Position: Attorney

Karen E. Toth

Karen is an attorney in the firm’s Employee Benefits practice with more than two decades of legal experience. Karen focuses her practice on assisting employers with all aspects of their employee benefits offerings, including the design and operation of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, welfare plans and executive compensation arrangements. Karen has significant experience with IRS and DOL compliance programs as well as ERISA fiduciary obligations and best practices. She has also represented clients in IRS and DOL audits.

Karen has trained employers and other employee benefits professionals on best practices in employee benefit plan administration, and changes in the laws that govern employee benefit plans (including SECURE 2.0).

In addition to her many years of providing legal advice to employers, she has also worked as legal counsel, in an in-house capacity, with retirement plan service providers. She brings this knowledge and experience to her work with employers, allowing her to provide clients with pragmatic advice and solutions.

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.

In his business practice, Ray advises clients on all aspects of their business, ranging from entity selection and formation to succession planning and dissolution. He frequently assists clients with general business matters including contract drafting, review and negotiation. Ray also counsels clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and a variety of other transactional matters including commercial leases and real estate purchase agreements. He provides counsel on succession planning matters by reviewing and drafting internal governance documents. Furthermore, Ray is well-versed with handling formations for nonprofit organizations in addition to filing tax exemption applications.

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.

During law school, Ray gained valuable experience as a student attorney at Villanova’s Clinic for Law and Entrepreneurship where he worked with start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. He also served as an in-house legal intern for a multinational company based out of Reading where he counseled clients and gained a unique perspective into the corporate world.

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 two nonprofit organizations. In addition, he regularly volunteers at Wills for Heroes, preparing estate planning documents for local first responders. Ray currently lives in Phoenixville with his wife and growing family.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star (2024)
  • Daniel F. O’Dea Fellowship Award for Excellence and Professionalism in Legal Research
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 Practice Group. 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. 

In his litigation practice, Brandon 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
  • Businesses in employment 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, wrongful termination, unemployment compensation, 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 earned his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and obtained his juris doctor degree from the Dickinson School of Law. Outside of the firm, Brandon likes spending time outdoors where he enjoys activities including hiking, kayaking and playing softball. 

MEMBERSHIPS
  • American Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
RECOGNITIONS
  • Rotarian of the Year (2022/23) – Williamsport, PA Rotary Club

Edwin León, J.D., M.C.J., CAMS

Edwin is an associate in the firm’s Business and Creditors’ Rights practice groups. He comes to the firm following a decorated career in the private and public sector.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Edwin worked for a boutique law firm in Wilmington, Delaware, handling corporate restructuring and bankruptcy litigation matters. He advises clients in a variety of insolvency matters including out-of-court workouts, chapter 7 and chapter 11 filings, bankruptcy sales and purchases, claims filing, and bankruptcy litigation. Edwin has experience with commercial, securities and other litigation in multiple Delaware Courts, including representing corporations, boards of directors, and stockholders in various disputes. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable of the various SEC rules and regulations and related corporate governance and regulatory matters. Edwin also has significant experience working on Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) and other preference actions. Edwin holds the title of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), which is recognized as the gold standard in anti-money laundering certifications by institutions, governments and regulators worldwide.

Before practicing law, Edwin served as an instructor for the Pennsylvania State Police. In this role, he participated in court preparation, records retention, criminal prosecutions, and court appearances for hundreds of criminal and civil cases. Edwin also served as part of the infantry in the United States Marine Corps. He earned an assortment of accolades for his dedicated service to the police force and the military, including a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Baltimore Riot Service Medal and more. While in law school, Edwin worked as a law clerk at Delaware Law School’s Veterans Law Clinic where he handled all aspects of indigent veteran cases from intake through hearings in front of federal judges.

Edwin holds a juris doctorate from Widener University Delaware Law School, where he graduated cum laude, and a Master of Criminal Justice & Policy Administration from Boston University. He completed his undergraduate studies at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, majoring in sociology.

Beyond his legal pursuits, Edwin maintains a keen interest in cutting-edge developments related to blockchain technology, Web3, crypto-assets, finance and corporate investigations. He holds a certificate in the Economics of Blockchain & Digital Assets from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. When he is not immersed in the world of cryptocurrencies and digital assets, Edwin devotes his time to volunteering for veterans and underprivileged youth organizations. He is fluent in Spanish and is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association. Edwin is also an enthusiast of martial arts and fitness activities.

CERTIFICATIONS
  • ACAMS, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
  • The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Economics of Blockchain & Digital Assets Certificate
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Hispanic Bar Association
RECOGNITIONS
  • United States Marine Corps: Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; National Defensive Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Rifle Expert Designation; Pistol Expert Designation; Marine Corps Honor Graduate
  • Pennsylvania State Police: Baltimore Riot Service Medal; Baltimore Riot Captains Notation; Eric Frein Manhunt Service Award; Top Gun Service Award; Supervisors Notation x14
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Pennsylvania State Police, State Trooper Instructor
  • TSMMA, Mixed martial arts instructor
LANGUAGES
  • Spanish (fluent)

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.

