Position: Counsel

Hon. David L. Ashworth (Ret.)

Judge David Ashworth has been a staple of the Lancaster County legal community for more than 45 years. A retired judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, he was elected to the bench in 1999 and retained for two additional terms, serving from 1999 through January 2026, and presiding over the Criminal Court, Civil Court, Drug Court, and Discovery Motions Court. In 2020, his fellow judges in Lancaster County elected him the county’s president judge for a five-year term, during which he oversaw the administrative functions of the court system and the county’s 19 district judges, while continuing to hear cases. He also led the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas’ Adult Drug Court program since its debut in 2005 until 2025. 

At Barley Snyder, Judge Ashworth focuses on mediating civil disputes, including medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, commercial matters and construction cases. He is a National Judicial College–certified mediator, having completed advanced mediation training through one of the nation’s leading education providers for judges. The certification reflects demonstrated proficiency in communication, problem-solving, and managing complex disputes, both on and off the bench.

Prior to his judicial service, Judge Ashworth spent more than 20 years in private practice as a trial attorney and founding partner of Wagman, Ashworth, Kreider and Wright in downtown Lancaster, where he handled personal injury and product liability matters on both the plaintiff and defense sides. His experience advocating for clients on all sides of a dispute, combined with his years on the bench, gives him a practical understanding of litigation strategy, risk assessment and judicial decision-making, allowing him to bring a balanced, informed and pragmatic approach to resolving complex matters through mediation.

For 15 years, Judge Ashworth served as a senior adjunct professor at Franklin & Marshall College, teaching a community-based learning course on the court system, treatment courts, and substance use disorder/addiction. He is active in the community, having served on numerous boards and as President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster. He currently serves on the national board of All Rise, formerly known as the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

A testament to his dedication and legal acumen, Judge Ashworth has received numerous awards throughout his career. He is the recipient of the coveted Lancaster Bar Association’s Judge Louise Gatling Herr Memorial Award which honors attorneys for their outstanding commitment to charitable causes and community service. In 2024, he received the inaugural Pennsylvania Association of Drug Court Professionals President’s Award in recognition of his service and commitment to the success of treatment courts in the state and nationwide.

His hobbies include Tang Soo Do karate in which he has earned a 3rd degree black belt, teaching sailing as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed OUPV Captain/Certified Sailing Instructor, and competing in Triathlons.      

Judge Ashworth has been married since 1978 to the former Kathleen Bantz, and they are the proud parents of three daughters, three granddaughters and four grandsons.

RECOGNITIONS
  • PATCP President’s Award (First recipient – 2024)
  • Lancaster Bar Association Louise Gatling Herr Memorial Award
  • Gettysburg College Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court Appointment to Statewide Drug Court Accreditation Committee
  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Senior Judge
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Lancaster County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges (2000-2026)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Frequent CLE speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI)

G. Steven McKonly

G. Steven McKonly (“Steve”) has practiced law in Hanover for nearly five decades and brings extensive experience to the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Since beginning his legal career in 1976, he has represented clients across a broad range of matters, including business and corporate law, municipal law, real estate transactions, and estate planning and administration. After practicing with a small Hanover firm following law school, he established his own solo practice in 1989, where he served the community for many years.

At Barley Snyder, Steve focuses his practice on trusts and estates planning and administration. Much of his work centers on preparing estate planning documents and guiding families through estate administration. Steve assists clients with wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives and is experienced in handling more complex trust matters when appropriate – while recognizing that not every client needs a trust to achieve their goals. He also advises on charitable giving strategies.

Steve understands that many individuals feel hesitant or overwhelmed when approaching estate planning. He strives to make the process as relaxed and accessible as possible, building strong rapport with clients and delivering thoughtful, individualized guidance. He is committed to providing high-quality counsel grounded in the highest standards of personal and professional ethics.

