Vanderbilt Lawyers

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.

An owner/partner at Tibbott & Richardson, P.C., Attorney Tibbott dedicates her practice to DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, and Family Law.

David T. Leake is the owner of the Law Office of David T. Leake, Esq. located in downtown Somerset. Attorney Leake opened his office after working for Joseph B. Policicchio, an attorney with 40 years of experience in Somerset, who transferred his law practice to Attorney Leake. His office occupies an entire building on Center Street and he has a full time paralegal/secretary/public notary on staff with over twenty years of experience to assist him as well as an assistant paralegal. Attorney Leake has extensive courtroom experience as his practice focuses mainly on courtroom litigation. He has presented countless cases before...

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...

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...

Candice L. Komar is a founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC. Prior to this, she was a shareholder in the family law division of Buchanan Ingersoll (now Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC). A strong litigator and comprehensive attorney, Candice often deals with divorces involving closely held businesses, complex issues and high net worth individuals. With a head for business and more than two decades of experience, Candice is able to quickly assess cases, synthesize the numbers and provide cost options and estimates to her clients.

David Halpern has dedicated over 30 years of his career to advocating for the rights of individuals affected by asbestos exposure. Through extensive investigations, litigation, and settlements, he has successfully resolved numerous cases involving mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. Halpern's unwavering commitment and dedication have resulted in holding companies accountable for their actions and have led to the recovery of millions of dollars for victims of asbestos-related cancer.

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...

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,...

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 Dana Jo-Ann Richardson has been a proactive advocate for her clients since entering the Bar in 2007. Her ambitions in the pursuit of law began at Duquesne University School of Law, where Dana was a class representative in the Student Bar Association, and where she became a finalist in the prestigious Carol Los Mansmann Appellate Advocacy Competition. Upon graduating from Duquesne University and receiving her Juris Doctorate in 2007, she sat for the bar examination and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar that year. While a law student at Duquesne, Dana was hired by the law firm...

We have handled hundreds of criminal and civil litigation matters throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

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...

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.

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.

Roger recovers millions for injured workers every year. He is the founding partner of McMenamin & Wing and has nearly 30 years of experience defending the rights of Claimants in PA Workers' Compensation Claims.

Mr. Sneath is a Shareholder and Director at Pittsburgh's Houston Harbaugh, P.C. law firm. He is a business litigation, IP and tort trial lawyer who has tried over 95 cases to verdict and specializes in business and commercial litigation, intellectual property, patent, trademark and copyright infringement, cybersecurity and data breach, employment litigation, products liability, industrial accidents, toxic torts and insurance coverage bad faith litigation. He is a Certified Mediator and Arbitrator and is currently serving as a Federal Court Special Master in patent infringement and complex matters. He received his J.D. degree in 1983 from Duquesne University School of Law...

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

In 2012 Michael founded an employment law firm that represented thousands of plaintiffs throughout the state of Pennsylvania, with offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and nearly 30 employees at one point. Two years in a row named a “Fastest Growing Business” as well as “Best Places to Work” by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

As a serial entrepreneur, Michael saw a niche’ market for a boutique employment law firm (meaning one that almost exclusively handles employment cases and brands itself as such) that serves an alternative to the large firm multi-practice area experience. In 2019 Michael founded M.K.O. Employment Law LLC which...

Frank Botta understands the unique issues faced by companies in the transportation industry and has decades of experience counseling local, regional, national and international clients in logistics, supply chain and transportation operations. He served as the President of The Transportation Lawyers Association (2017 – 2018), an independent, international bar association whose members assist providers and/or commercial users of logistics and transportation services, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Transportation Lawyers’ Association.

In addition to his transportation practice, Frank has extensive experience in advising and assisting clients with labor and employment matters including employment discrimination, sexual harassment,...

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 help businesses and individuals to solve challenging problems. Business Litigation An experienced trial lawyer, I represent businesses in all types of litigation. I work with clients on contract, environmental, product liability, and real estate disputes. I represent businesses in intellectual property disputes involving patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. When disputes arise between business owners, I help clients to understand and enforce their rights. I represent insurance companies in coverage disputes. I have researched and written many insurance coverage opinions. I have tried cases to juries with excellent results. To represent clients effectively, I enjoy learning about their businesses. For example, I completed...