In 2005, Nichole began her legal journey 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 career with the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office spanning over 17 years where she prosecuted many criminal offenders.

At the District Attorney’s Office, Nichole prosecuted a wide array of criminal offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felony cases including homicides. She spent 15 years with the Drug Task Force where she advised law enforcement in drug-related investigations and prosecuted individuals charged with drug trafficking offenses. Based on her considerable prosecution experience, Nichole received an appointment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in 2012, 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. During her tenure, Nichole’s leadership and legal acumen were highly regarded, receiving the 2016 Outstanding Prosecutor Award from the Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers’ Association and the 2018 Award for Outstanding Trial Advocacy from the Department of Justice.

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 18 years.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
RECOGNITIONS
  • Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers’ Association 2016 Outstanding Prosecutor Award
  • Department of Justice 2018 Award for Outstanding Trial Advocacy

William C. Boak

Bill is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group with a proven track record of representing businesses, organizations and individuals in federal and state courts across a wide spectrum of business and litigation matters. He is well-versed in the areas of commercial transactions, business torts, insurance coverage, trademark infringement, and municipal finance. Bill’s litigation experience dovetails nicely with his MBA, giving him a unique ability to understand a client’s business, industry and the context in which disputes arise. He works diligently to achieve his clients’ objectives and resolve disputes while advocating zealously for their position throughout all stages of litigation. 

In addition to his proficiency in business and commercial litigation, Bill has experience with handling labor and employment matters. He has represented employers before federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and defended them against discrimination claims, wrongful termination cases and FMLA violations. Bill has represented employers before the National Labor Relations Board in unfair labor practice and union election cases. In addition, Bill has advised employers on post-employment restrictive covenants, including non-competes, and effectively litigated on their behalf to enforce these covenants, including at preliminary injunction hearings. 

Before entering private practice, Bill served as a law clerk to Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Through this experience, he gained valuable insight into the practice and procedure of federal courts.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Honorable William W. Lipsitt American Inn of Court, Barrister
  • Dauphin County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • New Jersey State Bar Association
PUBLICATIONS
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Law clerk to the Honorable Thomas I. Vanaskie of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Julia M. Parrish

Julia is a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group with two decades of experience, focusing her practice in the areas of estate planning and trust and estate administration.

Julia is passionate about her chosen field because of how it enables her clients to achieve their goals and effectively plan for the future. Helping her clients through difficult times, whether death or incapacity, and finding creative solutions to problems is important to her. Julia’s practice includes: preparing documents such as last will and testaments, powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, trusts and non-judicial settlement agreements for trusts; aspects of business succession planning and tax planning; in addition to representing clients in guardianship matters and more.

During the estate planning process, Julia works closely with her clients to identify their priorities. From there, she educates her clients on various aspects of property ownership, taxation, and estate and trust planning, enabling them to make an educated choice for their future. Julia also recognizes the value in collaborating with a client’s team – whether their accountant, financial advisor, children, preferred charitable organization or business partner – to ensure the best results. This combined approach allows Julia to create a comprehensive estate plan that meets her clients’ needs and desires.

Julia started her legal career in York County as an intern for the Prothonotary’s office during college. She then gained experiencing working as a law clerk throughout the York and Harrisburg areas. After that, Julia served as a law clerk for the Honorable James M. Blaney of the Superior Court in Ocean County, New Jersey, before returning to York County to practice as an attorney in a small general practice law firm. More recently, Julia served as counsel for a firm in Dauphin County working in estate planning and trust and estate administration.

Outside of the firm, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She and her family are active members of Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church in Lancaster.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
  • Estate Planning Council of Central PA, Member
  • York County Estate Planning Council, Member
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
  • Pennsylvania Society of Tax & Accounting Professionals, South Central Chapter, “Estates, Trusts, and Planning for Tomorrow; Assisting Your Clients to Assess Need and Prepare an Effective Estate Plan” (November 2022, September 2023)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Dauphin County Bar Association
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

Caitlin M. Long

Caitlin is a member of Barley Snyder’s Business and Creditors’ Rights practice groups with strong analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to find creative solutions to problems. She previously worked as a law clerk at the firm as she completed her final year of law school.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Caitlin clerked for the Office of Maryland Attorney General’s Antitrust Division where she conducted legal research and interviews, assisted with litigation claims and handled other tasks. She also held a number of internships throughout her academic career including working as a corporate development intern at Dorman Products, a tax intern at Wipfli LLP, and a legal/HR intern at Sungard Availability Services.

