Columbia County Lawyers

My Journey...

I first thought of pursuing a career as an attorney when I was taking a course in the inequalities of our judicial system during my undergrad work at Penn State. By the time I finished that course, I had made up my mind to attend law school and become an attorney. Once I graduated law school and passed the Bar Exam, the first area of law I practiced was a Pro-Bono case involving child custody. Today I still practice Family Law as well as Real Estate and Estate Planning, Criminal, Business, Probate and Contracts.

My Focus...

I love these areas of...

Business litigation lawyer, Nik Zitev focuses his practice on complex commercial, business and international matters. His experience includes large scale business control disputes, fiduciary and director liability, arbitration, and international disputes involving individuals and corporations. Nik’s international background provides a foundation to quickly adapt to diverse teams and shifting circumstances to provide a broad and deep understanding of critical issues in resolving disputes and efficiently promoting client’s business interests.

Prior to joining High Swartz in November 2018, Nik represented clients as a litigation attorney at a prominent international law firm with offices in Philadelphia, Pa., and Moscow, Russia. Nik obtained his...

Terence earned his undergraduate degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 1998. Terry began his legal career soon after garduating from Penn State. His professional experiences prior to and during law school include positions as a trial technology technician at a national litigation support firm in Washington D.C, as a paralegal for a Philadelphia defense firm, as a paralegal for staff counsel for one the largest insurers in North America, and as a law clerk at a Plaintiff’s firm in Chester County. While working full time as a paralegal, he attended the Widener University, School of Law, where he earned...

Jennifer DiVeterano Gayle joined Mannion Prior, LLP in September 2007 and was named a partner in January 2016. Jenn’s practice focuses on litigation involving trusts, estates, guardianships, and powers of attorney, including all forms of estate and trust disputes, will contests, surcharge and removal actions, interpretation issues, and other fiduciary matters before the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas and the Register of Wills.

Jenn has served as an author and panelist on various Pennsylvania Bar Institute seminars and Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education lectures and has written about the authority granted to plenary guardians of the person. She...

Douglas K. Marsico is a graduate of West Chester University and the Widener University School of Law. Mr. Marsico's practice concentration is in criminal defense, DUI defense, traffic violations, driver's licensing matters, real estate and insurance defense. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and the United State District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Marsico began his law career as law clerk to the Honorable Richard A. Lewis, Court of Common Pleas, Dauphin County, and later served as a prosecutor in the Dauphin County District Attorney's office. Mr. Marsico has taught seminars on...

Timothy J. Prendergast, Esquire is one of the seven children born to Anne and the Honorable James F. Prendergast, Esquire, a long time member of the Northampton County Bar Association and Democratic State Representative from Northampton County for over 20 years. Tim grew up in the tradition of pursuing justice and advocating on behalf of others. Prior to attending Law School, Tim spent many years as a Restaurant Manager/Chef. As an example of Tim’s commitment to justice, while attending the Dickinson School of Law; he founded the Penn State Criminal Justice Project, a member organization of the Innocence Project Network, whose...

Attorney Kessler has been practicing law in Southeastern Pennsylvania since 1998 and was the founder of the Law Offices of Matthew R. Kessler, L.L.C., located in Douglassville, PA, in 2005.

J. Zac Christman is a bankruptcy attorney in Stroudsburg , Pennsylvania, admitted to practice law generally in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Specifically, Zac is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to name a few. Zac graduated from Dartmouth College in 1993, then Cornell Law School in 1997, after which, he returned to open a solo practice in the Stroudsburg area, focusing on bankruptcy, landlord/tenant law,...

Attorney Fitzgerald has been serving clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, and Elder Law since 2013. In 2016, Barbara was invited to join Cramer, Swetz & McManus & Jordan, P.C., focusing on private Estate Law, in particular Probate; Wills; Trusts and Estates; Estate Planning; Elder Law; Special Needs Law.

In addition to her training and experience in Estate Law matters, Barbara has successfully tried many cases before judges and juries. As such, she is uniquely qualified to assist her clients with any issues that may require litigation during the course of settling an estate. While no...

