several notable accolades, including an ALM 2024 Pennsylvania Lawyer on the Fast Track and the Rising Star editorial feature in the 2024 Pennsylvania and Delaware Super Lawyers Magazine for her tireless commitment to advancing survivors’ rights.
Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan LLP (www.laffeybucci.com) is a Philadelphia-based, trauma-informed personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals who have suffered severe injuries due to negligence. Since 2009, the firm has provided exceptional “leave no stone unturned” representation in personal injury, construction accident cases, workers’ compensation, workplace falls, and product liability. The crime victim department, staffed by former sex crimes prosecutors, exclusively represents survivors of abuse, assault, and human trafficking nationwide. The firm’s attorneys bring over 140 years of combined experience and have secured more than $850 million in compensation, providing a track record of relentless advocacy and results-driven representation for their clients.