Our Mission
At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For over 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour. We believe that no one should face the aftermath of a serious accident alone, and we are committed to leveling the playing field between individual victims and large corporations or insurance companies.
Our Core Values
- Justice for All: We believe that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves access to quality legal representation and the opportunity to seek justice when wronged.
- Compassionate Advocacy: The personal injury lawyers at Munley Law care very deeply about our clients. Our compassionate attorneys and staff will do everything in our power to help you during this time of need. We treat every client like a member of our own family.
- Excellence in Practice: Our personal injury lawyers have consistently been named among the Best Lawyers in America, selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, LawDragon, and are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We are members of prestigious legal institutions such as the American Association for Justice, the Litigation Counsel of America, the International Society of Barristers, and the Summit Council. We maintain the highest standards of legal excellence and professional integrity.
- Fearless Representation: Unlike some other injury attorneys, our board-certified trial lawyers have extensive experience in the courtroom. The fierce advocates at Munley Law have built a national reputation for our trial victories. We’ve achieved multi-million-dollar settlements for truck accident victims, car accident clients, and those injured by defective products.
- Community Commitment: Munley Law is committed to giving back to our community. That’s why we proudly support the Friends of the Poor, the University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum, the Allied Services Integrated Health Systems, Scranton Project Hope, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Serving Seniors, Dress for Success Lackawanna, and other pro bono charity initiatives.
- Integrity and Trust: Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity.
Munley Law Awards, Recognitions, and Certifications
Since its founding in 1959, Munley Law has established itself as one of Pennsylvania’s most distinguished law firms. The firm has earned numerous prestigious awards, recognitions, and certifications that reflect its unwavering commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s attorneys have consistently been recognized by their peers and leading legal organizations for their outstanding professional achievements and dedication to justice.
National Board of Trial Advocacy Certifications
Munley Law takes particular pride in its extensive board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to enhance the quality of trial advocacy in America’s courtrooms. The firm’s commitment to trial excellence is demonstrated through multiple attorneys who have achieved this prestigious certification:
Specialized Trucking Law Certification: Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon all hold board certification in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This makes them three of only a select few attorneys nationwide with such comprehensive certification. They are among just four attorneys in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who are board-certified in trucking law. In addition, both Marion and Daniel Munley are certified in truck accident law by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Workers’ Compensation Board Certifications: Caroline Munley is certified in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Caroline’s board certification underscores Munley Law’s comprehensive approach to personal injury practice. It reinforces the firm’s commitment to providing clients with attorneys who possess the most profound possible knowledge in their respective practice areas.
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
Munley Law has earned the highest possible peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the AV Preeminent rating, representing the pinnacle of professional recognition in the legal community. This rating system, established over 130 years ago, evaluates attorneys based on legal ability and ethical standards as judged by their peers.
The AV Preeminent rating signifies that attorneys are:
- Ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise
- Recognized for superior communication skills
- Acknowledged for maintaining the highest ethical standards
- Respected by fellow attorneys and judges
This rating is reserved for an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys nationwide, making it a particularly meaningful distinction that reflects the firm’s standing within the legal profession.
Best Lawyers in America Recognition
Munley Law has maintained a consistent presence in The Best Lawyers in America since 1993, with all partners and many associate attorneys being listed annually in this prestigious publication. Several attorneys have received individual “Lawyer of the Year” recognitions within their practice areas.
Marion Munley was named the 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania, highlighting her exceptional expertise in this complex area of law.
The Best Lawyers publication is based entirely on peer review by thousands of lawyers across the United States. Attorneys are unable to pay for inclusion, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the recognition.
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
The firm’s attorneys have been consistently recognized by Super Lawyers, a rating service that identifies outstanding lawyers through a rigorous evaluation process involving peer nominations and professional achievement assessment.
- Marion Munley has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023 and is also consistently named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
- Seven Munley Law attorneys included in the 2025 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
This recognition is particularly significant as attorneys cannot nominate themselves or pay to be included, ensuring the selection reflects genuine peer recognition of exceptional legal ability.
Professional Leadership and Honorary Positions
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
Marion Munley is the current Vice President of the AAJ. She was also the first woman to serve as Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group (2018), and previously served as Chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. She is also the former President of the Melvin M. Belli Society.
