Force Lawyers

Mike Colarusso received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from the Pennsylvania State University in 1982, and he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. Mr. Colarusso served as a judicial clerk for one year and then joined the law firm in 1986. Since that time, Mr. Colarusso has represented individuals injured in construction accidents, in automobile accidents, by defective products, and by negligent doctors and hospitals. He is a civil trial lawyer, admitted to practice in the Federal and State courts of Pennsylvania, and he is a member of...

I represent corporate and individual clients before the trial, administrative, and appellate courts of Pennsylvania, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. I also provide general counsel services to small businesses, municipalities, sole proprietors, artists, writers and musicians. I am an active member of the Lycoming Law Association, serve as solicitor for the City of Williamsport, and as an assistant solicitor for the County of Lycoming.

An attorney in Houston Harbaugh’s Oil and Gas Practice, Brendan O’Donnell has represented oil and gas owners across Pennsylvania in a wide array of oil and gas matters for over a decade. This experience involves not only the Marcellus shale and the Utica shale, but more traditional oil and gas development as well. Brendan maintains a diverse practice, representing clients in all matters involving oil and gas spanning the transactional and litigation realms. On the transactional front, Brendan routinely assists landowners with negotiating oil and gas leases, pipeline rights of way and surface use agreements and subsurface easements related to horizontal...

Elizabeth White is a certified elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation under authorization of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. She has been practicing since 2010 in the areas of estate and trust planning, elder law, guardianship, special needs planning, and estate administration.

Elizabeth graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with an Advanced Certificate in Intellectual Property and Technology Law.

Ms. White is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and Pennsylvania Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (PAELA). She is a member and...

Michael Davis has more than 40 years of experience handling uncontested divorces in Pennsylvania. Charging a flat fee of $219 for complete service, Mike offers a cheap and hassle free divorce solution to reduce the price and stress related with a divorce. Contact Davis Divorce Law today for a consultation to get started.

Rebecca Laniewski Sporar earned her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She graduated Cum Laude from Susquehanna University with a B.A. in Political Science and Communications. Rebecca’s practice is solely dedicated to family law, including child support, spousal support, alimony, equitable distribution, child custody, protection from abuse, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Rebecca practices in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, & Butler Counties. As a law student, Rebecca completed an externship with the Honorable Joy Flowers Conti, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. She also served as a Certified Legal Intern...

Attorney Dawn K. Gull brings over two decades of experience specializing in family law matters, encompassing divorce, asset division, child custody, and financial support. Her practice, situated in Allegheny County, extends its services to clients across Beaver, Butler, and neighboring areas. The Law Offices of Dawn K. Gull adopt a pragmatic approach, facilitating an understanding of legal options while minimizing emotional strain. Operating in Pennsylvania, the firm customizes its services to meet individual client needs empathetically, considering the personal circumstances involved. With a forward-thinking outlook, the firm prioritizes shaping a positive future for clients post-resolving their family-related legal concerns.

Attorney Kruszewski is a member of the firm's Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights Practice Group. His practice involves the representation of corporate debtors, secured creditors and unsecured creditor committees in business reorganization proceedings. His practice also includes commercial loan work-outs, bankruptcy-related and commercial litigation, and general collection matters. He has also been approved as a mediator for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Attorney Kruszewski has been named as a Rising Star in the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazine in each year of publication from 2008-2016. He is also an active member of both the Erie County Bar...

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.

Lisle T. Weaver is an Associate Attorney at Farrell Weaver & Okun. In 2016, Lisle began working in criminal defense with Thomas N. Farrell. Since then, Lisle has practiced in every type of criminal proceeding: preliminary hearings, grand jury, trials, death penalty trials, post-sentence motions, appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, appeals to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, post-conviction relief petitions, federal habeas corpus, expungements, and pardons. He has also successfully argued before the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Lisle received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Pittsburgh graduating magna cum laude. While at the University of Pittsburgh,...

Charles A. Lamberton is a top-rated Pittsburgh employment lawyer and wrongful termination attorney who has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. He represents executives, managers & professionals in high-end discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment & wrongful termination cases. His results include: $2,000,000 (wrongful death). $1,500,000 (wrongful termination), $950,000 (age discrimination), $750,000 (military service discrimination), $725,000 (negligent hiring/sexual harassment), $725,000 (military service discrimination), $600,000 (insurance bad faith), $500,000 (sexual harassment), $500,000 (age discrimination), $490,000 (sexual harassment), $450,000 (disability discrimination), $250,000 (age discrimination), $240,000 (age discrimination), $200,000 (pregnancy discrimination). Following a favorable verdict at trial, one of Mr. Lamberton’s clients wrote: “As...

I have always found it odd that many lawyers claim to be “experienced” simply based on how long ago they graduated law school. Some lawyers even take this one step further touting “combined experience” by adding together all the time elapsed since graduation of every attorney at the firm. Experience should not be measured by the number of years that have passed since passing the bar exam and number of grey hairs. Experience should be measured by what an attorney has accomplished since graduation, not when he or she graduated. Prior to starting my own law firm, I served for...

