Position: Attorney

Jacob H. Kiessling

Jake is an attorney in the firm’s Business and Real Estate practice groups with vast experience in the areas of business succession and transactions, real estate, and estate and trust matters.

In his business practice, Jake represents small business and farm clients, commercial real estate investors, medical and dental professionals, and other business clients. His representation includes a wide array of legal matters including business formation and operation and asset acquisition. Jake also represents clients in various real estate transactions ranging from purchases of preserved farmland to commercial and industrial properties.

Particularly, Jake has extensive experience successfully negotiating favorable solar and other alternative energy leases on behalf of landowners across Pennsylvania. He has presented seminars and podcasts regarding solar energy development and leasing practices for various organizations. As an invited panelist before the Pennsylvania Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, he has provided testimony with respect to solar industry leasing practices and the impact of solar development on prime agricultural land.

Jake also represents clients with their estate planning needs, whether simple or complex, and has represented financial institutions serving as estate and trust fiduciaries with respect to various issues arising in trust and estate administrations.

Prior to joining Barley Snyder, Jake was a partner in a mid-sized Harrisburg law firm. Jake resides in York County with his wife and their two children. He enjoys fly fishing and fly tying, playing guitar, Penn State wrestling, and Philadelphia sports. Jake is an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hummelstown and is a member of the Church’s Congregation Council. Jake also serves on the Lycoming College Alumni Association Executive Committee and the LutheranHANDS Foundation Board of
Directors.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Dauphin County Bar Association

Beth M. Kohl

Beth is a member of Barley Snyder’s Real Estate Practice Group. She regularly represents private and public clients in land use and zoning matters, municipal law, and real estate transactions. In addition to her years of experience in private law firm practice, Beth has unique knowledge and perspective from her years working for an engineering firm as a land development consultant and working in the real estate / right-of-way department of a midstream energy company. 

Beth is a member of the Pennsylvania and Berks County Bar Associations, serving as co-chair of the Municipal/Real Estate Law Section of the Berks County Bar Association. She frequently lectures on municipal law and zoning matters. Beth earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University, and earned her law degree from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University in Philadelphia. 

A Berks County native, Beth is grateful to be working with residents, businesses, and municipalities in and around southcentral Pennsylvania.  Beth is an active member of her community, and serves on the Boards of Directors of Berks Nature, the Friends of the Reading Hospital and the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club. 

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Berks County Bar Association
PRESENTATIONS
  • Newly Elected Officials Training, Albright College Center for Excellence in Local Government (CELG), Dec. 2, 2021
  • Post-Pandemic Municipal Practice, Berks County Bar Association Bench-Bar Conference, August 25, 2021
  • COVID-19 and Human Resources, CELG, May 15, 2021
  • Recent Land Use Court Decisions, CELG, March 4, 2021
  • Recent Land Use Court Decisions and Pending Legislation, CELG, March 7, 2020
  • Recent Land Use Court Decisions and Pending Legislation, CELG, March 2, 2019
  • Navigating Local Agencies – Questions and Answers, BCTV Ask-a-Lawyer Program, December 18, 2018
  • Introduction to Zoning Basics, Berks County Bar Association, July 19, 2018

Albert T. Keyack

Albert Keyack is a member of Barley Snyder’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, bringing expansive experience in IP law to the firm. In addition to practicing with law firms and as in-house counsel, Albert represented the European Patent Office (EPO) as the first Attaché to the United States, a role of both advocating for European patents and acting in a liaison role with U.S. based applicants to the EPO. He also represented the U.S. as the Intellectual Property Attaché to Latin America, advocating both for stronger intellectual property laws, judicial reforms and better trade practices, as well as representing the interests of U.S. industry with regard to intellectual property and related issues, such as pharmaceutical regulation. He has spoken extensively on a wide range of intellectual property topics in the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Germany and the Netherlands.

He began his career in Philadelphia, at a prominent law firm where he represented clients in matters involving patent and trademark prosecution, numerous types of intellectual property litigation and was also involved in a variety of transactional matters such as licensing, financing and acquisitions. He has also held positions as Chief Patent Counsel and as General Counsel at medical device companies and other technology companies both public and privately held, and was the in-house advisor on IP to a venture capital fund and their portfolio companies.

