Fred Spangler concentrates his practice in tax and estate planning and estate administration, and lectures on these subjects to accountants, trust officers and business owners.
MEMBERSHIP
- York County Bar Association
Position: Attorney
David H. Rattigan
In addition to more than three decades of experience as an attorney, David matches that with business experience few other lawyers can match as a certified public accountant. That rare duality allows him to work as a partner with individuals, families and businesses to help them achieve their goals as a member of Barley Snyder’s Business, Real Estate and Trusts & Estates practice groups.
David works with individuals and family-owned businesses in the areas of estate, business and tax planning, business and corporation law matters, real estate development, acquisitions and business financing. He represents family-owned manufacturers, construction contractors, breweries, real estate developers, physicians and other professional practice groups and retail and service companies, working closely with clients, their accountants, engineers, financial planners, brokers and other advisers as a team to guide clients into the future. David assists clients with the formation and operations of limited liability companies (LLCs) and S Corporations.
David has represented some of the region’s most productive families in connection with estate, tax and business succession planning, estate and trust administration and related needs. These services include the development, implementation and administration of comprehensive estate plans, including:
- Marital trusts
- Prenuptial agreements
- Revocable trusts
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts
- GST Exempt Trusts
- Family limited partnerships
- LLCs
- Annual gift planning
- Use of disclaimers
- Simple wills
- Powers of attorney
David represents families, individuals, physicians, small business owners, retirees and other professionals with the same degree of enthusiasm and detail regardless of financial position. David’s real estate practice includes commercial lending, title insurance for commercial real estate, real estate development and leasing. David has also represented hospital authorities, industrial development corporations, PIDA loans, townships and municipal zoning and sewer authorities.
EXPERTISE & CERTIFICATION
- Certified public accountant
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Licensed Title Agent
Troy B. Rider
Troy’s practice is centered around Business, Finance and Real Estate law. In his practice, he counsels clients on all facets of business transactions, including succession planning for closely held businesses and the structuring, negotiation and closing of commercial and financial transactions. In addition, Troy regularly advises business clients on proper corporate governance and best practices in a variety of situations. Troy has experience working with family businesses in industries ranging from medical practices, dental practices and other professional service firms, as well as food processing facilities, manufacturers and construction companies.
Business
Troy handles a range of business transactions for his clients including entity selection, formation and structuring, and mergers and acquisitions. He regularly represents clients buying or selling businesses, which can include very complicated transactions involving mergers of entities, multi-level financing and equity arrangements, earn-out provisions, and floating purchase prices. In connection with such work, Troy also advises clients on the proper acquisition entity, guides the due diligence process, negotiates and secures financing, analyzes financing options, determines value, leads the team of advisers in the negotiation and closing of the transaction, and negotiates and drafts letters of intent, term sheets and definitive agreements. He further advises business clients on general matters, including contract drafting and review, regulatory compliance, governance issues, strategic positioning and succession planning.
Finance
Troy represents lenders in commercial loan matters, including document drafting and review, counseling lender representatives and reviewing lender-prepared documents, title insurance and other finance-related documents and agreements. Troy works extensively with lenders in various facets of secured and unsecured transactions, including participated loans and commercial real estate ventures. He also advises lenders and other creditors in loan and credit recoveries for situations involving collections, foreclosures, repossessions, levies, garnishments, mechanics liens, municipal claims and other commercial litigation.
Real Estate
Troy counsels his clients in various aspects of real estate law, including the acquisition, sale and development of retail, industrial, office and residential sites, as well as drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial leases. Troy has experience in the preparation and negotiation of sale/lease-back transactions, real estate sales agreements, due diligence, review of title commitments and resolution of title matters, review and negotiation of real estate secured loan documents and the preparation of settlement related documents.
Healthcare
Troy provides comprehensive legal services to businesses in the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on medical and dental practices. He works closely with healthcare professionals to address the unique legal needs of these businesses, helping them navigate often complex business transactions. Troy frequently assists his healthcare clients with practice transitions, mergers and acquisitions, and business succession planning. He also advises on general business matters as well as offers guidance on corporate governance and risk management strategies to ensure smooth operations and long-term success.
