Clairton Lawyers

James Lopez, a civil litigation attorney at Kraemer, Manes & Associates in Pittsburgh, concentrates his practice in employment law. His clients appreciate his accessibility and efficiency with their cases. His friendliness belies a ferocious advocate.

His legal experience includes a number of different industries. James has encountered and explored legal areas from Oil & Gas to Personal Injury. His grasp on all these areas further helps him to provide the care to his clients that they need. James recognizes the best legal options for his clients, staying accessible and quickly adapting to new information.

Before joining the KM&A team, James worked with...

Kayla is an experienced trial lawyer with a focus on employment law including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and unemployment compensation. Kayla attended the Pennsylvania State University for undergrad receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts in English. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for law school. Kayla started her law career at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office where she tried a number of jury and bench trials to verdict. Kayla entered private practice to fight for employee’s rights, which she has continued to do throughout her career. Kayla is...

A well-known equitable distribution and custody litigator in complex, high-conflict divorce cases, Todd M. Begg has practiced family law for more than two decades. Articulate and experienced about statutes and case law, Todd exhausts all efforts to amicably resolve issues and is also a zealous advocate for his high net worth clients in the courtroom. With a background in psychology and sociology, Todd is extremely comfortable litigating cases that deal with issues of addiction, mental illness or abuse and is comfortable analyzing the critical testimony of psychologists, social workers and other experts in these convoluted cases. Before founding Pollock...

Matt is a trial attorney focusing on business, construction, collections, and probate, estate and trust litigation matters. Matt routinely represents his clients in both federal and state court, along with private arbitration and mediation.

As part of his business litigation practice, Matt frequently handles breach of contract claims, tort litigation claims, non-competition/non-solicitation matters, and shareholder disputes. As part of his construction law practice, Matt frequently represents architects and engineers in design defect cases, and assists all his construction clients, including design professionals, contractors, and suppliers in filing, when applicable, mechanic’s lien claims or making claims through the CASPA and...

Attorney Gordon received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and earned membership in the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers. He also graduated with the John P. Gismondi certificate in civil litigation. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he interned for a United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, served on the Editorial Board of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review, was a certified legal intern for Neighborhood Legal Services, and a legal writing teaching assistant....

Justin has experience handling all construction-related claims and disputes, ranging from complex delay claims, change order disputes, defective construction claims, mechanic’s lien claims, bonding disputes, and differing site condition claims, among many others. In addition, Justin advises clients during all project phases, including contract negotiation and planning, procurement, project execution, and change order management. In addition to his construction practice, Justin regularly represents clients in complex commercial litigation and business disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, UCC-claims, and business tort claims.

Gwen R. Acker Wood, PhD., Esq., is a registered patent attorney with over 18 years experience in all forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and copyrights. Her practice includes preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications, patentability and infringement/freedom-to-operate opinions, due diligence analyses, U.S. and foreign patent portfolio strategy and management, trademark searches and registration, and copyright registration. Dr. Acker Wood has a doctorate in biology, and her areas of expertise include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomechanical and mechanical devices, chemistry and life sciences. Dr. Acker Wood is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State...

Vanessa’s extensive legal training began at the University of Duquesne School of Law, where she graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Vanessa’s strong academic credentials gained the attention of numerous employers eager to capitalize on her legal talents. Over the years, she has served as a Law Clerk at Steele Schneider, an Attorney Advisor for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, an Associate Attorney for McMorrow Law, and as an Associate Attorney for May Law Group. Today, Vanessa focuses her practice exclusively on United States immigration law. She has achieved numerous successful outcomes and will fight...

Roopal Luhana is one of the founding partners of the Chaffin Luhana LLP law firm. The Chaffin Luhana law firm has offices located in New York, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and West Virgina, WV. Roopal Luhana focuses her law practicing on successfully representing victims of all types of product liability, personal injury, and auto accident victims. Mrs. Luhana has extensive successful experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including table saw injuries. She is dedicated to providing every single one of her clients who have suffered injuries or emotional distress because of the negligent actions...

Patrick Booth is an Associate at Chaffin Luhana LLP where he focuses his practice on representing personal injury victims in mass tort litigation and transportation accidents.

