Hawthorn Lawyers

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

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,...

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,...

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.

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 Benjamin F. Goodwin, Esquire was born, raised, and educated in Southwestern Pennsylvania. For nearly a decade, Attorney Goodwin has strived to practice law with the same virtues that Southwestern Pennsylvania and its people have come to embody- integrity, tenacity, and above all things hard work. Attorney Goodwin has represented countless individuals and has a proven track record of excellence successfully trying numerous cases to a jury verdict. He is a partner of Goodwin Como, P.C.

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...

David S. Shrager is an attorney devoted to providing tough defense and aggressive representation to criminally accused individuals throughout Western Pennsylvania. He is a member of numerous associations including the Washington County Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the American Bar Association. Mr. Shrager is known for the exceptional services he provides, and has even been included in the 2014 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® list. To learn more about the services offered by Attorney Shrager, be sure to contact his firm, The Law Offices of David S. Shrager, today.

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.

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...

Charles A. Lamberton is a top-rated Pittsburgh employment lawyer and wrongful termination attorney who has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. He represents executives, managers & professionals in high-end discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment & wrongful termination cases. His results include: $2,000,000 (wrongful death). $1,500,000 (wrongful termination), $950,000 (age discrimination), $750,000 (military service discrimination), $725,000 (negligent hiring/sexual harassment), $725,000 (military service discrimination), $600,000 (insurance bad faith), $500,000 (sexual harassment), $500,000 (age discrimination), $490,000 (sexual harassment), $450,000 (disability discrimination), $250,000 (age discrimination), $240,000 (age discrimination), $200,000 (pregnancy discrimination). Following a favorable verdict at trial, one of Mr. Lamberton’s clients wrote: “As...

Daniel M. Hartzman graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Daniel is an experienced immigration lawyer who is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia and Virginia. Daniel is well-versed in all areas of immigration law and has successfully represented individuals, families, and businesses, throughout the United States and around the world. He has successfully represented clients in federal court, immigration court, and before USCIS, ICE, and the BIA. Daniel is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the Allegheny County Bar Association Immigration Law Committee.

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.

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.

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...

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...

Attorney Eric J. Purchase represents individuals and families suffering from injury or the death of a loved one. He was born and raised in Erie County, Pennsylvania. He is a 1988 graduate of Gannon University. In 1991, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with honors. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Purchase served as editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review. In recognition of his class standing upon graduation, Mr. Purchase was inducted into the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Order of the Coif.

Before opening his Pennsylvania personal injury practice, Mr. Purchase was...

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.

I provide legal advice and representation in immigration law and family law throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Attorney Stumpf develops estate plans for her clients and competently assists in the administration of estates of all sizes. She also provides expertise in the areas of trust administration, asset protection, elder law and guardianship issues. Attorney Stumpf's business law practice includes entity formation for both for-profit and non-profit organizations, structural questions, general counsel and the development of succession plans. Additionally, she assists in the representation of several school districts, an intermediate unit and multiple private schools.

Attorney Stumpf received her undergraduate degree from Grove City College in 2003 and her Juris Doctor from the Penn State - The Dickinson School...

Attorney Kruszewski is a member of the firm's Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights Practice Group. His practice involves the representation of corporate debtors, secured creditors and unsecured creditor committees in business reorganization proceedings. His practice also includes commercial loan work-outs, bankruptcy-related and commercial litigation, and general collection matters. He has also been approved as a mediator for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Attorney Kruszewski has been named as a Rising Star in the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazine in each year of publication from 2008-2016. He is also an active member of both the Erie County Bar...

For 30 years, "Jack" Mehler has helped public and private companies, banks, developers, non-profit corporations and individuals in a wide range of legal matters. Jack concentrates in the areas of general business matters, real estate, banking, and financial transactions.

Jack also represents taxpayer-clients and developers in real estate tax assessment (value) appeals, and tax exemption cases throughout western Pennsylvania on many different types of properties as diverse as marinas, waterfront shipping facilities, hospitals, shopping centers and malls, industrial plants, truck terminals and warehouses, commercial and professional office buildings, corporate headquarters, hotels, and senior living facilities.

Jack has written numerous articles and is...

Russell S. Warner is the Managing Partner of the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is the founder and past Chairman of the firm's Environmental Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and environmental law, including matters involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as matters before the USEPA Environmental Appeals Board and the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board.

Mr. Warner's practice includes representation of businesses, financial institutions, economic development organizations and municipal entities regarding business and environmental matters, as well as acquisitions, capital...

Jamie R. Schumacher is an Associate in the Litigation Department at MacDonald Illig where she concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial litigation, employment litigation, insurance defense, and municipal/ordinance enforcement. She is also a member of the firm's Commercial/General Litigation Practice Group, Labor & Employment Practice Group, Government Services Practice Group, Marketing Committee, and the Recruitment Committee. Ms. Schumacher is licensed to practice in all Pennsylvania state courts, the United States District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ms. Schumacher is the former chair of the Young Lawyers Division...

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.

Mr. Antoun concentrates his practice in the areas of health care, business and governmental transactions. He is the former chair of the Business Transactions Group and the Health Law Group.

In the area of health care, Mr. Antoun advises hospitals, clinics, physician group practices and individual physicians and dentists on matters such as physician and hospital agreements, employment contracts, compensation and incentive arrangements, and group practice formation and governance. He advises health care providers on federal and state regulatory compliance, including anti-kickback, physician self-referral and HIPAA matters, and he has substantial experience representing hospitals and physicians in peer review, medical staff...

Jason Karavias, Esq. provides personalized legal representation for family-based Immigration cases including Green Card Marriage, Fiance Visas, Green Card Petitions for Parents and Children of US Citizens, and applications for US Citizenship.

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.

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...

Mike Colarusso received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from the Pennsylvania State University in 1982, and he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. Mr. Colarusso served as a judicial clerk for one year and then joined the law firm in 1986. Since that time, Mr. Colarusso has represented individuals injured in construction accidents, in automobile accidents, by defective products, and by negligent doctors and hospitals. He is a civil trial lawyer, admitted to practice in the Federal and State courts of Pennsylvania, and he is a member of...

Helping individuals and small businesses with financial and IRS problems since 1993. If you are having sleepless nights about your financial or tax troubles, then call for a free consultation. I can help put together a game plan for you to resolve your troubles and to get back on track. My associate, Audrey Rasmusson, also handles estate settlement and Social Security Disability cases.

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...

Attorney Levine provides no-nonsense, affordable representation for all Pittsburgh family law matters. He believes in creating a clear plan of action and handling his cases efficiently and effectively. Mr. Levine prides himself on being personable and accessible to his clients and always offers honest opinions on his client's goals and the likelihood of success in court.

In addition to being well versed in all aspects of traditional family law litigation, Mr. Levine is also trained in collaborative law, and he is a certified mediator.

Scott L. Levine earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law. Following graduation, Mr....

Attorney Michael Russell graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1990. He then earned his Juris Doctor from Regent University in 1993. He served on the Regent University Law Review during his second year and as the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review during his third year of law school. In 1993 he began his law career in Greensburg Pennsylvania representing insurance carriers in the defense of Workers’ Compensation claims, among other things. Early in his career, he realized that he would receive far more satisfaction in representing injured workers; thus, since 1995, Attorney Russell...