Food and Agribusiness
Troy represents a number of businesses in the food and agribusiness industry and counsels such clients in a variety of areas such as regulatory and compliance concerns, real estate, contracts and transactional issues.
RECOGNITIONS
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Business Organizations, including LLCs and Partnerships (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- Lehigh Valley Business’s Law Power List (2024)
- Reading Eagle’s “40 under 40” (2018)
MEMBERSHIPS
- Leadership Berks, 2009 Graduate
- Berks County Bar Association
PRESENTATIONS
- Moderator: “Panel Discussion about the Current Business Environment,” Barley Snyder’s 2023 Reading Business Seminar (October 2023)
- Moderator: “Embracing Change & Preparing for the Future,” Barley Snyder’s Reading Business Seminar (October 2019)
- “Consumer Preferences and Federal Responses – The Impact of Upcoming FDA and USDA Regulations on Food and Agribusiness,” FEI Central Pennsylvania Chapter (May 2015)
- “Hot Topics in Commercial Lending,” Barley Snyder’s LendiCon Lending Conference (November 2012)
- “Board Governance,” Leadership Berks County (November 2012)
Erica R. Townes
Erica is an attorney in the Business and Real Estate practice groups. In her corporate practice, Erica represents businesses of all sizes and sophistication across a variety of industries. Erica’s practice ranges from assisting start-up companies with entity formation and governing documents to routinely working with more seasoned companies on complex mergers and acquisitions, strategic corporate restructuring, and succession planning. She frequently works with privately held, closely held, and family-owned businesses, providing tailored legal counsel to address their unique challenges, particularly in governance, succession planning, and strategic growth. Erica also devotes a substantial portion of her practice to assisting clients in residential and commercial development, property acquisition, commercial lease negotiations, zoning, and land use concerns. In both facets, Erica focuses on the structure, negotiation, and strategic planning of business and real estate transactions.
To complement her corporate law practice, Erica maintains an active nonprofit practice, advising tax-exempt organizations on formation, governance, and regulatory compliance. She serves on the board of and is involved with a number of local nonprofit and professional organizations, including the York County Bar Foundation Board of Directors, the Dauphin County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, and the DreamWrights Center for Community Arts Board of Directors.
Erica believes that effective legal representation requires a combination of strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of each client’s priorities. This approach allows her to provide clear, actionable advice tailored to the unique circumstances of every client. Erica is committed to balancing a collaborative mindset with decisive advocacy, recognizing that the best outcomes often result from thoughtful negotiation and creative problem-solving rather than unnecessary conflict.
When not practicing law, Erica’s firm responsibilities include serving as a member of the firm’s Hiring Committee, where she is involved in recruiting for the firm’s Summer Associate Program. Prior to joining Barley Snyder, Erica externed for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania for the Hon. P. Kevin Brobson as a law student.
While not a performer herself, Erica is a musical theatre enthusiast and frequently patronizes New York City and central Pennsylvania theatre productions. Her favorite show running on Broadway is “Hamilton.”
Representative Matters:
- Represented seller in the asset sale of a luxury hotel and hospitality lighting company.
- Represented seller in the equity sale of national honey packing business and underlying real estate.
- Represented seller in the stock sale of structural steel fabrication company.
- Represented buyer in the asset sale of a regional snack company.
- Represented seller in the asset sale of outdoor wireless network and communications company.
- Represented the seller in the asset sale of a printing company.
- Represented the seller in the asset sale of an insurance agency.
- Represented the seller in the stock sale of a metalworking design and manufacturing company.
- Represented the buyer in the acquisition of an electric company.
- Represented the buyer in the acquisition of an auto core contracting business.
- Represented the buyer in the purchase of a restaurant and its underlying real estate.
- Represented a landlord in the negotiation of a commercial lease for a restaurant and bar in York County.
- Represented a landlord in the negotiation of a commercial lease for a pizza restaurant in York County.
- Represented a tenant in the commercial lease negotiation for a restaurant in downtown Harrisburg.
