Bass, J. Michael

Frank R. Bartle is the Managing Partner at Dischell, Bartle & Dooley. Over the past 32 years, he has provided the strategic vision to grow DB&D into one of the premier, full-service, mid-sized law firms in the region. Frank is a problem solver with broad experiences and extensive knowledge of the law.  A major client commented, "Frank is expert at breaking down complex matters into clear and do-able tasks. He helps us understand the law and makes the law work for us."

Frank's practice is focused in the areas of real estate, land development, zoning and general litigation. He is recognized by his peers as an expert resource and is a consultant to other attorneys on land development issues. Over his career he has managed some of the most complex land deals in the greater Philadelphia region on behalf of major land development and home building companies.

Government Clients

Frank has represented and continues to represent various municipalities (including townships of the first and second class and boroughs), school districts, zoning hearing boards, municipal authorities and related emergency services entities and foundations.  He is frequently asked to serve as special counsel to governmental entities on matters of land development, zoning and litigation.

Results Matter

What distinguishes Frank in the field of law is his ability to manage issues. This often requires more than just a sound legal strategy. Frank’s extensive background in politics and working with elected officials at every level of government has provided him with broad knowledge of politics and public opinion.  He uses these skills to build constituencies, improve understanding, create support, and quell opposition to get results for his clients. Representative results are:
 
Land Use Issues

• Successfully represented a School District before the Zoning Hearing Board, Court of Common Pleas and Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in a highly publicized and politically charged zoning and land development issue resulting in approval for a new sports stadium.
  On behalf of a developer, skillfully litigated and negotiated a settlement of a curative amendment matter to allow more than 200 townhomes in the township.
• Successfully guided a 280, 000 square feet shopping center project through the process of securing all necessary municipal, county, state and federal regulatory approvals.
  On behalf of a developer, effectively litigated an appeal and negotiated a court settlement agreement approving a 617 unit housing development in Montgomery County.
• Effectively managed a land development application in a high profile matter resulting in a court appeal and ultimately approval for a 260+ acre estate to be subdivided and developed with 130 homes in Delaware County.

 
Municipal Issues

• Successfully represented two (2) school districts in opposition to a petition to secede filed in the Court of Common Pleas by local residents seeking to move their municipality from one school district to the other. At issue were millions of dollars of school district assets, tax revenues and future expenditures.
• Successfully defended a school district and its Board Members in a suit brought by a newspaper alleging violations of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law. The dismissal of the action resulted in the vindication of the elected officials for their actions.
• Prevailed in defending a municipality in a suit filed against it by a collective bargaining unit for alleged violations of Act 205 involving municipal pension issues. The victory saved the municipality millions of dollars in future benefits.