MESSA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
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A jury awarded over $435,000 against the University of Pennsylvania to Mr. Frank Reynolds.

Philadelphia, Pa. (October 12, 2009) - A jury awarded over $435,000 against the University of Pennsylvania to Mr. Frank Reynolds, in a case involving breach of contract and violations of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

Reynolds was pursuing a masters degree through a program designated as an Executive Masters in Technology Management (EMTM) at the University of Pennsylvania’s engineering program. EMTM was advertised as a jointly sponsored program by the Wharton School and Penn Engineering, with the promise that the prospective students would be considered students of Wharton and upon completion, full alumni students.

Reynolds, a business executive who already held multiple graduate degrees, was attracted to the possibility of earning a masters degree from Wharton, which he knew to be considered the top business school in the country. Entering the EMTM program in 2002, Reynolds paid tuition that was significantly higher than other similar programs, priced to reflect the benefit of Wharton’s prestigious reputation.

After participating in the EMTM program, and taking more than half of his classes at the Wharton School by Wharton professors, Reynolds was refused benefits afforded Wharton students. The University of Pennsylvania revoked their previous representations, and told the students that they could not be considered Wharton students while in school nor Wharton alumni once the EMTM program was completed.

The jury determined that the University of Pennsylvania breached its contract with Reynolds, and awarded damages for the financial losses suffered by Reynolds as a result.

Richard J. Heleniak was trial counsel for Mr. Reynolds. For more information regarding the trial, please contact Jessica Neff at 215-568-3500 or or Jneff@messalaw.com.

Click here to read more about the trial.

About Messa & Associates, P.C.

Messa & Associates P.C., specializes in representing individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions as well as employment and contract claims. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Messa & Associates are also proud to serve New Jersey clients throughout the state as well as litigate selected cases throughout the country.