You can count on the highly experienced team of attorneys here at Peacock Keller, LLP. Fully licensed in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, our attorneys have built a great reputation over the years and are well-known throughout the region. Our firm is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Bar Association. To schedule an appointment and speak to one of our attorneys listed below, please call (724) 471-6650.
Richard J. Amrhein
Senior Counsel
Eva H. Ahern
Partner
Contact Eva H. Ahern
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University
â–º B.S., Lehigh University
Professional History
â–º Law Clerk, Hon. Mark Mascara
â–º Trust Officer, PNC Bank, N.A.
Speaking & Writing
â–º Presented to Caring Mission on estate planning and Medicaid
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and Washington County Bar Associations
â–º President, WCBA Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section
Eva H. Ahern graduated from Lehigh University in 2005, with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science and a minor in Economics. In 2008, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law.
Eva served as a law clerk for the late Honorable Mark Mascara, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania. At the conclusion of her clerkship, she worked as a Trust Officer with PNC Bank, N.A.
Eva began working for Peacock Keller in 2012 and concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Elder Law. She is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Pennsylvania and Washington County Bar Associations and is the past President of the Washington County Bar Association’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Blueprints.
Timothy R. Berggren
Of Counsel
Contact Timothy Berggren
timothy.berggren@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Municipal Law
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University
â–º B.S., Grove City College
Memberships
Professional:
â–º Washington County Bar Association
â–º Pennsylvania School Boards Association
Tim graduated from Grove City College in 1983, and Duquesne University School of Law in 1994. Tim concentrates his practice in public sector law, litigation, business law and estates. In practice for himself for over 25 years, he joined Peacock Keller in 2021. As solicitor for school districts and municipalities, Tim has a strong background in public sector labor relations, litigation, tax assessments, personnel matters, and contract matters. In the business area of his practice, Tim has represented companies in acquisitions, transactions, business formation, labor issues, litigation, and business disputes. His other area of concentration is in the administration of estates, where he works with the families of loved ones to fulfill the wishes of their family members and make their responsibilities as executors/administrators less stressful. Tim's experience allows him to have a close relationship with his clients and work with them at a personal level to address the issues they face which require legal expertise in the ever-complex world in which we live.
Dominic A. Carrola
Associate
Contact Dominic A. Carrola
dominic.carrola@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University School of Law (cum laude)
â–º B.S., California University of Pennsylvania (summa cum laude)
Professional History:
â–º Attorney, Baum O’Connor Cullen Chmiel (formerly Matis Baum O’Connor)
â–ºAssistant District Attorney, Washington County
Awards
â–º 2019 CourtCall Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy
â–ºThe Shalom Moot Court Award for â–ºExcellence in Trial Advocacy (2019)
â–ºGerald K. Gibson Memorial Award for Excellence in Bankruptcy (2019)
â–ºAmerican Bankruptcy Institute Medal of Excellence (2019)
â–ºProfessor Louis Del Duca Memorial Award (Pennsylvania Bar Association) (2019)
Bar Admissions
â–º Pennsylvania
â–ºUnited States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Dominic A. Carrola concentrates his practice in the areas of civil litigation, medical malpractice defense, plaintiff’s representation, and car accident claims. At Peacock Keller, Dominic is excited to expand his practice to include landlord-tenant disputes, tax assessment appeals, and general civil litigation.
Prior to joining Peacock Keller, Dominic proudly served the residents of Washington County for nearly three years as an assistant district attorney. As an assistant district attorney, Dominic was responsible for prosecuting everything from violent and sexual crimes to firearm- and drug-related offenses, across the entire County. Following his stint as a prosecutor, Dominic joined the Pittsburgh-based law firm Matis Baum O’Connor (now Baum O’Connor Cullen Chmiel) where he expanded his skills to include civil litigation with a focus on the defense of healthcare providers facing medical malpractice lawsuits.
In addition to practicing as a litigator, Dominic is a skilled appellate advocate and cases which he tried to conviction as an assistant district attorney have been affirmed on appeal. Dominic also competed nationally, while at Duquesne Law School, as an appellate advocate. In 2019, he placed as a Quarterfinalist at the National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition hosted by the West Virginia University College of Law and, in 2018, he placed as a top-four Semi-finalist at the Seigenthaler-Sutherland Cup National First Amendment Moot Court Competition held in Washington, D.C., where he also won an award for Best Oralist. Dominic’s law review article, also accomplished during his time at Duquesne Law School, explores Eight Amendment limitations on juvenile sentencing.
