Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Lawyers

Shawn Brothwell is an important part of the Family Law and Criminal Defense teams at Ciccarelli Law Offices. Shawn was born and raised in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Scranton, where he majored in psychology. Shawn then worked as a social worker for special needs children for four years. Seeking a new challenge, Shawn decided to attend law school.

Shawn received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2015. He interned for the Allegheny County Orphans’ Court and also for a firm specializing in Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury...

FAMILY LAW - We are parents, spouses, significant others that fully understand the struggles and issues that surround custody, parenting, domestic violence, support, and family finances issues.

IMMIGRATION LAW - We are immigrants who know all too well what it is like coming into a new country, trying to fit in, navigating the overly complicated immigration processes, translating for our parents, watching our parents overpay for incompetent legal servies, and living life in a whole new world.

We understand what you are going through and we are here to help.

During his years as a public defender in York County and private practice in Centre County, Matt McClenahen tried a wide range of cases from third degree misdemeanors to serious felonies before both judges and juries and developed a reputation as a formidable courtroom lawyer and zealous advocate for his criminal defense clients. Although the vast majority of criminal cases are resolved through negotiations resulting in non-trial dispositions, sometimes it is simply in a client's best interests to proceed to trial. Attorney McClenahen will evaluate your case and advise you on your best course of action.

As a criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Mark Hinrichs represents and protects individuals facing serious consequences in the criminal justice system. Mark is privileged and honored to stand with the individual citizen to “level the playing field" against the Commonwealth - an adversary with vast resources and advantages. Every case is important and gets nothing less than a 100% effort and focus in order to get the best result possible for each client. Following graduation from college, he secured employment as a paralegal working alongside Roy Black, Esquire, and other attorneys at Black, Srebnick, Kornspan, and Sumpf, P.A., one of...

Hilary Vesell is a trial attorney, concentrating in family matters and civil litigation. Hilary has BA in psychology and MA in clinical psychology both from Columbia University. Her JD is from the University of Miami, School of Law. Hilary represents clients in all family law issues including child custody cases, parental alienation cases, domestic violence issues, protection from abuse orders (PFAs). She also represents clients in support and divorce matters as well as with prenuptial agreements. Hilary has written several articles that were published in the Pennsylvania Lawyer and Pennsylvania Bar Association Quarterly. These articles are on the topics...

Timothy J. Prendergast, Esquire is one of the seven children born to Anne and the Honorable James F. Prendergast, Esquire, a long time member of the Northampton County Bar Association and Democratic State Representative from Northampton County for over 20 years. Tim grew up in the tradition of pursuing justice and advocating on behalf of others. Prior to attending Law School, Tim spent many years as a Restaurant Manager/Chef. As an example of Tim’s commitment to justice, while attending the Dickinson School of Law; he founded the Penn State Criminal Justice Project, a member organization of the Innocence Project Network, whose...

Attorney Nanda Palissery earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University in 1989. After and during a career as an engineer and associate professor of engineering technology at the Luzerne County Community College, he earned his Juris Doctor at the Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia in 1994.

Returning to his native home in Northeast Pennsylvania to raise his family, Mr. Palissery opened his private practice in 1994, focusing on criminal defense litigation. Mr. Palissery is admitted to the United States Supreme Court, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the...

To sum me up....I care about the lives of the people who call me. Every person is unique and their needs are paramount to me. I'll never treat a person like a piece of paper and it's one of the reasons I don't like the legal field and what I see happening to it anymore. Commercials/ Billboards. The lack of caring between the attorney and client...the personal dynamic is getting lost so much out there. Not with me. My practice areas include: Personal Injury - Wrongful Death, Car and Truck Accidents, Slip and...

My Journey...

I first thought of pursuing a career as an attorney when I was taking a course in the inequalities of our judicial system during my undergrad work at Penn State. By the time I finished that course, I had made up my mind to attend law school and become an attorney. Once I graduated law school and passed the Bar Exam, the first area of law I practiced was a Pro-Bono case involving child custody. Today I still practice Family Law as well as Real Estate and Estate Planning, Criminal, Business, Probate and Contracts.

My Focus...

I love these areas of...

Experience, skill, commitment. High quality legal representation at an affordable price.

Danielle Peters, a partner at Bloom Peters, LLC, focuses on civil litigation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with a special focus in family law. Ms. Peters is a skilled litigator who handles difficult legal matters, including high conflict divorce and custody matters which often involve children with special needs. Ms. Peters is also trained in collaborative law for situations where clients want to take a more civilized approach to their legal issues. Ms. Peters is an ardent advocate for her clients.

Ms. Peters remains committed to not only helping clients navigate the court system, but finding creative solutions...

