Position: Partner

Thad M. Gelsinger

As a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, Thad focuses his practice on both personal injury, commercial and fiduciary litigation. With more than a decade of experience, he serves both business and individual clients in successfully resolving their litigation matters. Thad takes a pragmatic approach to his litigation practice and strives to explain complex issues to his clients in an easy-to-understand manner. He is also qualified to serve as a mediator or arbitrator through the Berks County Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

Commercial Litigation
Thad holds a broad commercial litigation practice, handling a variety of matters ranging from contract disputes and sophisticated construction issues to partnership dissolution and insurance dispute issues.

Representative cases:

  • Thad represented a financial advisor in a dispute and break-up with a former business partner. He obtained judgment in favor of client awarding, among other damages, reimbursement of previously withheld business buy-in paid by client. James W. Keim v. Andre S. Duffie, et al., Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, August Term, No. 14-6137.
  • Represented lighting fixture supplier in dispute against electrical contractor on a public school project for failure of the contractor to pay for fixtures that the supplier delivered.  MBR Construction Services, Inc. v. Manheim Township School District, Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, No. CI-1303760.
  • Obtained judgment, including an award of counsel fees, against a website development company for failing to provide goods and services as required pursuant to a contract between the parties.  PWE Consultants, LLC v. NetConnect Web, Inc., et al., Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, No. 18-01674.
  • Prevailed at arbitration on behalf of a subcontractor pursuing claims, and defending counterclaims, for payment on a school construction project.  The damages asserted between the parties included the contract amount, loss of efficiency, extended general conditions, loss of home office overhead, liquidated damages, back charges from the owner of the property, and counsel fees and costs. 
  • Prevailed at arbitration on behalf of a license holder over claims brought by a licensee for reimbursement of prepaid guaranteed royalties.  The claimant sought in excess of $7 million in damages in addition to counsel fees and costs of the litigation.  The arbitration panel granted judgment, in full, in favor of the license holder. 
  • Represented a party to a stock purchase agreement that, due to delays of the opposing party, never consummated within the agreement’s time limits.  Obtained an award of a break-up fee penalty together with interest and the costs of the arbitration proceedings.  Lynn Hart v. GDS Link, LLC, American Arbitration Association Case No. 01-18-003-8170

Fiduciary Litigation
Thad regularly helps trust companies, banks and individuals with a variety of fiduciary matters including will contests, heir disputes, trust and power of attorney litigation and more. He frequently handles guardianship cases in Orphans’ Court.  

Representative cases:

  • Represented a son in pursuit of guardianship for his incapacitated mother including an evidentiary hearing before the Orphans’ Court and on appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
  • Represented a daughter in challenging late modifications to her father’s Last Will and Testament including a multi-day trial in front of the Orphans’ Court and an appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
  • Represented the Guardian of an Incapacitated Person relative to various Petitions filed on the Guardian’s behalf and those filed by other interested parties.

Personal Injury
Thad brings significant experience in personal injury law, assisting with motor vehicle collisions, premises and products liability, slip and fall, and wrongful death claims. Litigation is often about economic loss, and Thad’s experience and background allow him to understand and evaluate the full extent of his clients’ damages.

Representative cases:

  • Represented the children of a motorcycle driver that was killed by an oncoming vehicle that failed to yield in the lane of travel.  Successfully recovered financial compensation from the responsible party’s insurance carrier as well as multiple layers of underinsured motorists’ coverage. These claims were resolved without the need to incur the costs and expenses of suit. 
  • Resolved claims, without incurring the costs of suit, on behalf of a client injured when his car rolled over and down a roadside embankment following a collision caused by the negligent conduct of the driver of another vehicle.  Guided the client through negotiation with the negligent driver’s insurance company, obtained additional compensation under the client’s underinsured motorist coverage, and negotiated a decrease of the client’s outstanding medical lien to maximize his recovery.  
  • Represented individual injured while in the course and scope of employment but while working at a third-party client’s property. Navigated interaction of workers’ compensation claim and personal injury claim against the grocery store. Workers’ compensation claim was resolved and a federal arbitration panel awarded damages on the personal injury claim.  Yvonne Krick v. Giant Food Stores, LLC, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 16-1734.
  • Resolved claims brought by an estate for the overdose death of a resident of a community corrections facility arising out of the alleged failure of the facility to implement and execute proper search protocols for residents of the facility.  Elizabeth Feldbaum, Administratrix of the Estate of Matthew L. Feldbaum v. The GEO Group, Inc., et al., Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, No. 18-829.

Thad has served as co-chair of the Civil Litigation Section of the Berks County Bar Association, an officer of the Justice William Strong Inns of Court, a member of the House of Delegates of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and as a member of the Sedona Conference Working Group 1 on Electronic Document Retention and Production. He has also presented continuing legal education seminars to his colleagues on electronic discovery and issues related to the use of social media in litigation.

Outside the legal profession, Thad is actively involved in his community. He has served on the board of directors and as president of the Greater Reading Young Professionals and on the board of directors for the Berks County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association. Thad has also served as a member of the board of directors of the Greater Reading Economic Partnership.