In his free time, Dominic plays jazz piano with the Washington Jazz Orchestra and composes songs and concert music. Dominic’s compositions have been performed by the Washington Symphony Orchestra and his original musical, Yet Another Funeral, was premiered at his alma mater, California University in April 2016.
Brandon D. Coneby
Of Counsel
Contact Brandon D. Coneby
brandon.coneby@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Administrative Law
Environmental Compliance
Leasing; Litigation
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University
â–ºB.S., The Pennsylvania State University
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º Allegheny County Bar Association
â–ºWashington County Bar Association
â–ºPast President: ACBA Environment and Energy Law Section
Civic:
â–º Founding Member – Rebuilding Their Future Foundation, Inc.
â–º Board Member – Adams Township Training and Aquatic Community Center
Brandon has over twenty years of experience in representing clients in connection with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulatory programs, with a primary focus on environmental issues relating to energy extraction (coal and oil and gas). Over the course of his legal career, Brandon has been involved with a variety of legal matters relating to coal extraction and natural gas exploration, production and distribution. He has counseled energy companies, chemical companies and landowners on complex environmental matters involving: water loss and subsidence, oil and gas production, remediation, wastewater management, title disputes and compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. He has negotiated numerous oil and gas leases and has brought and defended countless actions relating to subsurface rights in leases dating back to the 1950s. He routinely represents companies of all sizes and individuals before federal and state regulatory agencies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In addition, he has significant experience practicing before federal and state administrative tribunals, including the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission and the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board.
In addition to his energy practice, a portion of Brandon's practice is devoted to advising clients on issues relating to the aquatics industry. He has advised municipalities and aquatic facility owners on various issues associated with operating aquatic facilities including: lifeguarding and staffing requirements, steps necessary to comply with the Virginia Graeme Pool and Spa Safety Act and how to implement requirements imposed upon aquatic facilities under the Americans With Disabilities Act. He has also represented homeowner associations and homeowners in lawsuits involving the construction of swimming pools and swimming pool accidents. He is a certified instructor for the National Pool and Spa Foundation's Certified Pool Operator course, a certified lifeguard instructor for the American Red Cross and frequently speaks on aquatic-related topics at various seminars throughout the United States.
Wesley A. Cramer
Senior Counsel
Contact Wesley A. Cramer
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Ohio Northern University
â–º B.A., West Virginia University
â–º A.A., Valley Forge Military College
Speaking & Writing
â–º Lectured before several professional legal and educational organizations on a variety of subjects including coal leases, coal mining, subsidence, oil and gas well pluggings, and real estate tax exemptions
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association
â–º Washington County Bar Association
Civic:
â–º Guest speaker on a variety of ecclesiastical topics at Christian church conferences held throughout the United States, Canada and Israel
For more than 40 years, Wes Cramer has assisted primarily coal producers in a wide variety of matters pertaining to land and mineral title analysis, property acquisition, development, and operations. Wes has served as an expert witness in cases involving coal rights, railroad easements, and coal leases. He believes that alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation and arbitration frequently bring cases to a conclusion more quickly and economically than litigation. As such, Wes has participated in resolving land and energy-related disputes through mediation and arbitration. He has been appointed by the court to serve as a master-in-partition to resolve disputes among property co-owners.
Stephen P. Curry
Partner
Contact Stephen P. Curry
stephen.curry@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University
â–º B.A., California University of Pennsylvania
Memberships & Awards
â–º Pennsylvania, Washington County and Greene County Bar Associations
John E. Egers, Jr.
Of Counsel
Contact John E. Egers, Jr.
