Rankin Lawyers

My interest in medicine began because of my experience as a navy corpsman. After the navy I found that my training in the navy enabled me to find work in Pittsburgh Hospitals as a respiratory therapist. Then I continued my work as a respiratory therapist for seven years while completing my undergraduate education. I even worked summers as a respiratory therapist while in law school. I went to law school for the specific purpose of representing victims of medical malpractice. I began this crusade at a time when few lawyers handled medical malpractice cases in...

I have over 14 years of experience handling complex family law matters. In 2000, I graduated from Duquesne University School of Law. I have worked in private practice representing clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. For two years, I clerked for a Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge. My experience as an appellate law clerk has enhanced my knowledge of the law and my understanding of the legal process. I opened my law offices in 2009. My law offices are conveniently located in the Southside of Pittsburgh within two (2) blocks of the...

Mr. Ernsberger was a founding partner of the law firm of Behrend and Ernsberger, and is now a shareholder in its successor, Behrend and Ernsberger, P.C. with offices in the City of Pittsburgh. Mr. Ernsberger has been engaged primarily in trial practice for twenty years, having in that time tried approximately 50 civil jury trials of various types and degrees of complexity and settled many others. The claims litigated include medical malpractice, RICO, ERISA, Fair Labor Standards Act, consumer protection, trademark infringement, patent infringement, patent mismarking, Federal False Claims, products liability, multi-unit construction contracts, employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, insurance fraud,...

Since 1976, Melvin L. Vatz has been faithfully providing legal counsel and guidance to clients. As a Pittsburgh lawyer, he handles a comprehensive range of cases. Whether you have been injured on the job, hurt in an accident, charged with a crime, or caught up in an employment law issue, Attorney Mel is there for you. He has tried cases in both federal and state courts and has taken on major appeals. With nearly 40 years of legal experience, Mel is the advocate you want in your corner. As a former Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County, he brings a...

Matt is a graduate, magna cum laude, of Duquesne University School of Law and The Pennsylvania State University. Matt was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Western District of Pennsylvania in 2011. Matt’s practice focuses primarily in the areas of personal injury and general litigation, including, civil, employment, criminal, family, business, estate, and real estate matters. Matt also heads our bankruptcy department and represents consumers in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings throughout Pennsylvania.

During Law school, Matt was a writer and senior staff member for the Duquesne Law Review and an...

Mark Malak is an attorney at Berger and Green, where he represents and fights for disabled individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits. Attorney Malak takes great pride in his work, treating every client with respect and professionalism. He is committed to ensuring his clients receive the benefits they deserve. Practice Areas: Social Security Disability Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Contact Information: www.bergerandgreen.com 412-661-1400 Berger and Green 800 Waterfront Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Experience: Attorney at Berger and Green since 2019 Litigated Social Security Disability cases in over 30 states Education: Juris Doctor, Hofstra University School of Law, Hempstead, NY (2013) Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ (2010) Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania New York New Jersey Honors and Awards: Selected to...

Attorney Richard Thiele received his Bachelor’s Degree from Washington and Jefferson College and received his Doctoral Degree in Law from John Marshall Law School where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Attorney Thiele is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, District of Columbia, and Georgia. Attorney Thiele’s passion for the law and pursuit of legal justice for his clients over the years has resulted in a winning record that has cultivated continued representation, referrals and long lasting relationships from both his corporate and his individual clients alike. Attorney Thiele’s methodology is that every client should be treated as...

As Managing Partner at Berger and Green, Attorney Amanda J. Bonnesen is dedicated to representing individuals in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia in Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. With extensive experience and a deep commitment to her clients, she understands the life-changing impact these benefits can have. She takes pride in guiding her clients through the disability process, ensuring they receive the support they need to move forward with their lives. Education and Early Career Graduated from The Linsly School (1999) Earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina Participated in the National Student Exchange...