Position: Attorney

Kristen L. Hartman

Kristen is a member of the firm’s Trust & Estates Practice Group with an established history of working in banking and law. She has substantial experience in estate planning and document drafting, retirement and charitable planning, estate administration, and wealth transfer. Kristen is also well-versed in advising individuals and institutions on fiduciary administration. 

Before joining Barley Snyder, Kristen served as Chief Fiduciary Officer at a Lancaster-based bank where she was responsible for managing the fiduciary business, client servicing, and financial planning aspects. She also has experience working as a Wealth Planner. Prior to entering the banking world, Kristen practiced for a regional law firm in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, charitable and elder law. Kristen’s many experiences in the wealth management, banking and legal industries give her a solid understanding and unique perspective of estate planning and administration. 

Kristen is an active member of her Lancaster community, currently serving on the board of directors for the Institute for the Development of Educational Alliances (IDEALLL) and the Lancaster Law Foundation. She earned her B.A from Dickinson College, her J.D. from Widener University School of Law, and her LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law. 

MEMBERSHIPS/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Associations
  • Lancaster Bar Associations

Rebecca M. Shanaman

Rebecca is a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups. Guided by a philosophy of partnership and teamwork, she works closely with clients to craft strategic, results-driven solutions. As a seasoned negotiator, she is adept at aligning legal strategy with each client’s distinct goals and priorities.

Real Estate
In her real estate practice, Rebecca represents both buyers and sellers of commercial real estate from the initial start of the transaction through closing. She has extensive experience representing institutional landowners, in complex leasing matters, real estate sales and real estate purchases. Rebecca frequently negotiates and draft leases for landlords for a wide variety of commercial real estate uses, including office, restaurant, manufacturing, medical office, agriculture, and solar. She also assists real estate developers in all stages of development, including conducting due diligence and resolving complicated zoning and title issues. In addition, Rebecca represents bar and restaurant owners with the purchase, sale and transfer of liquor licenses, shepherding the process through the PLCB.

Business
In her business practice, Rebecca represents small to midsize businesses in all matters, such as mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. She has experience working through the creation of complicated corporate structures in order to properly protect the interests of all company members. Rebecca frequently acts as outside general counsel to several local companies, helping to create strategy for growth and to assess risk. In addition, she has a strong commitment to serving family-owned businesses, understanding the unique dynamics and challenges they face.

Before becoming an attorney, Rebecca began her career as a social worker – an experience that shaped her ability to understand people’s motivations with empathy and without judgment. That perspective gives her an edge in navigating complex negotiations and building strong, collaborative relationships with clients. She is responsive, experienced and knowledgeable, but above all, she values helping people. Rebecca approaches every matter as a true partnership, treating each representation as a shared effort to achieve her client’s goals.

Outside of the firm, Rebecca holds several board positions with community organizations throughout central Pennsylvania. She currently serves on the board of directors for Bell Socialization and Braided River Collective. Rebecca resides in York with her husband and their two children.

Raymond A. Durkin, Jr.

Ray is a member of the firm’s Business Practice Group with a wide range of experience and a steadfast dedication to his clients and his community. He acts as a trusted advisor to his clients, providing strategic guidance, mitigating risk and facilitating success.

Ray concentrates his practice heavily on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), where he is dedicated to helping businesses navigate complex transactions with confidence. With experience in structuring M&A deals, Ray works closely with clients to ensure their legal strategies align with their broader business objectives, facilitating deals that create value while minimizing legal risks. He understands that the right legal approach can open doors, create opportunities and drive business growth. Ray’s goal is always to help clients structure transactions in ways that reflect both business realities and strategic goals, empowering them to make decisions with certainty.

In addition to his M&A work, Ray maintains an active general business law practice. He advises clients on all facets of business operations, from entity selection and formation to succession planning and dissolution. Ray regularly assists with contract drafting, review and negotiation. His experience extends to corporate governance, commercial leases, real estate purchase agreements, and a variety of other transactional matters. Furthermore, he is well-versed with handling formations for nonprofit organizations and filing tax exemption applications. Ray regularly collaborates with family-owned businesses as well as companies spanning a diverse range of industries.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Ray practiced at a law firm based in Central Pennsylvania where he gained a variety of experience handling business organizations and transactions, real estate transactions, estate planning matters, trademark matters and more. Ray holds a juris doctor degree from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and a master’s degree from the Villanova University School of Business. He completed his undergraduate studies at Dickinson College majoring in International Business & Management and Spanish.

