Position: Associate

Thomas T. Platts

Tom is a member of Barley Snyder’s Business and Real Estate Practice Groups. Having been born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, Tom is thrilled to offer legal assistance to his home community and beyond. 

Tom earned his juris doctor degree from Penn State Law. During law school, he gained significant hands-on experience working as an associate at the Penn State Law Entrepreneurship Clinic. Here, Tom discovered his enthusiasm for business and commercial law as he provided legal services to entrepreneurs and business entities throughout Pennsylvania. In this role, Tom drafted contracts, conducted legal research, and guided clients through business formations, amendments, and sales/purchases. Tom also enjoyed serving as a formal mentor to junior clinic associates. Additionally, while in law school, Tom worked as a contract compliance specialist for a leading technology company in the machine health optimization sector. He performed contract review and organization as well as risk analysis.

Prior to attending law school, Tom graduated magna cum laude from Temple University. While juggling multiple part-time jobs and building lasting friendships, Tom completed his bachelor’s degree in three years, won the 2020 American Kinesiology Association Scholar Award, and studied abroad in Greece. Tom is also a proud graduate of York Suburban High School.

Outside the office, Tom can be found playing pickleball, chasing after his niece and nephew, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Penn State Nittany Lions. Tom also enjoys volunteering with his friends at Catholic Harvest Food Pantry, which provides food and hygiene products to families in need of assistance throughout the greater York community. 

Michael A. Jannuzzi

Mike is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. His considerable educational and internship experience provides him with a unique perspective into the world of IP. 

Mike’s interest in patent law stemmed from his degree and experience in mechanical engineering. During his internships at Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, he created designs in SOLIDWORKS that were quickly fabricated and delivered to the factory. Mike enjoyed this process because he could see the designs come to life. This sparked his desire to pursue patent law so he could work with inventors to help them secure rights in the designs they create. 

Prior to joining Barley Snyder full-time, he completed a co-op at the firm, working alongside the IP attorneys and gaining hands-on experience in the legal sector. He also served as a summer associate at a niche intellectual property law firm where he worked on claim drafting, prior art searches, and other matters relating to patent prosecution. 

Mike graduated cum laude from the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in the top 15% of his class. During law school, he received numerous awards and scholarships. He also was a member of Drexel’s Intellectual Property Law Society which aims to promote awareness and education of the various facets of intellectual property law and keep students updated on current issues in the intellectual property law field. Of note, while earning his undergraduate degree at Penn State, Mike received special acceptance into an engineering design project sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Penn State’s Applied Research Lab, and Penn State’s Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics. During this project, he led the Structures sub-team in creating and testing prototype structures to house and temporarily test a sensor package for use in lakes and rivers to identify sources of pollution.

Outside the office, Mike enjoys visiting national parks and state parks throughout the United States, scuba diving, and playing volleyball. 

MEMBERSHIPS/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
RECOGNITIONS/AWARDS
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award/Best Student Performance in Patent Prosecution
  • Outstanding Achievement in Intellectual Property Law Concentration at Drexel University
  • Robert B. Washburn Intellectual Property Law Scholarship – Awarded in recognition of academic success in the area of Intellectual Property Law
  • Rising Advocate Scholarship – Awarded in recognition of outstanding undergraduate achievement

Anthony P. Austin

Anthony is an associate in the firm’s Business and Finance & Creditors’ Rights practice groups. He counsels clients on a wide range of commercial transactions, including drafting and negotiating agreements, performing due diligence, and coordinating document preparation and closings for mergers and acquisitions. His practice also includes entity formations and dissolutions, the maintenance of corporate records and governance documents for private companies, and front-end financing matters for both borrowers and lenders.

Anthony also advises higher education institutions on various regulatory compliance matters. He develops and reviews institutional policies, assesses compliance frameworks, and assists leadership teams as they respond to shifts in federal enforcement priorities and executive orders. He prepares privacy policies, terms of use, and agreements addressing how organizations collect, retain and disclose data. As institutions navigate the adoption of AI among students, faculty and staff, Anthony advises on AI governance structures, risk management considerations, and acceptable use policies. This work is expanding beyond higher education as organizations across various industries confront the regulatory and practical implications of AI adoption. Anthony also serves on the firm’s AI Task Force, which focuses on the responsible implementation and use of artificial intelligence tools within the firm.

Anthony graduated from Penn State Dickinson Law with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Law. During law school, he interned with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection, and with the Pennsylvania Treasury, Board of Finance and Revenue. He earned his undergraduate degree from Penn State Harrisburg, where he also served as the Nittany Lion Mascot.

Outside of the firm, Anthony competes in West Coast Swing dancing and enjoys other forms of ballroom dance, as well as obstacle course racing and cooking.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
PUBLICATIONS

Curtis J. Tokach

Curtis is an attorney in Barley Snyder’s Litigation and Finance & Creditors Rights practice groups. He focuses his practice on resolving complex business conflicts while helping clients manage litigation risk and protect their contractual and property rights.

Business Litigation and Contract Disputes
Curtis represents business entities in complex contract disputes, including matters involving the enforcement of contractual rights, defense of contract claims and resolution of business disagreements. He also assists clients with collection and enforcement actions, including the filing and enforcement of mechanic’s liens. In addition, Curtis assists clients with disputes involving licensing agreements and contract renegotiations. One of his notable matters involved representing a large-scale business in a dispute concerning bidding procedures for a school district contract. In that matter, he assisted in preparing for a preliminary injunction hearing challenging the procurement process, gaining significant experience in public contracting and bid protest issues.

