Columbia County Business Lawyers

Michael P. Thomas is a Partner with MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP. He assists individuals, closely held companies, and larger entities on a wide variety of estate planning, estate and trust administration, wealth transfer, succession planning, tax, and business matters.

Mike routinely assists clients with the design and implementation of both basic and complex estate plans that focus on accomplishing the client's individual objectives and minimizing the related tax consequences. He works closely with individual and corporate fiduciaries throughout estate and trust administrations. Mike has experience advising clients on a wide variety of sophisticated business transactions, employee benefit plan matters,...

Jay Alberstadt is a senior partner with MacDonald Illig. He concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial and economic development ,and conventional and tax-exempt financing. He provides legal services to individuals, business entities, lending institutions, municipal authorities and development agencies. Mr. Alberstadt handles matters ranging from residential real estate transactions to detailed title and development issues. He also provides representation in commercial financings and tax-exempt municipal, industrial development and 501(c)(3) bond issues. He is co-chair of the Firm's real estate practice group and chair of the firm's marketing committee.

Chuck Hadad is a Partner and Chair of the Estates and Trusts Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in estate administration, probate, estate planning, trust administration, corporate and business planning, and real estate transactions. Chuck counsels individuals and businesses in a variety of complex matters and enjoys working one-on-one with clients to help them reach their goals.

Chuck has broad experience in advising clients in all facets of estate planning and estate administration. He works closely with clients in the preparation of documents that fit their customized needs, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts and charitable gift/trust planning, and...

Krista has significant civil litigation and transactional experience in all areas of real property law. She counsels commercial and residential property owners in sales contracts, leases (retail, residential, and OGM) and civil disputes. She assists real estate investment groups with business formation, membership interest purchase agreements, and land contracts. She assists developers and landowners with zoning and land use issues. She also has vast experience representing real estate owners and real estate agents and brokers in lawsuits involving seller disclosure issues, unfair trade practices, and commission disputes across Western Pennsylvania. Krista frequently instructs Continuing Legal Education programs for the Pennsylvania Bar...

Attorney Chad M. Ostrosky represents investors, business owners, and financial professionals nationwide with extensive experience in FINRA arbitrations, investment loss recovery, financial services employment matters, and defending against SEC, FINRA, CFP, and state investigations. Attorney Ostrosky provides straight forward, simple advice ensuring that each of his clients fully understand all available options. He is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, The Top Trial Lawyers in America®. Additionally, Attorney Ostrosky serves or has served as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the National Futures Association (NFA), and the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas.

Ryan Mergl is a former prosecutor and respected trial attorney. He represents clients throughout Pennsylvania and in the United States Federal Courts.

Awards & Recognition
Super Lawyers selected Mergl to their list as a Rising Star, noting his high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, he is a Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania as named by the Association of American Trial Lawyers, and Pittsburgh Magazine named Mergl one of Western Pennsylvania’s "40 Under 40”.

Background
Mergl is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the...

Henry J. Donner concentrates his practice in construction law. He has decades of experience counseling and representing those in the construction industry: real estate developers, condominium associations, contractors, subcontractors, architects/engineers, and construction contractor associations. Henry also applies extensive industry knowledge to the management and efficient resolution of virtually any problem that might arise in the course of construction from start to finish. He also skillfully negotiates multi-party disputes over cost estimates, design errors, defective installation and contract details. Contractors and their associations rely on Henry to represent their trustees on retirement, health, training and vacation plans. Henry’s professional network puts...

Greg is a highly experienced lawyer specializing in a variety of complex commercial litigation and corporate counseling. Before he entered private practice, Greg served four years as Special Counsel to the Office of Disclosure Policy at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. As a member of the Commission’s Corporate Governance Project, he co-authored the Staff Report on Corporate Accountability (Committee Print, U.S. Senate 1980).

After he entered private practice, Greg headed the securities law practice of a prominent Philadelphia law firm. There, Greg handled various securities matters including public and private offerings of securities, Securities Exchange Act reporting by...