Daniel Munley served as Chair of the Trucking Litigation Group from 2011 to 2012 and was recently awarded the Ring of Honor Award, given to an organization member in recognition of their past and ongoing contributions to advancing the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group and Highway Safety.
Elite Professional Societies
International Society of Barristers: Caroline Munley and Marion Munley are members of this honor society of outstanding trial lawyers, chosen by their peers based on excellence and integrity in advocacy. Robert W. Munley was named as an Advocate of the Society in 1986, recognizing his outstanding personal and professional qualities.
American Board of Trial Advocates:
- Marion Munley: Associate member
- Bob Munley: Advocate member
- Caroline Munley
This organization is dedicated to helping attorneys achieve higher levels of trial advocacy and educating the public about the importance of civil jury trials.
Lawdragon Elite Rankings
Multiple Munley Law attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon as among the 500 Leading Consumer Plaintiffs Lawyers in the country:
- Marion Munley
- Bob Munley
- Daniel W. Munley
- J. Christopher Munley
- Caroline Munley
- This ranking represents the top 1 percent of the overall legal profession, highlighting the firm’s exceptional standing among consumer advocacy attorneys nationwide.
National Trial Lawyers Association
Several Munley Law attorneys are members of the National Trial Lawyers Association:
- Robert W. Munley
- Marion Munley
- Daniel W. Munley
- Robert W. Munley III
Membership in this organization is by special invitation and is extended only to attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and professional profile.
Awards Named in Honor of Firm Leadership
The legal community has recognized the Munley family’s contributions to the profession by naming prestigious awards in their honor:
Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice Award
This national award, bestowed by the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group, recognizes attorneys who represent truck accident victims and have done extraordinary work to further the group’s objectives. The award was renamed from the “Chairman’s Award” to honor firm founder Robert W. Munley’s pioneering work in truck accident law. Partners Marion Munley and Daniel W. Munley were the first recipients of the renamed award.
Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service Award
Presented annually by Lackawanna Pro Bono, this award recognizes lawyers who demonstrate exceptional service in the community, reflecting the firm’s commitment to pro bono work and community service.
Industry Recognition and Peer Awards
Pennsylvania Bar Association Honors
Marion Munley received the 2016 Lynette Norton Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, which honors female attorneys who excel in litigation and are devoted to mentoring other women in the legal profession.
Women of Excellence Recognition
Marion Munley has been recognized as a Woman of Excellence by the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, acknowledging her professional achievements and community contributions.
Record-Setting Legal Achievements
The firm’s professional recognition is backed by substantial legal victories and record-setting outcomes:
- $32.25 Million Settlement for a tragic airplane crash
- $17.5 Million Jury verdict in teens’ death caused by car accident (known locally as the “Mid Valley Eight” case)
- $12 Million Verdict for forklift accident victim who lost her leg
- Multiple multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across various practice areas
Commitment to Legal Education and Professional Development
Beyond individual recognition, Munley Law demonstrates its commitment to the legal profession through:
Scholarship Endowments
The firm has established multiple scholarships to support the next generation of legal professionals:
- Temple University Beasley School of Law scholarship for trial advocacy students
- University of Scranton scholarship for students interested in law or politics
- Marywood University scholarship in honor of former PA State Representative Marion L. Munley
- Landmark College scholarship for students with learning disabilities pursuing legal careers
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond the courtroom. Our attorneys are recognized leaders in continuing legal education (CLE), regularly sharing their expertise with fellow legal professionals across the nation. Through lectures, presentations, and educational seminars, the attorneys at Munley Law contribute to the advancement of personal injury law while helping to elevate the standards of legal practice throughout the profession.
Marion Munley: National Authority on Trucking Litigation
Leading the Way in Trucking Law Education
Marion Munley frequently travels throughout the United States to educate other attorneys on the unique challenges associated with truck accident cases. As the first woman to chair the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group, Marion has established herself as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on trucking litigation.