Adam M. Horwitz is a Philadelphia family law attorney who has quickly gained a reputation for being insightful, courteous, and who always looks out for the best interests of his clients. His specific areas of practice include helping families with the often emotional issues of child support, visitation rights, and child custody as they go through the many steps of separation and divorce. His expertise in family law and domestic relations helps to guide clients to the best possible outcomes, but it is his belief in working closely with clients, listening carefully in order to get a deeper understanding of...

CALL ATTORNEY MACK NOW 24/ 7 7 DAYS A WEEK. 570-287-1388 For over 34 years solid, Mark M. Mack has dedicated himself to providing legal assistance to individuals and groups facing the challenges of a criminal prosecution. With a systematic approach, Mack Law Offices combines investigation, research, and support personnel to deliver the highest quality of legal representation available to its clients. MACK LAW OFFICES is an award winning trial tested defense team that strives to provide each client with the highest caliber defense, to...

Mary Beier graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and then co-founded the law firm of Beier, Beier & Beier with her husband Bart Beier. She is an experienced litigator with particular emphasis on personal injury and equine litigation. Mrs. Beier also works in the firm’s family law practice. She focuses on client communication and understanding throughout the course of a client’s legal problem. She is adept at working out creative and cost-effective solutions that clients can be happy with.

ADMISSIONS Lackawanna County Bar – December 8, 1992 Middle District – December 8, 1992 Eastern District – May, 2017 EXPERIENCE 1992 – 1996 Associate at the Law Offices of Brian J. Cali, Esquire Dunmore, PA 18512 1992 – 1996 Associated with the Law Offices of Cali, Cecchini & Riccardo 1996 – 2019 Principal in the Law Offices of Frank J. Santomauro, LLC Associated with Ruggiero and Campolieto 1996 – Present Owner/Managing Member Law Offices of Frank J. Santomauro, L.L.C. Bankruptcy Civil Litigation Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury Wills & Estates LEGAL EXPERIENCE & DUTIES Over 25 years of legal research, motion/petition drafting, appellate work in Pennsylvania Superior, Supreme Court and Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, includes: Brief preparation and oral argument Spousal and child support...

Brian McDermott is a former prosecutor from Pittsburgh turned criminal defense attorney and DUI lawyer representing clients in Western Pennsylvania. If you are charged with a crime or receive a traffic ticket, it can be an extremely intimidating situation. It can severely impact your family, job, finances, school, driving privileges, and, most importantly, your freedom. Attorney McDermott’s experience, both as an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County and a criminal defense lawyer, provides him with the knowledge and understanding to represent you at every stage of the criminal process. Before you speak to the police or answer any questions, call or text The...

Practicing criminal law since 1988, Richard Robinson has extensive experience in criminal defense, with a focus on DUI defense. For more than 25 years, he has engaged in over 300 criminal jury trials; among these are 15 capital death penalty trials and over 45 cases involving homicide — many of which have been high-profile cases in York County. In addition to his experience as a DUI attorney in York PA, Richard has also represented clients who have been charged with a variety of other violations, including drug cases; assault cases; motor vehicle violations; white collar crimes; sex offenses; assault/battery; juvenile...

Attorney Justin P. Miller’s clients benefit from his extensive experience and knowledge gained from representing hundreds of clients as a public defender and working as a judicial law clerk. He has made hundreds of court appearances, including nearly daily appearances while working in the busy Centre County Public Defender Office. He has successfully negotiated complete dismissals of serious cases and other resolutions that protect his clients’ liberty and dignity.

Happily married with three children. The two oldest are entering service for their country in the military. Life long resident of Delaware and Chester counties. Coached dozens of my children's various athletic teams over the years.

The majority of my practice involves representing clients charged in any and all types of criminal matters. In over three decades, I have represented clients in matters ranging from traffic citations to capital homicide. Criminal charges filed against you or a loved one are anxiety provoking and you deserve to explore every opportunity at the best resolution for you.

I also represent clients in family...

Attorney Dana Jo-Ann Richardson has been a proactive advocate for her clients since entering the Bar in 2007. Her ambitions in the pursuit of law began at Duquesne University School of Law, where Dana was a class representative in the Student Bar Association, and where she became a finalist in the prestigious Carol Los Mansmann Appellate Advocacy Competition. Upon graduating from Duquesne University and receiving her Juris Doctorate in 2007, she sat for the bar examination and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar that year. While a law student at Duquesne, Dana was hired by the law firm...

Gary E. Gerson is a criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh, PA with over 25 years of experience. He and his talented legal team at the Law Offices of Gary E. Gerson work to help each and every client avoid criminal conviction and harsh punishments. Gary has successfully helped hundreds of clients in the Pittsburgh area facing criminal charges including DUI, domestic violence, weapons charges, assault, theft, campus crimes, homicide, sex offenses, and others by providing dedicated legal representation for each and every client. He understands the people entering his office are not generally in good situations and he fights to...