Thad received both his J.D. and M.B.A. from Widener University. In addition, he received his B.S. in marketing from the Pennsylvania State University. Thad graduated from Holy Name High School and is a native of Berks County. Thad resides in West Chester, Pa., with his wife, Sara A. Gelsinger, and enjoys playing tennis and golf.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Lehigh Valley Business Journal (Forty Under 40, 2022)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Berks County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Justice William Strong Inns of Court
  • Berks County Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, panel of arbitrators/mediators
PRESENTATIONS
  • E-Discovery – When and How to Do It, Berks County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education, August 7, 2014
  • Case Management and Courtroom Technology in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of PA, January 25, 2018
  • Defensible Disposition and Information Governance, The Sedona Conference Working Group 1, 2018 Midyear Meeting, May 3, 2018
  • Civil Bench Roundtable with the Berks County Court of Common Pleas, Berks County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, August 25, 2021
  • Admissibility of Expert Evidence: Overcoming Objections and Motions in Limine, Berks County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, April 19, 2023
  • Civil Bench Roundtable with the Berks County Court of Common Pleas, Berks County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, April 19, 2023
PUBLICATIONS
  • The Sedona Conference, Commentary on Information Governance, Second Edition, Drafting Team Member

Eden R. Bucher

Eden is the chair of the firm’s Creditors’ Rights Practice Group. She concentrates most of her practice in the areas of commercial transactions, debtor/creditor law and general and commercial litigation. She considers herself a problem solver, and her MBA degree helps her better understand the business impact of a company’s legal issues.

In her finance practice, Eden helps clients with loan documentation, loan modifications, restructuring plans and more. She is well-versed in assisting banks with vendor contract reviews, work outs, bulk-loan sales and purchases. She is among a dedicated group at the firm that regularly represents lenders in Small Business Administration and other government-guaranteed loans, syndicated loans and loan participations.

In her creditors’ rights practice, Eden assists creditors with mortgage foreclosures and civil actions for the collection of debt obligations. She also represents creditors through the process of bankruptcy including filing motions for relief from stay and objections to reorganization plans. Eden has represented businesses as debtors in bankruptcy and collection proceedings including debtor representation in workouts. She has helped clients with judicial enforcement, lender liability, and managing and disposing of REO real estate. Eden can assist creditors, financial institutions and lenders with confessions of judgment, personal property executions, and actions on notes and guarantees.

Outside of finance and creditors’ rights, Eden advises clients on complex real estate transactions (both commercial and residential), drawing upon her experience in various areas of law to produce amicable solutions. She prepares and negotiates sale/lease-back transactions and sales agreements, conducts due diligence, and reviews and negotiates real estate secured loan documents and settlement-related documents. Eden also has experience handling real estate, municipal and fiduciary litigation matters.

Outside of the firm, Eden remains involved in various associations in the legal field. She is a member of the Berks County Bar Association and is the Berks County Credit Card Arbitration Master. Eden also serves on the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (EDPA) Bankruptcy Court Mediation Panel.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Berks County Bar Association, member and past president of the board of directors
  • Berks County Credit Card Arbitration Master
  • Berks County Bar Association Client Resolution Dispute Committee
  • Bankruptcy Sections of the Berks County Bar Association
  • Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court Mediation Panel
  • Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference, member
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

Matthew L. Guthrie

Through more than three decades, Matt maintains a diverse practice of law that includes real estate, wills, trusts and estates, business law, and family law matters. This includes estate planning and administration, formation of business entities, purchase and sale of businesses, commercial and residential leases matters and municipal, zoning and subdivision matters.

He is also a title insurance agent for Stewart Title and handles real estate closings, including purchases and refinancing for individuals and businesses.

A York County native and Spring Grove Area High School graduate, Matt made it a point to be involved in the Hanover-area community he calls home, working with service organizations, business networking groups and economic development associations.

Matthew M. Hennesy

Matthew is an aggressive advocate who helps businesses, institutions and individuals effectively use the court system to achieve their strategic objectives and meet the challenges posed by complex litigation, and he is the chair of the Litigation Practice Group. In addition to helping his clients navigate and succeed in litigation, Matthew also helps clients proactively identify and manage litigation risk. With his energetic and proactive approach to litigation issues, Matthew is able to obtain positive results for clients even in challenging circumstances. 

He assists clients with litigation matters in three main areas:

Commercial Litigation
Matthew has experience representing clients in complex commercial disputes concerning financial services and lending liability, business ownership and shareholder issues, contract disputes and collection matters.   

Intellectual Property Litigation
Matthew acts as a strong advocate for clients in intellectual property disputes and has obtained favorable results in litigation concerning trademarks, copyrights and internet domain names.  

Construction Litigation
Matthew counsels and represents construction industry clients including owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals. 

Matthew earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law, cum laude, where he was an Associate Editor of the University of Miami Inter-American Law Review. 

RECOGNITION
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning (2024), Litigation – Real Estate (2024) 
  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023)
PRESENTATION
  • “Bankruptcy Update”, Barley Snyder LendiCon Seminar (March 2015)

Mark A. Smith

Mark Smith concentrates his practice in counseling clients in all aspects of employee benefits and ERISA, including the design and implementation of retirement and welfare benefit plans, administration of retirement and welfare benefit plans, retirement planning and taxation of plan distributions and fiduciary law aspects of ERISA. He has considerable experience with a broad range of employee benefit programs, including qualified pension, profit sharing and 401(k) plans, welfare benefit plans (including health care arrangements, retiree health plans, cafeteria plans and VEBAS) and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. Before joining Barley Snyder, Mark was the manager of global employee benefits compliance at AMP, Inc., where he oversaw the design, financial management and legal compliance of benefit programs worldwide. Earlier, he was the benefits practice leader in Central Pennsylvania with an international accounting and consulting firm.

