Republic Lawyers

My practice is concentrated in criminal defense and personal injury litigation — including wrongful death, auto accidents, fall downs and other personal injury actions. I also handle general civil litigation matters, such as contract and landlord/tenant disputes. I've litigated scores of civil and criminal matters, including approximately 40 jury trials as of 2021. I've successfully litigated such trials in both federal and state court. Over a four year span, I was able to obtain total acquittals in six out of nine trials during this time period. I've had the chance to handle several high profile criminal cases, such as: a...

Michael received his B.A. from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2004, where he majored in Political Science, and his law degree from the Duquesne University School of Law in 2007. While at Dickinson College, Michael interned for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, served as a three year member of the Student Senate, was a three-time letterman on the Varsity Soccer Team, and studied Italian in Bologna, Italy. During his time at Duquesne Law School, Michael was a three-year member of the Student Bar Association and served as the President of the Student Bar during his third year. His duties as President included...

Michael H. Marks, Esq. has been a practicing attorney since 1979. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (Juris Doctor Degree, 1979) and the University of Pittsburgh School of Business, (MBA Degree, 1994). Member of the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations; Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Won $17,001 and prizes as a contestant on the TV game show "Jeopardy!"

Pittsburgh-based attorney Todd Spivak handles Family Law, PFA Defense, Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, and Social Security Disability. A former investigative journalist, Todd's work was twice nominated for The Pulitzer Prize.

Compassionate and experienced.

I received my Bachelors Degree from the University of Notre Dame and my Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University. My law practice focuses on Estate Administration, Planning, and Probate. In addition, I practice Family Law - Divorce, Custody, Equitable Distribution, Juvenile, and other Family Law matters. Contact my office to set up a consultation.

Attorney John Stember concentrates on employment and labor matters, including sexual harassment, employee pension and health benefits and ERISA. He regularly represents executives in negotiation and enforcement of employment contracts and severance packages, and in actions involving non-competes. He also represents a number of Unions, including the Arena Football Players Union (AFLPU) and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) at KDKA and WQED. Over the last decade, John has litigated a number of ERISA and benefit class actions against some of Americaâs largest companies that tried to eliminate or reduce retiree healthcare. These cases involved thousands of union retirees, including...

"I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to practice in areas of law that are fascinating and challenging. More than thirty-eight years of litigating cases involving technology and business innovation means that every case is different and interesting. I am continually learning about technological advancements that I might not otherwise learn about and meeting clients who are super intelligent, entrepreneurial and adventuresome." Spending his entire law career with Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee, Stanley Stein concentrates his practice in Business-Related and Commercial Litigation, including Trade Secret, Non-Compete, and Intellectual Property Litigation, including Patent and Trademark Litigation. In addition, he litigates...

Mr. Abeel started his own consumer law firm with the basic principle - to treat and approach each case in the same way he would want his own case treated. With that principle in mind, Mr. Abeel has been able to achieve great results for consumers who need an advocate in their corner. Tim will work to get your case resolved as soon as possible and has the experience to take your case as far as needed to get you a great result.

A well-known equitable distribution and custody litigator in complex, high-conflict divorce cases, Todd M. Begg has practiced family law for more than two decades. Articulate and experienced about statutes and case law, Todd exhausts all efforts to amicably resolve issues and is also a zealous advocate for his high net worth clients in the courtroom. With a background in psychology and sociology, Todd is extremely comfortable litigating cases that deal with issues of addiction, mental illness or abuse and is comfortable analyzing the critical testimony of psychologists, social workers and other experts in these convoluted cases. Before founding Pollock...

Herbert B. Cohen, Esquire Herb Cohen concentrates his practice in workers' compensation and personal injury cases involving premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, products liability, and construction accidents. He also maintains an active practice in the areas of Heart and Lung Act, Social Security disability and professional negligence. Mr. Cohen received his Bachelor of Science degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1986 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1990. Mr. Cohen is a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny County Bar Associations, as well as the Pennsylvania...