Born in Pittsburgh, Bill is the son of a city firefighter. After growing up in Pittsburgh’s Garfield section and in Penn Hills, Pa., he worked his way through college and law school, earning his Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University.

Mr. Goodrich serves as President of the law firm of Goodrich & Geist, P.C. He received his B.A. in 1974 and his J.D. in 1979 from Duquesne University. Mr. Goodrich is a Past President of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association (1996-1997), as well as a past President for the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association (1994-1995). Attorney Goodrich is an active member...

The son of a mining equipment salesman and a public–school teacher, Josh grew up in Lancaster, Pa. He earned his B.A. and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, where he became a member of the distinguished academic honor society Phi Beta Kappa.

Mr. Geist is a partner with Goodrich & Geist, P.C. in Pittsburgh. He concentrates his practice in personal injury representation, automobile litigation, medical negligence and product liability. Mr. Geist received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh and his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is the Immediate Past President...

James Doring is an associate at Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. Several years after receiving his bachelor’s degree in business software, Mr. Doring became interested in the legal profession and graduated summa cum laude from Duquesne University with his Juris Doctor. Jamie Doring joined Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. in 2014 and is dedicated to helping those suffering from asbestos-related injuries and harmful chemical exposures.

Ben’s practice is focused on representing injured individuals in medical malpractice, products liability, motor vehicle accidents, and general personal injury claims. Having represented injured individuals for years, Ben understands how an accident, malpractice, or a dangerous product can affect a person and their family. He also understands what is necessary to obtain the results his clients deserve when they are injured. For a sample of the types and results of cases Ben has handled, click here.

Ben has been named a Rising Star by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® each year since 2015. The Rising Star category consists of a selection of top...

Danielle M. Parks is an Associate in Post & Schell's Workers' Compensation Department, defending employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and insurers in workers' compensation claims throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining Post & Schell, Ms. Parks was an associate with a regional firm and represented employees in labor and employment-related claims. Prior to that, she was a legal assistant and paralegal for several Pittsburgh area law firms for almost ten years.

Ms. Parks graduated from Duquesne University's School of Law in 2016. Before law school, Danielle graduated in 2007 from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor’s...

Todd W. Elliott, Esq. is a Pittsburgh area resident and a litigator by vocation. For 16 years, he practiced civil litigation (plaintiff and defense) throughout Western Pennsylvania. Having worked for two prominent regional firms, Mr. Elliott's areas of practice include breach of contract, construction law, mechanic's liens, invention design cases, contractor/sub-contractor disputes, covenant not-to-compete (non-compete clauses), employee defense of non-compete, business enforcement of non-compete, trade secret violations, theft of mailing lists/recipes, professional negligence, premises liability, unfair trade practices, trade disparagement, and multistate litigation. Over the course of his career, Mr. Elliott handled the mediation of disputes, several trials by jury,...

I am an experienced family law attorney with a law practice primarily focused on divorce, child custody, child support, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. After nearly thirty-five years of practice, I have the knowledge, skill, and patience it takes to assist individuals through what can be a difficult transition in their life. Most cases settle without court and my practice focuses on keeping clients out of court, if possible, by using the collaborative law process, mediation, or traditional negotiation. I have completed the basic collaborative law training and have more than 100 hours of additional collaborative law training. I also...

At SMT Legal, our personal injury attorneys will work aggressively to win your case and make a positive difference in your life. Our experienced lawyers will fight for just compensation in personal injury cases and will rigorously defend your rights and personal liberties against criminal charges. We also provide Mediation and Arbitration services. For personal injury cases we do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. The sooner we can start helping you, the more likely it is that we will collect the best evidence, witnesses and...

Jessica Nelson in an associate at SWMW Law, Ms. Nelson began her journey at SWMW Law, as a paralegal. Inspired by the firm’s practice and dedication to its clients, Ms. Nelson decided to pursue her Juris Doctor at Duquesne University; taking classes at night while working full time for the firm. Jessica Nelson’s primary focus is in asbestos litigation, products liability, and premises liability.

Sean Ruppert, a business law and litigation attorney, merged his independent practice with KM&A in 2015, becoming a core member of the team. He now focuses on two main areas of law: business law and civil litigation. Sean guides business owners in avoiding costly mistakes and making good decisions with their contract negotiation, insurance decisions, employment practices, and entity formation. When employers mistreat employees, he fights for the fair compensation of the employees. Sean is a strategic thinker and a savvy negotiator when advising small businesses and fighting in court.