In 1975 I graduated from law school and was admitted to practice in Pennsylvania. Later I was admitted to practice in federal courts. If you click on our homepage you'll get a pretty good idea of what I've done as an attorney since then. At this stage in my career my practice focuses mostly on real estate transactions, real estate litigation, and partnership disputes and litigation. In one of the cases that I'm most proud of I was lead counsel in a suit involving over seventeen shopping malls and shopping centers. My...

See Mr. Cushing's profile here: http://www.fayerivacohen.com/jim-cushing/

Attorney Eric J. Purchase represents individuals and families suffering from injury or the death of a loved one. He was born and raised in Erie County, Pennsylvania. He is a 1988 graduate of Gannon University. In 1991, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with honors. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Purchase served as editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review. In recognition of his class standing upon graduation, Mr. Purchase was inducted into the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Order of the Coif.

Before opening his Pennsylvania personal injury practice, Mr. Purchase was...

Mr. Antoun concentrates his practice in the areas of health care, business and governmental transactions. He is the former chair of the Business Transactions Group and the Health Law Group.

In the area of health care, Mr. Antoun advises hospitals, clinics, physician group practices and individual physicians and dentists on matters such as physician and hospital agreements, employment contracts, compensation and incentive arrangements, and group practice formation and governance. He advises health care providers on federal and state regulatory compliance, including anti-kickback, physician self-referral and HIPAA matters, and he has substantial experience representing hospitals and physicians in peer review, medical staff...

For 30 years, "Jack" Mehler has helped public and private companies, banks, developers, non-profit corporations and individuals in a wide range of legal matters. Jack concentrates in the areas of general business matters, real estate, banking, and financial transactions.

Jack also represents taxpayer-clients and developers in real estate tax assessment (value) appeals, and tax exemption cases throughout western Pennsylvania on many different types of properties as diverse as marinas, waterfront shipping facilities, hospitals, shopping centers and malls, industrial plants, truck terminals and warehouses, commercial and professional office buildings, corporate headquarters, hotels, and senior living facilities.

Jack has written numerous articles and is...

Jamie R. Schumacher is an Associate in the Litigation Department at MacDonald Illig where she concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial litigation, employment litigation, insurance defense, and municipal/ordinance enforcement. She is also a member of the firm's Commercial/General Litigation Practice Group, Labor & Employment Practice Group, Government Services Practice Group, Marketing Committee, and the Recruitment Committee. Ms. Schumacher is licensed to practice in all Pennsylvania state courts, the United States District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ms. Schumacher is the former chair of the Young Lawyers Division...

Russell S. Warner is the Managing Partner of the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is the founder and past Chairman of the firm's Environmental Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and environmental law, including matters involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as matters before the USEPA Environmental Appeals Board and the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board.

Mr. Warner's practice includes representation of businesses, financial institutions, economic development organizations and municipal entities regarding business and environmental matters, as well as acquisitions, capital...

Attorney Stumpf develops estate plans for her clients and competently assists in the administration of estates of all sizes. She also provides expertise in the areas of trust administration, asset protection, elder law and guardianship issues. Attorney Stumpf's business law practice includes entity formation for both for-profit and non-profit organizations, structural questions, general counsel and the development of succession plans. Additionally, she assists in the representation of several school districts, an intermediate unit and multiple private schools.

Attorney Stumpf received her undergraduate degree from Grove City College in 2003 and her Juris Doctor from the Penn State - The Dickinson School...

Stephanie has over 14 years legal, fiduciary, corporate and banking experience, with the majority of her practice involving handling matters for high net worth clients. She has assisted clients with a variety of matters, including estate and financial planning, estate administration, the establishment and administration of family foundations, and succession planning for closely held businesses. She has represented businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipalities, in a variety of corporate matters.

Stephanie’s estate practice focuses on highly sophisticated planning and tax savings techniques for individuals, families and businesses. In her corporate practice, she counsels businesses in a variety of industries. She assists businesses...