Chelsey A. Christiansen is barred in Pennsylvania and most recently barred in New Jersey. Chelsey joins High Swartz after completing her clerkship with the Honorable David R. Workman of the Lancaster Court of Common Pleas.
Prior to her Clerkship, Ms. Christiansen clerked at Rubin Glickman P.C. of Lansdale Pennsylvania where she drafted motions and also shared her legal knowledge on Legally Speaking, a local radio show. Prior to this position, Chelsey was a certified legal intern at Community Legal Services, Family/Child Advocacy Unit where she drafted an appellate brief and the Bucks County Public Defender, Juvenile Unit.

A graduate of the Thomas...

Attorney Leighton Cohen is an experienced family lawyer in the Lehigh Valley. From his office in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Leighton Cohen proudly serves clients throughout Lehigh County and the surrounding area, including Bethlehem and Easton. Aggressive in the pursuit of victim's rights.

I was born and raised in New York and attended law school in central Pennsylvania. I have more than 12 years of experience trying cases in courts throughout the Harrisburg region, including 75+ criminal jury trials, and hundreds of criminal and family law hearings. I have also had the privilege of successfully arguing cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, some of which resulted in published opinions which changed or created new law. I am dedicated to being a tireless advocate who is at home in the courtroom, and giving my clients the respect, attention, and...

We are a law firm located in the heart of downtown State College. We are dedicated to the highest professional representation of our clients. If you have been accused of a crime, or are going through a difficult divorce, let the Law Offices of Lance T. Marshall help you protect your future and get on with your life.

The son of two military parents, Jean was born in Rhode Island and spent part his childhood in Baltimore before coming to live in the Allentown area and has come to consider Pennsylvania his home. Jean attended Ursinus College where he majored in history and studied social sciences to come to understand how the world works.
Having personally dealt with the divorce of his parents and a subsequent child custody issues for most of his childhood, Jean has developed a great appreciation for how the court system can affect families and the role that a lawyer can have in advocating...

Thomas P. ('Tip') McCabe has extensive criminal defense experience having practiced as an Assistant Public Defender in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He has represented hundreds of defendants at the preliminary hearing level and at the Court of Common Pleas. He has jury trial experience including felony jury trials, and he has represented clients at the appellate level. Mr. McCabe also has juvenile criminal defense experience. Prior to his employment at the Chester County Public Defender's Office, Mr. McCabe practiced civil litigation in Philadelphia.

Pittsburgh-based attorney Todd Spivak handles Family Law, PFA Defense, Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, and Social Security Disability. A former investigative journalist, Todd's work was twice nominated for The Pulitzer Prize.

Attorney Tim Burns has been operating his regional general law practice in historic Ebensburg, Cambria County for nearly a decade. His office, located an hour and a half east of Pittsburgh, is conveniently located just steps from the Cambria County Courthouse. A Johnstown native, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Secondary Education from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, and his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where he served as Editor-in-Chief of Juris, the school’s award winning legal newsmagazine. Prior to opening his law office, Attorney Burns was an Associate in the...

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...

Tracey L. Potere is part of Ciccarelli Law Offices and is an experienced attorney who works within our Criminal Defense and Family Law practice groups. Tracey grew up in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Temple University. She received her Master’s of Science degree in Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and her Law degree from Widener Law School. Tracey worked in the mental health field assisting the chronically mentally ill and individuals suffering from addiction.
After graduating Law School she served as an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County for six years where she successfully prosecuted DUI...

Arik Benari was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and proudly pursued his entire education in Pennsylvania. A graduate of Akiba Academy in Merion Station, Arik attended the University of Pittsburgh undergraduate program. He graduated with honors in three years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Public Argument. Mr. Benari entered the business management world during his undergraduate studies with experience managing union labor in the wholesale and retail industries. He then managed and drove the opening of two retail start-ups during the two years between his undergraduate and legal studies. In 2000, Arik graduated from the Temple...

James Madsen was born in Flemington, New Jersey, but spent most of his adult life in Easton, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The American University in Washington, D.C. and a Juris Doctor from Drexel University School of Law where he attended under a Law Trustees' Scholarship.

Before partnering with Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair, he operated a solo practice from 2011 to 2015. He has been employed by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, The Philadelphia Defenders' Association and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
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Attorney Helen Stolinas has been practicing in the field of criminal defense and trying cases for over 25 years. She has represented thousands of individuals in matters ranging in seriousness from summary and misdemeanor offenses, up to and including capital homicides.

Helen began her career in the Bradford County Office of the Public Defender, first as Assistant and eventually being promoted to Chief of that office. Helen became involved with the Public Defender’s Association of Pennsylvania, and served as President of that organization.

In January, 2016, Helen joined The Mazza Law Group, where she continues to practice Criminal Defense, as...