Sean is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of...

Fallon Carroll Stephenson is a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington & Jefferson College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Philosophy. At Washington & Jefferson, Fallon was the President of Delta Gamma Fraternity, a member of The Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial Team. Fallon received her Juris Doctor Degree from Duquesne University School of Law. While at Duquesne, Fallon received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Legal Research and Writing. During law school, Fallon gained valuable experience in complex litigation matters working as a law clerk for Blumling...

Richard Ernsberger's practice focuses on litigation in state court on insurance and investment sales practice and contractual disputes. He has a broad range of experience, including drafting motions, conducting legal research and analysis, and arbitration practice. Richard is a graduate of the Ohio Northern School of Law and he earned a Bachelors of Science from the George Washington University in Economics. Richard was an intern for the Honorable Congressman William Coyne as an undergrad and was employed by the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. following graduation from George Washington. Richard attended the Ohio Northern University School of...

Mike established the firm in 2002 after 15 years in the field of Health Care and Insurance law.
As former Special Counsel at Tucker Arensberg.P.C., Now principal of Laffey & Associates and Other Party Liability Inc. Mike has established one of the premier law firm subrogation departments in the country dedicated to serving Employee Benefit Plans subrogation interests. As former in-house counsel for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mike has assisted in the design and delivery of several managed health care systems from design of the benefit package, through contracting, regulatory approval, and the marketing of the new programs. Mike...

I have successfully defended individuals in DUI cases for over 30 years. Over those 30 years I have developed relationships with local District Judges, Prosecuting Attorneys and State and Local Police Officers. Those relationships can allow me to secure a good result in your case even when the DUI laws are not on your side. With over 30 years of experience, I have tried thousands of cases before judges and juries. Through my trial experience, knowledge of law and the relationships I have developed, I can protect your future.

John B. Payne, Attorney, established his practice in 1983, becoming a full-service general practice and litigation firm in 1988, when John received his LL.M. in Taxation. John lectures on estate planning and other topics to groups interested in legal issues. He is the author of Michigan Probate and Counseling the Elderly Client in Michigan, plus numerous articles and seminar manuals. Experienced in appellate matters John has appealed many criminal, civil rights and tax cases in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Thomas D. Berret has been a personal injury and wrongful death attorrney since he graduated from the University of Akron School of Law in 1995. In those nearly three decades, he has represented thousands of Pennsylvania residents who were injured or killed as the result of the carelessness of others. Over the past twenty eight years, Tom has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of personal injury or wrongful death suits such as ATV accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, car crashes, motorcycle collisions, construction accidents, dog bites, and slip and falls. Although Tom has successfully resolved most of his client’s...

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Dedicated and seasoned Community and Legal Advocate. Experienced in Community Outreach service and engagement. Able to maintain a consistently positive and respectful attitude toward all citizens and authorities. CORE QUALIFICATIONS (Legal research, writing and analysis of legal issues) Experienced Attorney, supervisor and office manager Notary Public Mediator Expertise in Criminal law outreach and recruitment program management Knowledge of local community needs and appropriate public resources Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I focus my practice on representing injured persons in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, dog bites and other types of personal injury claims. I have also represented business clients in litigation matters, assisted families in estate administration proceedings and handled the firm’s criminal practice and zoning cases. I am licensed to practice in all Pennsylvania courts, including U.S. District Court of the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Blaire Patrick, an employment litigation attorney at KM&A in Pittsburgh, grounds her practice on her experience representing clients who need Social Security disability benefits. Her humanitarian work in Boston and Pittsburgh solidified the knowledge that the law is vital in offering relief and aid to workers in difficult circumstances. Blaire pierces to the center of every legal issue and strategizes to obtain the best possible outcome.

Real life experience of the difficulty of employment issues spurs her to champion the needs of her clients. Blaire listens to her clients. She knows that being unable to work, facing employment discrimination, or being...

Mr. Chaffin is admitted to the Bars of the States of New York and West Virginia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of West Virginia. He is additionally confessed to practice under the watchful eye of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second and Third Circuits.