- Represented applicants in securing a variance and special exception for a property in York City.
- Represented applicants in securing special exceptions for short-term rental operations in various municipalities.
- Represented applicants in securing a special exception and variance for a wedding venue operation.
RECOGNITIONS
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2024, 2025) Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2024, 2025)
- Central Penn Business Journal “Legal Excellence Awards” — Up and Coming Lawyers
- Order of the Barrister
MEMBERSHIPS
- Herbert B. Cohen Chapter of the American Inns of Court
- York County Bar Association
- Dauphin County Bar Association
PUBLICATIONS
- “Clarifying the Administration of Substance Abuse Policies”, Widener University Law Journal
- “DOL’s Change of Course on Unpaid Interns”, Corporate Counsel Business Journal
PRESENTATIONS
- Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property Annual Retreat — Annual Update on Pennsylvania Real Estate Case Law (August 2023)
- “Remote Work Is Here to Stay… And Wage & Hour Update Too!” 40th Annual Employment Law Seminar
- Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property Annual Retreat — Annual Update on Pennsylvania Real Estate Case Law (August 2022)
- Pennsylvania Assocation of Sewage Enforcement Officers Conference — Overview of the Municipalities Planning Code and Right to Know Law (March 2022)
- “Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property Annual Retreat — Annual Update on Pennsylvania Real Estate Case Law” (August 2021)
- Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Human Resources Conference (November 2018)
- 2017 Human Resource Association of Centre County Labor and Employment Seminar (October 2017)
Daniel T. Desmond
Dan is a business, finance and municipal attorney experienced in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), general business law, corporate governance and other types of business and finance transactions. He serves as the chair of the firm’s Business Practice Group. He also chairs the Corporate Transparency Act Response Team and the PA Annual Report Response Team. Dan’s transaction experience ranges from entity selection and formation to general contract review and drafting, as well as conventional, tax-exempt, venture capital and private equity lending transactions, as well as regulatory compliance matters. His experience across those varied fields allow clients to deal directly with him on nearly every aspect of a deal.
Dan’s clients range from small and family-owned businesses and start-ups and entrepreneurs to public companies, financial institutions, nonprofits and government clients. He also regularly represent doctors, medical practices, dentists, dental practices, orthodontists, orthodontist practices, optometrists, optometrist practices in addition to other healthcare professionals in strategic transactions and corporate governance matters, including MSO/DSO transactions.
Dan also serves as the solicitor to municipal authorities, acting as their general counsel and handling a wide array of legal issues. As part of his finance practice, he also structures tax-exempt bonds and notes for public sector and nonprofit clients.
Furthermore, Dan assists with the firm’s Practice Excellence initiative, working collaboratively with other attorneys to come up with creative, effective and cost-efficient solutions to our clients’ ever-evolving challenges and needs.
A Lancaster native, Dan understands the needs of the community, and he’s put that knowledge to work, both in representing local institutions and serving on the boards of nonprofit and community organizations.