PRESENTATIONS
  • “Time for a Health & Welfare Benefit Plan Compliance Check-up,” 39th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Employee Benefit Plan Lessons Learned and Unfinished Business”, 38th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2021)
  • “Employee Benefit Considerations Related to COVID-19”, 37th Annual Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “Reducing Benefit Plan Litigation Risks”, Barley Snyder 36th Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “Employee Wellness Programs and Navigating the Compliance Labyrinth” (September 2018)
  • “Opportunities & Hazards in Retirement Plan Design”, 35th Annual Employment Seminar (May 2018)
  • “Top Payroll and Payroll Tax Issues Facing Human Resource Professionals (and Their Controllers, Too!)”, 35th Annual Employment Seminar (May 2018)
  • “Effective Employee Wellness Programs and Navigating the Compliance Labyrinth”, 2017 Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (April 2018)
  • “I’M A FIDUCIARY? WHAT NOW?!”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2016)
  • “Employment Separation and Your Employee Benefits Plans”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (April 2015)
  • “No Rest for Benefit Plan Sponsors”, Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (May 2014)
  • “Health Care Reform: What does the delay of the employer mandate mean for plan sponsors?”, ACC Seminar: What Keeps You up at Night? (September 2013)
  • “Health Care Reform: Countdown to January 1, 2014 & Pay or Play”, Barley Snyder Employment Seminar, (May 2013)
  • “Managing the Challenge of Health Care Reform – Should You Pay or Play?”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2012)
  • Provided expert testimony on behalf of the Corporate Health Care Coalition before the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources concerning external review and ERISA remedies
  • “2012 ERISA Spotlight Will Shine on Retirement Plan Fees and Expenses”, Barley Snyder Employment Seminar, (May 2012)
  • Developed seminar on QDROs for The Dickinson School of Law Family Law Clinic
    Author of a series of employee benefit articles for the Association of Pennsylvania Contractors
  • Regional Bankruptcy Trustees Meeting – Impact of PPACA on Employers and Employer Plans
  • “Time for a Health & Welfare Benefit Plan Compliance Check-Up”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar
  • “Fringe Benefits Taxation, Wellness and Self-Insured Medical Plan Discrimination Testing”, Murray IHC Health Plan Consortium
  • PA Chamber of Business and Industry Healthcare Roundtable – Understanding Healthcare Regulations
  • “Federal Healthcare Reform and What it Means for Employers”, Lancaster Bar Association
  • “Welfare Benefit Plan Document Requirements and Non-Discrimination”, Murray Construction Consortium
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Mark serves as an adjunct professor of law at The Dickinson School of Law, Penn State University, where he developed and teaches the Pension and Employee Benefits Law Course and is a recipient of the Edward C. First Adjunct Faculty Award.

Michael J. Crocenzi

Mike is a partner in the firm’s Employment and Litigation practice groups. Mike steadfastly guides clients through difficult and complex employment problems. Relying on more than three decades of experience, Mike listens to clients and provides practical solutions for a wide variety of employment issues. He routinely works closely with clients to develop strategies to avoid or minimize risks.

Mike is often called upon to protect his clients’ rights. He has handled numerous employment cases in federal court, state court, Pennsylvania Superior Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. He has successfully represented clients, including obtaining favorable jury verdicts in cases involving Title VII (sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, and race discrimination), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, OSHA, wrongful discharge, breach of contract, non-compete agreements, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation and defamation.

In his food & agribusiness practice, he has represented a client in the fish farm business, has defended a dairy producer in an FMLA/ADA discrimination claim and drafted employment agreements for a produce company. In his transportation practice, Mike has advised trucking companies on independent contractors versus employee issues, overtime exemption, fringe benefits, terminations, and drafted agreements.  He also has represented trucking companies in disputes involving classification of drivers.

Mike lectures on employment topics for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, corporations and associations. He is active in the community serving on non-profit boards over the last several years. In addition, Mike is an adjunct faculty member at Messiah University teaching business law.

Read some of Mike’s recent litigation victories below:

  • Successfully defended a regional architectural and engineering company in federal court. A former employee of an architectural and engineering company sued the company claiming violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and Title VII (sex discrimination). Mike successfully convinced the federal judge that there was no basis for these multiple claims and the judge dismissed the case before trial.
  • Won an appeal with the Pennsylvania Superior Court affirming a hard won trial verdict for a regional technology company. In 2018, Mike successfully defended a technology company after a five-day trial in which two former executives were seeking almost $11 million in damages related to their termination from the company. After losing at trial, the two former employees appealed the verdict to the Superior Court. Mike once again successfully defended the technology company on appeal and convinced the Superior Court to reject the former employees’ arguments, thus preserving the jury’s verdict in favor of the technology company.
  • After a two-day hearing, an arbitrator agreed that a former CEO of a technology company and subsidiary of a central Pennsylvania bank must pay back his ownership stake in the company after he departed. Officials from the technology company predicted that the opposite decision from the arbitrator would have been disastrous to the company.
  • Obtained a jury verdict for an employer in a case brought by a terminated employee alleging breach of contract and defamation. The employee claimed the employer did not have cause based on his employment agreement to terminate his employment. He was seeking six months of wages, costs of litigation and attorneys’ fees. Furthermore, the employee alleged the employer defamed him to prospective employers so he was not able to obtain a job. The county judge dismissed the defamation claim prior to jury deliberations. The employer’s witnesses testified that the employee was fired for falsifying documents and violating the employer’s policies. The jury found in favor of the employer.
  • Obtained a jury verdict for an employer in a case brought by two terminated employees alleging a violation of the New Jersey whistleblower law. The plaintiffs were seeking in excess of $10 million in damages. After a week-long trial, a county jury found in favor of the employer.
  • Obtained a jury verdict for a landlord accused of negligence by his tenant. The tenant alleged that a leaking gutter above her front door caused ice to form on the concrete porch in front of her front door. Plaintiff claimed that while taking the trash out one morning, she slipped on a spot of ice and broke her ankle that eventually required five surgeries. After three days of testimony from various witnesses and experts, the county jury found the landlord not negligent.
  • Obtained a jury verdict in federal court in Philadelphia for an employer in a case brought by a terminated employee alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. An employee claimed the employer terminated him because he suffered from attention deficit disorder. The employer presented witnesses that it terminated the employee for poor job performance. The jury agreed with the employer and found no violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
RECOGNITIONS
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Harrisburg metro area for Employment Law – Management (2023, 2025) and Labor Law – Management (2024)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law – Management (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Litigation – Labor and Employment (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Labor Law – Management (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • 2017 “Volunteer of the Year” at Bethesda Mission
  • Rated A-V Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Human Resource Professionals of Central Pennsylvania
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • York Society for Human Resource Management
  • Christian Legal Society
  • York & Dauphin County bar associations
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
PUBLICATION
  • “IRCA- Related Discrimination: Is It Time to Repeal the Employer Sanctions”, 96 Dickinson Law Review 673 (1992)
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Legal and Legislative Committee – Summer 2024 Virtual Update,” Human Resource Professionals of Central PA (July 2024)
  • “FTC Non-Compete Ban: What Businesses Need to Know”, Barley Snyder Webinar (June 2024)
  • “Barley State of the Union”, 41st Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2024)
  • “AI: Workplace Efficiency or Skynet”, 41st Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2024)
  • “Ethical and Legal Considerations Surrounding AI Adoption”, Millersville University’s AI Conference (May 2024)
  • “Human Resource Hot Topics”, PennAg (October 2023)
  • “How to Avoid Legal Landmines in Recruiting”, 40th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2023)
  • “Effective Workplace Harassment Investigations”, 40th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2023)
  • “Panel Discussion on Industry Hot Topics”, Barley Snyder Transportation, Logistics & Trade Seminar (March 2023)
  • “Your Guide to Non-Competition Agreements”, 39th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “Employment Issues under M&A”, 39th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “Building Better Business Workshop”, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce (May 2022)
  • “Looking at the Future of the Business Climate”, Barley Snyder York Business Seminar (April 2022)
  • “COVID – Telecommuting”, Central PA iDay (April 2022)
  • Human Resources Professionals of Central PA — COVID-19 Issues (June 2021)
  • Hanover Area Management Association — Workplace Legal issues (May 2021)
  • “Leave Issues under the FMLA, ADA and the COVID-19 Relief Bill”, 38th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2021)
  • “Important Factors to Consider with Teleworking Employees”, 38th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2021)
  • “COVID Vaccinations Webinar: The Liability Dilemma for Businesses”, York County Economic Alliance (February 2021)
  • “Compensable Time for Telecommuters (and Other Recent DOL Opinions and Withdrawals)”, York SHRM (February 2021)
  • “COVID-19 Vaccines: The Impact on the Logistics Industry”, Barley Snyder Webinar (January 2021)
  • “The Ultimate Guide to Non-compete and Non-solicitation Agreements”, 37th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “Medical Marijuana”, 37th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “UC Benefits, Layoffs and Furloughs”, 37th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “COVID-19 HR Back to Business”, Lancaster Chamber Webinar (May 2020)
  • “COVID-19 HR Back to Business”, Human Resource Professionals of Central PA Webinar (May 2020)
  • “COVID-19 HR & Business Webinar”, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce (April 2020)
  • “Mock Investigation in the #MeToo Era”, Human Resources Professionals of Central PA Fall Conference (October 2019)
  • “Update on PA Law and Electronic Issues in the Workplace”, Cumberland Valley SHRM Employment Law and Legislative Conference (October 2019)
  • “Protecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of Employees”, Human Resource Professionals of Central PA Lunch and Learn (July 2019)
  • “All Things Electronic”, 36th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “Mock Investigation in the #MeToo Era”, 36th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “Getting a Handle on the Overlapping Issues Between Workers’ Compensation and Employment Law”, Human Resource Professionals of Central PA’s Fall Conference (October 2018)
  • “Workplace Investigations in the Era of the #MeToo Movement”, Cumberland Valley Employment Law & Legislative Conference (October 2018)
  • “HR Exchange: OSHA, You Can be Prepared 2018”, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (October 2018)
  • “The ADA/FMLA Crossover”, York SHRM October Full-Day Seminar (October 2018)
  • “Practice Before the PA Human Relations Commission”, Pennsylvania Bar Institute (September 2018)
  • “Workers’ Compensation: The Role of the Independent Medical Examiner”, 35th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (May 2018)
  • “Advanced Level Practical Strategies for Solving the Mysteries of the FMLA and ADA”, 35th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (May 2018)
  • “Preserving Electronic Evidence in a Digital World”, Human Resource Professionals of Central PA Meeting (2017)
  • “Legal Meets Practical: Integrating Legal Best Practices and Business Realities”, Human Resource Professionals of Central P Meeting (2016)
  • “Are You Ready Yet for the New Overtime Regulations?” (2016)
  • “Court Rules that Former Employees are Allowed to View Their Personnel Files” (2016)
  • “What Do We Do With “I DO” After the Supreme Court’s Decision in Windsor?”, Human Resource Professionals of Central PA Meeting (2015)
  • “How Much are You Worth?: Litigating Fee Petitions”, Employment Law Institute (2015)
  • “Advanced Sexual Harassment Issues: What May Make or Break Your Case”, Employment Law Institute (2014)
  • “Litigating Discrimination Cases in State Court”, Employment Law Institute (2013)

Michael W. Davis

Michael W. Davis is a partner with Barley Snyder and concentrates his practice in the areas of environmental, real estate, agribusiness, higher education and municipal law. Mike’s more than 30 years of practice have provided him with experience representing a wide range of clients ranging from large Fortune 500 companies to small closely held businesses, agricultural ventures, colleges, economic development companies, industrial development organizations and government entities including counties, townships, boroughs, zoning hearing boards, housing authorities, and industrial development authorities.