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University
â–º B.A., Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Summa Cum Laude with Honors Program Degree
Professional History
â–º Somerset County Law Librarian
â–º Law Clerk, Hon. Kim R. Gibson, Somerset Court of Common Pleas
â–º Law Clerk, Hon. Kim R. Gibson, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
â–º Sole Practitioner, John E. Egers, Jr. Attorney at Law
â–º Career Associate, Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, LLP
â–º Associate, Julian Law Firm
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º Pennsylvania Bar Association
â–º Washington County Bar Association
Director, Board of Directors 2023-2024
â–º Westmoreland Bar Association
â–º Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
â–º National Employment Lawyers Association
â–º Western Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Association
Bar Admissions:
â–º Pennsylvania
â–º U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
â–º U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
â–º U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
â–ºSupreme Court of the United States
Problem-solving for clients is what motivates John. John’s first interest in the law was in the criminal justice field. Upon entering law school, his interests broadened into other areas. Having served in two judicial clerkships before entering private practice, John experienced the judicial decision-making process firsthand in the state and federal trial courts. In private practice, John has represented clients in a host of various matters before the Pennsylvania state and federal trial and appellate courts, for both the plaintiffs and defendants. John’s experience includes a wide range of legal areas including breaches of contract, civil rights, criminal defense, collections, expungements, juvenile delinquency, protection from abuse, real estate disputes, eminent domain, unemployment compensation, wage and hour claims, employment discrimination and harassment matters. John is also experienced in forming corporations, drafting wills and powers of attorney and probating estates.
A native of Washington, Pennsylvania, John grew up in a working-class household, the son of a machinist and a nurse. The only attorney in his family, John knows how difficult and complex the legal system may seem to an outsider. He recognizes that at its heart, practicing law requires an attorney to listen to client’s issues and concerns while remaining approachable and understood by his clients.
Donald B. Formoso
Partner
Contact Donald B. Formoso
donald.formoso@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., University of Pittsburgh
â–º B.A., University of Pittsburgh
• University Honors College – Politics & Philosophy
Professional History
â–º Law Clerk, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
â–º Financial Analyst, The Ayco Company, L.P.
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º Allegheny County, Washington County, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations
â–º Past President: WCBA Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section
â–º Named to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star List
Civic:
â–º Board of Directors, Washington County Habitat for Humanity
â–º Board of Directors, The Olivia Scott Foundation
â–º Board of Directors, Peters Township Chamber of Commerce
â–º Knights of Columbus, Holy Child Council
â–º Counsel, Senior Pet and Animal Rescue (SPAAR)
Don concentrates his practice in the areas of business and corporate law, estates and trusts, and real estate. He provides counsel to business owners with respect to start-up, mergers and acquisitions of existing enterprises, commercial transactions and contracts, corporate governance, and shareholder agreements. As outside general counsel to numerous companies throughout Western Pennsylvania and across a diverse number of industries and professions, Don is uniquely equipped to serve clients on a wide variety of issues challenging business owners and executives at any stage of the organization’s maturity. Whether just beginning, facing a major change, or looking to exit, corporate clients can trust that he will work closely and attentively with them to achieve their desired outcome.
In addition, Don prepares Wills, Powers of Attorney documents, and a wide range of trusts - all tailored to each client’s specific circumstances and with an eye toward tax savings. He further advises clients regarding estate and trust administration, estate and gift tax planning, special needs planning, and business succession planning. Don also represents clients in relation to commercial real estate development and leasing and has broad experience in representing borrowers in negotiating commercial loans and other financial transactions.
Jonathan G. Higie
Managing Partner
Contact Jonathan G. Higie
jonathan.higie@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Dickinson School of Law
â–º B.A., Dickinson College
Speaking & Writing
â–º Co-presenter, "The Mechanics of Title Examination"
â–º Seminar Presenter, "Mechanics of Starting a Small Business"
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º American, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and Washington County Bar Associations
Civic:
â–º Board of Directors, Washington Industrial Development Corporation
â–º Past President, Group Home, Inc. of Washington, PA
â–º Past Board of Directors, Allegheny County Special Olympics
For over 30 years Jonathan has assisted clients navigate a myriad of transactional law issues including real estate, oil and gas title and acquisitions and business formation and operation. Specifically, he represents lenders, sellers, and buyers in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. As a licensed title insurance agent, Jonathan has also acted as a title agent on transactions ranging from home purchases to multimillion dollar commercial sales and acquisitions.
Jonathan also represents both landowners and energy companies in all manner of mineral title and acquisition transactions and has reviewed and issued well over 1000 mineral title opinions.