Dan’s commitment to client service has led to a wide array of recent transactional work in the fields of M&A, finance, municipal, regulatory and general business:
M&A
– Represented a group of shareholders in the $130 million sale of their family-owned, national pet food ingredients manufacturer
– Counsel to management and private equity groups in the $31 million sale of a thermal management solutions business
– Advised a regional municipal authority in its $30 million purchase of a sewer system, including a related tax-exempt bond financing
– Represented a multinational hospitality services business in its $5 million acquisition of a Mexican company
– Represented a regional municipal authority in its $8.5 million purchase of a sewer system, including a related tax-exempt bond financing
– Advised a multinational company in several acquisitions in the biotech industry, including the $4.5 million acquisition of a DNA design and gene synthesis business, $2 million purchase of an analytical testing laboratory and $1 million purchase of a stem cell transplant laboratory
– Represented a multinational company in several acquisitions in the engineering industry, including the $5 million purchase of a GIS, GPS and remote sensing business
– Counsel to a private equity buyer in its $3 million acquisition of a seasonal display business
– Advised a private equity investor in connection with its $3 million investment in a security services business
– Represented a buyer in its $2.5 million acquisition of a cybersecurity software business and intellectual property portfolio
– Counsel for a thermal management solutions business in multiple series of debt and equity offerings to private equity investors
– Represented both individual dentists and doctors and groups in the acquisitions and sales of several dental and medical practices
– Advised several regional banks in their acquisitions of community financial institutions
Finance
– Bond counsel in connection with a $65 million tax-exempt conduit bond financing for a nonprofit senior living facility
– Borrower’s counsel to a business in the live events industry in connection with a $60 million loan
– Bond counsel in connection with a $30 million tax-exempt bond financing for a municipal authority’s treatment plant upgrade
– Borrower’s counsel to the developers of a local downtown apartment project in connection with a $15 million financing
– Bond counsel in connection with two tax-exempt bond financings totaling $12 million for a borough’s construction projects
– Bond counsel in connection with two tax-exempt financings totaling $10 million for a water and sewer authority’s construction and capital growth needs
– Bank counsel in connection with a $10 million loan to a business in the live events industry
– Bond counsel in connection with a $3.4 million tax-exempt conduit bond financing for a nonprofit healthcare facility
– Bond counsel in connection with a $2 million tax-exempt conduit bond financing for a nonprofit educational institution
Municipal, Regulatory and General Business
– Advised two economic development nonprofits in a “first of its kind” agreement with a local government to obtain $33 million in CARES Act funding and distribute it to local businesses affected by COVID-19, an agreement that has become the model document for other similar matters
– Represented a local nonprofit in an agreement with a local government to obtain $1.3 million in CARES Act funding for tourism engagement
– Counsel to a Fortune 500 company with respect to Dodd-Frank, ESMA and other compliance regimes related to derivatives trading (swaps)
– Represented a publicly-traded financial institution in complying with the Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering regulations
– Advised an inventor in licensing of health and nutrition genetic analysis software
– Represented a solid waste authority in the negotiation of its independent plant operator agreement
– Provided general counsel services to several clients, including acting as solicitor to municipal clients and acting as in-house counsel in both a virtual and on-site capacity
– Represented a senior living nonprofit in the formation of a holding company to foster growth, affiliation and other opportunities
– Acted as antitrust counsel in connection with several transactions which required a Hart-Scott Rodino (HSR) filing
PRESENTATIONS
- Featured speaker, Mayor Kim Bracey’s Diverse, Minority Business Forum (October 2017)
-
Swaps in Loan Transaction, Lendicon 2017 (March 2017)
-
From Soup to Nuts: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Acquiring a Sewer System, PMAA Annual Conference (August 2015)
CLERKSHIPS
- Judicial Intern, Honorable Marjorie O. Rendell, Third Circuit Court of Appeals
- Judicial Intern, Honorable Eric L. Frank, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District Of Pennsylvania
Daniel M. Frey
Dan advises clients in commercial and residential real estate transactions, complex zoning and subdivision matters, business formations and succession planning. His practice involves counseling individuals in estate planning and estate administration and elder law. He has successfully represented numerous clients in zoning matters, land planning and formations of planned community associations and condominium associations, including local and national builders in York, Adams, Franklin, Dauphin and Lancaster counties. He is a licensed real estate title agent for Stewart Title and Commonwealth Title. Dan serves corporate clients across various industries in a general counsel role providing representation on general business, corporate and financial matters while assisting in the coordination of litigation, regulatory compliance and other matters.
Dan’s practice includes assisting clients in the food and agricultural areas on regulatory requirements, transactional needs and compliance with various regulatory requirements applicable to clients. He has coordinated a team of Barley attorneys to represent a buyer in a multi-state $140 million acquisition of agricultural production and processing facilities which included over 17 different sites in two states and which included an $80 million syndicated loan. He has represented food processors, as part of a Barley team of lawyers in the development of a $43 million processing facility, including the issuance of owner and lender title insurance policies. He represents food processors in connection with its grower’s contracts, insuring compliance with the Packers and Stockyard Act. He has assisted agricultural clients in the development of poultry and processing facilities which included assisting with zoning, land development and compliance with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) and assisted agricultural clients in acquisitions and mergers.
