Elk County Lawyers

I am a graduate of the Dickinson School of Law, where I served as Editor of the Law Review. I have been in continuous practice since October of 1984. I am also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

Matt is a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, having lived in Bucks, Centre, and Erie counties. As an undergraduate, he attended The Pennsylvania State University’s main campus, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Afterwards, he went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law, where he graduated in the top third of his class. While at Penn State Law, Matt was a member of the Rural Economic Development Clinic and was recognized as a Public Interest Advocate for providing free legal assistance to small businesses in rural...

Born and raised in Erie, Adam went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Clarion University, where he graduated summa cum laude. After college, he went on to earn his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the West Virginia University College of Law in Morgantown, West Virginia. While in law school, Adam was a zealous advocate in West Virginia University’s Clinical Law Program and West Virginia University’s Immigration Clinic, where he fought for immigrants’ rights. Adam has focused his practice on Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability law. Adam has earned a great deal...

Attorney Grant C. Travis is the founder of The Travis Law Firm. A very highly regarded personal injury and criminal defense law firm in northwestern Pennsylvania. Attorney Travis is highly respected in the motorcycle community for his work representing those injured on motorcycles. He is a tireless advocate for families who have suffered the loss of a loved due to the negligent acts of another whether in motorcycle, or car accidents, or other tragedies including medical negligence and nursing home abuse. Attorney Travis and his firm is also the go-to team for injured workers. He and...

James J. Stuczynski is a lifelong resident of the Erie area. After graduating from Cathedral Prep in 1971, he attended and graduated from Alliance College in 1975, summa cum laude. He furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, graduating in 1979 and returning to Erie to accept a position with Ely & Bernard. In 1985, he became a partner in Bernard & Stuczynski and has continued to practice with its successor firm, Bernard Stuczynski & Barnett. After a practice which handled a wide variety of legal claims, Attorney Stuczynski has specialized in handling insurance and...

Nate is a lifelong resident of the Erie area. After graduating from Girard High School, Nate attended Cornell University where he earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial & Labor Relations. Afterward, he attended the Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. While at Penn State Law, Nate was a senior editor of the Yearbook on Arbitration and Mediation. Since joining Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager, Nate has focused his practice on Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Estate Administration, and Workers’ Compensation.

Bryan focuses his practice in the areas of Oil & Gas Law, Estate Planning & Administration and Real Estate Law. Bryan has 15 years experience in private practice and working as in-house counsel for oil and gas-related companies. In the last 5 years, Bryan has acquired approximately 30,000 acres of oil and gas properties, divested some 10,000 acres of oil and gas rights and placed a 100-mile potential pipeline right-of-way for divestiture. Additionally, he has completed the transfer of more than 1,000 properties and been responsible for the performance of due diligence and title analysis on more than...

For 25 years, Mark has been serving the cause of justice in Clarion County. From his earliest days in the Public Defender’s office, to five terms as Clarion County’s elected District Attorney, Mark’s temperament and judgement have been tested and refined.

Mark has earned his reputation as a tough litigator. Your case will be handled with your best interests constantly in mind. Whether that means negotiating an appropriate settlement or, when justice requires, to try the case before a jury, Mark has the expertise to ensure that you receive the best possible result.

• Tried 119 jury trials in Clarion...

C.J. Zwick is a founding partner of Zwick Law. He is an independent thinker with a passion for helping his clients resolve their legal needs. C.J. maintains a healthy respect for intellectual thoroughness even if it challenges the status quo. C.J. decided to become an attorney to help and serve clients in Western Pennsylvania with their legal needs. While C.J. always knew that he would return to his hometown of DuBois, Pennsylvania to practice law, he first gained valuable experience at a prestigious Harrisburg-based law firm. While in Harrisburg, C.J. helped many Fortune 500 companies with their legal...