SaaS and Technology-Related Disputes
A growing portion of Curtis’s practice involves disputes arising from software-as-a-service (SaaS) agreements and other technology-related contracts, including payroll systems, subscription-based platforms and cloud-based software. He advises clients on termination rights and other contractual obligations arising under these agreements. Because SaaS contracts often contain onerous terms and significant termination penalties, Curtis frequently works directly with vendors to resolve conflicts and negotiate meaningful reductions in his clients’ financial exposure.

Real Estate Litigation and Property Rights
Curtis handles real estate and construction-related litigation. He represents real estate owners in boundary disputes and other property-related matters, including ejectment actions and related litigation. He represents homeowners in claims against contractors under Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). He also represents contractors and construction professionals in disputes with homeowners, clients and subcontractors, including defending against HICPA and other construction-related claims.

Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Curtis represents clients in matters that proceed to mediation, with a focus on achieving practical and cost-effective resolutions. He advises clients on mediation strategy, settlement positioning and risk assessment to support informed decision-making throughout the dispute resolution process.

Outside General Counsel and Business Advisory
Curtis also serves in an outside general counsel role for certain business clients, advising on risk management, leasing disputes and contract matters and helping them address legal issues before they escalate into litigation.

Curtis earned his Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where he graduated third in his class, and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University with a concentration in Food Marketing and Leadership, Ethics, and Organizational Sustainability. Outside of the firm, Curtis is an avid golfer who enjoys competing in local amateur tournaments. He also enjoys going to the gym and spending time outdoors with family and friends.                        

MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Dauphin County Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Westlaw AI” CLE Program, York County Inns of Court (February 2026)
RECOGNITIONS
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award (Torts I, Torts II, Contracts II, Business Organizations, Bioethics and the Law, Remedies)
PUBLICATIONS
  • Survey, A Chilling Decision for School Bus Drivers: A Survey Of Rose Tree Media School District v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 33 Widener Commw. L. Rev. 379 (2024)

Jonah P. Markle

Jonah is a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates, Finance & Creditors’ Rights and Business practice groups. He focuses his practice on estate planning and related matters, where he prioritizes building strong relationships with clients and gaining a clear understanding of their long‑term goals. He has a particular interest in special needs planning and believes effective planning should preserve dignity, autonomy and financial security for vulnerable individuals and their families.

In his business practice, Jonah assists clients with a range of corporate matters, including entity formation, document review, and advising on legal concerns related to business operations. He also assists with finance and creditors’ rights matters, including representing clients in Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Programs.

Jonah continues a longstanding Barley Snyder tradition of summer associates returning to the firm. Before joining Barley Snyder, he served as a Certified Legal Intern in the University of Pittsburgh School of Law’s Elder Law Clinic and Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. As part of the Elder Law Clinic, Jonah represented clients in guardianship proceedings before the Allegheny County Orphans’ Court and assisted clients in drafting testamentary documents. Additionally, Jonah provided free legal assistance to persons with pending cases before the United States Tax Court.

During his time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Jonah interned with a small law firm in the Pittsburgh area, working on legal research and brief drafting for Social Security Disability benefit cases pending before the Social Security Administration. He served as an Articles Editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review and was a member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. He also played in the Allegheny County Bar Association Soccer League. Prior to law school, he worked in the Regulatory Affairs department of a Pittsburgh-based electric utility company. 

In his spare time, Jonah enjoys traveling, playing soccer, cooking and cheering on the Pittsburgh sports teams. 

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
  • Berks County Bar Association

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, 2025, 2026)
  • Daniel F. O’Dea Fellowship Award for Excellence and Professionalism in Legal Research
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026, 2027) , Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026, 2027))
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 and Finance & Creditors’ Rights practice groups, 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
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Commercial Litigation (2026, 2027), Litigation – Real Estate (2026, 2027)

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

Elizabeth G. Vanasse

Elizabeth is a valued member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. 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.

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
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Navigating the Agreement of Sale: Key Contingencies, Timelines, and Lessons from the Field”, Wake Up With Barley: A Morning on Real Estate Seminar (June 2025)
  • “PA Act 233’s Annual Reporting Requirements: What Attorneys and Their Clients Need to Know”, Lancaster Bar Association (December 2024)
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
  • “Examining the Evolution of the Environmental Rights Amendment Through a Municipal Lens,” co-author, Pennsylvania Bar Association Quarterly (April 2026)
  • 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
  • “From Default to Recovery: War Stories Welcome”, Barley Snyder LendiCon (April 2026)
  • “Employee Handbook Workshop”, Lancaster Chamber (November 2025)
  • “The Intersection of Christianity & the Law,” Widener Law Commonwealth Panel (November 2025)
  • “Agency Charges 101: Navigating EEOC & PHRC Investigations with Confidence”, 42nd Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2025)
  • “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)

 

Get in Touch

Our attorneys, paralegals and staff look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out to let us know how we can help.

Get In Touch
RECOGNIZED IN
Super Lawyers
Best Law Firms US News
Best Lawyers