Ryan Very spearheads one of Pittsburgh’s fastest-growing, most well-respected law firms. He’s built a full-service practice working with a diverse array of clients: trade associations, teachers, business owners, unions, large corporations, and the ordinary citizen. A fourth-generation Pittsburgher, Mr. Very was born the posthumous grandson of Attorney Donald L. Very, a legal legend with a national reputation for bridge-building. From a young age, Ryan Very knew he would follow in his grandfather's footsteps. He embarked on a career to help bring law to the public.  After attending a top-twenty law school, Mr. Very was awarded a fellowship with one of the most...

I have successfully represented many clients in all Commonwealth Courts and the Federal Bankruptcy Court in various steps of the legal process, including Preliminary Hearings, Arbitration, Child Support Hearings, Motions, and Trials. I take great pride in my ability to learn from the past and use what worked for the future. Unlike some attorneys, I am not afraid of the courtroom and will do what is necessary to provide you with the best possible advocacy. Go to http://mbeckerlaw.com

Justia
Associate Kandis Kovalsky is an accomplished business lawyer representing both corporate and individual clients in a broad range of complex commercial litigation matters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey state, federal and bankruptcy courts.

Kandis represents clients in all aspects of commercial litigation, particularly in matters involving business torts, partnership and shareholder disputes, contractual disputes, unfair and deceptive business practices actions, creditor’s rights and civil RICO actions. Although Kandis’ practice mostly focuses on cases in active litigation, Kandis also assists clients in general business matters and litigation avoidance.

Kandis represents commercial borrowers, secured and unsecured lenders and Chapter 7 trustees in complex bankruptcy...

Tenacious... Smart... Principled... Tireless in the pursuit of a client's case.

Attorney Scott Sigman concentrates his practice in the areas of criminal defense, white collar defense, drug forfeiture, and civil litigation.  He routinely represents defendants in cases involving murder, drug dealing, conspiracy, assault, firearm violations, gun possession, drug possession, rape, sexual assault, theft, stolen property, and DUI.  Mr. Sigman was selected as a “Pennsylvania Rising Star Super Lawyer” by Philadelphia Magazine from 2005 through 2012 and as a “2006 Lawyer on the Fast Track” by The Legal Intelligencer. Mr. Sigman began his career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office where he was assigned to the Narcotics Division (in...

Before he was running a cutting-edge entertainment and privacy law firm, planning ABATECHSHOW, and working with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Joe Bahgat toured as a professional saxophone player, backing acts such as Ray Charles. Perhaps living out of a suitcase taught Joe the value of efficiency because The Privacy Firm is the quintessential modern law office. Joe's many freelance legal technology articles and popular blog, internetontrial.com, help other attorneys stay on top of protecting client information, and discover the latest practice management innovations.

Mr. Swain has investigated and recovered millions in compensation for those who have been catastrophically injured or who have died as a result of their injuries. He has successfully litigated claims involving medical malpractice, nursing home malpractice, work-related accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other wrongful death and permanent disability matters. The Swain Law Firm specializes in the following areas of practice: * Catastrophic Personal Injury Matters * Medical Malpractice * Motor Vehicle Accidents * Work Related Injuries & Worker's Compensation * Construction Accidents ...

Chris is a founding member of Haberl, Buell & Rice, PLLC, where he focuses on oil and gas, real estate, corporate, litigation, and estate matters. Chris represents oil and gas operators in land issues, litigation, regulatory appeals, and general commercial matters. He also regularly represents businesses and individuals in civil litigation, real estate transactions, corporate formations and counseling, and estate planning and administration. Chris has been named a Rising Star by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® from 2012 through 2020.

I am a dedicated critical thinker who enjoys working on difficult legal issues. My commitment to serving my community has produced stellar results in client interactions and maintaining professional relations. Clients tell me I am dependable, professional, and personable, but I credit those traits to my endearment towards helping people while working in a field I enjoy.

I grew up in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania where I was heavily involved in various projects. My degrees earned were a BA in Communication from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I was called to the honors organization of Lambda Pi Eta and sat...

The law offices of W. Jeffrey Leonard boasts over 34 years of legal experience.