After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University, Albert worked designing radar systems while simultaneously obtaining a law degree from the Rutgers University School of Law.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Intellectual Property Owners Association
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Additional Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, German

Rachael E. Shaw

Rachael is a member of Barley Snyder’s Real Estate and Business practice groups with a breadth of experience in business, real estate, employment and sports law.

Rachael primarily focuses her practice on business law where she acts as general counsel to her business clients. She provides advice on matters such as corporate formations, governance and a variety of other transactional matters. She has experience guiding clients through the complicated processes of mergers and acquisitions and asset sales. In her real estate practice, Rachael reviews and prepares commercial lease agreements. She also handles agreements of sale on both the commercial and residential side.

Prior to joining Barley, Rachael was working as a transactional associate attorney in Lehigh County. She also has experience in employment law, drafting and reviewing employee policies and handbooks, as well as sports law, advising athletes regarding NIL (name, image and likeness) matters. 

Rachael graduated from Washington College where she received her B.A. in Political Science. She earned her J.D. from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law where she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award/Best Student Performance in Contract Drafting. 

Outside of the firm, Rachael enjoys spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, cooking and taking part in recreational sports leagues. 

Charmaine E. Nyman

Charmaine is a member of Barley Snyder’s Business and Real Estate practice groups. She brings a unique perspective to the firm through her wide variety of experiences. 

A magna cum laude University of Richmond School of Law graduate, Charmaine served on the editorial board of the University of Richmond Public Interest Law Review and volunteered for numerous causes including Virginia Free Legal Answers and Wills for Veterans. 

Charmaine also has an extensive background working in the legal field through various internships and externships. In these roles, she reviewed contracts, advised on contract compliance and conducted legal research. As a student attorney at the Intellectual Property and Transactional Law Clinic, she assisted businesses with entity formation, filing requirements, updated filing documents and maintenance of entity. She also provided copyright and trademark service, updated independent contractor agreements and prepared financial disclosure forms for non-profit entities.

Charmaine graduated from Kutztown University summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minors in Public Administration & Paralegal Studies. Following her undergraduate education, she worked as a paralegal for two years where she drafted estate planning documents, assisted with estate administration and real estate transactions. She also worked as a judicial intern in the United States District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, drafting orders, reports and recommendations as well as researching issues.

As a Clinton County native, Charmaine spent her childhood on a small family farm. During this time, she showed livestock in 4-H and was named 2015 Clinton County Fair Queen. She now resides in York County and enjoys spending her time away from the office reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Nominated for VA State Bar Oliver White Hill Award for Pro Bono Service (2022)
  • Harry L. Carrico Center for Pro Bono Service Certification Award (2022)
  • CALI Awards for Excellence in Military Law and in the Legal Business Design Challenge (2021)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC)

Tasha R. Stoltzfus Nankerville

Tasha is a member of Barley Snyder’s Litigation Practice Group with strong advocacy, problem-solving and leadership skills.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Tasha worked as an intern with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s office and Villanova Law’s Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE Institute). She previously worked in Lancaster city wrapping burritos at Prince Street Café before serving as a Finance/Human Resources director for six small businesses, as an Executive Director of a non-profit working alongside women affected by homelessness, and as a refugee resettlement caseworker. She relates to a broad spectrum of people and is comfortable in diverse settings. A Lancaster native with Amish roots, she currently volunteers in her hometown with various non-profit organizations including Lancaster County Conservancy, Night to Shine, Advoz and Church World Service. She is also a former volunteer of The Mix and Clare House. Tasha continues a longtime firm tradition of former Barley Snyder summer associates returning to the firm.

In law school, Tasha was a member of Villanova Law’s Moot Court Board where she won both Villanova and national competitions, including individual awards for best brief and best oralist. She was also a member of the Public Interest Fellowship Program and received her master’s in public administration from Villanova. In her spare time, Tasha enjoys anything outdoors, running, and thrift shopping at Goodwill. She lives in Lancaster with her husband and dog.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Dorothy Day Award for Pro Bono Service
  • Arthur J. Kania Prize in Professional Ethics
  • Daniel F. O’Dea, Jr. Fellowship Award for Outstanding Professionalism
  • Distinguished Service Award, Villanova Law Moot Court Board
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Lancaster Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

Emily Watkins Marzock

Emily is a member of our Trusts & Estates and Business practice groups. Emily is experienced at advising decision makers on complex areas of law. Her effective communication and relationship building skills make her a strategic partner for clients.