Environmental

As chair of Barley Snyder’s Environmental Law Group, Mike routinely assists his clients with the environmental aspects of real estate and business transactions including site remediation, permitting, cleanup compliance, and Brownfield development. Mike’s 30-plus years of experience in the environmental area have provided him with ample experience interfacing with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on regulatory issues. Additionally, Mike has extensive experience in handling issues regarding:

  • Act 2 including attaining relief of liability and Act 2 Buyer-Seller Agreements
  • HSCA and CERCLA
  • TSCA
  • RCRA
  • The Nutrient Management Act and Act 6 compliance
  • The Chesapeake Bay Strategy Initiative
  • Marcellus Shale leasing and contracting/permitting issues associated with natural gas removal and fracking procedures
  • Environmental regulatory compliance issues including EPCRA Section 313 Form R reporting and lead based paint notifications and enforcement actions

Recently, Mike has handled high profile environmental projects including the Northwest Gateway Project and the Turkey Hill Experience:

  • The Northwest Gateway Project is a two phase project that involves the restructuring and redevelopment of an entire quadrant of the City of Lancaster. Mike has served as the primary counsel for the project partners on both phases of the Project. The first phase included the redevelopment of a 47-acre portion of the former Armstrong World Industries, Inc.’s Liberty Street Flooring Plant. Working on behalf of Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster General Hospital and EDC Finance Corporation, Mike assisted in securing and negotiating appropriate legal documentation for federal, state and local funding including Business In Our Sites and Growing Greener II funding. Mike secured the rezoning of the 47-acre parcel as well as an Act 2 Buyer-Seller Agreement for impacted soils and groundwater at the site. Mike also negotiated appropriate agreements with the impacted municipalities to assure coordinated development of the site and related infrastructure improvements. The second phase of the Project involves the relocation of Norfolk Southern Railway Company’s Dillerville Rail Yard. On behalf of Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital, Mike successfully negotiated a Master Development Agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company that details the process for the development and construction of the new rail yard over a former municipal landfill with the existing Dillerville Rail Yard then transferring to the College and the Hospital. This second phase of the Project involves securing Act 2 clearance for the new rail yard site and significant infrastructure improvements. When complete, this $70 million plus project will transform the northwest quadrant of the City of Lancaster and will provide Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital with the opportunity to develop a state-of-the-art “Meds and Eds” campus.
  • The Turkey Hill Experience project is a private/public partnership aimed at redeveloping an abandoned industrial facility in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County into a major tourist attraction. Mike was retained by the Borough to provide guidance on Act 2 issues and the site clean-up plan. Mike successfully negotiated an Act 2 Buyer-Seller Agreement positioning this unique project to move forward to completion.
Real Estate

Mike’s real estate practice dovetails with his work in the environmental, municipal and agribusiness areas. In addition to land use, zoning, easement, tax assessment appeals, leasing and conveyance matters, Mike has handled a number of eminent domain matters. 

  • In a recent prominent takings case, Mike served as a primary counsel to Lauxmont Holdings, LLC, the developer and condemnee, in both the validity and valuation trials regarding 79 acres of land at the Lauxmont Farms property (“Highpoint”) in Lower Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania. This highly controversial case involved York County’s taking of land for a public park where the land in question was approved for development and under development by Lauxmont Holdings. While the Court of Common Pleas upheld the taking, a York County jury awarded Lauxmont Holdings a judgment of $17.25 million plus interest at the conclusion of the valuation trial. The County’s initial offer of just compensation was only $2.0 million.
Agribusiness

In the agribusiness area, Mike has significant experience with securing zoning, soil conservation district approvals and permitting associated with developing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). These CAFO projects also typically involve Nutrient Management Act and Act 6 issues including manure importer and exporter agreements. Mike is also well-versed on nutrient credit trading and related trading agreements as well as storm water issues associated with agricultural operations.

Higher Education

In the higher education area, Mike serves as a primary contact for several private colleges and a community college in the region on issues relating to board governance, redevelopment activities, non-profit status, environmental compliance and environmental audits, safety and security concerns including police powers, faculty, personnel and student matters, contract review and negotiation including sole source contracting, zoning and land development, and real estate acquisition and leasing. Mike is experienced in dealing with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Campus Security Act and is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys.

Municipal

In his municipal practice, Mike focuses on the representation of public bodies including boroughs, municipal authorities, economic development companies, industrial development companies, and zoning hearing boards. Mike works closely with municipal officials and staff in dealing with public bidding issues, the Sunshine Law, the Right-to-Know Law, the Ethics Act, the Eminent Domain Code, zoning determinations, permitting issues, Environmental Hearing Board proceedings, DEP enforcement actions, leasing issues, reviewing and revising bid specifications and construction contracts, vendor contracts and personnel issues. 

  • Mike serves as the solicitor for the Letterkenny Industrial Development Authority (LIDA) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. LIDA is a local reuse authority under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) regulations and is responsible for the development of the Cumberland Valley Business Park. As solicitor, Mike negotiated with the United States Environmental Protection Agency one of the only depth limited conveyances of real estate in the United States under the BRAC guidelines and finalized the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Defense and LIDA. In addition, Mike provides guidance on LIDA board of director issues and prepares appropriate legal documents to facilitate the transfer of the BRAC property from LIDA to third parties within the business park.
RECOGNITIONS
  • Select Lawyer, Polk-Lepson Research Group; Environmental Law
  • Corporate American Legal Elite – Agricultural Ventures (2015)
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers; Real Estate Law (2014)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • American, Pennsylvania and Lancaster Bar Associations
  • Pennsylvania Borough Solicitor’s Association
  • National Association of College and University Attorneys
PRESENTATION
  • “Ever-Changing Challenges of Construction & Development in PA”, Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (June 2018)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Penn State University Continuing Education Program for Realtors (Instructor)

Jill Sebest Welch

Jill is a partner in and chair of Barley Snyder’s Employment Practice Group, where she counsels companies in handling workplace challenges and helps clients resolve disputes, claims, cases, and litigation in all aspects of labor and employment law.