Extensive Speaking Engagements
Marion’s educational presentations cover a comprehensive range of trucking litigation topics, including:
- Written discovery in a truck crash case
- Utilizing experts in preparing for depositions
- Punitive damages in truck cases
- Obtaining information from infotainment centers and electronic discovery
- “Trucking litigation A-to-Z”
Recent and Notable CLE Presentations
Marion’s recent speaking engagements include presentations at prestigious legal conferences across the country:
- Pennsylvania Association for Justice Annual Retreat: “Maximizing Non-Economic Damages at Trial” – Women Trial Lawyers Section CLE
- American Association for Justice Annual Convention: Trucking/Bus Litigation Group CLE Program
- Melvin M. Belli Society Seminars: Regular presenter at annual seminars and webinar series
- Arizona Association for Justice Annual Conference: The Sidney T. Marable Conference
Documented Expertise in Legal Education
Marion’s commitment to legal education is further evidenced by her extensive history of presentations:
Her documented speaking engagements include:
- “Case Selection: Mistakes to Avoid” – Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Leadership Summit, AAJ Winter Convention (2016)
- “The Malpractice Risk of Electronic Health Records” – Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity Conference (2015)
- “Why Bus Accident Cases are Different from Car Accident Cases” – American Association for Justice Convention in Montreal, Canada (2015)
- “Video Depositions – How, When, and Why to Use Them” – American Association for Justice Convention in Palm Springs, CA (2015)
- “Preparing for Major Truck Injury Cases” – Melvin M. Belli Seminar, MD (2014)
- “Corporate Representative Deposition in Truck Cases” – Kentucky Association for Justice, Covington, KY (2013)
- “Investigating Truck Crashes” – American Association for Justice Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA (2013)
Published Legal Scholarship
Marion’s contributions to legal education extend beyond presentations to include significant publications:
- “Retrieving Electronic Crash Data” – Trial Magazine, February 2018
- “The Liability of Hospitals and Doctors Printing 3D Medical Devices” – The Legal Intelligencer, Medical Malpractice Supplement, 2017
- “Interconnectedness and Manufacturer Responsibility in Automated Vehicles” – The Legal Intelligencer, Personal Injury Supplement, 2016
- “Charting a Course to Justice for Victims of Fertility Treatment Negligence” – The Legal Intelligencer, November 12, 2019
- Pennsylvania Rules of the Road, Volume 13, Chapter 9: Commercial Motor Vehicles – Thompson West, 2021-2022 Edition
Faculty and Educational Leadership Roles
Marion serves as a faculty member for the First Trial Advocacy College: “Litigating truck collision cases,” American Association for Justice, Atlanta, GA (2009). She is also a staff member of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College (2004 – Present) and a Diplomat of the National College of Advocacy, Washington, D.C. (2007 – Present).
Daniel W. Munley: Trucking Litigation Authority and CLE Leader
National Recognition in Trucking Law Education
Daniel W. Munley is widely regarded as a national leader in truck accident litigation and serves as a prominent educator in this specialized field. As one of the few attorneys in the United States to be triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law, Daniel brings unparalleled expertise to his educational presentations.
Leadership in Professional Organizations
Daniel is a charter member and sits on the Executive Board of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, where he served as Chair from 2011-2012. In 2020, he received the Robert W. Munley Champion of Justice Award (previously the Chairman’s Award) from the organization. He is also a member of the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Extensive Speaking Engagements
Daniel regularly presents cutting-edge truck accident trial techniques at conferences around the country. His presentations have helped hundreds of truck accident attorneys learn how to successfully handle and litigate trucking cases. Notable speaking engagements include:
- “Discovery in a Trucking Litigation Case” – Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America Super Summit
- “Using Injunctions and Legal Process to Get Access to the Truck and Obtain the Data and the Cell Phones/Tablets/Telematics” – Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, Nashville, TN
- “Demystifying Your First Truck Trial” – Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, Nashville, TN
- “How to Use Discovery to Turn a Simple Trucking Case into a Multi-Million Dollar Case” – Atlas Lawyers Seminar, Myrtle Beach, SC
- “Fortune Favors the Brave: Litigating Truck Accident Cases During the Pandemic” – Atlas Lawyers Seminar, Las Vegas, NV
- “Hidden Motor Carriers: What Documents & Discovery Do I Need” – Trucking Seminar, Attorneys Information Exchange Group
- New Jersey Association for Justice Educational Foundation’s Trucking Litigation Boardwalk
- American Association for Justice Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases
Caroline Munley: Managing Partner and Community Safety Advocate
Leadership in Legal Education and Community Outreach
Caroline Munley serves as the managing partner of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys and has established herself as both a successful litigator and community educator. Caroline is certified as a specialist in the practice of workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law, demonstrating her expertise in this complex area of practice.
