Polk Lawyers

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

I am a dedicated critical thinker who enjoys working on difficult legal issues. My commitment to serving my community has produced stellar results in client interactions and maintaining professional relations. Clients tell me I am dependable, professional, and personable, but I credit those traits to my endearment towards helping people while working in a field I enjoy.

I grew up in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania where I was heavily involved in various projects. My degrees earned were a BA in Communication from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I was called to the honors organization of Lambda Pi Eta and sat...

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...

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

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.

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...

Chris is a founding member of Haberl, Buell & Rice, PLLC, where he focuses on oil and gas, real estate, corporate, litigation, and estate matters. Chris represents oil and gas operators in land issues, litigation, regulatory appeals, and general commercial matters. He also regularly represents businesses and individuals in civil litigation, real estate transactions, corporate formations and counseling, and estate planning and administration. Chris has been named a Rising Star by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® from 2012 through 2020.

I'm a criminal trial and appellate lawyer. I try cases to juries and, if necessary, I take my clients’ cases up on appeal, as far as necessary, to ensure that they've received a constitutionally guaranteed fair trial and adequate due process.

Not all lawyers are both trial and appellate lawyers; the roles are different and require different skill sets. But I believe that my doing both enables me to stand out from the hundreds of criminal-defense attorneys who are all offering either one thing or the same thing. In this dual role, my trial...

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...

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

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.

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.

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...

Ryan Very spearheads one of Pittsburgh’s fastest-growing, most well-respected law firms. He’s built a full-service practice working with a diverse array of clients: trade associations, teachers, business owners, unions, large corporations, and the ordinary citizen. A fourth-generation Pittsburgher, Mr. Very was born the posthumous grandson of Attorney Donald L. Very, a legal legend with a national reputation for bridge-building. From a young age, Ryan Very knew he would follow in his grandfather's footsteps. He embarked on a career to help bring law to the public.  After attending a top-twenty law school, Mr. Very was awarded a fellowship with one of the most...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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....

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.

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...

Emily E. Town practices in the areas of employment law, civil rights litigation, and labor law. Emily received a B.A. in Justice from American University (2004) and graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (2010). At Pitt Law, she was Senior Topics Editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review, and the recipient of the W. Edward and Cordelia F. Sell Scholarship and CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Torts. During law school, Emily served as a Research Assistant to Professor Jules Lobel, helping to draft articles regarding prisoners’ rights, national security policy,...

I am the owner of The Lacy Employment Law firm, LLC, which specializes in worker's rights as well as civil rights. Prior to opening my law firm, I worked for one of the largest international law firms in the world.

I also took a sabbatical from large law firm life to complete a clerkship with the Honorable Cathy Bissoon in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

I tried my first federal jury trial to verdict at age 26. With that victory, I became one of the youngest lawyers to win a federal civil...