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Michael S. Bechtold
Partner
Back to All Professionals
Michael S. Bechtold
Partner
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Lebanon, PA

Mike is a member of the firm’s Business, Litigation and Trusts & Estates practice groups. He prides himself on providing practical, understandable, yet creative legal representation to his clients.

Mike is experienced in a wide range of legal fields, having served as a general practitioner for almost two decades, while also becoming an experienced litigator. Mike regularly handles various forms of civil litigation, from simple to complex, and in diverse legal areas, across the mid-state and beyond. He is well versed in handling all forms of business disputes, breach of contract matters and tort claims, amongst others.

Furthermore, Mike has substantial experience handling liability-related claims while litigating for both plaintiff and defense positions. He is a member of The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.  

In his business practice, Mike counsels entities of all shapes and sizes. From business formation, shareholder advising, contract preparation or review, licensing, buy/sell agreements or dissolution, Mike assists both family-owned and corporate-operated businesses with all their corporate legal needs.

As part of his general practice, Mike has drafted wills, trusts, powers of attorney and medical directives as well as handled estate administration following the passing of a loved one. With a team approach, he frequently prepares and processes all forms of estate documents based on each individual client’s needs and circumstances.

Mike currently serves as the solicitor for Lebanon School District, providing counsel for a wide range of matters and needs, including employment, construction, contract preparation and review, student discipline, and general guidance and input on collective bargaining agreements.

While earning his undergraduate degree at Princeton University, Mike showcased his talent on the court as an NCAA Division I basketball player. He earned All-Ivy League honors and served as captain of the Men’s Basketball Team. His leadership helped propel the team to two Ivy League titles, while also securing opportunities to compete in both the NCAA and NIT post-season tournaments. The Lebanon County native continues to play and coach basketball along with other youth sports and give back to the local community.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Lebanon County Bar Association

 

RECOGNITIONS
  • The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • William H.G. Warner Pro Bono Award Winner (2020)
  • Central PA Chapter Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2009)

 

Michael S. Bechtold
Education
  • Widener University School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Princeton University, B.A. Political Science
Admissions
  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Community Involvement
Falcon Youth Basketball League

Board Member and Travel Team Coach

Princeton Alumni Schools Committee Mentor

Mentor

Lebanon Valley Educational Partnership

Member

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation

Board of Directors (2016-2023)

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital

Board of Directors (2017-2022)

Widener Law School

Board of Advisors (2018-2020)

Lebanon County Bar Association

President (2018-2019) and Vice President (2016-2017)

Salvation Army Advisory Board

Vice Chair (2007-2014)

American Heart Association Heart Ball

Chair (2013)

Related News

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Press Release
March 5, 2025

Barley Snyder Expands Presence in Lebanon with Addition of Partner Michael Bechtold and Team

For Immediate Release Lebanon, Pa. – Barley Snyder is pleased to announce the addition of partner Michael S. Bechtold ...

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