Attorney David J. Shrager is a widely known, decorated criminal defense lawyer and native Pittsburgher. His Pittsburgh-based law firm focuses exclusively upon defending individuals throughout Pennsylvania charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses at both the state and federal levels. Such offenses include DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, assault crimes, white-collar crimes and more. Attorney Shrager was selected to Super Lawyers 2017 – 2023. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. You’ll find his name often quoted in...

Kenneth Gray is currently the Managing Partner at Alliance Law Firm International PLLC. His specialties include serving clients in tax matters, wealth management, estate planning, small and medium size business, venture capital, private equity, and natural resources (oil and gas). Ken previously worked for Nickel Capital LLC, a global small-cap equity fund, with responsibility for investments in communications technology, energy and basic materials companies as well as consulting on corporate finance and private equity transactions. Before Nickel, Ken spent over six years as Manager, Credit and Research with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) in the Investment Funds Department....

Liberty J. Weyandt is the Chair of the Family Law Practice Group. She concentrates her practice in family matters including divorce, equitable distribution, support, child custody and pre and post nuptial agreements. Liberty has more than 18 years of experience litigating various family matters in several Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny and Butler counties.

In addition to extensive, traditional litigation experience, she is also a trained Collaborative Law attorney and Mediator. Liberty has been helping clients resolve disputes respectfully, without going to Court for more than ten years.

The Collaborative Process is a method of resolving a dispute whereby each party voluntarily agrees...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Daniel P. Lynch, Founder and Managing Partner of The Lynch Law Group, has been a practicing attorney for more than 26 years. His areas of strength and experience include commercial litigation; securities litigation; employment law counseling and litigation; business succession planning; mergers and acquisitions and general corporate transactions.

Dan is a success-driven leader with superior organization and communication skills. He has practical business experience, a solid work ethic and brings an entrepreneurial approach to his practice of law.

Jessie D. Rawlings concentrates her practice in family law including custody, paternity, divorce, support, and adoptions. She is a hard-working attorney who expresses great compassion for her clients. Her tech-savvy abilities create accessible communication with clients, promoting open discussion of case details and strategy. Attorney Rawlings has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022; a 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2018); and by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys as a Top 10 Attorney under 40 in Pennsylvania (2018...

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...

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...

Pittsburgh Attorney Andrew O. Stiffler is a 2013 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, where he graduated in the top 25% of his class, and was awarded the Leo J. Loughren Endowed Scholarship. While in law school, Attorney Stiffler was a member of the Appellate Moot Court Board as well as the Louis L. Manderino Honor Society.

In both 2011 and 2012, he represented the University in the American Bar Association Arbitration Competition. During the Spring of 2011, Pittsburgh Attorney Andrew O. Stiffler was awarded the Excellence in Legal Writing Award, an accolade given to the student with the...

A founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC, Daniel H. Glasser has negotiated and tried family law cases involving complex issues such as business valuation, tax and equitable distribution for more than two decades. Skilled at preparing difficult cases in short time spans, Dan is known for being a workout specialist on tough cases. Dan focuses on cases that require business valuation and multiple experts. His accounting background enables him to read and interpret financial statements and tax returns easily. His ability to think on his feet and perform quick mental calculations gives him an edge...

W. J. Helzlsouer is a member of the bar of the following courts: The Supreme Court of the United States The Third Circuit Court of Appeals The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania W. J. Helzlsouer received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Georgetown University, Washington D.C. in 1970. He received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1973. In December 1983, he was awarded a Master of Science in Taxation from Robert Morris College. W. J. Helzlsouer was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania,...

Justin J. Ketchel is a top Pittsburgh criminal attorney who has over a decade of experience successfully navigating the criminal justice system in Western Pennsylvania. He is senior attorney and owner of Ketchel Law, a criminal defense law firm, located in Downtown Pittsburgh, serving Allegheny County and other counties in Western Pennsylvania. Attorney Ketchel has won numerous trials for his clients and has built a reputation as one of the best defense attorneys in Pennsylvania. His number one goal is to get his clients' cases dismissed. Throughout every step of the process, he will fight for a not-guilty verdict or a severe reduction...

Attorney Fink was born and raised in Pittsburgh attending Allderdice High School. She graduated, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Communications, and earned her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1989. Attorney Fink has devoted her practice since law school almost exclusively to representing injured and disabled individuals in claims for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Benefits and has helped thousands of people to obtain the benefits they are entitled. She knew early on that she wanted to help...