Attorney Adam Bishop is a Pittsburgh native who has dedicated his career to fighting injustice and defending the wrongfully accused. Raised by two Pittsburgh Public School teachers with roots to the steel industry, Attorney Bishop understands the value of hard work and striving for excellence in your profession. Those values have motivated him to succeed throughout his career. Attorney Bishop's tireless work ethic, commitment to his clients, and aggressive courtroom demeanor set him apart from other attorneys and make Bishop Law the preeminent criminal defense firm in the Pittsburgh area. As a Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Bishop is dedicated...

Attorney Gordon received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and earned membership in the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers. He also graduated with the John P. Gismondi certificate in civil litigation. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he interned for a United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, served on the Editorial Board of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review, was a certified legal intern for Neighborhood Legal Services, and a legal writing teaching assistant....

Fallon Carroll Stephenson is a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington & Jefferson College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Philosophy. At Washington & Jefferson, Fallon was the President of Delta Gamma Fraternity, a member of The Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial Team. Fallon received her Juris Doctor Degree from Duquesne University School of Law. While at Duquesne, Fallon received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Legal Research and Writing. During law school, Fallon gained valuable experience in complex litigation matters working as a law clerk for Blumling...

James Doring is an associate at Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. Several years after receiving his bachelor’s degree in business software, Mr. Doring became interested in the legal profession and graduated summa cum laude from Duquesne University with his Juris Doctor. Jamie Doring joined Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. in 2014 and is dedicated to helping those suffering from asbestos-related injuries and harmful chemical exposures.

Richard Ernsberger's practice focuses on litigation in state court on insurance and investment sales practice and contractual disputes. He has a broad range of experience, including drafting motions, conducting legal research and analysis, and arbitration practice. Richard is a graduate of the Ohio Northern School of Law and he earned a Bachelors of Science from the George Washington University in Economics. Richard was an intern for the Honorable Congressman William Coyne as an undergrad and was employed by the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. following graduation from George Washington. Richard attended the Ohio Northern University School of...

Sean Ruppert, a business law and litigation attorney, merged his independent practice with KM&A in 2015, becoming a core member of the team. He now focuses on two main areas of law: business law and civil litigation. Sean guides business owners in avoiding costly mistakes and making good decisions with their contract negotiation, insurance decisions, employment practices, and entity formation. When employers mistreat employees, he fights for the fair compensation of the employees. Sean is a strategic thinker and a savvy negotiator when advising small businesses and fighting in court.

Sean is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of...

Justin has experience handling all construction-related claims and disputes, ranging from complex delay claims, change order disputes, defective construction claims, mechanic’s lien claims, bonding disputes, and differing site condition claims, among many others. In addition, Justin advises clients during all project phases, including contract negotiation and planning, procurement, project execution, and change order management. In addition to his construction practice, Justin regularly represents clients in complex commercial litigation and business disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, UCC-claims, and business tort claims.

Gwen R. Acker Wood, PhD., Esq., is a registered patent attorney with over 18 years experience in all forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and copyrights. Her practice includes preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications, patentability and infringement/freedom-to-operate opinions, due diligence analyses, U.S. and foreign patent portfolio strategy and management, trademark searches and registration, and copyright registration. Dr. Acker Wood has a doctorate in biology, and her areas of expertise include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomechanical and mechanical devices, chemistry and life sciences. Dr. Acker Wood is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State...

Currently taking cases in Beaver County for adoption, child custody, child support, divorce, guardianship, grandparent visitation rights, and estate probate and planning (Wills, Power of Attorney, Living Will.)
Call (724) 683-6304 to schedule a free consultation.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
Weekend and evening meeting times are always available.

Matt is a trial attorney focusing on business, construction, collections, and probate, estate and trust litigation matters. Matt routinely represents his clients in both federal and state court, along with private arbitration and mediation.

As part of his business litigation practice, Matt frequently handles breach of contract claims, tort litigation claims, non-competition/non-solicitation matters, and shareholder disputes. As part of his construction law practice, Matt frequently represents architects and engineers in design defect cases, and assists all his construction clients, including design professionals, contractors, and suppliers in filing, when applicable, mechanic’s lien claims or making claims through the CASPA and...