As an employment law counselor, Jill assists in developing employment policies, employee handbook provisions, non-compete and restrictive covenants and severance agreements, and has assisted companies through difficult layoffs and reductions in force. Jill serves as her clients’ counselor-on-call, advising clients daily on a myriad of employment issues such as Internet and drug and alcohol abuse, evaluating requests for Family Medical Leave Act and military leaves of absence, questions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, using criminal background checks in hiring, conducting terminations, and other workplace challenges.

In her employment litigation practice, Jill represents employers and companies of all types – large and small, public, private, family-owned, emerging companies, entrepreneurs and others – on matters ranging from employment discrimination, benefits, contracts, collective action wage and hour claims, non-compete cases and unemployment compensation appeals to Sarbanes-Oxley and OSHA whistleblower cases, and labor-management relations before administrative tribunals and state and federal courts.

Jill works with companies across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, products, retail, banking and other finance-related companies, hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care entities, food processing, hospitality, construction and property management, communication, technology, transportation, agri-business, professional services and non-profit organizations. Examples of select matters which Jill has helped resolve for clients include:

– Served as trial counsel and successfully resolved a number of collective action wage and hour claims.

– Secured a complete defense verdict on claims of overtime violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and breach of contract in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.

– Successfully secured a preliminary injunction in the York County Court of Common Pleas for a company against its former national sales director who began working for a competitor.

– Represented a client in a temporary restraining order/preliminary injunction involving claims of tortious interference with the company’s contracts and misappropriation of confidential client information, involving over 20 pre-trial motions and hearings, resolving the matter favorably for the client.

– Served as co-trial counsel in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on an ERISA claim for benefits in excess of a million dollars resulting in a complete defense victory for the company.

– Successfully defended a manufacturing client in a breach of employment contract claim in AAA arbitration.

– Successfully represented clients before the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review and the National Labor Relations Board in upholding the independent contractor status of their third-party contractors.

– Successfully defended a manufacturer before the American Arbitration Association, where the union alleged that the company violated the collective bargaining agreement, affirming the company’s management rights in response to changing market needs.

– Represented a client in a jury trial in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on an employment discrimination claim resulting in a defense verdict on five of six counts and a favorable resolution of the final count.

– Represented County Commissioners in interest arbitration regarding full-time and part-time Adult Probation Officers, Juvenile Probation Officers, BARJ Coordinator and Domestic Relations Hearing and Enforcement Officers under the auspices of the PLRB.

– Secured dismissal of OSHA whistleblower claims alleging retaliation for lodging internal safety complaints. 


Jill also defends Barley Snyder’s food and agribusiness clients in matters ranging from class and collective action wage and hour litigation, whistleblower complaints, restrictive covenants and employment discrimination claims, and provided counsel to companies on a wide range of employment practices and policies.

Jill was selected to the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection can be found at Super Lawyers.

A frequent speaker, Jill has trained companies, human resources professionals, managers and supervisors on best practices in such areas as: conducting sexual harassment investigations, planning reductions in force, handling mental disabilities under the ADA, understanding wage and hour laws, effective hiring and discharge strategies, EEOC compliance, managing Sarbanes-Oxley and whistleblower claims, and navigating the ADA – FMLA – Worker’s Compensation maze and other subjects.

For the comparison standards employed by Super Lawyers, please visit superlawyers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

