Crucible Lawyers

With over 20 years of experience, William R. Bickerton has fought for defendants throughout Pennsylvania. Let's face it: Even a traffic ticket isn't "just a ticket" since it can increase your car insurance rates or leave you with a driver's license suspension. Attorney Bickerton understands the effects that being charged with a crime can have on your life and fights hard to get the best results for his clients and protect their reputations.

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.

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.

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.

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...

I grew up in suburban Pittsburgh in a blue collar family where I was instilled with working class ethics and values that continue to embody me today — and that I recognize and appreciate in many of the people I represent in the criminal court system.

I am dedicated to fighting for the rights of my clients to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, to fair and speedy trials, to just punishment, and to not be coerced into self-incrimination. I believe passionately that the basic principles regarding the rights of people accused of crimes are worth upholding and...

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...

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.

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 Tabano is a litigator whose practice concentrates on Family Law. He is a skilled negotiator who knows his way around the courtroom. For almost 20 years he has handled hundreds of difficult cases involving divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, protection from abuse and support. Attorney Steve Tabano has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He also has many years of experience in Pennsylvania’s criminal courts having tried numerous jury trials including client’s charged with homicide and white-collar crimes.

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...

Chuck Hadad is a Partner and Chair of the Estates and Trusts Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in estate administration, probate, estate planning, trust administration, corporate and business planning, and real estate transactions. Chuck counsels individuals and businesses in a variety of complex matters and enjoys working one-on-one with clients to help them reach their goals.

Chuck has broad experience in advising clients in all facets of estate planning and estate administration. He works closely with clients in the preparation of documents that fit their customized needs, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts and charitable gift/trust planning, and...

Daniel P. Lynch, Founder and Managing Partner of The Lynch Law Group, has been a practicing attorney for more than 26 years. His areas of strength and experience include commercial litigation; securities litigation; employment law counseling and litigation; business succession planning; mergers and acquisitions and general corporate transactions.

Dan is a success-driven leader with superior organization and communication skills. He has practical business experience, a solid work ethic and brings an entrepreneurial approach to his practice of law.

Liberty J. Weyandt is the Chair of the Family Law Practice Group. She concentrates her practice in family matters including divorce, equitable distribution, support, child custody and pre and post nuptial agreements. Liberty has more than 18 years of experience litigating various family matters in several Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny and Butler counties.

In addition to extensive, traditional litigation experience, she is also a trained Collaborative Law attorney and Mediator. Liberty has been helping clients resolve disputes respectfully, without going to Court for more than ten years.

The Collaborative Process is a method of resolving a dispute whereby each party voluntarily agrees...

With almost two decades of experience in family law and criminal defense, Attorney Tibbott focuses on strategic communication to bring clients freedom and peace during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Ms. Cohen went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law as a single parent of two children. While working her way through law school Laura decided she wanted to provide competent legal services geared towards family needs. Attorney Cohen opened Family Legal Center, LLC in 1996 in an effort to provide community based legal services in the areas of Family Law and Estate Administration. Ms. Cohen was also a Senior Hearing Committee Member of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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 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....

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...

Jennifer Price is a special education attorney in the Pittsburgh metro area who has received awards for her legal skills and advocacy. She was a former prosecutor for the Allegheny County Office of the District Attorney in both the adult and juvenile divisions, where she prosecuted cases major felonies. As a special education attorney, she believes in making sure every child has an opportunity to succeed both in school and in life. Her boutique law firm provides disability law-related legal services in special educational law, guardianships, and special needs trusts. With over 10 years of experience, Jennifer Price...

I have always found it odd that many lawyers claim to be “experienced” simply based on how long ago they graduated law school. Some lawyers even take this one step further touting “combined experience” by adding together all the time elapsed since graduation of every attorney at the firm. Experience should not be measured by the number of years that have passed since passing the bar exam and number of grey hairs. Experience should be measured by what an attorney has accomplished since graduation, not when he or she graduated. Prior to starting my own law firm, I served for...

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.

The Law Office of Michael J. Girardi is committed to providing peace of mind, stability, and security to the residents and families of the Alle-Kiski Valley. With an emphasis on Estate Planning and Estate Administration, the Law Office focuses on protecting your assets and preserving your family and legacy. The Law Office is determined to afford each and every client a personalized experience centered on your family needs and recognizing that every situation is unique.

David T. Leake is the owner of the Law Office of David T. Leake, Esq. located in downtown Somerset. Attorney Leake opened his office after working for Joseph B. Policicchio, an attorney with 40 years of experience in Somerset, who transferred his law practice to Attorney Leake. His office occupies an entire building on Center Street and he has a full time paralegal/secretary/public notary on staff with over twenty years of experience to assist him as well as an assistant paralegal. Attorney Leake has extensive courtroom experience as his practice focuses mainly on courtroom litigation. He has presented countless cases before...

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....

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.