Prior to private practice, Dan served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corp, serving a chief prosecutor for the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions and also served a military judge. He served as an assistant district attorney for York County, Pa., from 1978 to 1980.
MEMBERSHIPS
- York County Bar Association, Past board member and President (2008)
-
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Real Property Probate Section and Committee on Judicial Independence
Eric M. Ondo
Eric is a member of the firm’s Business, Mergers & Acquisitions and Real Estate groups.
In his business practice, Eric advises clients on all aspects of their business, ranging from entity selection and formation to succession planning. He counsels private entities — including closely held and family-owned businesses — on mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance and a variety of other transactional matters. He also frequently assists clients with general business issues including contract drafting, review and negotiation. Furthermore, Eric has experience with handling formations for nonprofit organizations.
A substantial portion of Eric’s practice is assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions, including stock and asset transactions. In this role, he conducts due diligence, structures transactions, negotiates and drafts letters of intent, negotiates and drafts acquisition agreements, reviews non-compete and non-disclosure agreements in addition to other matters. Eric enjoys helping his clients navigate the complex process of M&A transactions, ultimately helping to bring the deal to a success close.
Eric’s real estate practice dovetails with his business practice where he handles matters relating to residential and commercial agreements of sale, leases, restrictive covenants, easements as well as navigating various zoning and land-use issues.
Eric started at Barley Snyder as summer associate and continues a long-time tradition of joining the firm later as an attorney. During law school, Eric practiced as a certified legal intern at the Penn State Family Law Clinic, gaining valuable experience working directly with clients. He also donated pro bono services drafting trusts and estates documents for senior citizens in Centre County. In addition, Eric worked as an intern with the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel, aiding the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in 2018. Before moving into law, Eric worked in investment performance in the Washington, D.C. area. He also was a Congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives. His wide range of experiences have aided Eric in bringing a thoughtful, considered approach to the unique circumstances and goals of his clients.
A Lebanon County native, Eric now lives in Lancaster County and is a former Eagle Scout. He played four years of football at Dickinson College, where he graduated cum laude, and is also a cum laude graduate of Penn State Law. Eric is proud to be a member of Leadership Lancaster Core Class of 2024 and values community service and involvement. In his time away from the office, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and son, golfing and Penn State football.
MEMBERSHIPS
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Lancaster Bar Association
PRESENTATIONS
- “Business Entity Selection”, Co-presenter, Pennsylvania Bar Institute CLE Virtual Presentation (November 2023)
RECOGNITIONS
- Theta Alpha Kappa, The Religious Studies and Theology National Honor Society
- Pi Sigma Alpha, The Political Science Honor Society
Christopher J. Churchill
Chris is a partner in the firm’s Business and Real Estate practice groups and chair of the Barley Snyder Senior Living Industry Group. He also is a member and former chair of the Barley Snyder Health Care Industry Group. Chris’s nearly 40 years of legal experience includes: mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and affiliations, regulatory compliance and licensing, corporate governance, payor and other contracting matters.
Chris frequently represents a wide array of clients in the senior living and healthcare sectors, including: CCRCs/Life Plan Communities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, personal care homes, home/health care agencies, senior housing developers and others in the senior living industry, as well as health care clients, including: hospitals, physician/dental groups, FQHCs/health centers, health plans/TPAs, diagnostic imaging centers and other health care providers.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Chris has extensive experience advising clients on a wide range of mergers and acquisitions, with particular focus on the senior living and health care sectors. He works closely with organizations to navigate the complexities of corporate transactions, from initial structuring to post-transaction integration. Whether handling asset sales, joint ventures, mergers or affiliations, Chris ensures that his clients’ strategic goals are aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
His expertise spans both for-profit and nonprofit entities, helping to manage the nuances of governance issues, financing arrangements and regulatory approvals that often arise during M&A transactions. His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscape makes him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking to expand, reorganize or enter into new partnerships.