I'm a criminal trial and appellate lawyer. I try cases to juries and, if necessary, I take my clients’ cases up on appeal, as far as necessary, to ensure that they've received a constitutionally guaranteed fair trial and adequate due process.

Not all lawyers are both trial and appellate lawyers; the roles are different and require different skill sets. But I believe that my doing both enables me to stand out from the hundreds of criminal-defense attorneys who are all offering either one thing or the same thing. In this dual role, my trial...

Beginning in 1988, I have been directly involved with clients suffering from Mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses. I started as a paralegal and rose to a shareholder in a major Plaintiff's asbestos litigation firm, now I have my own office to serve my clients better.

Like his late grandfather, Ryan Very is a zealous trial attorney who asserts rights and promotes justice. A fourth-generation Pittsburgher, he has represented hundreds of small businesses and consumers in a wide-variety of civil litigation and criminal defense matters. Mr. Very attended a top-twenty law school. Upon graduation he was awarded a fellowship at the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the most sophisticated legal organizations in American history. He worked at the Pennsylvania chapter, which legalized same-sex marriage state-wide. A proficient litigator, he has negotiated hundreds of thousands of dollars in civil settlements, and plea bargained for the withdrawal...

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...

Brian C. Vertz is known for compassion and tenacity, representing clients from all walks of life. As one of Pennsylvania's leading family lawyers, he has 30 years of experience in all areas of family law. He excels in litigating child support cases, resolving complex and international custody cases, and handling divorces involving asset tracing, small businesses, licensed professionals, and executive benefits. He is trained in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law to settle cases out of court. Brian is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, having passed a rigorous examination and earning acclaim for his skill,...

Maureen has been an advocate of workers’ rights since her participation in a university living wage campaign in Baltimore in the mid-1990s. As a lawyer, she is a vigorous advocate who focuses on employment, employee benefits, civil rights, and class action litigation. Maureen has represented plaintiffs in multiple class-action cases, including Yost et al v. First Horizon National Corporation, (W.D. Tenn.) (conditionally certifying classes June 3, 2011). Maureen also represents individuals in employment matters, including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and contract cases.

I am the founding partner in the law firm of American Wills & Estates. I started the law firm in 1997 and have been licensed and actively practicing law in Pennsylvania for 25 years.

American Wills & Estates is a locally owned and operated Pittsburgh law firm with a practice limited to Probate Estate Administration, Estate Planning and Real Estate law.

Whether you need our legal services to assist you in the probate estate administration of a loved one’s estate or to help you create and craft an estate plan that best protects and serves your family’s specific, individual...

Attorney Jan Janin's practice involves the representation of debtors, secured creditors and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy. Particular emphasis is placed on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 debtors. His practice also involves extensive collection work on behalf of banks and credit unions. Michael's practice involves litigation in both state and federal courts of western Pennsylvania. Specifically, he is admitted to practice before all courts under the purview of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court...

Bethany L. Notaro, Esquire is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (BA, cum laude, Psychology), and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (JD). She obtained her undergraduate degree in the field of psychology, with a special concentration in the counseling arts. Ms. Notaro received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While at Pitt, Ms. Notaro received various Scholarships and Honors for concentrated studies and academic achievement. Ms. Notaro focused her law studies on income taxation, trusts and estates, divorce issues, ADR, and strategic wealth planning. Bethany L. Notaro is also...

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

Justin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Information Technology from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, graduating magna cum laude. While at Monmouth, Justin was involved in many groups and organizations, in particular, the Pre-Law Society, Political Science Club and Debate Team, where he debated at West Virginia University. Justin received his Juris Doctorate degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While in law school, Justin was part of the Environmental and Energy Law Society and the Moot Court Board where he organized and graded participants in the Negotiations Competition, Murray S. Love Trial Competition, and the...

Steven C. Townsend is a graduate of Indiana State University (B.A. Criminal Justice) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., Civil Litigation Program). He serves as a Criminal Justice Act Panel Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania District Court and was a member of the Conflict Attorney Panel for Beaver County.He is a speaker and instructor for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Criminal Law Update, which is held each year to inform update and inform other members of the bar of recent and important changes in criminal law and he serves on the Veteran’s Court Task Force. He...

I am the principal of Michael J. Betts LLC and have over thirty-eight years of experience handling a broad range of civil litigation matters, with an emphasis on commercial litigation and business disputes, securities litigation, FINRA arbitrations and other investment-related claims, trade secret and restrictive covenant litigation and professional negligence claims.

I also serve as an alternative dispute resolution neutral and have been selected by litigants to serve as mediator in numerous cases. I am certified as a mediator by the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. I also am on the national arbitrator rosters...