Outside of the firm, Ray is an avid golfer and enjoys snowboarding among other outdoor activities. An active member of his community, Ray is a Leadership Lancaster graduate and serves on the board of Good Samaritan Services. In addition, he regularly volunteers at Wills for Heroes, preparing estate planning documents for local first responders. Ray currently lives in Ephrata with his wife and daughter.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star (2024)
  • Daniel F. O’Dea Fellowship Award for Excellence and Professionalism in Legal Research
PUBLICATIONS/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
  • Supreme Court May Consider Statute of Limitations for Fee Claims Under Individuals with Disabilities in Education (Feb. 2021)
  • Federal Court Narrows Scope of When Parents May Request Independent Educational Evaluation at Public Expense (Jan. 2021)
  • Pennsylvania Modernizes Digital Assets and Digital Disclosure Laws (Dec. 2020)
  • Pennsylvania Legislature Amends Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act (Nov. 2018)
LANGUAGES
  • Spanish (proficient)

Brandon R. Griest

Brandon is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in the areas of commercial litigation, collections, construction litigation and real estate litigation. He aggressively pursues the interest of his clients and counsels them in navigating the legal system from pre-complaint strategy through successful trial strategy. Brandon’s extensive experience has honed his skills as a prolific litigator. 

Brandon works with a diverse range of clients from individuals to local businesses and multinational corporations. He is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client, regardless of the size or complexity of the claim. He regularly appears in both state and federal trial courts as well as appellate courts advocating zealously for his clients. Additionally, when appropriate, Brandon seeks to resolve matters prior to trial and regularly utilizes mediation and arbitration services to aid in resolution.  

Brandon has experience representing: 

  • Businesses (local and international) in contract disputes 
  • Shareholders and business owners in ownership disputes
  • Contractors, subcontractors and owners in construction litigation 
  • Property owners in real estate disputes including boundary line disputes, right-of-way and easement disputes, adverse possession, and oil and gas matters 
  • Landlords and tenants in eviction and ejectment matters 

Prior to joining Barley, Brandon worked at a law firm based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania where he represented clients in various matters with a primary focus on commercial litigation including contract disputes and uniform commercial code litigation, in addition to real estate litigation including easement disputes, boundary line disputes, landlord-tenant law (commercial and residential), oil and gas ownership and royalty disputes, and construction litigation. In this role, he guided his clients through all stages of the litigation process from initial conferences to trials and appeals in both state and federal courts. Brandon also has experience serving as solicitor for municipalities in addition to regional water and sewer authorities.

A Lancaster County native, Brandon is a graduate of Hempfield High School. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lancaster-South and serves as Chair of the Student of the Month Honors Committee. He is also a member of LancasterHistory and sits on the Scouting America – Pennsylvania Dutch Council’s Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner Committee in addition to volunteering with Wills for Heroes. Outside of the firm, Brandon likes spending time outdoors where he enjoys activities including hiking, kayaking and playing softball and volleyball.  

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Lancaster Bar Association
  • Dauphin County Bar Association
RECOGNITIONS
  • Rotarian of the Year (2022/23) – Williamsport, PA Rotary Club

Nichole L. Eisenhart 

Nichole is a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates and Litigation practice groups with nearly two decades of legal experience. Her time working in the public sector has provided her with a unique perspective of the law in addition to extensive trial experience.

Nichole’s approach to both her Trusts & Estates and Litigation practices is grounded in a practical viewpoint. She recognizes that many clients are facing complex, emotional, and sometimes difficult decisions, especially in the areas of guardianship and trusts/estates. Whether assisting clients with the delicate task of navigating guardianship proceedings or helping families address the decline or loss of a loved one, Nichole’s empathetic approach helps ease what can often be an overwhelming process. She takes time to truly understand her clients’ needs and concerns, offering guidance through some of their most trying times.