Emily received her law degree from the University of Virginia after majoring in Classics and Economics at Brown University. She then practiced for several years at the Washington, D.C. office of a large, international law firm. There, Emily provided regulatory counseling to Fortune 100 energy and telecom companies as well as representing them in administrative and judicial matters involving economic and regulatory issues.

Emily moved to Lancaster in 2016 and began working as the Associate Director of Gift Planning at Franklin & Marshall College. In this role, she worked with donors to find ways to satisfy their philanthropic intentions while advancing their financial and estate goals. Emily is a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia. Her experience in crafting charitable gifts enhances her estate planning practice.

Emily has a strong interest in serving the Lancaster community. She currently serves as a board member and chair of the Planned Giving Committee for The Lancaster Science Factory and as chair of Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity’s Board & Leadership Gifts Committee. Emily is also a member of the operating committee for the Neighborhoods of Old Town, where she lives.

Paul F. Troisi

Paul is a partner at Barley Snyder in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, assisting clients in commercial litigation, personal injury, real estate, construction, and professional licensing cases. He understands that litigation involves making difficult personal, legal, business, and financial decisions. His experience enables him to guide his clients through the litigation process in pursuit of the best possible outcome. Paul previously worked for firms in Bethlehem and Harrisburg, focusing on civil litigation to give him the experience he now possesses to help his clients through complex litigation matters.

Paul has experience in state and federal court, representing both individuals and businesses in a wide range of matters. With the growing trend of cases resolving or being decided through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings, Paul’s practice also includes representing his clients in arbitrations and mediations.

Commercial Litigation
Paul assists businesses of all sizes and individuals with collections cases, contract disputes, non-compete/non-solicitation agreement matters, business ownership disputes, business dissolution matters, violations of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, violations of the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, and commercial lease cases, among other areas.

Personal Injury
Paul represents individuals in motor vehicle accident, premises liability, products liability, slip and fall, and wrongful death cases.

Real Estate
Paul has experience in zoning matters, property disputes, quiet title cases, and with commercial/residential landlords in lease and landlord/tenant matters.

Construction
Paul represents construction industry professionals in a variety of disputes including breach of contract, violations of the Pennsylvania Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act, and Pennsylvania mechanics’ lien matters.

Professional Licensing
Paul represents professionals before administrative bodies in disputes related to various professional licensing issues.

In our community, Paul is the treasurer of the Berks County Bar Association. As treasurer, Paul is part of its executive & finance committee and its board of directors. He also is a member of the bar’s civil litigation section, local rules committee and investment committee. Paul also serves on the board of directors for the YMCA of Reading and Berks County. In his free time, Paul enjoys the outdoors and is an avid sports fan.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Berks County Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association

John J. Speicher

John is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, practicing in commercial and personal injury litigation. He is one of the few Berks County attorneys certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. John also maintains an AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale-Hubbell, an attorney rating service, and was selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer from 2011 through 2021 by Super Lawyers Magazine.

From 1995 to 1997, the Berks County native chaired the board of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County. He later served for four years on the executive committee of the Berks County Bar Association, including one year as president in 2002. He was also a delegate from Berks County to the Pennsylvania Bar Association and volunteers with the United Way of Berks County.

John graduated from Denison University with honors in history in 1973 and from Temple University School of Law in 1976. He has spoken at numerous seminars on various trial topics for the Berks County Bar Association and is trained as a mediator and arbitrator through the Berks County Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

He coached community youth teams in basketball, baseball and soccer, and led a youth basketball exchange with Germany in 1996. John is married to Patricia C. Giles, also a Berks County native and former senior vice president for Community Impact for the United Way of Berks County. She is also vice president of the Wyomissing Foundation and is on the board of trustees at Alvernia University. They have two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren.

RECOGNITIONS
  • AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale-Hubbell
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer (2011 – 2022)
  • Berks County Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program graduate
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATION
  • Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
MEMBERSHIP
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

Allen R. Shollenberger

Allen Shollenberger maintains a general practice of law with emphasis in the following areas: municipal representation, zoning, land development, real estate, corporate law, estate planning and estate administration.

A member of the Berks County Bar and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, Allen has been admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and U.S. District Court for the Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania.

He graduated from East Stroudsburg College and received his Juris Doctor degree from Delaware Law School of Widener University. Allen is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys running, biking, whitewater rafting adventures and golf.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Berks County Bar Association
  • Recorder of Deeds of Berks County, former solicitor

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