Bellefonte Lawyers

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....

Erica L. Laughlin, a Shareholder of Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, has a civil litigation practice in state and federal courts. Known for her energy, attention and dedication to her clients and their needs, Ms. Laughlin has successfully represented individuals and businesses in commercial disputes and civil matters, including personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice, insurance defense, civil rights defense, entertainment and media, construction and municipal law.

Ryan Grace is a former Assistant District Attorney at the Delaware County District Attorney's Office. Over the ten years he spent there, he became Chief of the Special Victims Unit. During his time as Chief, he prosecuted many child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault cases. With Ryan's experience, it has made him into an aggressive trial attorney.

Ryan is an ideal attorney for victims of sexual abuse, violent crimes and personal injury; the years he spent overseeing all the investigations and prosecutions at the District Attorney's Office, has given him the skill to litigate civil and criminal cases.

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...

David Halpern has dedicated over 30 years of his career to advocating for the rights of individuals affected by asbestos exposure. Through extensive investigations, litigation, and settlements, he has successfully resolved numerous cases involving mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. Halpern's unwavering commitment and dedication have resulted in holding companies accountable for their actions and have led to the recovery of millions of dollars for victims of asbestos-related cancer.

Attorney Dawn K. Gull brings over two decades of experience specializing in family law matters, encompassing divorce, asset division, child custody, and financial support. Her practice, situated in Allegheny County, extends its services to clients across Beaver, Butler, and neighboring areas. The Law Offices of Dawn K. Gull adopt a pragmatic approach, facilitating an understanding of legal options while minimizing emotional strain. Operating in Pennsylvania, the firm customizes its services to meet individual client needs empathetically, considering the personal circumstances involved. With a forward-thinking outlook, the firm prioritizes shaping a positive future for clients post-resolving their family-related legal concerns.

Candice L. Komar is a founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC. Prior to this, she was a shareholder in the family law division of Buchanan Ingersoll (now Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC). A strong litigator and comprehensive attorney, Candice often deals with divorces involving closely held businesses, complex issues and high net worth individuals. With a head for business and more than two decades of experience, Candice is able to quickly assess cases, synthesize the numbers and provide cost options and estimates to her clients.

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...

Robb D. Bunde is a founding shareholder of the Pittsburgh law firm of Bunde & Roberts, P.C. He has concentrated his entire legal career in areas of family law such as divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, child support, paternity, custody and pre-nuptial agreements.

Robb is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has been certified by the AAML in Family Law Arbitration. Robb has been active in the Family Law Sections of both the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. He has been a Council Member of the Allegheny County Bar Association Family Law Section for three separate three-year...

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.

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...

Michael Davis has more than 40 years of experience handling uncontested divorces in Pennsylvania. Charging a flat fee of $219 for complete service, Mike offers a cheap and hassle free divorce solution to reduce the price and stress related with a divorce. Contact Davis Divorce Law today for a consultation to get started.

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...

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.

Attorney Christopher Miller was born in Hollywood, Florida, in 1971. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Beaver, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Beaver Area High School in 1989. He earned his BA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1993, and subsequently a J.D. in 1996 from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware. While attending law school, he served as the President of the Student Bar Association and was the recipient of the Dean Arthur Weeks Outstanding Service Award. Following graduation from law school, Mr. Miller initially worked for a civil defense firm, DeFalice & Douglas, P.C., for the first...

Mr. Pagliari's practice is concentrated in the areas of corporate restructuring and bankruptcy, bankruptcy related litigation and collection matters. He primarily represents corporate debtors, secured creditors, chapter 7 and chapter 11 trustees, and other entities involved in bankruptcy proceedings. Attorney Pagliari is also an approved mediator in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Pagliari graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1998. In 2001, he graduated from The University of Dayton School of Law,...

Inna Materese provides her clients with knowledgeable, holistic, and solution-oriented counsel through all matters of Family Law, including but not limited to, high-asset divorce, complex custody issues, protection from abuse, and support matters. Inna has successfully represented clients in the negotiation, litigation, and resolution of their family law matters in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Philadelphia Counties. Inna is actively involved with a variety of professional and community organizations. She is the Treasurer of the Montgomery County Family Law Section, a former member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Council, and former President of the Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of...

John A. Lauer is a Senior Partner with the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP, where he is Chairman of the firm's Trusts & Estates Group. He is also a member of the firm's Business and Tax Groups. John's practice consists primarily of Estate and Tax Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Elder Law, and Business Law.

John received his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Gannon University in 1986 and his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 1996. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to beginning...

I serve as general counsel to various companies, assisting with contractual, employment, insurance, litigation, real estate and other business issues. I strive to provide prompt, sound and rational legal advice and services.