In her estate planning practice, Nichole helps individuals and families plan for the future by creating important legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. Her goal is to ensure that her clients’ wishes are clearly outlined and legally protected, while minimizing the potential for family disputes or complications down the road. Additionally, Nichole assists with estate administration, guiding families through the probate process, ensuring assets are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes, and helping to resolve any legal challenges that may arise.

Her significant litigation experience, honed over the years, allows her to navigate challenging situations with ease, providing her clients with the confidence that their legal matters are being handled with both competence and care. 

Nichole began her legal journey in 2005 working as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert J. Eby in the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas. In 2006, she embarked on a successful 17+ year career with the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office. At the DA’s Office, Nichole prosecuted a wide array of criminal offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felony cases including homicides, and spent 15 years with the Drug Task Force. Based on her considerable prosecution experience, Nichole received an appointment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, allowing her to assist in the prosecution of Lebanon County offenders facing federal charges. She spent more than 11 years as the First Assistant District Attorney at the District Attorney’s Office. 

Nichole earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where she majored in criminal justice and minored in psychology. While she originally hails from Northampton County, Nichole has proudly called Lebanon County her home for 20 years.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
RECOGNITIONS
  • Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers’ Association 2016 Outstanding Prosecutor Award
  • Department of Justice 2018 Award for Outstanding Trial Advocacy

Julia M. Parrish

Julia is a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group with two decades of experience, focusing her practice in the areas of estate planning and trust and estate administration.

Julia is passionate about her chosen field because of how it enables her clients to achieve their goals and effectively plan for the future. Helping her clients through difficult times, whether death or incapacity, and finding creative solutions to a problem is important to her. Julia’s practice includes: preparing documents such as last will and testaments, powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, trusts and non-judicial settlement agreements for trusts; aspects of business succession planning and tax planning; in addition to representing clients in guardianship matters and more.

During the estate planning process, Julia works closely with her clients to identify their priorities. From there, she educates her clients on various aspects of property ownership, taxation, and estate and trust planning, enabling them to make an educated choice for their future. Julia helps her clients understand the importance of well drafted documents and researched plans rather than reacting to problems created by a failure to plan. Julia also recognizes the value in collaborating with a client’s team – whether their accountant, financial advisor, children, preferred charitable organization or business partner – to ensure the best results. This combined approach allows Julia to create a comprehensive estate plan that meets her clients’ needs and desires.

Julia also has extensive experience in trust and estate administration, guiding clients through the complexities of probate and trust administration with compassion and efficiency. She offers comprehensive services, from managing the distribution of assets to addressing any legal challenges, ensuring a smooth and timely process during what can often be a difficult time for families.

Julia started her legal career in York County as an intern for the Prothonotary’s office during college. She then gained experience working as a law clerk throughout the York and Harrisburg areas. After that, Julia served as a law clerk for the Honorable James M. Blaney of the Superior Court in Ocean County, New Jersey, before returning to York County to practice as an attorney in a small general practice law firm. More recently, Julia served as counsel for a firm in Dauphin County working in estate planning and trust and estate administration.

Outside of the firm, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She and her family are active members of Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church in Lancaster.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
  • Estate Planning Council of Central PA, Member
  • York County Estate Planning Council, Member
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
  • “Plan with Confidence: Estate and Insurance Insights for Women”, Co-hosted Breakfast and Panel Discussion with Stonebridge Advisors and Collens-Wagner Insurance (January 2025)
  • Pennsylvania Society of Tax & Accounting Professionals, South Central Chapter, “Estates, Trusts, and Planning for Tomorrow; Assisting Your Clients to Assess Need and Prepare an Effective Estate Plan” (November 2022, September 2023, August 2024)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

Elizabeth G. Vanasse

Elizabeth is a valued member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups. With a strong focus on real estate, zoning, and land use law, she represents a diverse range of clients, including engineers, developers, property owners, and businesses. Elizabeth frequently helps clients navigate the myriad of zoning and land use regulations, serving as a valuable resource to those looking to develop residential and commercial properties.