Frank Walker is one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in Western Pennsylvania. He stands by his motto of delivering real talk, real experience, and real results. Fearless in the courtroom and tenacious when fighting for his clients, Attorney Walker is highly regarded in criminal defense circles. He has handled many high-profile crimes and serious offenses, developing a proven track record of victories. In addition to criminal defense, Attorney Walker also focuses his practice on civil litigation. Attorney Walker is active in the community and frequently gives talks on education, leadership, and legal matters.

Mr. Shamburg is a partner with MacDonald Illig where he is a member of the Business Transactions, Trusts & Estate and Tax Practice groups. His practice comprises a vast array of personal and business transactions, that can be broken into five general practice areas: estate and trust planning and administration; tax compliance and planning matters; Orphans' Court litigation; nonprofit formation; and corporate formation and transactions.

Mr. Shamburg received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus in 2005. In 2009, he graduated cum laude from the University of Dayton School of Law, where...

I earned my J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University in 2022. During my time in law school, I served as a teaching assistant for Property Law. Before joining the firm, I worked as a judicial clerk for President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas – Family Division. Alongside my clerkship, I practiced in the areas of labor and employment law and school/municipal law. In these roles, I assisted with matters involving contract negotiations, FMLA/ADA disputes, and grievance arbitrations.

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Mark has practiced law in Pittsburgh as counsel to businesses of all sizes for over 30 years. He represents business clients in transactions because the work focuses on the achievement of a future event—and all parties to the transaction work towards a common goal. His practice is fast-paced and provides him with experience in a number of industries.

Mark provides general corporate legal services primarily to owner-managed businesses, including family-owned businesses. His practice includes securities law, acquisitions, various forms of debt and equity financing, including investment crowdfunding and private placements; real estate transactions, including...

Mr. Cozza is the founder of the Cozza Law Group and has been practicing law since 2003. During this time, he has advised businesses and business owners on appropriate entity formations, contract drafting, commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters, HR policy creation, intellectual property matters, as well as provided general business consulting and litigation services in various industries. Mr. Cozza has also represented property owners and investors in residential and commercial real estate acquisitions, lease preparation and negotiations, property holding company structuring, as well as providing general real estate consulting services. Mr. Cozza also represents entertainers, athletes, artists, and musicians...

Noah Paul Fardo, Esq. is the managing partner of FLAHERTY FARDO, LLC. Noah Paul Fardo, Esq. is a Pennsylvania trial lawyer and the managing partner of Flaherty Fardo, LLC. He routinely handles a variety of civil litigation cases in both the state and federal courts. His practice primarily focuses on medical malpractice and personal injury law. However, he also has extensive business and real estate litigation experience. Born and raised in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, Mr. Fardo graduated from Avonworth High School in 1991. He received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A), cum laude,...

Experienced business start-up attorney and consultant.

Ashley dedicates her experience and skills to those clients wishing to achieve their own independence through entrepreneurial endeavor. She has formed business entities, drafted operating agreements, negotiated purchase and sale agreements, vendor contracts, and employee documents. She not only understands the legal requirements and ramifications of various transactional relationships, but also the practical necessities typically required to close.

Attorney Kuhn has over 40 years of experience practicing in the areas of residential, commercial and investment real estate transactions, land use matters and municipal law. Mr. Kuhn's practice also focuses on estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, elder care planning and business formation and post formation counseling. He is admitted to practice before all Pennsylvania Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Tax Court and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Kuhn has also taught several law-related courses as an Adjunct Lecturer...

Patrick Delaney is a Senior Partner at MacDonald Illig. He concentrates his practice in the area of Commercial Litigation. During the course of his career, Mr. Delaney has litigated disputes in the federal and state courts throughout Pennsylvania and in various other jurisdictions. He has also handled numerous complex commercial disputes before arbitration tribunals, including panels convened through the American Arbitration Association and the International Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Delaney has years of experience handling contract disputes, including those involving professional services, the sale of goods, real estate sales, stock purchase agreements, commercial and industrial construction, and executive employment. He...