Deeply rooted in the Hanover and York communities, Steve has served in leadership roles with numerous local organizations throughout his career. He currently serves on the board of the Hanover Hospital, the local board for Homewood Living Plum Creek, and the corporate board for Homewood Living Ministries. His longstanding community involvement reflects his dedication to service both inside and outside the practice of law.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Steve is an avid college basketball enthusiast. He started as a team manager for UVA men’s basketball during his first year of college and went on to serve as head manager for the next three years. He continues to follow the program closely. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Linda, and their adult son and daughter. He also has a keen interest in thoroughbred horse racing and loves surfing along the New Jersey shoreline.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Ellen R. Stewart

Ellen is an attorney in Barley Snyder’s Litigation Practice Group, bringing more than a decade of experience representing clients in complex civil litigation matters. She has successfully resolved cases at every stage of litigation, including dispositive motion practice, mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal.

Ellen has extensive experience in liability and insurance defense. She is well-versed in representing builders, developers, and contractors in construction defect claims and worksite incidents and injuries, as well as insurers and policyholders in coverage disputes. Her experience also includes defending national and regional retailers and restaurants in matters involving slip-and-fall claims, negligent security, false imprisonment and detention, and other premises liability issues. In addition, she has represented taxicab companies, paratransit providers, and motor carriers in a wide range of liability claims.

Ellen has significant courtroom experience, including independently trying jury trials throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. She has also drafted appellate briefs and presented oral argument before the Appellate Court of Maryland and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Throughout her practice, Ellen has analyzed complex liability, causation, and damages issues, working closely with adjusters, corporate representatives, and expert witnesses to develop efficient, strategic, and cost-effective defense solutions aligned with her clients’ business objectives.

In addition to her litigation practice, Ellen has played an active role in mentoring and training junior attorneys, leading training sessions focused on legal research, case strategy, and professional development. 

Earlier in her career, Ellen practiced at a general practice firm, where she handled family law matters, real estate transactions, and estate planning and administration, providing her with a well-rounded and practical approach to client advocacy.

Ellen is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She has been recognized for her professional achievements, being named to the Super Lawyers Maryland Rising Stars list from 2014 through 2026 and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list in 2024 and 2025.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Super Lawyers Maryland Rising Stars lists (2014-2026)
  • Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch (2024, 2025)

Catherine T. Begley

Catherine is a seasoned attorney in the firm’s Business and Litigation practice groups and a member of the Food & Agribusiness and Manufacturing industry groups. She advises food, agricultural, and manufacturing companies on regulatory compliance with state and federal agencies, helping clients navigate complex legal requirements while supporting their business operations. She has experience guiding clients through the intricacies of crisis management, food and product contamination and recall, insurance coverage, and casualty litigation matters.

Catherine advises clients on matters including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, co-packing agreements, private labeling, and other industry-specific issues. She combines a practical, solutions-oriented approach with a deep understanding of the regulatory and business challenges her clients face, helping them achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively. Her work also extends to broader business matters, including contract drafting, review and negotiation, corporate governance, and dispute resolution. Catherine’s guidance enables food and agricultural companies to operate with confidence in a rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape.

A recognized leader in her field, Catherine was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 List in 2022. Prior to joining Barley Snyder, Catherine practiced at an insurance coverage law firm in Montgomery County. Her experience representing insurers gives her valuable insight when advocating for clients on the business side. 

Outside of the office, Catherine is dedicated to mentorship and community engagement. She serves as an Alumni Mentor Volunteer for the Penn State Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program and as a Professional Mentor for Temple University Beasley School of Law Women’s Law Caucus. In her free time, Catherine enjoys activities such as reading, knitting, traveling, yoga and hiking. 