A Lancaster native, Elizabeth has a strong connection to the local community, which gives her an advantage when navigating the area’s zoning regulations and real estate development processes. Her familiarity with Lancaster’s growth trends and her desire to contribute to the region’s continued development drive her to assist clients in creating housing and business spaces that meet the needs of the community.

In addition to her work in real estate, Elizabeth also provides legal support to businesses, assisting with corporate formation, contracts, and other general corporate matters. She enjoys working closely with businesses of all sizes to help them achieve their goals while addressing the unique legal challenges they face.

Elizabeth’s detail-oriented approach, combined with her emphasis on clear and proactive communication, allows her to meet her clients’ needs across a wide range of legal matters. Whether advising on real estate transactions, zoning disputes, or business matters, she provides thoughtful, client-centered counsel.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Elizabeth worked at the firm as a summer associate. She also interned with the University of Richmond’s Children’s Defense Clinic where she collaborated with Virginia’s Parole Board to update parole guidelines for juveniles, aligning them with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Elizabeth received the Orell-Brown Award for Clinical Excellence in the Children’s Law Center upon graduation.

During law school, Elizabeth interned with a small firm in Richmond, Virginia where she discovered a zeal for cultivating strong attorney-client relationships. During the summers of her undergraduate years, she interned at her family’s Lancaster-based workers’ compensation law firm. Her passion for the law stemmed from a young age as Elizabeth’s father, mother and brother are all attorneys.

While not practicing law, Elizabeth enjoys exploring the restaurant scene in the Red Rose City, watching Premier League soccer and riding horses. She currently lives in downtown Lancaster with her husband.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Lancaster Bar Association
  • Lancaster Young Professionals
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
  • CALI Awards for Excellence in: Contracts (Fall 2020), Children and the Law (Fall 2021), and Advanced Clinical Placement in the Children’s Defense Clinic (Spring 2023)
  • Dean’s Scholar
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Advanced to fluent in written and spoken French

Hannah M. Schroer

Hannah is a member of Barley Snyder’s Employment and Litigation practice groups. She focuses her practice on employment and labor law, while also handling workers’ compensation matters and various civil litigation cases. Hannah represents a diverse range of clients across industries, including medical practices, personal care homes, restaurant ownership groups, and small businesses.

Hannah is committed to providing clients with clear, fact-based analysis that empowers them to make informed decisions and mitigate legal risks. She is well-versed in defending clients against employment discrimination claims and conducting thorough internal investigations. She regularly reviews employee handbooks for legal compliance and has experience with non-competition agreements, fair competition practices, and wage-and-hour litigation.

In her workers’ compensation practice, Hannah advises employers on navigating complex legal issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, minimizing financial exposure, and defending against fraudulent or excessive claims.

In addition to her work in employment law and workers’ compensation, Hannah has experience in appellate litigation. She has demonstrated her ability to address complex legal issues and craft persuasive arguments in higher courts. A recent highlight of her career was helping to secure a landmark victory in an eminent domain case between landowners and a railroad, which you may read more about here.

Hannah brings a unique perspective to the legal industry stemming from her wide variety of career experiences. She joined Barley Snyder after working as a Judicial Clerk at the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas for the Honorable Leonard G. Brown III, where she researched and drafted civil opinions ranging from commercial disputes to restrictive covenants. She is a cum laude graduate of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and Rutgers University.

During law school, Hannah served as Managing Editor of Villanova Law Review Online, was Site Chair for Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia, and practiced as a Certified Legal Intern at Villanova’s Interdisciplinary Mental & Physical Health Clinic. She also interned for the Honorable Juan R. Sánchez, focusing on labor, employment and civil rights cases.

Before pursuing a career in law, Hannah worked as a Freelance Web Reporter for WFMZ/69 News in Allentown and as a Product Manager in the construction industry, where she honed her communication and negotiation skills.