J. Wesley Kocsis is a trial lawyer representing plaintiffs in major personal injury litigation. He is the owner of Kocsis Law Office located in Athens, Bradford County, PA. Wesley takes pride in the fact that he provides the same quality of service as the "big city" injury firms but with the attributes of being a "small town" lawyer. That is, he is involved with the personal injury case every step of the way. He will meet his clients in the hospital and at their homes, he will personally take pictures and videos of accident scenes, he talks to...

Liam J. Duffy practices in the areas of Divorce, Support, Child Custody, Equitable Distribution and Protection from Abuse. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Liam is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Montgomery County Bar Association and represents clients in Montgomery and Bucks County. For 2017-2023, Liam was awarded the SuperLawyers Rising Star Designation and awarded the SuperLawyer Designation in 2024, which is reserved for 2.5% of eligible attorneys in Pennsylvania. He was also awarded the 2019 Top 10 under 40 Award. Liam prides himself on being a pragmatic and compassionate...

I focus on helping my clients resolve family disputes privately and respectfully without having the court system impose outcomes on them. I believe that most people are best capable of making decisions for themselves and their families. I also act as a mediator, helping parties reach agreements without going to court. I want my clients to be fully informed of all their options for handling family disputes so they can make informed decisions. I also prepare prenuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and estate plans.

Most experienced trial attorney in Lehigh County (89 jury trials in past 17 years) Practicing in both state and federal courts, including 3rd Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. Former law clerk to President Judge of Lehigh County. Rated "expert" in Criminal Defense by Nat'l Assoc of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDL). Certified in capital/death penalty homicide cases. Fluent in French, working knowledge of Spanish, interpreter available for Arabic

Bart has extensive litigation experience in a wide range of personal injury cases including slip and falls, auto accidents, and defective products. He provides clients with special insight into insurance practices, having worked for two major insurers before practicing law. Bart also has developed considerable real estate expertise with 35 years of experience. He has personally done over 2,000 real estate closings and has been a real estate title agent for over 20 years. Bart works with both residential and commercial real estate clients throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, Bart is extremely active in his firm’s specialized equine practice...

Jan Matthew Tamanini concentrates her practice on business and nonprofit transactions, PA government procurement consultation and contract litigation, administrative law practice, and basic estate planning and estate administration. Her professional mission is to help individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit groups meet their legal needs through the use of sound planning and straightforward, easy-to-understand legal documents.

Bruce L. Baldwin was born June 6, 1959 in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Souderton Area High School in 1977. Mr. Baldwin attended West Chester University, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Summa Cum Laude. Following his undergraduate work, Mr. Baldwin studied at Villanova University School of Law, where he was active in the Moot Court Board, and earned his Juris Doctor in 1984. Mr. Baldwin began his practice of law in Collegeville before coming to Pottstown in 1987, where he has practiced law with firm founder Jack Wolf ever since. Mr. Baldwin...

James N. Clymer is the managing partner of Clymer, Musser & Sarno P.C. Mr. Clymer practices in the areas of real estate, business law and estate planning & administration. He has worked with numerous organizations committed to the protection of religious liberty to include, the American Center for Law and Justice, the Rutherford Institute, and the Home School Legal Defense Association. Mr. Clymer served as the National Chairman for the Constitution Party and has run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania in 1994 and 1998. He has served on numerous boards, including Mom’s House of Lancaster, PA, American Family Association of...

Mrs. Doleva-Lecher is a long time resident of Pennsylvania, and has practiced law in central PA the majority of her professional career. She has established a reputation for being a fair, honest and strong attorney. Mrs. Doleva-Lecher has resided in Berks County the majority of her life and is a 1993 graduate of Wyomissing Area High School. Mrs. Doleva-Lecher attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree (major in Political Science and dual minors in Psychology and English Literature) in 1997. During her time at the University of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Doleva-Lecher was a...

Marla Soffer is Of Counsel at Galfand Berger, LLP. Marla graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Urban Studies and Spanish. She received her J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law and has been practicing for over 30 years. Marla concentrates her practice in the areas of workers’ rights, safety, compensation and general personal injury and disability law.

Fluent in Spanish, Marla is a frequent lecturer in community programs that focus on the rights and safety of workers, product liability claims and general personal injury matters. She is a consulting attorney to the Consulate of...