Concerto Law and Christine Jarzab Kuntz, Esq. counsel nonprofit organizations. I provide both one-time services (such as entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, or obtaining tax-exempt status) and long-term services, such as providing on-call legal services to your organization. A concerto is a musical term for a collaboration between a soloist (your business) and the orchestra (me, your attorney). At Concerto Law I value long-term client relationships, practical advice, and sensible, manageable solutions. Sometimes, though law may be on your side, the value of my services is in designing a solution that best protects your legal...

Matt Zwick is a founding partner of Zwick Law. After gaining valuable experience at a prestigious law firm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Matt was very eager to bring his legal skills and client-centered approach back to his hometown. While working in Pittsburgh, Matt fought for businesses, municipalities, and individuals, alike, in state and federal courts, throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Matt is passionate about helping others and he is dedicated to solving his clients' legal problems, big or small, through innovative and mindful legal practices. Matt grew up in Sykesville, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of the DuBois Area...

Attorney Merwin grew up in New Bethlehem Pennsylvania. He received his high school diploma from Redbank Valley High School, his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and his Doctorate of Juris Prudence from the Massachusetts School of Law. Attorney Merwin's areas of practice include, but are not limited to, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estates/Probate, Criminal Defense, DUI, Family Law, Landlord/Tenant and Civil Litigation. Attorney Merwin is admitted to the bar of: Pennsylvania Massachusetts Federal District of Massachusetts Federal Western District of Pennsylvania

Trent is a lawyer in Pittsburgh focusing on Personal Injury and Oil and Gas Law. Trent is known for being a versatile lawyer that goes to bat for his clients. His experience includes: whistleblower cases, class actions, labor & employment suits, estate litigation, and complex business disputes. Trent has extensive experience with personal injury cases, including numerous death lawsuits, brain injuries, death cases, burns, and industrial accidents. Trent has recovered tens of millions of dollars for his clients, with notable results including Washington v. EDMC ($95.5 Million whistleblower suit) and McLaughlin v. Phelan Hallinan & Schmieg...

Attorney Robert Kost works for technology start-ups and growing small businesses in a wide variety of areas (see website for comprehensive list). Robert has decades of experience in corporate law and practice on both sides of the attorney-client relationship. He is adept in a broad range of law related to businesses, contracts, corporate formation, policy and intellectual property. See what my firm, General Counsel Online does for business people. https://generalcounsel.online. “My goal is to provide the kind of ongoing advice that will keep your business out of lawsuits and out of the courts.” - Robert Kost.

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Counseling, Foreclosure Defense, Debt Settlement Don Hahn was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 1964. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1987 and the Villanova Law School in 1992, and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1992. He practices before the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and the Western Districts of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Don is board certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification since 2001. He is the only lawyer who is certified by...

Corey Sacca has been helping clients since 2009. He has experience in bankruptcy, tax, family and civil legal matters. He has assisted clients in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcies and has been named a Super Lawyers: Rising Star in 2012 through 2019. Corey understands that your legal issues cause stress; especially when dealing with issues involving your children, family, debt or taxes. He works hard to resolve your legal matters as quickly and as cost- effectively as possible. Corey graduated from Latrobe High School. After high school, he...

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...

I represent individuals and families in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties in Pennsylvania. I focused on civil litigation helping victims navigate the legal process.

I have over 20 years-experience handling personal injury cases. I have personally been lead trial counsel in over 50 personal injury trials. I have been selected as a Top 10 Attorney for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys awarded to attorneys demonstrating exceptional and outstanding client service. I have been selected by Super Lawyers on several occasions and have been rated as “excellent” by Avvo a lawyer rating service.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS
In addition,...

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

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...

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,...

My name is Samir Sarna, and I am a Partner at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2007 to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While in Pittsburgh, I met my wife, fell in love with the city, and decided to settle down here and dedicate my legal career to defending the rights of those accused of committing crimes.

After graduating law school, I clerked at the Office of the Public Defender for Allegheny County and later became an Associate Counsel at the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel. Serving at...

