Attorney Ryan Hancock Speaks with The Inquirer About UArts Employees’ Lawsuit

When the University of the Arts abruptly shut down in June 2024, employees were left without the 60 days of salary and health benefits that they are entitled to under federal law. The Philadelphia school now claims that it is seeking opportunities to create revenue and pay back what is owed.

Willig, Williams & Davidson attorneys Ryan A. Hancock, Jordan Konell, and Samuel H. Datlof represent University of the Arts union members in a lawsuit against the school. Hancock is quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer, reacting to the university’s stated plans to pay employees through the month of August. He said, “we have no proof of that until … our clients have been paid,” so “we’re going to keep moving forward” with the case.

Kristine Grady Derewicz, the lawyer representing the school, and Judge Chad F. Kenney have delayed the discovery phase of the suit, which would compel UArts to produce evidence regarding the circumstances around the collapse. Representatives for United Academics of Philadelphia, the union representing the school’s faculty, have pushed for the case to move forward more quickly and reduce the uncertainty among former employees looking to be made whole. Read the full article online: Can University of the Arts continue to pay 700 employees’ health care and salary? Maybe, maybe not. (Subscription is required.)