Have you been accused of a crime in Reading? Are you considering the option of filing for bankruptcy? Do you need help in a family law case? You should contact Attorney Curtis Barnes and his team to learn how he could help you. Curtis is a graduate of the Florida State University in Tallahassee where he studied Criminology. As a student, he worked at the Florida State Attorney General’s Office where he was able to gain experience in investigating criminal offenses. He then went on to attend the Delaware Law School of Widener University where he graduated with his law...

In 1997, Attorney Todd A. Johns established the Law Offices of Todd A. Johns, a personal injury law firm with offices in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, PA. Attorney Johns and his legal team are committed to helping clients obtain the most advantageous outcome possible to their case, and to ensure that their rights are protected at all times. Among the numerous cases we handle at the Law Offices of Todd A. Johns are personal injury accidents such as auto accidents, truck accidents, work injuries, defective products, slip and fall accidents, dog attacks, and wrongful death. We also handle criminal defense...

Christopher A. Dreisbach concentrates his practice on criminal defense and civil litigation in both state and federal courts. Since entering private practice, he has defended individuals facing the most serious of criminal charges including rape and homicide. In civil actions, he has successfully represented individuals and corporations in cases involving federal civil conspiracy allegations, regulatory violations, and complex personal injury matters. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Dreisbach served for four years as a Deputy District Attorney in the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. During his time as a Deputy District Attorney, Mr. Dreisbach successfully prosecuted a vast...

Areas of Practice
After focusing on appeals and post-conviction remedies for years, Attorney Clarkson found that the best way to save someone from ineffective assistance of counsel is to be effective trial counsel. Switching now to focus more heavily on trials, she fights for your rights and makes sure every angle is utilized to get you the best possible outcome.

Attorney Clarkson will still handle appeals, post-conviction remedies, and mental health expungements.

Attorney Clarkson will continue to make sure the law is complied with and uphold constitutional rights so our citizenry does not lose them.

She handles everything from summary speeding tickets to murder.

Philosophy
Attorney...

As a Berks County native, Daniel Emkey understands its citizens and truly cares for their well-being. He believes strongly in the legal system and pursued his career in defending the people’s rights. Daniel earned his Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law where he was a member of the Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic and participated in the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program. He went on to work at the Berks County District Attorney’s office as the Assistant District attorney. His time as a prosecutor gave Daniel special insight that he uses to help his current clients. He now heads his...

Matthew M. Setley, Esq. joined the firm that would become Georgeadis||Setley in 2010. He focuses his practice on family law (divorce and custody) and civil litigation. Mr. Setley has extensive experience representing businesses and individuals in connection with a wide range of matters in Pennsylvania’s state and federal courts. He primarily focuses his practice in the legal fields of divorce, child custody, personal and business litigation matters, and select criminal defense work.

Mr. Setley earned his undergraduate degree in political science from The George Washington University (Washington, DC); thereafter, he earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude (with honors), from...

Allan J. Ray was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania and continues to reside there to this day. Al Graduated from Phoenixville Area High School, and relocated to Idaho to attend the University of Idaho. After graduating with honors, Al returned back to Pennsylvania and attended law school at the Penn State Dickinson School of Law where he was a member of the editorial board of the Penn State Environmental Law Review. During law school, Al volunteered at Legal Aid of Southeast Pennsylvania in Pottstown where he helped indigent individuals through civil and family law matters including child custody and support.

Al...

Alexis Miloszewski concentrates her practice in the areas of family law, criminal law and estate planning. In her family law practice, Attorney Miloszewski has aggressively represented clients on such sensitive issues as divorce, custody, grandparent’s rights, relocation, spousal and child support, adoption, guardianship, protection from abuse and related domestic issues. She is appointed as Juvenile Conflict Counsel for Dauphin County, where she represents juveniles in delinquency and dependency proceedings. Attorney Miloszewski is a graduate of Widener University School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Attorney Miloszewski is on the Board...

David was born and raised in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania in Luzerne County. After graduating from Lake-Lehman high school, David attended King’s College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania where he studied Political Science. After graduating from King’s College David started his career as a computer programmer and database administrator.

David decided to pursue his passion for law and enrolled at Delaware Law, Widener University . While at Widener David was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society participating in numerous competitions where he was the winner of the scholastic competition and participant in the East Region Alternative Dispute Resolution competition in New...