In addition to the real estate and mineral practice, Jonathan has formed and counseled companies on business and general counsel issues.
The core of Jonathan’s client representation philosophy is providing cost efficient, personal, and prompt attention to client matters with practical, common-sense solutions.
Jonathan is a past President of Allegheny County Special Olympics and Group Home, Inc of Washington. He has served the Washington County Bar Association as an Executive Committee member and as President of the Washington County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Jonathan also was the Managing Partner of Peacock Keller from 2008-1014 and returned to the position in 2022.
When not in the office, Jonathan enjoys spending time at Chautauqua Lake with his family and playing golf at courses throughout western Pennsylvania. Jonathan resides in Cecil Township with his wife Lisa.
Rachel K. Lozosky
Partner
Contact Rachel K. Lozosky
rachel.lozosky@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., University of Pittsburgh
â–º B.A., Washington & Jefferson College
Professional History
â–º Vanderman Law Offices
Speaking & Writing
â–º "Attorney-Client Privilege and Its Application Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act: Ethical Considerations for School District Solicitors", Seminar Presenter
â–º "Pennsylvania Special Education Law", CLE Program Presenter
â–º “Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law: What You Need to Know", Seminar Presenter
Memberships & Awards
Professional:
â–º Elected President, Pennsylvania School Board Solicitors Association (2021)
• President-Elect, Pennsylvania School Board Solicitors Association (2020)
• Secretary, Pennsylvania School Board Solicitors Association
â–º Past Regional Director, Pennsylvania School Board Solicitors Association
â–º Member, Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Resources Organization (SHPRO)
â–º Chair- Washington County Bar Association Public Relations and Service Committee
â–º 2013 Finalist, Washington County Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award
â–º Named to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star List
Civic:
â–º Volunteer - Horse ‘N Soul Therapeutic Riding Program
â–º Lector & CCD Instructor - St. Katharine Drexel Parish
Rachel K. Lozosky is passionate about educating, counseling, and advocating for her clients. Hailing from a family of educators and having grown up as the daughter of a school superintendent, Rachel's personal appreciation of the challenges and rewards of work in the Pennsylvania public school system has greatly benefitted her clients in her work for over a decade as a school solicitor. Rachel is experienced in the broad range of issues involved in representing school districts. She is the Chair of Peacock Keller's School and Municipal Law Department.
Rachel is also well-versed in representing small, mid-size and large employers in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, as well as individual employees. Her employer clients hail from a diverse collection of industries and professional fields, including the manufacturing, construction, finance and healthcare sectors. In both her employment and school law practices, Rachel's clients consistently remark upon her talent for counseling on complex legal issues in a thorough, clear and personable manner. Whether she is drafting company policies, guiding a small business through its first employee discipline matter, or helping a recently terminated employee to understand a severance agreement, Rachel's guidance empowers her clients to make sound decisions and helps to reduce the stress often associated with legal matters.
Rachel's knowledge, experience and relatable style make her a sought-after and frequent speaker on an extensive array of employment and school law topics, including Title IX and other anti-discrimination laws, personnel best practices, and special education. Her clients frequently call upon her to provide training on these and other issues, and she frequently speaks at professional conferences and community engagements.
Outside of the office, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and time outdoors, particularly gardening, swimming and horseback riding.
Dorothy A. Milovac
Associate
Contact Dorothy A. Milovac
dorothy.milovac@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University
â–º B.A., Washington & Jefferson
Memberships & Awards
â–º Pennsylvania and Washington County Bar Associations
Peter T. Patsakis
Associate
Contact Peter T. Patsakis
peter.patsakis@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D. Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
â–º B.S. Duquesne University
Professional History
â–ºCNX Gas Company, LLC
â–ºAssociate, Atencio Hall, PLLC
Memberships & Awards
â–º AAPL
â–º CALI Excellence Award – Remedies and Damages, 2011
Bar Admissions
â–ºPennsylvania
â–ºU.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Susan T. Roberts
Partner
Contact Susan T. Roberts
susan.roberts@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., University of Pittsburgh
â–º B.A., Arizona State University
Memberships & Awards
â–º Washington and Allegheny County Bar Associations
â–º Southwestern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
Christian E. Sesek
Associate
Contact Christian E. Sesek
christian.sesek@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., Duquesne University School of Law
â–º B.M., Duquesne University
Memberships
â–º Pennsylvania Bar Association
â–º Allegheny County Bar Association
â–º Fayette County Bar Association
Civic:
â–º Pittsburgh Opera New Guard Executive Council Member
â–º Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 32
Bar Admissions:
â–ºPennsylvania
â–ºU.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Christian E. Sesek concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of business and corporate law, estates and trusts, and real estate.