John is a member of the Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration, Corporate and Business Planning practice groups at Ament Law Group, P.C. He advises clients on real estate transactions, estate planning and administration, and offers corporate structure and planning insights from his extensive real-world experience. John graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Operations Management. He began his career at Respironics (now Philips/Respironics), working in International Logistics, and later in management at Del Monte Foods' Integrated Business Planning Department. Concurrently, he completed Duquesne University’s evening JD/MBA program and was a senior staff member...

I am the Managing Attorney at Rosario Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am currently licensed with the D.C., Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah bars.

For six years I worked for Reza Athari & Associates, an immigration and general practice firm in Las Vegas, Nevada where I gained a vast amount of experience in writing briefs, motions and letters. I was promoted to supervising attorney and gained responsibility of five paralegals and a legal assistant. At this position, reviewed their work product, mentored and trained these six individuals as well as new attorneys that joined the firm.

From February of 2015 to July...

Marina began practicing law in 2007 after graduating from Loyola University Chicago and Valparaiso University School of Law. She also taught real estate and bankruptcy law at Harper College in Palatine, IL. Leonard began working for Colianni & Leonard LLC in 2015 and, in 2016, under her former name Marina Ricci, published Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 (Parker Press Inc.). She currently specializes in personal injury litigation, mass torts and employment law at Colianni & Leonard LLC in the US Virgin Islands where she lives with her husband and daughter.

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

With over 20 years of experience, William R. Bickerton has fought for defendants throughout Pennsylvania. Let's face it: Even a traffic ticket isn't "just a ticket" since it can increase your car insurance rates or leave you with a driver's license suspension. Attorney Bickerton understands the effects that being charged with a crime can have on your life and fights hard to get the best results for his clients and protect their reputations.

Mr. Joseph has practiced as a school solicitor for more than 35 years, providing a full range of education law services. In addition to serving as general solicitor for three area school districts, the local Intermediate Unit and numerous nonpublic school systems, he has experience in handling special education matters including mediation and litigation of special education and Section 504 due process hearings. He has also, over time, provided representation on behalf of every public school district in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties as special counsel for a variety of specific assignments.

Mr. Joseph has extensive experience in policy drafting, Family...

Helping individuals and small businesses with financial and IRS problems since 1993. If you are having sleepless nights about your financial or tax troubles, then call for a free consultation. I can help put together a game plan for you to resolve your troubles and to get back on track. My associate, Audrey Rasmusson, also handles estate settlement and Social Security Disability cases.

Bryan W. Shook is the principal the internationally recognized trial litigation firm of Shook Legal, Ltd. Although Bryan Shook's office is headquartered in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania area he has an office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and his practice regularly takes him across the country with clients continents away. During his career, Mr. Shook has not only become a powerful advocate for his clients but also one of the principal collector, antique, and automotive attorneys in the world. For nearly a decade, Bryan Shook worked to carve out and create the market that is Vintage Car Law®. It is through...

Our Pittsburgh, PA-based attorneys represent people and their families in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio who have been seriously injured or killed in accidents. Call and let us help you.

--Pittsburgh, PA, WV & OH Admiralty & Maritime / Jones Act / River Accident Lawyers
We are experienced lawyers in towboat accidents, barge accidents, drownings, pleasure boat accidents, passenger boat accidents, and cruise line and excursion boat accidents. We handle cases on rivers, lakes, and oceans in admiralty and maritime lawsuits under the federal Jones Act for negligence, under the general maritime law for unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure. ...

Erica L. Laughlin, a Shareholder of Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, has a civil litigation practice in state and federal courts. Known for her energy, attention and dedication to her clients and their needs, Ms. Laughlin has successfully represented individuals and businesses in commercial disputes and civil matters, including personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice, insurance defense, civil rights defense, entertainment and media, construction and municipal law.

Neil R. Rosen, (AV), born Oil City, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1951; admitted to the bar, 1976, Pennsylvania; U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Court of Appeals, Third and Fourth Circuits. Education: University of South Carolina (B.A., 1972); University of Pittsburgh (J.D., 1976). Phi Beta Kappa; Omicron Delta Kappa. Voted Pennsylvania Super Lawyer. Voted The Top 50 Pittsburgh Super Lawyers and Top 100 in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Voted One of the Best Lawyers in America; named by Martindale-Hubbell as one of the “Top Rated Lawyers” who practice Medical Malpractice Law and achieved the...

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...

With a wealth of experience exceeding 50 years, Stanton D. Levenson, P.A., specializes in comprehensive criminal defense. As a distinguished fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, Attorney Levenson has held prestigious roles such as past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and former chairperson of the Allegheny County Bar Association Judiciary Committee. Currently, he actively participates in various local, state, and national bar and civic organizations, contributing to the legal community. Notable accolades include being listed in Best Lawyers in America and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Attorney Levenson is also a frequent lecturer on substantive, trial,...