May 27, 2010, Blue Bell, PA - Nelson Levine de Luca & Hamilton (NLdH), a national law firm focused on the insurance industry, announced today that Paulyne A. Gardner-Smith has been named a partner of the firm.

Ms. Gardner-Smith focuses her practice in the area of complex litigation, with an emphasis on bad faith litigation and insurance coverage. She currently represents clients in state and federal courts.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Paulyne to the partnership of our firm," said NLdH Chairman Michael R. Nelson. "This is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding lawyering skills. Our clients rely on Paulyne for her vision and practical approach to complex matters, and we look forward to her continued contributions as a partner of this firm."

Ms. Gardner-Smith was recognized as a "Lawyer on the Fast Track" by The Legal Intelligencer in 2009, and she was named a "Rising Star" attorney by Law & Politics Magazine from 2005 - 2007. She co-authored a chapter in the book, "Extra-Contractual Litigation Against Insurers," published last fall by Law Journal Press.

She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Bar Association, and serves as Vice Chair of the Appellate Court Practice Committee. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Additionally, Ms. Gardner-Smith is devoted to community service, and has volunteered her time and services to Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization; COMHAR, the mental health and mental retardation center; and the Montgomery County Literacy Network.

She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Muhlenberg College, and earned her law degree from the Temple University Beasley School of Law.