Prior to joining Peacock Keller, Christian worked with a solo practitioner where he provided counsel for commercial transactions, contracts, corporate formation, corporate governance, estate planning, real estate matters, and general litigation.
Christian graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Music with Business Studies, voice concentration, and a minor in economics. In his senior year, he received the Duquesne University Student Life Leadership Award and Duquesne Student Government Association Senior Award. Christian then graduated from Duquesne University School of Law. While in law school, Christian was a recipient of the McGinley Public Service Law Fellowship, which enabled him to clerk for one summer with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. He competed on the Duquesne University Trial Advocacy Team, participated in the Urban Development Practicum, and received the CALI for Excellence in Election Law.
Christian is a native of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and the first lawyer in his family. He is the son of a steelworker and a social worker, who instilled values of hard work and compassionate advocacy. Christian embraces these values when representing his clients.
Outside of the office, Christian hosts a show on a local AM radio station, is active in local politics, and regales audiences with his rendition of Rat Pack era standards.
Thomas A. Steele
Partner
Contact Thomas A. Steele
thomas.steele@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–º J.D., University of Pittsburgh
â–º B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Professional History
â–º Attorney, Robb Leonard Mulvihill, Attorneys At Law
â–º President, SI Contracting, LLC
Memberships & Awards
â–º Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and Washington County Bar Associations
Tom has extensive experience handling construction related disputes, including, defect claims, payment and performance disputes, mechanics’ lien claims, and EHS regulatory compliance issues. Prior to entering the legal profession and after proudly serving as a Sergeant in the United States Army, Tom worked as a Construction Safety Manager and operated his own construction company, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges faced in the industry. His wide range of experience in the field includes preparation and negotiation of contracts, land development, municipal zoning applications, and environmental, health and safety compliance.
Additionally, Tom is well-versed in real estate matters and municipal law, having represented clients with respect to zoning, title issues, landlord-tenant disputes, and tax assessment appeals. He currently serves as the Chairman of the South Strabane Township Planning Commission. He also has wide-ranging experience in the areas of business and insurance litigation.
Eric G. VanKirk
Associate
Contact Eric G. VanKirk
eric.vankirk@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
Landlord / Tenant Law
Civil Litigation
Automobile Insurance Litigation
Education
â–ºJ.D., Duquesne University School of Law
â–ºB.S., Duquesne University, A. J. Palumbo School of Business
Bar Admissions
â–ºPennsylvania Bar Association
â–ºWest Virginia Bar Association
â–ºUnited States District Courts for the Western District of Pennsylvania
â–ºSouthern District of West Virginia
Robert A. Vernon
Of Counsel
Contact Robert A. Vernon
robert.vernon@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–ºJ.D. Notre Dame Law School
B.A.
â–ºThe College of William and Mary
Memberships
â–ºAllegheny County Bar Association
Bar Admissions
â–ºPennsylvania Bar Association
â–ºU.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
â–ºU.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
â–ºU.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
â–ºU.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
â–ºU.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Robert J. Waine
Of Counsel
Contact Robert J. Waine
robert.waine@peacockkeller.com
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Homeowners Associations
Education
â–ºB.A., University of Rochester; J.D., cum laude, from the Pace University School of Law
â–ºB.C.L., Wadham College, University of Oxford
Speaking
â–ºIUP Center for Family Business – Family Business Constitutions: ACC – Corporate Transparency Act: What Every Business Needs to Know.
Bar Admissions
â–ºPennsylvania; U.S. District Court W.D. Pennsylvania; U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.
Jason D. Witt
Of Counsel
Contact Jason D. Witt
(724) 471-6650
Practice Areas
Education
â–ºJ.D., West Virginia University
â–ºB.S., West Virginia University
Bar Admissions
â–ºPennsylvania
â–ºWest Virginia
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