VIP Welcomes New Board President and Four New Directors

Philadelphia VIP’s Board of Directors elected Chanda A. Miller, partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, President for 2025 and 2026.

VIP also welcomed four new Directors to the Board this year: Samantha Fitzpatrick, counsel at Berwind Corporation; Mark Fidanza, partner at Reed Smith LLP; George Farrell, associate at Greenberg Traurig LLP; and James Becker, Business Counsel at FMC. Get to know our Board members below.

Board President Chanda A. Miller

Chanda is a partner at Barnes and Thornburg LLP. She is a trial attorney who serves as defense counsel for companies in high-stakes product liability and complex commercial litigation. As a VIP volunteer, she primarily represents clients seeking name changes. Chanda chaired VIP’s most recent strategic planning process and serves as Board President for 2025–2026.

“I have been a VIP volunteer since the earliest days of my legal career. I walked into a VIP training as a brand-new associate and was hooked by VIP’s mission.  I walked out with a how-to manual and a case file in hand. I have worked to help my neighbors since that time, first as a volunteer and then as a Board member promoting and overseeing VIP’s mission. As Board President, I am honored and excited to serve the staff and community of this organization I love.”

Samantha Fitzpatrick

Samantha is Counsel in the Legal Department at Berwind Corporation. She is a member of the Executive Board of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. She earned her J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in 2019 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from The Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU.

“My passion is community impact. VIP’s work addresses a tremendous need for access to quality legal services in the Philadelphia community. I am excited to assist in efforts to ensure that clients feel truly connected to the attorneys representing them.”

Mark Fidanza

Mark is a trial attorney whose practice is focused on litigation involving complex commercial contracts, commercial real estate, domestic and international franchising, and financial services. His pro bono practice focuses heavily on residential landlord/tenant disputes and defense of uninsured personal injury defendants. He was the 2023 recipient of “MVP of VIP” Award, and in 2024 was named a Lawyer on the Fast Track (Large Firm) by the Legal Intelligencer (ALM).

“I’m honored and excited to be a part of VIP’s Board because VIP is doing critical work on behalf of underserved populations in the City.  I am looking forward to working as a Board Member to promote and expand VIP’s programs so that even more Philadelphians get access to legal representation that they so desperately need.”

George J. Farrell

George is an associate in the Litigation and Government Law and Policy Practices in Greenberg Traurig’s Philadelphia office. Prior to entering private practice, George clerked for the Hon. Lee Solomon at the New Jersey Supreme Court, served as a staff member for a Pennsylvania state senator and for a member of the Philadelphia City Council as well as worked on political campaigns.

“I’ve watched VIP make real change in the lives of Philadelphians from ensuring they can get a government ID, to clearing up a tangled title or avoiding eviction. These services are integral to the city, and I’ve been proud to serve as a volunteer throughout my legal career. I’m excited to assist the organization and the people it serves in a new way as a Board Member.”

James Becker

Jim earned his J.D. at Temple University and has spent the last five years as Business Counsel at FMC Corporation. Jim began at FMC supporting indirect procurement and is currently responsible for supporting FMC’s Data Privacy and Trade Compliance programs.

Every case that VIP manages is an opportunity to have an immediate and profound impact on individuals and the community. I am a true believer in VIP’s mission and the importance of accessible legal services. It is my honor and privilege to engage even deeper!