RECOGNITIONS
  • 40 Under 40 Award Recipient, The Philadelphia Business Journal
  • Albert H. Friedman Prize for Outstanding Performance on the Production of a Research Paper, Temple University Beasley School of Law
  • Best Paper, Advanced Financial Regulation at Temple University Beasley School of Law
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Philadelphia Bar Association
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Virtual Workshop — EPR Packaging Preparedness Working Group: Charting the Course for Your EPR Packaging Preparedness Plan and Support Team,” American Conference Institute’s EPR Think Tank Conference (January 2026)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Congressional Intern to Congressman Robert Brady (PA-01) in Washington DC

Sarah L. Doyle

Sarah is an experienced attorney in Barley Snyder’s Employment and Litigation practice groups. She represents both private and public sector clients, with a focus on employment law and litigation. Sarah offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including advising employers on contentious personnel issues, developing and refining workplace policies, and navigating collective bargaining matters. Her goal is to minimize legal risks for her clients while fostering a fair and compliant workplace.

Sarah is a trusted speaker and frequently addresses current HR topics, offering the employer’s perspective on key issues such as Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, workplace discrimination, the Fair Labor Standards Act, workplace investigations, and other employment and labor issues.

In addition to her counseling work, Sarah is a seasoned trial attorney and has successfully litigated cases through appeal. She has represented clients in a variety of cases, from business and probate to zoning, land use, and employment disputes. Her litigation experience spans the Court of Common Pleas, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Sarah has also represented clients before agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and the Environmental Hearing Board.

A native of York County, Sarah is deeply committed to her community. She currently serves on the boards of Pappus House and the York County History Center, and actively supports various other local organizations.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association – Section on Labor and Employment
  • Society for Human Resources Management

 

PRESENTATIONS
  • “Discrimination Risk Mitigation for Leaders and Organizations,” Human Resource Professionals of Central PA (April 2026)
  • “Agency Charges 101: Navigating EEOC & PHRC Investigations with Confidence,” 42nd Annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (May 2025)

Kimberly A. Kipnis

Kim is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Her wealth of experience as a litigator in both the private and public sector gives her a unique perspective to practicing law. Kim’s commercial litigation experience includes guiding clients through contractual disputes and collection matters across a variety of industries. She also helps individuals and families navigate fiduciary litigation involving wills, powers of attorney, and estate administration with a practical and compassionate approach.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Kim practiced at a small law firm in York where she specialized in the the areas of insurance defense, civil litigation and criminal defense. Prior to moving to private practice, she served as Senior Deputy Prosecutor for the York County District Attorney’s Office where she managed one of the office’s general trial teams.

While at the District Attorney’s Office, Kim gained valuable litigation experience and handled countless jury trials that resulted in several noted convictions for the Commonwealth. Kim started her legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Joseph C. Adams in the York County Court of Common Pleas.

Kim is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where she majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology and World Literature. She continued her education at the University of Baltimore School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate. While attending the University of Baltimore School of Law, she served as President of the Women’s Bar Association and as the Comments Editor to the University of Baltimore School of Law’s Journal of International Law.

Outside of the firm, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, traveling, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession (WIP)

Gloria A. Shatto

Gloria is an attorney in the firm’s Trust & Estates Practice Group with a broad array of experience. She has garnered more than 20 years of experience in estate and trust administration and 18 years in wealth management.

Before joining Barley Snyder, Gloria worked as a Trust and Estate Administration Manager at a Lancaster-based bank where she gained a breadth of experience in the field. In this role, she handled IRA administration and estate settlement administration for corporate fiduciaries, handled the administration of trust and estate accounts in various states (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey), resolved issues in problematic estates and trusts, prepared accountings for estates and trusts and petitions for adjudication, assisted clients with matters of estate planning; located beneficiaries through research, worked closely with the tax department to minimize tax consequences to estates, trusts and beneficiaries, worked with the Office of the Attorney General for distributions to charities, in addition to other tasks.

Gloria also has prior experience practicing law in the Central Pennsylvania community at a small law firm in Lancaster County. She counseled and advised clients on matters of estate planning, estate administration, real estate transfers and elder law.

