Position: Partner

Paul G. Mattaini

Paul concentrates his practice in the mergers and acquisitions, securities, banking and corporate areas. Paul’s practice includes complex and sophisticated transactions and counseling clients on a variety of business matters. While Paul has a significant amount of specialized experience, he has maintained the breadth of practice necessary to effectively lead transactions and client relationships and function as outside general counsel for clients without inside counsel. During his career, Paul’s client base has consisted largely of public companies and large to medium privately-held businesses.

Paul’s philosophy is to take a practical, hands on and results-oriented approach to his practice. In addition to paying attention to the details necessary to properly represent his clients, Paul maintains the ability to see the big picture by focusing on the outcome, rather than just the process. While he acts as an effective advocate for his clients’ interests, Paul recognizes that the best results often are achieved by taking a collaborative and reasonable, rather than adversarial, approach with other parties and their advisors.

Several years ago, Paul helped develop the firm’s guidelines that focus on client service as a leading firm core value and, more recently, he led the firm’s Practice Excellence® initiative – an ongoing firmwide effort to constantly increase its capacity to provide excellent service, professional quality and outstanding value to its clients. Paul’s firm responsibilities during his career have included participation and leadership in almost every area of firm management, including management, compensation, opinion, marketing, hiring, practice group and associate review and training.

Paul was a partner at Devine, Millimet & Branch in Manchester, New Hampshire prior to joining Barley Snyder as a partner. During his career, Paul has developed a reputation among, and earned the recognition of, his peers as comparing favorably with business attorneys from larger firms; please see “Recognitions”.

For a representative sample of transactions in which Paul participated, please visit the firm’s tombstone announcements page here.

The following provides additional detail with respect to Paul’s experience:

Mergers and Acquisitions – Paul’s experience in the mergers and acquisitions area was initially concentrated in transactions in the banking industry. During his career, Paul has branched out into other industries in dozens of public and private transactions, many of which have been multi-million dollar, multi-state transactions. These transactions often require coordination of a number of different “moving parts” and various levels of financing.

– Representation of acquirors, targets, management teams and financing sources in M&A transactions

– Private equity and recapitalization transactions

– Leveraged and management buyouts

– Roll-ups

Securities – In the securities area, Paul has built a solid base of knowledge over the years with respect to public company disclosure requirements, including a working knowledge of accounting aspects of securities filings. This knowledge base is valuable to the firm’s public clients in both their periodic SEC reports and their capital raising activities.

– Representation of issuers and underwriters in registered 33 Act and Blue Sky public offerings, IPOs and follow-up offerings of equity and debt (over a dozen)

– Private placements of equity, debt and partnership interests

– Drafting and review of offering, underwriting and subscription documents

– 34 Act reporting for issuers (more than 15 reporting companies) and shareholders

– Stock benefit plans

– Corporate governance, including SEC and stock exchange listing requirements

– Tender offers

– Proxy solicitations

Financing – Paul has established expertise in financings, ranging from conventional bank borrowings to venture capital, private equity and mezzanine financings. In the financing area, Paul’s experience representing both lenders and borrowers is valuable in closing transactions.

– Representation of lenders and borrowers in financings, including syndicated loans

– Tax-exempt financings, including representation of banks providing credit enhancement and liquidity

– Representation of investors in, and recipients of, venture capital and private equity financings

Bank Regulatory – Paul represents large, regional financial institutions and community banks. Paul’s knowledge of the financial services industry and his bank regulatory experience allow him to “add value” in his work for institutions in the industry. 

– Representation of acquirors and targets in mergers and acquisitions of bank holding companies, banks and thrifts, including “mergers of equals”

– General bank regulatory practice

– Guidance on specialized bank disclosure requirements, including Industry Guide 3

– Mutual-to-stock conversions

– Bank holding company formations

– Representation of bank trade association

– Acquisition of failed institutions from the FDIC

Business – Paul strives to understand the businesses of his clients and, as a result, often becomes a counselor to, and an adjunct member of, his clients’ management team. 

– Negotiation, drafting and review of a variety of corporate contracts

– Development of procedures and documents for purchasing and sales functions

– Joint ventures, including formation of jointly-owned companies

– Training of client representatives on a variety of topics

RECOGNITIONS
  • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Harrisburg metro area, Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2025)
  • Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Champion for Women Award (2023)
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Harrisburg metro area, Banking and Finance Law (2020)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Banking and Finance Law (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Corporate Law (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Securities / Capital Markets Law (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (Mergers and Acquisitions)
  • Select Lawyers (Business/Commercial Law)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • New Hampshire Bar Association (Former Chair, Corporate Section)
  • Pennsylvania and Lancaster Bar Associations
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Succession Planning Insights,” Panelist, Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2024)
  • “Emerging Trends in Corporate Governance: Navigating ESG, Board Diversity, and Investor Expectations,” Association of Corporate Counsel’s In-House Lawyer All Day CLE program (2024)
  • “Navigating Buy-Side M&A: Insights and Strategies,” Moderator, Philadelphia Smart Business Dealmakers Conference (2024)
  • “Current Challenges in Closing and Integrating M&A Transactions,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2023)
  • “M&A: Succession Planning, Valuing Small Firms,” Co-presenter, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs’ Advisory Services Conference (2023)
  • “Bank Regulation & Failure,” Barley Snyder Webinar (2023)
  • “How to Talk to Your Customers About the Recent Bank Failures and Reassure Them of Your Bank’s Position,” Moderator, Barley Snyder LendiCon (2023)
  • “ESG, DEI and Why You Should Care,” Association of Corporate Counsel’s In-House Lawyer All Day CLE program (2022)
  • “Transition or Sell: What to Do With Your Family Business,” Co-presenter, Philadelphia Smart Business Dealmakers Conference (2022)
  • “Raising Capital in 2020,” Barley Snyder Virtual Business Seminar (2020)
  • “Running Your Business Under Green,” Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce Webinar (2020)
  • “The Expected Impact of COVID-19 on M&A: A Look at the ‘New Normal’,” Barley Snyder Webinar Series (2020)
  • Featured speaker, NACD’s The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight and Cybersecurity (2017)
  • “Swaps in Loan Transactions.” Barley Snyder LendiCon (2017)
  • “The Latest Changes in M&A Srategies,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2016)
  • “Jolley v. Chase Home Finance – