No cookies for naughty court workers

Looking as if they might have been a little naughty themselves, elves from a West Chester law firm descended on the Chester County Justice Center last week with jingling bells and treats for deserving workers.

Marta S. Laynas, who heads the firm, was accompanied by her staff, including a new addition to the bar: her daughter Alyson. Laden with boxes full of cookies, Laynas said the holiday outing has become a welcome tradition, but one with a challenge: the trials and tribulations of outdoing last year's costumes.  "Wow!" said an appreciative deputy sheriff as he spotted the merry band of Santa's helpers.  But the group's fetching attire was not the whole story: They also sang carols and spread cheer, providing a welcome interruption to lawsuits and court proceedings.