Community Safety Education
Caroline works tirelessly to better the local communities of northeast Pennsylvania and is a frequent contributor to the Scranton Times-Tribune on issues of community safety. Through her writing, she educates the public about important safety topics and legal issues affecting the community.
Professional Recognition and Expertise
Caroline has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2022 and has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs and Workers’ Compensation Law-Claimants since 2018. She was honored to be named to the lists of Top 25 Women Trial Lawyers in PA, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates, and Top 25 Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
Robert W. Munley III: Workers’ Compensation Education Authority
Robert W. Munley III has established himself as a leading educator in workers’ compensation law, presenting at numerous seminars throughout Pennsylvania including the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Symposium, Pennsylvania State University lecture series, and various educational seminars across the state. He has also contributed to legal literature with his article “Making corporate social responsibility part of your company culture,” published in the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal (December 2018).
J. Christopher Munley: Workers’ Compensation Law Excellence and Legal Seminar Innovation
Attorney J. Christopher Munley was named the 2016 Lawyer of the Year in workers’ compensation law by Best Lawyers. With recognition from Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, Christopher contributes to the legal community’s understanding of workers’ compensation law through his expertise and leadership.
Founding Atlas Lawyers Legal Seminars
In 2008, Chris founded Atlas Lawyers seminars, recognizing the need for a more direct and practical approach to legal education. As a busy practicing lawyer, he saw that most legal seminars had a “less is more” approach that left attendees having to follow up with vendors and spend additional time and money before implementing effective changes. Atlas Lawyers was created as a comprehensive seminar series that gives more and takes less—teaching strategy and tactics that small and mid-sized law firms can implement immediately to see results without upselling and additional expenditures. The seminars bring together talented, innovative experts from across the country to share ideas on how to market and manage a thriving 21st century law firm.
Settlements and Verdicts
At Munley Law, our results speak for themselves. Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation for clients throughout Pennsylvania, establishing ourselves as one of the state’s most successful personal injury law firms. Our track record includes some of the largest settlements and verdicts in Pennsylvania history.
Record-Breaking Results:
- $32.25 million settlement for a tragic airplane crash
- $26 million settlement for truck accident victim who suffered traumatic brain injury (one of the largest in northeastern Pennsylvania)
- $20 million settlement for a commercial vehicle accident
- $17.5 million jury verdict in teens’ death caused by car accident (the landmark “Mid-Valley Eight” case)
- $12 million verdict for forklift accident victim
- $11 million settlement for woman rear-ended in road construction by a truck
We have won dozens of multimillion-dollar results for our clients across various practice areas including truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and wrongful death cases. In 2015, a truck accident case settlement reached by our attorneys was the 2nd highest settlement in Pennsylvania and the 25th highest in the U.S.
Our attorneys are recognized nationally for their trial advocacy skills and have consistently been named among the Best Lawyers in America, selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We don’t just settle cases—we’re prepared to take every case to trial, which often results in better outcomes for our clients.
While every case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our 65+ year history of securing maximum compensation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fighting for justice. When you choose Munley Law, you’re choosing advocates with the experience, resources, and determination to take on insurance companies and corporations that may try to minimize your claim.
The History of Munley Law
Hon. William J. Munley
For more than three generations, our family has been fighting for justice. It’s more than a career choice—it’s written into our DNA.
Long before the founding of Munley Law, the Munley family dedicated itself to improving the lives of Pennsylvanians. It began with William J. Munley, who started work in the coal mines of Lackawanna County at 8 years old. Though he didn’t know how to read or write English, he learned it with the help of his wife, who tutored him at night. He became a conductor for the Scranton Transit Authority, and his gregarious personality made him a popular figure in the community. He parlayed this renown into politics and served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly as dean of the House of Representatives from 1923 to 1938. As a union man, he championed workers’ rights causes and helped bring the highway system to Lackawanna County.
Hon. Robert W. Munley
William’s son, Robert W. Munley, followed in his footsteps. He was Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Twelfth Pennsylvania District. After William died of a sudden stroke in 1938, Robert was elected his father’s successor. He served five consecutive terms, upholding William’s ideals of workers’ rights and organized labor, and proved to be a popular legislator with admirers across the aisle. He was a man of many talents – not only was he a self-taught musician, but Robert served as the deputy boxing commissioner for the Pennsylvania Athletic Community in Scranton. When Robert died of a heart attack in 1947, his wife Marion L. Munley carried on the mission, winning a special election and becoming the first woman to represent Lackawanna County in the state house.
