Sandra Reed

Sandra Reed is an asset to the Construction Defect Group at Horn Williamson. She joined the firm following a clerkship in the distinctive Commerce Program, part of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Civil Trial Division.

During her clerkship, Sandra gained wide-ranging experience working on complex, commercial civil litigation cases involving business enterprises, class actions, and sophisticated matters that require extensive case management.

Growing up in a working-class family, Sandra was exposed to the difference between caring and quality contractors and those who cut corners to make a few extra dollars. Her family upbringing also taught her to always be the hardest-working person in the room.

More importantly, her background gives her the ability to relate to her clients. She understands the importance of clearly explaining issues to clients without legalese. She uses her communication style to relate to her clients and their concerns.

Sandra has helped many clients in various areas of law. While working with the Rutgers Law School Civil Practice Clinic, she successfully represented clients in administrative hearings regarding the denial of Social Security benefits. She also advised clients and drafted estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, living wills, durable and healthcare powers of attorney, and guardianship designation documents.

She has worked with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania, where she contributed to cases in which the ACLU represented individuals whose civil rights were violated, including First Amendment free speech and free exercise of religion violations.

Finally, during her internship at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, she drafted enforcement guidelines and internal training materials for staff investigators for the Philadelphia “Ban the Box” Ordinance, prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of criminal and arrest records. In addition, she has contributed to the closing of cases in which the PCHR investigated allegations of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing discrimination on the basis of protected classes, such as race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, domestic violence status, age, religion, familial status, and income.

Sandra’s notable legal contributions include:

• As an intern with Rutgers Law School Civil Practice Clinic, she successfully represented clients in administrative hearings regarding the denial of Social Security benefits, securing favorable rulings for her clients.
• When working with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania, she contributed to cases in which the ACLU represented individuals whose civil rights were violated, including infringements on First Amendment free speech and religious freedoms.
• During her internship at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, she drafted enforcement guidelines and internal training materials for staff investigators for the Philadelphia “Ban the Box” Ordinance, prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of criminal and arrest records.

When not helping to solve legal problems, Sandra loves being outside as much as possible. She loves hiking, camping, hunting, and snowboarding in her free time. Sandra began her life in Washington State and was raised in rural northern New Jersey. She now lives in the Philadelphia area and loves all that the area has to offer.