Jay Solnick earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts and a law degree from Temple University School of Law. Jay has extensive experience litigating a wide variety of cases and claims in the state and federal courts of southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The insight and experience gained throughout his career, including the years which he spent handling insurance defense cases, are now utilized to the benefit of his clients in pursuing their personal injury claims. Jay’s practice is focused in the areas of personal injury and insurance claims, including matters involving serious and...

Diane has been practicing law since 1983, and has an AV rating from her colleagues, as determined by Martindale-Hubbell. After 4 years at the prestigious Philadelphia-based defense firm of Pepper Hamilton, Diane switched to a practice exclusively devoted to the representation of injured individuals. As such, she has practiced in various areas of personal injury, including medical malpractice, automobile accidents, premises liability, product liability, and workers’ compensation, and has lectured for the American Association of Justice and the Philadelphia Bar Association.

At the present time, Diane is concentrating her law practice in the field of pharmaceutical litigation, where she specializes in...

Attorney Andrew Sacks received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College and his Juris Doctorate from Dickinson School of Law. He began his legal career practicing personal injury law in Philadelphia. Later, he began administrating legal service plans for large labor unions, servicing a collective membership of over 50,000 members and their families.

In 1994, Mr. Sacks purchased his employer's assets and launched Sacks Weston, LLC. The firm handles personal injury, medical malpractice, maritime matters, and significant efforts were devoted to toxic tort and environmental contamination litigation.

Sacks Weston, LLC pioneered N.O.R.M. litigation, which resulted in the largest, single-landowner verdict in...

Justin Moriconi appears in Court’s all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He represents parties in adversary proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Districts of Delaware and Pennsylvania, concentrates in oil and gas litigation, trust petitions, and lease disputes in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania and New York, handles business and personal disputes small and large. He routinely defends insurance carriers in casualty liability litigation and parties in transactional matters. Most recently, Justin successfully tried and resolved an eight-year litigation against an insured with a multi-million dollar demand for nickels on the dollar. Justin formed Moriconi Flowers...

Peter Pinnola guides clients through the confusing and frustrating process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. A highly experienced and respected Philadelphia disability lawyer, Mr. Pinnola has represented disability claimants for over 40 years. Services at Pinnola & Bomstein, which may begin prior to the application, extend through all levels of appeal, including the administrative law judge hearing.

Bradley J. Vance concentrates his practice in the areas of bad faith, products liability, construction litigation, professional negligence, premises liability and insurance coverage. He has tried both jury and non-jury cases across multiple counties in Pennsylvania, and routinely tries cases in state courts in Pennsylvania and the Eastern and Middle District of Pennsylvania Federal Courts. He has been called upon to provide coverage opinions on a wide array of coverage issues and topics for both first-party and third-party claims. He has also represented insurance companies and claims administrators in class action litigation in various state courts and the Eastern and...

Stephen P. McConnell concentrates his practice on real estate, corporate and finance law, as well as general business transactions.

Mr. McConnell has extensive experience in a wide range of real estate matters including development, sales, acquisitions, financings, joint ventures and commercial leasing. He has advised real estate clients in numerous sophisticated transactions involving office buildings, raw land, mixed-use projects, warehouses and industrial sites through every phase of a real estate transaction, from drafting and negotiating the listing, to financing and purchase and sale agreements, through due diligence and settlement.

Mr. McConnell blends his business and finance practice with his keen legal...

Joseph L. Messa, Jr. is the founding partner of Messa & Associates, P.C. He is an AV-rated attorney (highest rating available), listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Mr. Messa handles cases involving medical malpractice, products liability, transportation accidents, construction and workplace injuries, fire, medical device, drug products liability, and other fields of complex personal injury litigation. He has represented clients from around the country and received seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements in medical malpractice, products liability, fire, and construction/work injury matters. Mr. Messa also serves the legal community by presenting lectures on medical malpractice, products liability, managed...

Mr. Spoden is a senior partner at MacDonald Illig. He concentrates his practice in the area of corporate, commercial and business law, with a special emphasis on taxation and estate planning for small business owners. He is also active in the area of business formation, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Mr. Spoden is experienced in small business counseling including industrial, professional and service corporations.

Mr. Spoden is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Attorney Mikovch has over 25 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney. In his criminal defense practice, he represents individuals charged with crimes ranging from felonies, misdemeanors and summary charges. He has successfully defended clients in numerous jury trials with the end results being not guilty on all counts. Attorney Mikovch has represented clients against the Office of Children and Youth when people are wrongly accused of abuse and Indicated, and represents both plaintiffs and defendants in Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings. He also represents individuals on state-issued license employment matters which may be affected...

Roger H. Taft is a trial lawyer at MacDonald Illig whose primary areas of practice are employment litigation, including employment discrimination and wrongful discharge cases, and complex commercial litigation.

In his litigation practice, Mr. Taft represents clients in federal and state courts throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, as well as in federal courts throughout the United States.

Mr. Taft enjoys travel, golf, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.