Regulatory Compliance & Licensing
Chris regularly assists clients with their complex federal/state regulatory compliance needs. He has substantial experience handling matters related to the False Claims Act and whistleblower actions. He is well-versed in Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute compliance, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payor contracting, reimbursement and audits. He also provides guidance on HIPAA/HITECH compliance and Pennsylvania data breach laws.
Additionally, Chris has deep knowledge of regulatory matters involving the Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Aging (DOA), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Insurance (DOI), and has represented numerous clients in handling license violations, appeals and hearings.
Chris’s thorough understanding of the regulatory environment allows him to anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions for his clients. His dedication to compliance and risk management ensures that clients operate within the bounds of the law while meeting their financial and organizational goals.
Professional Involvement
Chris has served on the Health Care Policy Committee of the Alexander Graham Bell Association in Washington, D.C., as well as on the boards of various health care and not-for-profit organizations. He is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Chris is a frequent author of numerous articles/publications on health care, senior living, corporate compliance and business issues. Scroll below to check out his recent articles.
Chris has been recognized for his work in mergers and acquisitions, earning praise from clients for his strategic guidance and ability to navigate complex transactions. Read more about some of his recent transactions in our Year in Review publications: 2024 Year in Review, 2023 Year in Review and 2022 Year in Review
In his free time, Chris enjoys biking, hikes, exploring wildlife and traveling with his children.
PRESENTATIONS
- “Artificial Intelligence – A Brave New World”, Kairos Education Conference & Exhibit (2024)
- “M&A vs. Organic Growth – Governance, Financing and Other Implications”, Kairos Education Conference & Exhibit (2023)
- “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Impact on Health Care and Long Term Care”, Barley Snyder Webinar (2020)
- “Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Effective Compliance Programs”, Financial Executives International – Professional Development Session (2017)
- “Compliance Program Effectiveness”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar Series (2012)
- “Managed Care Compliance 101+”, HCCA Conference (2012)
- “Evaluating Your Compliance Strategy”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar Series (2011)
MEMBERSHIPS
- American Health Lawyers Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Former adjunct professor for graduate studies in health care administration, St. Francis University
Christopher A. Naylor
As a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups, Chris has a breadth of experience to assist clients in these often-intertwined areas of law. Chris understands that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to addressing any one particular client matter and makes sure to take the time to understand the client’s specific goals and objectives.
Business
Chris counsels businesses – from start-ups to global manufacturers – in all aspects of business including general corporate governance and drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements. Chris is proud to work with several of the area’s preeminent businesses, often serving as outside general counsel for all of their business needs.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Chris also handles mergers and acquisitions on both the buy-side and sell-side, helping clients through the complex process from the letter of intent, due diligence, and consummation of the transaction. Chris has worked on transactions ranging from small sales/acquisitions up to multi-million-dollar deals.
Real Estate
As a real estate attorney, Chris handles a wide range of real estate matters, including residential and commercial transactions of all shapes and sizes, including sales, purchases and leases. Chris serves as a mediator for the Realtors Association of York and Adams Counties’ (RAYAC) dispute resolution system. He brings his unique perspective and background having represented buyers, sellers and homebuilders in this process to guide the parties in resolving their dispute.
Land Use and Zoning
As a member of the firm’s Land Use Practice, Chris guides clients through all phases of the land development process including zoning. He has successfully secured needed zoning relief for clients of all sizes, including special exceptions, conditional uses, variances and rezoning. In addition, Chris has successfully defended numerous clients against alleged zoning violations. He also served as objectors’ counsel in opposing zoning matters, including through the appellate process. In this role, Chris has successfully opposed zoning and other land uses that would have adversely affected his client’s property and community.
Property Disputes
Chris has successfully represented clients in property disputes, including bringing and defending adverse possession and related claims, alleged encroachments, nuisances and the like.
Construction
Chris is the chair of the firm’s Construction Industry Group. In this role, Chris leads the dozens of attorneys who practice in all areas related to construction. Chris works with several homebuilders and developers on all facets of project development from acquisition to forming planned communities and home sales. Chris counsels homebuilders and remodelers on matters including contracts, compliance with the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), and related litigation. He also has experience representing clients in construction code matters, including interpretation and responding to alleged code violations.
