Forest City Lawyers

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...

Successful business ventures require perspective, from all vantage points. We offer you a clear view of the surrounding business landscape from the legal vantage point. This outlook provides insight into legal strategies for: business formation, drafting contracts, the hiring process, and protection of intellectual property. That amounts to more than just sound legal counsel; it gives our business clients perspective from the legal vantage point.

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.

Kathleen M. Thomas concentrates her practice in the areas of municipal law, small business, non-profit law, and civil litigation. Kathleen is also experienced in other areas of municipal law, including Right to Know, land development, zoning, code enforcement and litigation.

Recognized as an expert in the areas of Pennsylvania Act 511 taxation, Kathleen serves as Special Act 511 Tax Counsel to the Townships of Lower Merion and Abington, among others. She also serves as the Act 511 Hearing Officer to multiple municipalities in Montgomery and Delaware Counties. She also serves as Special Tax Consultant for ordinance and Regulation Revision and litigation...

As one of the firm’s two founding attorneys, Jeff Drake practices in the areas of real estate, tax assessment appeals, zoning, municipal law, estate administration, family law, and personal injury law. He also represents non-profit corporations such as churches, Christian schools and mission boards, in addition to handling cases involving the preservation of religious liberties.

Jeff received his law degree in 1980 from Capital University Law School and his undergraduate degree from Gordon College in 1977. He has been an adjunct professor at Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University).

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...

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...

Bob Gillespie is a second generation Plaintiff's lawyer +with a distinguished record of service to the public. He served eleven years in the Luzerne County District Attorneys Office, the last four as District Attorney. In 2007 and 2008, Pjiladelphia Magazine proclaimed him to be a "Super Lawyer"* an awrd only available to the top 5% of lawyers. He is also a "Million Dollar Advocate"* having obtained Million's of Dollars in Awards for his clients. Attorney Gillespie was recently named a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, a society limited to 3,500 lawyers less then 1/2 % of those practicing...

J. Wesley Kocsis is a trial lawyer representing plaintiffs in major personal injury litigation. He is the owner of Kocsis Law Office located in Athens, Bradford County, PA. Wesley takes pride in the fact that he provides the same quality of service as the "big city" injury firms but with the attributes of being a "small town" lawyer. That is, he is involved with the personal injury case every step of the way. He will meet his clients in the hospital and at their homes, he will personally take pictures and videos of accident scenes, he talks to...

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

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...

Specializing in commercial real estate transactions and development.

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....

Bill MacMinn concentrates his practice in the area of litigation, including Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury, Products Liability, Employment Litigation, Estate Litigation and Real Estate. He represents a broad spectrum of individuals, corporations and institutions in a wide range of cases. His practice encompasses a wide variety of venues in Bucks and surrounding counties, and in the United States District Court. Bill also has extensive experience in Alternate Dispute Resolution forums including many cases successfully resolved by arbitration and by mediation. He is a trained mediator and serves as an appointed arbitrator. With over thirty five years of legal experience, Bill...

Known by his clients for providing caring and dedicated legal services, attorney Michael S. Schwartz enjoys helping people in Bucks County and the surrounding counties who are struggling with unmanageable debts. Mr. Schwartz has over 20 years of legal experience, and practices exclusively in the field of debt relief services and provides legal support for individuals facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, and other financial pressures.

Peter Smith is a business lawyer and trusted partner to his corporate clients. He has been solving problems and adding value for business owners for over 30 years. Peter’s practice focuses on corporate law, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private placements, contracts, commercial finance, business disputes, non-profit organizations, real estate, and trusts and estates. He counsels businesses involved in manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retail, hospitality, e-commerce, technology, health care, pharmaceutical research, consulting, professional services, real estate and construction. In addition, Peter has experience with start-up ventures, family-owned businesses, limited liability companies and 501(c)(3) public charities. He also represents individuals and...

Gabe Montemuro is a dedicated litigator who helps business clients resolve disputes quickly and efficiently. He represents clients in contract claims, commercial litigation, real estate disputes, and a broad range of other civil matters. Gabe also works with insurance companies and underwriters on complex coverage determinations. Gabe brings a measured approach to every engagement, while acting as a strong advocate who protects his clients inside and outside of the courtroom. Gabe knows that every legal matter involves sensitive and complex issues; and his attention to detail is a valuable asset for those he represents. His primary goal is to...

Mike Mills is devoted to helping businesses build and preserve value, and helping individuals preserve and protect their family wealth. In representing businesses, this includes counseling clients in connection with business formation, financing, reorganization, and acquisition transactions, as well as business succession planning. With individual clients, this includes assistance with core estate planning documents (such as Wills, Revocable Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Living Wills), special needs planning, charitable giving, and the use of sophisticated trust strategies. Foundational to this mission is his concentration in the area of taxation, which impacts so much of business and...

DawnMarie Schulz focuses her practice on Employee Benefits and Employment Law. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Schulz worked for an employee benefits software management company, where she was Vice President of Administration and Compliance. She has counseled clients (large and small, public and private) on various matters related to Health and Welfare plans, COBRA administration and compliance, HIPAA and HITECH compliance, as well as, employment discrimination, FLSA, FMLA, and employee relations. Ms. Schulz is a graduate of Drexel University and Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law. While attending law school, Ms. Schulz served as the Director...