Vanessa’s extensive legal training began at the University of Duquesne School of Law, where she graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Vanessa’s strong academic credentials gained the attention of numerous employers eager to capitalize on her legal talents. Over the years, she has served as a Law Clerk at Steele Schneider, an Attorney Advisor for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, an Associate Attorney for McMorrow Law, and as an Associate Attorney for May Law Group. Today, Vanessa focuses her practice exclusively on United States immigration law. She has achieved numerous successful outcomes and will fight...

Born in Pittsburgh, Bill is the son of a city firefighter. After growing up in Pittsburgh’s Garfield section and in Penn Hills, Pa., he worked his way through college and law school, earning his Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University.

Mr. Goodrich serves as President of the law firm of Goodrich & Geist, P.C. He received his B.A. in 1974 and his J.D. in 1979 from Duquesne University. Mr. Goodrich is a Past President of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association (1996-1997), as well as a past President for the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association (1994-1995). Attorney Goodrich is an active member...

The son of a mining equipment salesman and a public–school teacher, Josh grew up in Lancaster, Pa. He earned his B.A. and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, where he became a member of the distinguished academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa.

Mr. Geist is a partner with Goodrich & Geist, P.C. in Pittsburgh. He concentrates his practice in personal injury representation, automobile litigation, medical negligence and product liability. Mr. Geist received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh and his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is the Immediate Past President...

Phi Kappa Phi. Member: Willis Society; Ohio Northern University Law Review, 1986-1987.

Law Clerk, Honorable Murray H. Falk, Special Trial Judge, U.S. Tax Court, 1980-1981.

Order of the Coif. Associate Editor, University of Chicago Law Review, 1970-1971. Law Clerk, Hon. (Now Mr. Justice) John Paul Stevens, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1971-1972.

Married; Father of six children. Avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman; member of sportsmen’s clubs, NRA and 4-H shooting sports instructor; local 4-H Club Leader 14 yrs; recipient of Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award, 2013

Todd W. Elliott, Esq. is a Pittsburgh area resident and a litigator by vocation. For 16 years, he practiced civil litigation (plaintiff and defense) throughout Western Pennsylvania. Having worked for two prominent regional firms, Mr. Elliott's areas of practice include breach of contract, construction law, mechanic's liens, invention design cases, contractor/sub-contractor disputes, covenant not-to-compete (non-compete clauses), employee defense of non-compete, business enforcement of non-compete, trade secret violations, theft of mailing lists/recipes, professional negligence, premises liability, unfair trade practices, trade disparagement, and multistate litigation. Over the course of his career, Mr. Elliott handled the mediation of disputes, several trials by jury,...

Mr. Toohey's practice over the years has included representation of Hospitals, Healthcare Systems, Banks, School Districts, Townships, Boroughs, Zoning Hearing Boards and Private Corporations; as well as private individuals and entities. In addition to representing clients, Mr. Toohey has also been a Hearing Officer in the areas of Civil Service, Tax Appeal, Employment, Divorce, and School law.

As a former Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County, Natalie has experience prosecuting everything from speeding tickets to serious felonies. In addition to having conducted numerous pre-trial hearings and plea negotiations, Natalie has handled thousands of criminal cases at all levels including jury trials, bench trials and preliminary hearings. With her experience as a prosecutor and her extensive knowledge of current case law, Natalie is able to represent criminal defendants in a wide variety of cases. Having spent years prosecuting, she has intimate knowledge of the justice system's expectations and procedures, which puts her in a unique position to be...

Attorney Bill Copetas has been practicing law since 1993 after completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Pennsylvania. Over the span of his nearly 25 year career, he has chosen to focus his work in the areas of workers’ compensation, personal injury, and litigation.

After many years of representing defendants in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, Mr. Copetas now represents plaintiffs exclusively. His prior experience on the other side of the courtroom affords him a well-rounded perspective of how these cases, and insurance companies, work. When you choose to work with Mr. Copetas, you can rest assured that he...