Prior to joining Barley Snyder, Chris was director of government affairs for the York County Builders Association where he was responsible for keeping members informed of current laws or proposed changes affecting the residential building industry. Chris then went on to serve as executive director to the late State Senator Michael L. Waugh, working in the Senator’s capitol office where he was involved in policy development and legislation, including changes to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
MEMBERSHIPS
- York County Builders Association
- York County Bar Association
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Keystone
PRESENTATIONS
- “Landlord-Tenant Law: From Lease to Eviction”, CLE Program Harrisburg (March 2017)
- “Common Legal Issues for New Businesses”, PA Treasury’s Small Business Initiative at York College (October 2016)
EmmaRose Strohl
EmmaRose is an integral part of the firm’s Food & Agribusiness Industry Group, working with clients on compliance issues with state and federal agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. She helps clients remain up to date on pressing issues and regulatory developments, and advises clients on compliance and risk management. Additionally, she provides strategic counsel to clients on commercial and supply chain matters within the agricultural product, food processing, manufacturing and distribution sectors. EmmaRose also supports the complementing Transportation & Logistics industry, providing compliance and commercial guidance in another highly regulated sector.
Her strong agricultural background has made her a logical fit for Barley Snyder’s Food & Agribusiness Industry Group. Before law school, EmmaRose graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a specialization in Livestock Science and Management from one of Pennsylvania’s highest-rated agricultural universities. She also volunteered for the Penn State Extension with local 4-H and extension programs, and continues to provide a helping hand to neighbors in the farming community when the need arises. Raised on a small farm in Schuylkill County surrounded by horses and honeybees, EmmaRose’s hands-on experience in agriculture adds a unique depth to her legal practice.
EmmaRose is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of professionals and passing down her knowledge. She helped launch the Master’s in Agribusiness program at Delaware Valley University and previously served as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate-level courses on “Legal Issues in Agriculture and Food” and “Agricultural Supply Chains.” EmmaRose currently mentors junior associates within the firm.
EmmaRose serves as outside general counsel to several clients in the high-value food products sector, providing strategic guidance to help them grow and thrive. She has also successfully advocated on behalf of her clients before the various regulatory bodies, including the Pennsylvania and U.S. Departments of Agriculture, working to ensure the fair and equitable application of regulations and championing regulatory updates that better reflect today’s landscape of modern agriculture and food processing. In addition, EmmaRose has experience successfully representing clients in commercial livestock animal welfare litigation.
Another aspect of her practice is crafting comprehensive plans for clients’ and their businesses’ futures. EmmaRose provides tailored business succession planning, frequently for food and agriculture sector clients, ensuring the seamless transition of operations and the continued success of these unique enterprises across generations. She also provides services to local clients for general estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney and living wills.
Her business practice complements her food and agriculture work, where she handles general corporate matters such as LLC formation, operating agreements, contract negotiations, financing and stock transfers.
EmmaRose now lives on a small farm in Berks County with her husband and daughter, and enjoys whitewater kayaking, snowboarding, riding horses and dirt bikes and hiking with her dogs.
MEMBERSHIPS
- PennAg Industries
- Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, “Fellow for Life”
PRESENTATIONS
- “Compliance with new Federal and State Business Entity Informational Filing Requirements”, Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers Agriculture Center of Excellence (March 2025)
- “”Wills, Estates, and Power of Attorney”, Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County (October 2022)
- “Breaking Eggs, Not Businesses: A Solutions-Focused Discussion on Dealing with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak,” webinar (June 2022)
- “Labor & Employment Forecast: Food & Agribusiness Edition,” Virtual Food & Ag Summit (March 2021)
- “Bio-Engineered Labeling”, Food & Ag Summit (February 2019)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Adjunct professor, Delaware Valley University, Masters in Agribusiness program
RECOGNITIONS
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Trusts and Estates (2024, 2025)
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star – Food and Drugs (2024)
- Lehigh Valley Business, Women of Influence – Women to Watch (2024)