PUBLICATIONS
RECOGNITIONS
  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars (2010)
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • American Institute of Certified Planners
  • Lancaster Bar Association; former chair of the Employment/Labor Law Section, 2011; former vice chair, 2010
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • York Society for Human Resource Management
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Bridging the Pay Gap – The Legal Case,” York County Economic Alliance/WBCO Summit: Manifest Your Success (September 2023)
  • “Human Resource Hot Topics,” PennAg (October 2023)
  • “The Pitfalls of Social Media and Informal Communication,” 40th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2023)
  • “Remote Work Is Here to Stay…And Wage & Hour Update Too!” 40th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2023)
  • Lancaster Bar Association’s Employment Law Summit (November 2022)
  • “Workforce 2022: The Impact of the Great Resignation,” 39th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “The 2022 Wage and Hour Update,” 39th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “Biden Administration’s First 100 Days: Employment Law Edition”, 38th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2021)
  • “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Impact on the Food & Agribusiness Industry”, webinar (December 2020)
  • “2019 and 2020 Federal Update”, 37th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “UC Benefits, Layoffs and Furloughs”, 37th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “Getting Your Business Back to Business Webinar Part 2”, Barley Snyder Webinar Series (May 2020)
  • “The Legal Implications: Re-opening Your Business In Defiance of the Governor’s Order”, Barley Snyder Webinar Series (May 2020)
  • “Getting Your Business Back to Business Webinar Part 1”, Barley Snyder Webinar Series (April 2020)
  • Panelist: “Embracing Change & Preparing for the Future”, 2019 Reading Business Seminar (October 2019)
  • “All Things Wage and Hour – An Update on Developments at the U.S. Department of Labor and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry”, 36th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “Mock Investigation in the #MeToo Era”, 36th Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “Hot Topics in Employment, Labor & Immigration”, Food & Ag Summit (February 2019)
  • “A Discussion of Top Employment Challenges Facing Business Owners and A Human Resources Department of One (Or None)”, Wake up with Barley (September 2018)
    “Paid Sick Leave Trends and Forecasts, Lancaster SHRM Fall Legal Update 2018 (September 2018)
  • “Medical Marijuana in the Workplace”, Lancaster Chamber’s “Wake Up to the Issues” (June 2018)
  • “Is Six Degrees of Separation Enough? Joint Employer Liability & Independent Contractor Misclassification”, 2018 Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (May 2018)
  • “Top Payroll and Payroll Tax Issues Facing Human Resource Professionals (and Their Controllers, Too!)”, 2018 Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (May 2018)
  • “2018 Employee Handbook Workshop”, Lancaster Chamber (March 2018)
  • “The New EEOC and Pennsylvania Employment Law Update”, Cumberland Valley SHRM (October 2017)
  • “Ethics Lessons Learned from the Jerry Sandusky Case”, Financial Executives International, Pennsylvania Chapter (June 2017)
  • “New Faces In The Trump Administration Shaping Labor and Employment Law”, Financial Executives International, Pennsylvania Chapter (June 2017)
  • “The Summit for Food & Agribusiness: The Human Side”, Food & Ag EdCon (May 2017)
  • Moderator, “Taking and Defending the Deposition of an HR Manager”, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 23rd Annual Employment Law Institute (April 2017)
  • “Wage and Hour Law Developments From Our Courts, Congress and the Trump Administration”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (April 2017)
  • “Strategic Issues in Non-Competes and Restrictive Covenants”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (April 2017)
  • “Work and Gender Equality Legal Implications”, Pennsylvania Bankers Association (February 2017)
  • “Compliance Strategies for the New Federal Overtime Rule”, Webinar (June 2016)
  • “Record Breaking Year for Wage and Hour Claims – Managing the Tide”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2016)
  • “U.S. Department of Labor Proposed Changes to Overtime Rule”, Complimentary Payroll Services Seminar (November 2015)
  • “Using Social Media and Complying with the Latest FTC and NLRB Requirements”, 2015 Employment Law & Legislative Conference (October 2015)
  • “The Year of the Standoff – Wage and Hour Developments in 2015”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (April 2015)
  • “The Year of the Standoff: The President v. Congress v. The Supreme Court on Key Labor and Employment Issues”, McKonly & Asbury’s Collaborate 2015 Conference (May 2015)
  • “The Healthcare Workplace”, PBI’s 21st Annual Employment Law Institute (April 2015)
  • “Workplace Harassment and Risk Management Strategies for Investigation and Compliance”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2014)
  • “Pay Me Now – Or Pay Me Double (and My Attorney) Later”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2014)
  • “Out Of The Frying Pan . . . But Still In The Fire — Traps Lurking In Pennsylvania’s Wage And Hour Laws”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2013)
  • “Contending with Social Media in the Workplace,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute (August 2012, panelist)
  • “FMLA/ADA and Managing Leave”, Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2012)
  • “Under Attack: Independent Contractor and Contingent Workers Classifications,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute (March 2012, panelist)
  • “Social Media Issues in the Workplace,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2011)
  • “Basics of the ADA and the ADA Amendments Act,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute (July 2011 )
  • “Ethical and Privilege Considerations in the Age of Electronic Discovery,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Employment Law Institute (April 2011)
  • “Wage and Hour Overview and Litigation Trends,” Lancaster Bar Association (January 2010)
  • “Ethical Implications of Social Networking,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Employment Law Institute (April 2010)
  • “Review of the ADA Amendments Act,” Lancaster Bar Association (February 2009)
    “Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute (December 2007)
  • “The Ethics of Ex Parte Communications in Employment Disputes,” Lancaster Bar Association (August 2006)
CLERKSHIPS
  • Law Clerk to Hon. Thomas L. Ambro, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Paul G. Mattaini

Paul concentrates his practice in the mergers and acquisitions, securities, banking and corporate areas. Paul’s practice includes complex and sophisticated transactions and counseling clients on a variety of business matters. While Paul has a significant amount of specialized experience, he has maintained the breadth of practice necessary to effectively lead transactions and client relationships and function as outside general counsel for clients without inside counsel. During his career, Paul’s client base has consisted largely of public companies and large to medium privately-held businesses.

Paul’s philosophy is to take a practical, hands on and results-oriented approach to his practice. In addition to paying attention to the details necessary to properly represent his clients, Paul maintains the ability to see the big picture by focusing on the outcome, rather than just the process. While he acts as an effective advocate for his clients’ interests, Paul recognizes that the best results often are achieved by taking a collaborative and reasonable, rather than adversarial, approach with other parties and their advisors.

Several years ago, Paul helped develop the firm’s guidelines that focus on client service as a leading firm core value and, more recently, he led the firm’s Practice Excellence® initiative – an ongoing firm-wide effort to constantly increase its capacity to provide excellent service, professional quality and outstanding value to its clients. Paul’s firm responsibilities during his career have included participation and leadership in almost every area of firm management, including management, compensation, opinion, marketing, hiring, practice group and associate review and training.

Paul was a partner at Devine, Millimet & Branch in Manchester, New Hampshire prior to joining Barley Snyder as a partner. During his career, Paul has developed a reputation among, and earned the recognition of, his peers as comparing favorably with business attorneys from larger firms; please see “Recognitions”.

For a representative sample of transactions in which Paul participated, please visit the firm’s tombstone announcements page here.

The following provides additional detail with respect to Paul’s experience:

Mergers and Acquisitions – Paul’s experience in the mergers and acquisitions area was initially concentrated in transactions in the banking industry. During his career, Paul has branched out into other industries in dozens of public and private transactions, many of which have been multi-million dollar, multi-state transactions. These transactions often require coordination of a number of different “moving parts” and various levels of financing.

– Representation of acquirors, targets, management teams and financing sources in M&A transactions

– Private equity and recapitalization transactions

– Leveraged and management buyouts

– Roll-ups

Securities – In the securities area, Paul has built a solid base of knowledge over the years with respect to public company disclosure requirements, including a working knowledge of accounting aspects of securities filings. This knowledge base is valuable to the firm’s public clients in both their periodic SEC reports and their capital raising activities.