With over twenty-five years of practice in employment law and complex commercial litigation, Patty Collins helps clients successfully navigate the ever-changing legal environment affecting their career and business decisions. In her employment law practice, Patty has a particular focus on advising employees and employers on trade secrets, confidentiality issues and restrictive covenants, such as non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements. This includes assisting employers in protecting their business and confidential information and strategies to reduce risk in competitive hiring situations; assisting employees with complying with those agreements and planning their careers; and litigating those agreements on behalf of employers and employees. For employees,...

Lisa Bothwell is a partner in the Business & Finance Department. Lisa has proven herself to be an effective dealmaker who can handle difficult, high-end transactions but can also handle smaller transactions in a cost-effective manner. She has closed dozens of M&A deals on the buy and sell side in the low to middle market. Her corporate practice goes well beyond mergers and acquisitions: Lisa advises business clients on capital raises, business succession planning, business separations, joint ventures, phantom interest plans, and corporate governance. She is a trusted advisor to her clients and acts as outside general counsel to many family-owned...

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.

Charles D. Garner, Jr. was born on April 26, 1961. He graduated from Pottstown High School in 1979. Mr. Garner has been a lifelong resident of the Pottstown area. Mr. Garner graduated Cum Laude from Ursinus College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts. He received his Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law in 1983. He joined Reynier, Crocker, Allebach & Reber as an associate in 1986. He was promoted to partner in 1992 and remained at the firm until 1998. In 1998, he joined Paul Bauer to form Garner & Bauer. Mr. Garner developed...

Reading, PA attorney James Polyak specializes in criminal defense. He is a graduate of Penn State and Widener University School of Law. After law school, he completed his internship at The Berks County District Attorney's Office in Reading, PA. In 1992, he was hired by The Berks County District Attorney as a full time Assistant District Attorney, where he prosecuted crimes including Robbery, Rape, Burglary, Drug Possession, Theft, Assault and DUI. In 1994, he was promoted to Chief Prosecutor of the Child Abuse Unit of the District Attorney's Office. After gaining valuable experience as a prosecuting attorney in Reading, PA,...

Born and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania; a strong connection remains with Bucks County. Centered in Philadelphia PA since practicing law.

I will come to court focused, prepared and ready to defend you.

William E. Moore, is a Partner with the law firm of Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford, joined the firm in 1995. Mr. Moore is a past member of the Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Probation, having been nominated by Gov. Tom Ridge with his appointment confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate in May of 2000. He was a Parole Agent with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for eleven years. Prior to joining Rubin, Glickman and Steinberg, he was chief deputy district attorney with the Bucks County District Attorney's Office for eight years heading up the Drug Prosecution Team, trying many...

John F. Cordisco concentrates his practice in the representation of serious personal injury claims in both State and Federal Court. At the age of 22 he was elected to the school board. Mr. Cordisco received his degree in law from Temple University and was elected to the 140th legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1980 at the age of 25. Mr. Cordisco established the firm, Cordisco and Bradway in his hometown of Bristol Pennsylvania serving the very community that made him the success that he is today. After building his client base in his small firm,...

Attorney Kevin Regan spent three years as a prosecutor in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, trying numerous types of criminal cases to verdict. In 2007 Attorney Kevin Regan went into private practice with a focus in divorce and criminal defense. Attorney Regan provides free consultations so those going through difficult times can be reassured he is the best lawyer for their case prior to paying any legal fees. Kevin uses his experience in the courtroom to get the best possible results for his clients. Whether it’s after negotiations and settlements, or hearings and trial, he is always there to...

Christopher P. Mullaney graduated Cum Laude from Widener University School of Law. While at Widener University, he was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society and was President of the American Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Mullaney is a graduate of the Hill School and Gettysburg College where he majored in Psychology. Mr. Mullaney is engaged in criminal, civil, business, real estate, family and Orphans’ Court matters in Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, and Lehigh counties. He is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In addition to trial...

Since his admission to the Bar in 2005, Attorney Michael Donohue has practiced criminal law almost exclusively. Over the course of the past decade, Attorney Donohue has gained invaluable experience from nearly every position in the courtroom. As a law clerk working for a criminal judge, Attorney Donohue learned how criminal law judges resolve important factual and legal issues while reaching their verdicts. He also honed persuasive research and writing skills that can often be the difference in particularly complex and technical litigation. As an Assistant Public Defender, Attorney Michael Donohue learned how...

Francesco J. Grieco recently joined the Law Offices of Lutz and Petty. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and is also a member of the Columbia County Bar Association.

Francesco’s primary focus is in the areas of family law and civil litigation. He will be available in our two locations, Berwick and Philadelphia, as we expand our practice in the coming months.

Francesco graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg University in 1997. He also earned his Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg in 2001, where he was a graduate assistant. He attended...

Attorney Travis C. Petty is a lifelong resident of the Berwick Area. Travis is a graduate of Berwick Area High School and Bloomsburg University. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree, Travis attended Widener University School of Law on a full academic scholarship. While attending Law School, Travis was the recipient of numerous awards and had the honor of working as an intern for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Travis also served on the Law Review and had his legal scholarship published. Travis graduated Cum Laude with his Juris Doctorate Degree and upon receiving his law license, he immediately...

Keith R. Pavlack is a 1986 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Doctor of Laws degree from Widener University School of Law in 1989. While at Widener he received the American Jurisprudence Award for commercial transactions.

During law school, Attorney Pavlack worked as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Anthony Semerraro in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. After his admission to the Bar of Pennsylvania Courts in 1989, Attorney Pavlack worked for the Philadelphia Housing Authority where he continued until 1991. Attorney Pavlack worked as an associate for Martin H. Philip Law Office, P.C until...