Hon. Marion L. Munley
Born in a time when women didn’t have the right to vote, Marion made her mark in Harrisburg: She was the co-author of House Bill 66 (1959), also known as the Equal Pay Act, which prohibited “the discrimination in rate of pay of sex conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.” She was also the first woman to serve as an officer when she was named Secretary of the House in 1963. In 2021, she achieved another big “first” when she became the first woman honored with a statue in Scranton’s Courthouse Square. In 2024, August 19th was named Marion L. Munley Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Origins of Munley Law
Inspired by their parents, Marion and Robert’s two children, James M. Munley and Robert W. Munley Jr., each forged their careers in the legal profession. Both brothers independently served in the Army during the Korean War before attending the University of Scranton and Temple University School of Law. After serving as Assistant District Attorney for Lackawanna County, Robert transitioned into private practice in 1959 and founded the Law Offices of Robert W. Munley, which would eventually become Munley Law.
Soon after launching the practice, Robert was joined by James, while Robert’s wife, Bernadine, oversaw operations as office manager and administrator. The brothers practiced law together until 1977, when James left the firm to become a Common Pleas Court Judge for Lackawanna County. James Munley would later become a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Focusing on Personal Injury Advocacy
Munley Law Founder Robert W. Munley with his wife, Bernadine Munley
Bernadine noticed that many injury victims lacked easy access to the court system, and she was instrumental in turning the general practice into one that focused only on personal injury.
With Robert at the helm, the firm specialized in serving “the Injured, the Forgotten, and the Damned”—victims of catastrophic accidents, particularly trucking accidents, which were numerous in the Scranton region. Robert was an active American Association for Justice member, and it wasn’t long before word spread. Munley Law soon became nationally recognized for its groundbreaking settlements and Robert’s skill in the courtroom. Robert’s work resulted in appellate decisions that transformed American law’s admissibility of trial evidence.
One such case is Mecca v. Lukasik, which is locally known as the “Mid Valley Eight.” The case involved a 1981 car accident when eight teenagers in Throop, PA, were killed after the drunk driver lost control of the car and struck the guardrail, causing the vehicle to land upside down in a gully. Representing the victims’ families, Munley filed a civil lawsuit against the parents of the teenage driver. The case went to trial, with a jury awarding the families a total verdict of $17.5 million — at that time, one of the largest verdicts ever for a single-vehicle accident. It had set the standard for evidence of children’s future earnings based on their stated career aspirations.
By the early 2000s, Munley Law was recognized as an industry leader in personal injury, receiving accolades from peers and national legal organizations for our work in personal injury and truck accident law.
Following the Family Legacy
With family history looming large, Robert and Bernadine’s six children, in turn, dedicated their careers to the law. Marion Munley and her husband, Matt Cartwright, joined Munley Law in 1988. (Matt left the firm when he was elected to U.S. Congress in 2013.) J. Christopher Munley, Daniel W. Munley, Robert W. Munley III, and Caroline Munley also joined as staff attorneys. James’ daughter, Julia K. Munley, also joined the firm as a partner but left in 2016 to become a Common Pleas Court Judge just as her father did before her. She was later nominated to serve as a judge in the Middle District of PA and was confirmed in 2023.
We have committed to lifting up the next generation of lawyers by endowing four different scholarships: at Marywood University, University of Scranton, Landmark College, and Temple Law School. There are two awards named for Robert W. Munley—The Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service Award is presented each year by Lackawanna Pro Bono, a nonprofit organization to lawyers who demonstrate exceptional service in the community. The Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice Award is a national award bestowed by the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group to an attorney who represents truck accident victims. The first recipients of the award were Marion Munley and Daniel W. Munley.
Today, we continue to build on this legacy and expand our professional Family of LawyersⓇ to include top attorneys who align with our values and mission. Three of our lawyers are board-certified in trucking law—three of just four such credentialed attorneys in the Commonwealth of PA. Our personal injury lawyers have consistently been named among the Best Lawyers in America, selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Across all specialties of personal injury law, our award-winning, best-in-class team is here to serve you and deliver excellent outcomes.
With our unparalleled experience and fervor for the law, we have developed lasting relationships with our clients, who not only rely on us for legal expertise but also find comfort in our compassionate, responsive, and accessible counsel. Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues the family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity.