– Representation of issuers and underwriters in registered 33 Act and Blue Sky public offerings, IPOs and follow-up offerings of equity and debt (over a dozen)

– Private placements of equity, debt and partnership interests

– Drafting and review of offering, underwriting and subscription documents

– 34 Act reporting for issuers (more than 15 reporting companies) and shareholders

– Stock benefit plans

– Corporate governance, including SEC and stock exchange listing requirements

– Tender offers

– Proxy solicitations

Financing – Paul has established expertise in financings, ranging from conventional bank borrowings to venture capital, private equity and mezzanine financings. In the financing area, Paul’s experience representing both lenders and borrowers is valuable in closing transactions.

  • Representation of lenders and borrowers in financings, including syndicated loans
  • Tax-exempt financings, including representation of banks providing credit enhancement and liquidity
  • Representation of investors in, and recipients of, venture capital and private equity financings

Bank Regulatory – Paul represents large, regional financial institutions and community banks. Paul’s knowledge of the financial services industry and his bank regulatory experience allow him to “add value” in his work for institutions in the industry. 

– Representation of acquirors and targets in mergers and acquisitions of bank holding companies, banks and thrifts, including “mergers of equals”

– General bank regulatory practice

– Guidance on specialized bank disclosure requirements, including Industry Guide 3

– Mutual-to-stock conversions

– Bank holding company formations

– Representation of bank trade association

– Acquisition of failed institutions from the FDIC

Business – Paul strives to understand the businesses of his clients and, as a result, often becomes a counselor to, and an adjunct member of, his clients’ management team. 

– Negotiation, drafting and review of a variety of corporate contracts

– Development of procedures and documents for purchasing and sales functions

– Joint ventures, including formation of jointly-owned companies

– Training of client representatives on a variety of topics

RECOGNITIONS
  • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Harrisburg metro area, Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2025)
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Harrisburg metro area, Banking and Finance Law (2020)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Banking and Finance Law (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Corporate Law (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Securities / Capital Markets Law (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (Mergers and Acquisitions)
  • Select Lawyers (Business/Commercial Law)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • New Hampshire Bar Association (former chair, Corporate Section)
  • Pennsylvania and Lancaster Bar Associations
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Current Challenges in Closing and Integrating M&A Transactions,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2023)
  • “ESG, DEI and Why You Should Care,” Association of Corporate Counsel’s In-House Lawyer All Day CLE program (2022)
  • “The Expected Impact of COVID-19 on M&A: A Look at the ‘New Normal’,” Barley Snyder Webinar Series (June 2020)
  • Featured speaker, NACD’s The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight and Cybersecurity (October 2017)
  • “Swaps in Loan Transactions.” Lendicon 2017 (March 2017)
  • “The Latest Changes in M&A Srategies,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2016)
  • “Jolley v. Chase Home Finance – Are Lenders Facing New Threats in Lender Liability Claims?” Lendicon (2015)
  • “Buying a Company: How to Position Yourself as a Buyer,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2014)
  • “Expanding Your Business Through a Joint Venture,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2010)
  • “Buying Businesses: Opportunities in a Down Economy?” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (May 2009)
  • “What Your Lender is Thinking in the Current Lending Environment”. Barley Snyder Business Seminar (Fall 2009)
  • “The Role of Private Equity in Mergers and Acquisitions, Parts I and II,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2008)

Paul W. Minnich

Paul practices commercial, real estate and fiduciary litigation and maintains an active trial practice in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 30 years of practice, he has handled a wide range of litigation matters including contract litigation, fiduciary litigation, minority shareholder litigation, restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, insurance and coverage litigation and real estate, eminent domain and tax assessment appeal cases.

Paul also has a significant Orphans’ Court practice handling trust disputes, will contests and guardianship proceedings.

Paul’s practice also includes zoning and land development matters for some of the largest national and regional residential and commercial developers. Paul’s experience includes obtaining variances, special exceptions, conditional uses and other zoning relief.

A native of York, Paul has supported the growth and well-being of his hometown through his active community involvement. Paul serves on the board of directors for various non-profit organizations including social service agencies, and the local bar association. 

In addition to being an active litigator, mentor and adviser, Paul has also been a well-received speaker, delivering presentations on construction, insurance, risk management and fiduciary law issues to a variety of public and private groups.

RECOGNITIONS
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Real Estate (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Select Lawyer, Polk-Lepson Research Group; Commercial Litigation and General Civil Litigation
  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars (Litigation)
  • Central Penn Business Journal (Forty Under 40)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • York County Orphans Court, Rules Committee
  • Maryland State and Baltimore County bar associations
  • Pennsylvania and York County bar associations
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Trends in Zoning and Development,” – Panelist, Wake Up With Barley: A Morning on Real Estate Seminar (June 2023)
  • “Land Use Institute 2020” faculty member, Pennsylvania Bar Institute (September 2020)
  • “Civil Motions Court and Local Rules Compliance”, 2018 York County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference (October 2018)
  • “Guardianship Practice and Procedure”, York County Bar Association (March 2015)
  • “Risk Management: How to Mitigate Risk”, ACC Seminar: What Keeps You up at Night? (September 2013)
  • “Creating A Successful Inside-Outside Counsel Partnership”, ACC Seminar: What Keeps You up at Night? (September 2012)
  • “Construction Lien Law Seminar” Lorman Education Services
  • “Pennsylvania Construction Defect and Mold Litigation Seminar” National Business Institute
  • “Operational Considerations for Small Business” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Publication Counseling Small Businesses
  • “Should Punitive Damages be Recoverable from a Decedent’s Estate” Dickinson Law Review
CLERKSHIPS
  • Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas (1992-1994)

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