Jackson Center Lawyers

Attorney Bill Copetas has been practicing law since 1993 after completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Pennsylvania. Over the span of his nearly 25 year career, he has chosen to focus his work in the areas of workers’ compensation, personal injury, and litigation.

After many years of representing defendants in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, Mr. Copetas now represents plaintiffs exclusively. His prior experience on the other side of the courtroom affords him a well-rounded perspective of how these cases, and insurance companies, work. When you choose to work with Mr. Copetas, you can rest assured that he...

As a former Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County, Natalie has experience prosecuting everything from speeding tickets to serious felonies. In addition to having conducted numerous pre-trial hearings and plea negotiations, Natalie has handled thousands of criminal cases at all levels including jury trials, bench trials and preliminary hearings. With her experience as a prosecutor and her extensive knowledge of current case law, Natalie is able to represent criminal defendants in a wide variety of cases. Having spent years prosecuting, she has intimate knowledge of the justice system's expectations and procedures, which puts her in a unique position to be...

My practice is concentrated in criminal defense and personal injury litigation — including wrongful death, auto accidents, fall downs and other personal injury actions. I also handle general civil litigation matters, such as contract and landlord/tenant disputes. I've litigated scores of civil and criminal matters, including approximately 40 jury trials as of 2021. I've successfully litigated such trials in both federal and state court. Over a four year span, I was able to obtain total acquittals in six out of nine trials during this time period. I've had the chance to handle several high profile criminal cases, such as: a...

Mr. Toohey's practice over the years has included representation of Hospitals, Healthcare Systems, Banks, School Districts, Townships, Boroughs, Zoning Hearing Boards and Private Corporations; as well as private individuals and entities. In addition to representing clients, Mr. Toohey has also been a Hearing Officer in the areas of Civil Service, Tax Appeal, Employment, Divorce, and School law.

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...

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...

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.

Kerith Strano Taylor, Esquire, has been practicing family law in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania since 2001 and has served as Guardian ad Litem for Jefferson County since 2004. Kerith has been an active member of the Statewide Children's Roundtable Initiative, since it was created by Supreme Court Justice Max Baer in 2006. She currently sits on the Jefferson County Children’s Roundtable, the regional Leadership Roundtable 7, and the Statewide Children’s Roundtable. In addition, Kerith served on the Children’s Roundtable Summit Planning Committee in 2009 and 2010. Kerith was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Juvenile Court...

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with honors, Ms. Seelinger gained valuable trial experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. After spending time in the trial division, appellate division and juvenile division of the District Attorney's Office, Attorney Seelinger left to start her own law firm. Attorney Seelinger is lead counsel for Seelinger Law where she represents clients in the areas of bankruptcy law and criminal defense.

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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 co-founded the law firm over 20 years ago. We specialize in representing injured people. Every one of our attorneys has more than 20 years of experience. We get results for our clients. Unlike others, who charge 40% fee on personal injury cases, our fee is only 25%. We feel that it is our client who has been injured and, therefore, he/she deserves the larger share of the recovery. There is NEVER a fee unless we recover money for you!! We've got your back, not your wallet!!!

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.

I am an estate planning and personal injury lawyer with deep roots in Westmoreland County. I specialize in safeguarding legacies through estate planning and advocating for personal injury cases. When you choose me as your attorney, you're partnering with a dedicated member of this community who will stand by your side every step of the way. Let's work together to protect your future and ensure your rights are upheld.

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...

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.

Whether you’ve been charged with a DUI/DWI, are facing other criminal charges, dealing with a family law matter, or handling the estate of a loved one, you need a lawyer you can count on and trust. You need Attorney Damon C. Hopkins. Since 1995, Attorney Hopkins has assisted thousands of clients throughout the Erie, Pennsylvania area in resolving their legal issues. Having worked as a criminal prosecutor for eight years, he has the knowledge and litigation experience to provide spectacular representation to clients in need of legal assistance in criminal defense, DUI/DWI, juvenile delinquency, and traffic violations.

If you and your...

Victor H. Pribanic is an award-winning Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice attorney, who also frequently practices in the areas of: Automobile Defects, Birth Injuries, Business Litigation and Employment Issues, Civil Trials and Arbitration, Criminal Law and Trials, and Product Liability and Defective Products. 95% of Victor’s practice is devoted to Litigation. Victor is the founding member of Pribanic & Pribanic, a Pittsburgh based regional trial practice firm. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and Duquesne University School of Law. He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Pittsburgh and founded the present firm in 1984. Best Lawyers...

Pittsburgh attorney Mark F. McKenna has over 35 years of trial experience with a concentration in the area of Civil Litigation, including products liability, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and personal injury litigation.

Free Consultation! Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer George Heym is a Former DUI Prosecutor. He now uses his knowledge of DUI Law and the system to defend those charged with DUI.

We have been providing compassionate legal services at reasonable prices in the Mount Pleasant area since 1990. I was born and raised in Mount Pleasant Township, have always been a part of the community, and intend to remain in the Mount Pleasant community for many years. I enjoy spending sufficient time with my clients so that we can best determine how we will be able to assist you. We routinely handle Estates and Estate Planning matters. We also handle general practice matters, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcies. As a debt relief firm, we help people file for relief...

Attorney Jason Matzus is widely recognized by his peers and colleagues for his professionalism, skill, integrity, and knowledge. He is currently the president of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, which is the largest organization for trial lawyers in Pennsylvania and one of the most prominent trial lawyer organizations in the country. He has also served as the president of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. Attorney Matzus considers election by his peers to these leadership positions to be one of the highest professional compliments that a lawyer can achieve.

Mr. Matzus has consistently been selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers®, named a...