Woodland Lawyers

After more than two decades of service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Attorney Rish returned to private practice uniquely positioned to represent professionals with licensing and disciplinary issues involving the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. As legal counsel to the Board of Medicine, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Board of Funeral Directors in addition to other boards, Attorney Rish advised Board Staff and Board Members on licensing, disciplinary, reinstatement, regulatory and other issues on a daily basis. His experience with the Commonwealth includes service as the Chief Counsel to the Office of Inspector General from 2007 to...

Bob represents privately-held businesses and their owners in a wide variety of practice areas including Business Law and Real Estate Law, and assists business clients with Mergers & Acquisitions. Bob May was born in 1964 and educated at the Pennsylvania State University, earning his bachelor's degree with honors from the Schreyer Honors College in 1986. He was an associate computer systems analyst at Morgan Stanley in New York City from 1986-89. He earned his law degree from (the Pennsylvania State University) Dickinson School of Law in 1992, graduating cum laude in the top 10 percent of his class,...

I am an experienced family law attorney with a law practice primarily focused on divorce, child custody, child support, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. After nearly thirty-five years of practice, I have the knowledge, skill, and patience it takes to assist individuals through what can be a difficult transition in their life. Most cases settle without court and my practice focuses on keeping clients out of court, if possible, by using the collaborative law process, mediation, or traditional negotiation. I have completed the basic collaborative law training and have more than 100 hours of additional collaborative law training. I also...

Danielle M. Parks is an Associate in Post & Schell's Workers' Compensation Department, defending employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and insurers in workers' compensation claims throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining Post & Schell, Ms. Parks was an associate with a regional firm and represented employees in labor and employment-related claims. Prior to that, she was a legal assistant and paralegal for several Pittsburgh area law firms for almost ten years.

Ms. Parks graduated from Duquesne University's School of Law in 2016. Before law school, Danielle graduated in 2007 from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor’s...

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,...

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....

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...

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...

Jessica Nelson in an associate at SWMW Law, Ms. Nelson began her journey at SWMW Law, as a paralegal. Inspired by the firm’s practice and dedication to its clients, Ms. Nelson decided to pursue her Juris Doctor at Duquesne University; taking classes at night while working full time for the firm. Jessica Nelson’s primary focus is in asbestos litigation, products liability, and premises liability.

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...

Robert M. Silverman is highly regarded throughout the legal community and the automotive industry for his continuing efforts in helping consumers with their Lemon Law and Breach of Warranty claims. Mr. Silverman has been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer and in other newspaper stories across New Jersey and Pennsylvania as an expert in warranty litigation. Mr. Silverman has worked hard for consumer rights, trying his cases in the Federal and State Courts in which he practices. He has also successfully briefed and argued cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Mr. Silverman earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree...

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.

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...

At SMT Legal, our personal injury attorneys will work aggressively to win your case and make a positive difference in your life. Our experienced lawyers will fight for just compensation in personal injury cases and will rigorously defend your rights and personal liberties against criminal charges. We also provide Mediation and Arbitration services. For personal injury cases we do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. The sooner we can start helping you, the more likely it is that we will collect the best evidence, witnesses and...

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...

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.

Deanna R. Pealer has been delivering quality legal services to to citizens of Columbia and Montour counties since 1979. Her mission is to meet the regular the legal needs of individuals and small businesses.Her practice includes personal injury litigation, civil litigation, family law, wills and estates, real estate, bankruptcy, forming corporations and LLC's and a lot more.

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...

I grew up in the hard-working blue color region of Western Pennsylvania, attending the small but highly regarded Grove City College -- a conservative, reformed Christian school that has managed to remain entirely independent of government aid (one of only two undergraduate institutions in world to do so) and true to intentions of its founders. It was in this cauldron that my guiding principles were shaped -- honesty, working for the best interests of others, openness to correction, and faith in the sovereign and guiding hand of the triune God of the Bible. I went on to earn...

Ben’s practice is focused on representing injured individuals in medical malpractice, products liability, motor vehicle accidents, and general personal injury claims. Having represented injured individuals for years, Ben understands how an accident, malpractice, or a dangerous product can affect a person and their family. He also understands what is necessary to obtain the results his clients deserve when they are injured. For a sample of the types and results of cases Ben has handled, click here.

Ben has been named a Rising Star by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® each year since 2015. The Rising Star category consists of a selection of top...

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...

Jim was born in Binghamton, New York, but has lived in Cumberland County since age 3. He graduated from Trinity High School in 1973 and studied in the pre-law program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for two years. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from Penn State University in 1977, Jim joined the work force at various large corporations, including ITT, Hershey Chocolate Company and Mellon Bank, working in the credit, collection and finance fields. While employed at Harsco Corporation,...

Larry A. Weisberg was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Harrisburg. He is a graduate of Susquehanna Township High School and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he participated in the school’s Naval ROTC program. Following his military tour, Mr. Weisberg’s career path focused within the insurance industry where he attained positions of increasing responsibility, including President of Volvo’s North American insurance operations. While working full time within the insurance industry, Mr. Weisberg also earned his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law, graduating summa cum laude as class valedictorian. Mr....

Dale practices in the areas of elder law, estate planning and administration, oil and gas law and real estate. He received his B.A. from Bluffton College and his Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University, where he served on the Appellate Moot Court Board. Upon graduation from Dickinson he received the William H. Dodd Award, given to the senior who best exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession.

Dale has spoken to many groups of landowners on the subject of oil and gas law, focusing on protecting the landowners’ rights. He has worked extensively...

Attorney with an office located in Butler, PA. Serves clients in all surrounding counties. Specializes in Criminal Law, Family Law, and Estate Planning. Graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Westminster College. Attended law school at Duquesne University. Helped to co-found the Sole Practitioner's Society, aimed at preparing recent law graduates for life in a small or solo practice. Married to MaryBeth Bauer, a special education teacher in the Greenville School District in Mercer County.

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

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...