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...

Krista has significant civil litigation and transactional experience in all areas of real property law. She counsels commercial and residential property owners in sales contracts, leases (retail, residential, and OGM) and civil disputes. She assists real estate investment groups with business formation, membership interest purchase agreements, and land contracts. She assists developers and landowners with zoning and land use issues. She also has vast experience representing real estate owners and real estate agents and brokers in lawsuits involving seller disclosure issues, unfair trade practices, and commission disputes across Western Pennsylvania. Krista frequently instructs Continuing Legal Education programs for the Pennsylvania Bar...

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.

Jay Alberstadt is a senior partner with MacDonald Illig. He concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial and economic development ,and conventional and tax-exempt financing. He provides legal services to individuals, business entities, lending institutions, municipal authorities and development agencies. Mr. Alberstadt handles matters ranging from residential real estate transactions to detailed title and development issues. He also provides representation in commercial financings and tax-exempt municipal, industrial development and 501(c)(3) bond issues. He is co-chair of the Firm's real estate practice group and chair of the firm's marketing committee.

Michael P. Thomas is a Partner with MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP. He assists individuals, closely held companies, and larger entities on a wide variety of estate planning, estate and trust administration, wealth transfer, succession planning, tax, and business matters.

Mike routinely assists clients with the design and implementation of both basic and complex estate plans that focus on accomplishing the client's individual objectives and minimizing the related tax consequences. He works closely with individual and corporate fiduciaries throughout estate and trust administrations. Mike has experience advising clients on a wide variety of sophisticated business transactions, employee benefit plan matters,...

Tim McNair is an attorney admitted to practice in 1981. He concentrates his practice in the field of litigation, representing people who have been injured physically, as in car crashes, at work, or financially through unfair and discriminatory job termination or refusal to hire. He also closes real estate and handles estate settlements.

Attorney McNair is a member of the American Association for Justice (formerly, Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Pennsylvania Association for Justice (formerly Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association), Pennsylvania and Erie County Bar Associations. He has served as the Chair of the PAAJ Workers Compensation Section, the Erie...

Attorney Jennifer J. Riley, Esquire focuses her practice on Family Law, including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Protection from Abuse, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Spousal Support, Adoption, and Grandparents' Rights. ? Ms. Riley is an experienced negotiator and a tireless litigator who will work hard to secure stability for you and your family. She is a strong, zealous advocate for her clients inside and outside the courtroom. ? Ms. Riley is a graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law, where she focused her studies on Trial Advocacy. She was a member of the...

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.

Attorney Stoehr operates a solo law practice in Altoona, Pennsylvania, with 21 years of experience. After working at a larger law firm where he became a partner, Attorney Stoehr decided to become a solo practitioner in 2004. He is a former claims representative which gives him great insight into how insurance companies settle claims. Attorney Stoehr represents injured people in Blair and the surrounding eight counties handling automobile cases, claims against nursing homes and hospitals, and general personal injury litigation. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, selected by Super Lawyers in 2012, 2013,...

Kimberly A. Oakes is a partner in the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP, where she is the head of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.

Ms. Oakes focuses her practice primarily in the area of family law. She has experience in handling divorces, adoption, alimony and spousal support, child support, child custody and visitation, domestic violence, paternity, prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements.

As a litigator, Ms. Oakes also has experience in Insurance Defense and Workers Compensation matters.

Vincent Colianni is a graduate of Santa Clara University’s School of Law, and he began his legal career as a federal judicial law clerk for the Hon. Robert P. Aguilar of the Northern District of California. After his clerkship, Vince worked as a commercial litigator for Bingham McCutchen in San Francisco and Cooley LLP in Palo Alto, California. Vince’s practice focuses on representing individuals in personal injury, products liability, employment, and civil rights matters. He has tried over 20 cases to verdict in federal and state courts. Vince is a member of the American Bar Association and the Allegheny County Bar Association....

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