Caitlin received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management from Immaculata University. Her undergraduate degree paired with her various internship/clerkship experience has provided her with a strong understanding of the corporate sector. During law school, she served on the Corporate and Business Law Society and the Law Association for Women.

A Pennsylvania native who graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School, Caitlin continues a longtime firm tradition of former Barley Snyder summer associates returning to the firm. She lives in Montgomery County with her partner and enjoys cooking and spending time at Longwood Gardens where they are members. 

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Barley Snyder Summer Associate, June 2022 – July 2022
  • Office of Maryland Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Law Clerk – May 2021-December 2021
  • Dorman Products, Corporate Development Intern – May 2019-August 2020
  • Wipfli LLP, Tax Intern – January 2019-April 2019
  • Comcast Spectacor, Payroll Intern – August 2018-December 2018
  • Sungard Availability Services, Human Resources Management Intern – May 2018-August 2018
  • Sungard Availability Services, Legal Intern – October 2017-May 2018
CERTIFICATIONS
  • Westlaw; LexisNexis

Elizabeth G. Vanasse

Elizabeth is a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups. She continues a longstanding Barley Snyder tradition of summer associates returning to the firm.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Elizabeth worked as an intern with the University of Richmond’s Children’s Defense Clinic and dedicated most of her time to juvenile justice initiatives. Passionate about criminal justice reform, Elizabeth worked with Virginia’s Parole Board to revamp its parole guidelines for those incarcerated as juveniles. She worked to make the guidelines more indicative of recent U.S. Supreme Court cases about youth as a mitigating factor in sentencing. As a result, Elizabeth received the Orell-Brown Award for Clinical Excellence in the Children’s Law Center upon graduating from law school. In law school, Elizabeth was a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society and served as Copy Editor for the Richmond Public Interest Law Review. She also worked as a research assistant on trusts, estates and taxation issues for upcoming publications.

Elizabeth also has extensive legal internship experience. During law school, she interned with a small firm in Richmond, Virginia, working on adoption and surrogacy legal matters along with employment and personal injury cases. She worked directly with clients and discovered a zeal for cultivating strong attorney-client relationships. During the summers of her undergraduate years, Elizabeth 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.

A Lancaster native, 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 fiancé.

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
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Advanced to fluent in written and spoken French

Hannah M. Schroer

Hannah is a member of Barley Snyder’s Employment Practice Group. She brings a unique perspective to the legal industry stemming from her wide variety of career experiences. She comes to Barley Snyder after working as a Judicial Clerk at the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas for the Honorable Leonard G. Brown III. In this role, Hannah researched and drafted civil opinions from commercial contract disputes to restrictive covenants. She also assisted during hearings, providing legal analysis and insight into case facts while supporting multiple judicial chambers. She is a cum laude graduate of both Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and Rutgers University.

During law school, Hannah was the Managing Editor of Villanova Law Review Online: Tolle Lege and was the Site Chair for Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia. She also practiced as a Certified Legal Intern with Villanova’s Interdisciplinary Mental & Physical Health Clinic where she represented clients appealing healthcare coverage denials at fair hearings and conducted client intake interviews. In addition, Hannah served as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Juan R. Sánchez where she gained first-hand experience drafting orders, opinions and research memoranda on labor and employment disputes and civil rights challenges in federal court.

With a mission to gain a client-focused experience while giving back to her community, Hannah volunteered for the Military Assistance Project, appealing clients’ unfavorable discharge statuses to seek VA benefits, and assisted attorneys with drafting end-of-life documents at Wills for Heroes clinics. She also spent a summer volunteering at the Face-to-Face Legal Center, helping indigent clients apply for birth certificates and ensuring applications were reviewed.

Hannah also has experience working alongside in-house counsel as a Legal Services Intern at Allied Universal Services, an international private security and staffing corporation based in Conshohocken. She reviewed governance documents, advised human resources on licensing compliance, and conducted extensive research into ongoing legal developments affecting interstate and international compliance.

Before pursuing a career in law, Hannah worked as a Freelance Web Reporter for WFMZ/69 News in Allentown. She reported on various implications of government decisions throughout nine municipalities and analyzed legislation on budgetary and policy decisions. Her background in journalism and online communication taught her a straightforward communication style which she has carried into her legal career. While balancing her municipal beat as a freelancer, Hannah worked in the construction industry as a Product Manager with a national distributor of trench drain and accessories originally based in Easton, Pennsylvania. In this role, she designed drainage systems, compiled case studies and effectively negotiated sales with clients.

Active in her community, Hannah volunteers with the Lancaster Conservancy’s Water Quality Volunteer Coalition and serves on the Pastoral Council at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Outside of 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
  • St. Thomas More Society of Central Pennsylvania, Board of Directors
  • Lancaster Bar Association, Member
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
PUBLICATIONS
  • 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).

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