Matthew L. Wolford

Jessica E. Christie is an Associate in the Labor & Employment group of the Pittsburgh office. Her practice focuses on the defense of employers in workplace-related litigation, with particular emphasis on legal writing, research, and motion practice. She brings a broad civil litigation background to the group, having previously handled cases involving insurance defense, product liability, and medical malpractice. Jessica began her legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Gary ...

James B. Toohey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. James B., who practices law in Erie, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian D. Balonick advises his clients in all aspects of labor and employment law, including traditional labor, employment discrimination, and trade secret litigation. He helps clients avoid litigation by developing preventive strategies to remain in compliance with labor, employment, and wage and hour laws. He provides on-site training programs to assist employers in creating an issue-free workplace. When employers find themselves facing employment litigation, Brian has assisted them in any a...

Jennifer B. Hirneisen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jennifer B., who practices law in Erie, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Todd M. Begg focuses his practice on divorce, equitable distribution and custody matters with an emphasis on custody litigation. Having practiced almost exclusively in this area for more than 20 years, Todd is known as an articulate and experienced attorney, well-versed in statutes and case law. With a background in psychology and sociology, Todd is extremely comfortable litigating cases, including high-conflict cases, which may include issues of addiction, mental illness, or abuse. His educa...

John E. Black III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. John E., who practices law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Russell S. Warner is the Managing Partner of the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is the Chairman of the firm's Business Department and the past Chairman of the firm's Environmental Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and environmental law, including matters involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as matters before the USEPA Environmental Appe...

Rick L. Etter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Rick L., who practices law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rick L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Megan E. Farrell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Megan E., who practices law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Megan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Area of Emphasis Mark Shepard is a shareholder in the Litigation Group of Babst Calland and currently serves as general counsel to the Firm. Prior to joining the firm, he served as chair of the litigation group for one of Pittsburgh’s largest law firms. Background as a Litigator Mr. Shepard focuses his practice in the areas of commercial, toxic tort, products liability and environmental litigation. He has represented clients as lead trial counsel in a variety of complex commercial litig...