Actively involved in her community, Hannah serves as the President of St. Thomas More Society of Central PA, volunteers with the Lancaster Conservancy’s Water Quality Volunteer Coalition, and serves on the board of The GateHouse. Outside the firm, she enjoys gardening, baking cookies, reading speculative fiction and following Kansas City sports. Hannah hails from the Midwest, but calls Easton, Pennsylvania her hometown.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Lancaster Bar Association, Member
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
PUBLICATIONS
  • Comment, When Going Green Means Going into the Red: Pennsylvania’s Struggle Funding Stormwater Regulations Creates Water Woes for MS4s, 65 VILL. L. Rev. 223 (2020).
PRESENTATIONS
  • “End of Chevron Deference”, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Employment Law Seminar (April 2024)
  • “Implications of Loper Bright”, Lancaster Bar Association Employment Law Seminar (November 2024)
  • “Anti-Discrimination and Religious Expression: Open Conflict?” (2024)

 

Caitlin M. Long

Caitlin is a member of Barley Snyder’s Business and Finance & Creditors’ Rights practice groups with strong analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to find creative solutions to problems. A significant portion of Caitlin’s practice is helping clients with mergers and acquisitions. In this role, she conducts due diligence, structures transactions, negotiates and drafts letters of intent, negotiates and drafts acquisition agreements, assists with the coordination of financing sources and brings the transaction to a successful close.

In her business practice, Caitlin also helps clients with general business matters including entity formation and selection, contract drafting and review as well as internal corporate governance including shareholder agreements, operating agreements and ownership interest transfers. She also has experience with handling the sale and purchase of both commercial real estate and liquor licenses. In her creditors’ rights practice, Caitlin assists with commercial financing including loan document preparation. 

Caitlin previously worked as a law clerk at Barley Snyder as she completed her final year of law school and is a former summer associate. Before joining the firm, Caitlin clerked for the Office of Maryland Attorney General’s Antitrust Division where she conducted legal research and interviews, assisted with litigation claims and handled other tasks. 

A Pennsylvania native who graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School, Caitlin currently lives in Montgomery County with her wife. Outside the office, she enjoys cooking and spending time at Longwood Gardens where they are members. 

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Barley Snyder Summer Associate, June 2022 – July 2022
  • Office of Maryland Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Law Clerk – May 2021-December 2021
  • Dorman Products, Corporate Development Intern – May 2019-August 2020
  • Wipfli LLP, Tax Intern – January 2019-April 2019
  • Comcast Spectacor, Payroll Intern – August 2018-December 2018
  • Sungard Availability Services, Human Resources Management Intern – May 2018-August 2018
  • Sungard Availability Services, Legal Intern – October 2017-May 2018
CERTIFICATIONS
  • Westlaw; LexisNexis

Natalie Alexander

Natalie is a member of the firm’s Business, Real Estate and Trusts & Estate practice groups. She has a passion for helping clients with their real estate and corporate legal needs, as well as guiding them through the estate planning and administration process. Her attention to detail allows her to provide thorough and efficient legal services to her clients.  

Natalie provides comprehensive legal services tailored to meet the needs of her real estate clients, primarily handling residential and commercial real estate transactions. She also offers guidance pertaining to the various laws surrounding planned communities, condominiums, and homeowners’ associations (HOA) on both the side of the developers and on the side of the elected board.

In her business practice, Natalie works with clients on a range of corporate matters, including structuring businesses, drafting contracts, and advising on legal issues affecting business operations. On the estate planning and administration side, Natalie drafts essential estate planning documents, including wills and powers of attorney, and provides guidance through the administration of estates following the passing of a loved one.

Natalie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and received her law degree from Penn State University Dickinson Law. Dedicated to giving back to the community, she currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for MidPenn Legal Services, Inc. and the Board of Trustees for the Adams County Bar Foundation. Outside of the firm, Natalie enjoys playing tennis and reading. She is a native of Hagerstown, Maryland and is fluent in Spanish.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Dean’s Fellow, Dickinson Law
  • Academic Excellence Award, University of Maryland
  • Honors in English, University of Maryland
  • University Honors, University of Maryland
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Adams County Bar Association
PUBLICATIONS
  • Law Review Comment, Meaningless DNA: Moore’s Inadequate Protection of Genetic Material, 127 Dick. L. Rev. 399 (2022).
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Judicial Intern, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • Certified Legal Intern, Community Law Clinic at Dickinson Law
  • Summer Associate, Black and Davison, P.C.
  • Executive Book Review Editor, Dickinson Law Review

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