Hazleton Lawyers

I have dedicated my practice to helping clients in the areas of workers' compensation, personal injury, family law and divorce, social security disability, and general civil litigation. As the son of a coal miner from a small town, I understand the unique challenges facing many blue collar working families. I have extensive litigation experience, including argument before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. I have handled hundreds of workers' compensation cases to a favorable outcome, including successfully arguing employee status of a truck driver fatally injured on the job. I have successfully handled hundreds of simple and complex...

Mr. Boles, a certified specialist in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, has been elected a SuperLawyer every year since 2007, which means he is one of the best Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyers. He is graded AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, which demonstrates that his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has a 10.0 rating, the highest possible, by AVVO, the independent lawyer rating service. Mr. Boles is a graduate of Georgetown University and Villanova Law School. He has written extensively on Pennsylvania workers’ compensation and has lectured before attorneys, labor unions and advocacy groups for the disabled.

Melinda Ghilardi brought years of experience as a trial lawyer to her position at Munley Law. She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Lackawanna County. She then spent almost three decades serving as a First Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Attorney Miller has been practicing in Berks County and Lehigh County since 2011. She primarily practices family law which includes divorce, custody, support, adoptions, name changes and pre and post nuptial agreements. She also assists clients in estate planning and probate matters.
Attorney Miller proudly participates in the Berks County Pro Bono Representation Program, the Modest Means Program and volunteers with Wills for Heroes.

Upon cofounding The Slocum Firm, Matthew placed an emphasis on seeking out cases where his defense of clients’ rights had compounding impact beyond an individual case, thereby positively affecting the lives/health of the greater community.

I was originally trained and certified as a mediator by the Cincinnati Institute of Justice in 1982, when serving as a neutral for the City of Cleveland, Ohio. In 2013, I refreshed my training with a 40-hour American Arbitration Association mediation skills training seminar. While I maintain a modest private law practice representing small businesses in NEPA, the focus of my practice is now as a neutral, facilitating the resolution of conflicts and settlement of disputes for businesses and individuals. I am equipped to facilitate the resolution of most any kind of conflict, but my three decades...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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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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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

John T. O'Malley graduated from the Scranton Preparatory School in 1979, from the University of South Florida in 1986 and from Widener University School of Law in 1994. Attorney O'Malley has focused on a family based practice since his admission to the Pennsylvania Courts over 20 years ago. The firm handles cases ranging from divorce and custody, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, child and spousal support, alimony and APL, guardianships, wills and trusts and miscellaneous civil litigation.

Sean P. McDonough is a 1983 graduate (cum laude) of the University of Scranton and a 1986 graduate of the Dickinson School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, he entered the private practice of law with the firm of Dougherty, Leventhal & Price, a regional litigation law firm. He has been a partner with the firm since 1993. Over the years, Mr. McDonough has concentrated his practice in the areas of personal injury litigation; he has also represented governmental entities and officials in federal civil rights and employment lawsuits throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Mr. McDonough has appeared in front...

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

Specializing in commercial real estate transactions and development.

Tim Brennan was raised in the coal region working in his family’s well known mom and pop restaurant. He began his legal career in the Lehigh Valley as a Bethlehem and Northampton County Solicitor. He currently lives in Doylestown and, in addition to his legal work, serves as a member of the Doylestown Borough Council.

Mr. Brennan graduated from Ursinus College in 2000, receiving his Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Politics and a double minor in International Relations and American Studies. During this period he served two United States Congressional Internships with Congressman Joe Hoeffel and...

Bernard Walter has been licensed to practice law since 1978 — over 40 years! He's an estate planning and estate administration attorney and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for attorneys who have won jury verdicts of more than $1 million. He's listed in Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers AV with the highest possible peer review rating in legal ability and ethical standards.

The Pennsylvania Bar Foundation awarded attorney Walter its Pro Bono Publico Certificate of Achievement. He founded and is the co-chairman of the Elder Law Committee of the Luzerne County Bar Association. He also founded the...

Since 1999 we've helped people who are having problems with debts or debt collectors. Some of our clients file bankruptcy. Others file suit against aggressive debt collectors. I am Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.

My practice is primarily focused on business litigation. I hold the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is their highest distinction, awarded based on the confidential opinions of judges and members of the bar regarding legal ability and ethical standards. Previously, I served as a Hearing Committee Member for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. I am also an Associate Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and a Member of the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, I am part of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) and the Lackawanna County Bar Association (LBA). Throughout my career, my...

ADMISSIONS Lackawanna County Bar – December 8, 1992 Middle District – December 8, 1992 Eastern District – May, 2017 EXPERIENCE 1992 – 1996 Associate at the Law Offices of Brian J. Cali, Esquire Dunmore, PA 18512 1992 – 1996 Associated with the Law Offices of Cali, Cecchini & Riccardo 1996 – 2019 Principal in the Law Offices of Frank J. Santomauro, LLC Associated with Ruggiero and Campolieto 1996 – Present Owner/Managing Member Law Offices of Frank J. Santomauro, L.L.C. Bankruptcy Civil Litigation Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury Wills & Estates LEGAL EXPERIENCE & DUTIES Over 25 years of legal research, motion/petition drafting, appellate work in Pennsylvania Superior, Supreme Court and Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, includes: Brief preparation and oral argument Spousal and child support...

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.

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...

I am a litigation attorney practicing primarily in the Reading area, and the editor of www.SCOPAreview.com, a website providing coverage of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In my free time, I enjoy creating media, watching classic movies and everything about college football. During my law school career, I worked for Justice McClanahan of the Virginia Supreme Court, helped author an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States, obtained Regent Law’s “Eagle Award” for the top class grade from a former US Attorney-General on the law of war, and graduated in the top 10 of my class....

Attorney Douglas Wortman has been practicing law in Eastern Pennsylvania for 10 years. While he is well-versed in a wide variety of legal issues, his main focus has been family law and bankruptcy. Efficient communication with clients is important to Mr. Wortman. He is known for promptly returning telephone messages and correspondence. Attorney Wortman is a military veteran who proudly served in the United States Air Force for 10 years.