Active in her community, Gloria has served on the boards of several local organizations and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for The Janus School. Gloria and her husband, Rich, live in Pequea where they spend time with their two sons and granddaughter. She enjoys traveling with her family and partaking in outdoor activities including skiing, hiking and kayaking.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Lancaster Bar Association
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
  • “Cybersecurity and You” Presentation, Lancaster American Business Women’s Association (September 2018)

Kristen L. Hartman

Kristen is a member of the firm’s Trust & Estates Practice Group with an established history of working in banking and law. She has substantial experience in estate planning and document drafting, retirement and charitable planning, estate administration, and wealth transfer. Kristen is also well-versed in advising individuals and institutions on fiduciary administration. 

Before joining Barley Snyder, Kristen served as Chief Fiduciary Officer at a Lancaster-based bank where she was responsible for managing the fiduciary business, client servicing, and financial planning aspects. She also has experience working as a Wealth Planner. Prior to entering the banking world, Kristen practiced for a regional law firm in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, charitable and elder law. Kristen’s many experiences in the wealth management, banking and legal industries give her a solid understanding and unique perspective of estate planning and administration. 

Kristen is an active member of her Lancaster community, currently serving on the board of directors for the Institute for the Development of Educational Alliances (IDEALLL) and the Lancaster Law Foundation. She earned her B.A from Dickinson College, her J.D. from Widener University School of Law, and her LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law. 

MEMBERSHIPS/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Associations
  • Lancaster Bar Associations

Rebecca M. Shanaman

Rebecca is a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups. Guided by a philosophy of partnership and teamwork, she works closely with clients to craft strategic, results-driven solutions. As a seasoned negotiator, she is adept at aligning legal strategy with each client’s distinct goals and priorities.

Real Estate
In her real estate practice, Rebecca represents both buyers and sellers of commercial real estate from the initial start of the transaction through closing. She has extensive experience representing institutional landowners, in complex leasing matters, real estate sales and real estate purchases. Rebecca frequently negotiates and draft leases for landlords for a wide variety of commercial real estate uses, including office, restaurant, manufacturing, medical office, agriculture, and solar. She also assists real estate developers in all stages of development, including conducting due diligence and resolving complicated zoning and title issues. In addition, Rebecca represents bar and restaurant owners with the purchase, sale and transfer of liquor licenses, shepherding the process through the PLCB.

Business
In her business practice, Rebecca represents small to midsize businesses in all matters, such as mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. She has experience working through the creation of complicated corporate structures in order to properly protect the interests of all company members. Rebecca frequently acts as outside general counsel to several local companies, helping to create strategy for growth and to assess risk. In addition, she has a strong commitment to serving family-owned businesses, understanding the unique dynamics and challenges they face.

Before becoming an attorney, Rebecca began her career as a social worker – an experience that shaped her ability to understand people’s motivations with empathy and without judgment. That perspective gives her an edge in navigating complex negotiations and building strong, collaborative relationships with clients. She is responsive, experienced and knowledgeable, but above all, she values helping people. Rebecca approaches every matter as a true partnership, treating each representation as a shared effort to achieve her client’s goals.

Outside of the firm, Rebecca holds several board positions with community organizations throughout central Pennsylvania. She currently serves on the board of directors for Bell Socialization and Braided River Collective. Rebecca resides in York with her husband and their two children.

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 a problem 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 helps her clients understand the importance of well drafted documents and researched plans rather than reacting to problems created by a failure to plan. 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 also has extensive experience in trust and estate administration, guiding clients through the complexities of probate and trust administration with compassion and efficiency. She offers comprehensive services, from managing the distribution of assets to addressing any legal challenges, ensuring a smooth and timely process during what can often be a difficult time for families.

Julia started her legal career in York County as an intern for the Prothonotary’s office during college. She then gained experience 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
  • “Plan with Confidence: Estate and Insurance Insights for Women”, Co-hosted Breakfast and Panel Discussion with Stonebridge Advisors and Collens-Wagner Insurance (January 2025)
  • 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, August 2024)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • York County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

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