James Madsen was born in Flemington, New Jersey, but spent most of his adult life in Easton, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The American University in Washington, D.C. and a Juris Doctor from Drexel University School of Law where he attended under a Law Trustees' Scholarship.

Before partnering with Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair, he operated a solo practice from 2011 to 2015. He has been employed by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, The Philadelphia Defenders' Association and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
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Mary Beier graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and then co-founded the law firm of Beier, Beier & Beier with her husband Bart Beier. She is an experienced litigator with particular emphasis on personal injury and equine litigation. Mrs. Beier also works in the firm’s family law practice. She focuses on client communication and understanding throughout the course of a client’s legal problem. She is adept at working out creative and cost-effective solutions that clients can be happy with.

Gabriella H. Farhat graduated with honors from Archbishop Carroll High School for Girls, Radnor, Pennsylvania. She placed second in the National Optometrist Orator's Contest and was a member of “Who's Who among High School Students.” A Dean's List graduate of Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, she majored in Political Science and Modern Languages, with a Pre-Law concentration. She was President of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science National Honor Society, Secretary of the French Club, a member of the Basketball Club and the Villanova Pre-Law Society. Ms. Farhat is a 1986 graduate of Villanova University School of Law where she participated...

FAMILY LAW - We are parents, spouses, significant others that fully understand the struggles and issues that surround custody, parenting, domestic violence, support, and family finances issues.

IMMIGRATION LAW - We are immigrants who know all too well what it is like coming into a new country, trying to fit in, navigating the overly complicated immigration processes, translating for our parents, watching our parents overpay for incompetent legal servies, and living life in a whole new world.

We understand what you are going through and we are here to help.

Successful business ventures require perspective, from all vantage points. We offer you a clear view of the surrounding business landscape from the legal vantage point. This outlook provides insight into legal strategies for: business formation, drafting contracts, the hiring process, and protection of intellectual property. That amounts to more than just sound legal counsel; it gives our business clients perspective from the legal vantage point.

Carolyn Mirabile concentrates her practice on all aspects of divorce, support, custody, property distribution and drafting of marital settlement agreements and prenuptial agreements. Carolyn is Immediate Past-President of the Montgomery Bar Association, the third largest Bar in the state with more than 2,000 members, and she is currently a member of the Association's Diversity Committtee. She is frequently asked to speak before professional groups and other attorneys. As an experienced trial attorney, Carolyn has handled hundreds of complex family law cases in the five-county region. In her practice, she has utilized the services of both forensic experts and custody evaluators....

Peter Klenk is the principal of a boutique law firm concentrating its practice in probate, estate planning, will challenges and estate related litigation. Peter and staff work with clients to craft estate plans that fit the given circumstances. These plans range from wills, powers of attorney and living wills to detailed trusts and complex plans that reduce or avoid inheritance and estate taxes or create trusts to protect special needs persons. Focusing exclusively on estate planning and probate has given our lawyers the experience and knowledge to represent fiduciaries such as personal representatives, executors, agents and trustees.

Daniel M. Keane is a Shareholder in the firm. Dan’s main areas of practice include family law, DUI defense, dependency, general criminal defense, civil litigation and Orphan’s Court litigation. He is a member of the Bucks County Children & Youth Attorney Conflict List representing parents in dependency and termination of parental rights matters, and is currently serving as a conflict attorney for the Office of Guardian Ad Litem in which he is appointed by the court to represent children in dependency proceedings. In addition, Dan is a member of the Bucks County Orphan’s Court Attorney Appointment List in which he...

Kathleen M. Thomas concentrates her practice in the areas of municipal law, small business, non-profit law, and civil litigation. Kathleen is also experienced in other areas of municipal law, including Right to Know, land development, zoning, code enforcement and litigation.

Recognized as an expert in the areas of Pennsylvania Act 511 taxation, Kathleen serves as Special Act 511 Tax Counsel to the Townships of Lower Merion and Abington, among others. She also serves as the Act 511 Hearing Officer to multiple municipalities in Montgomery and Delaware Counties. She also serves as Special Tax Consultant for ordinance and Regulation Revision and litigation...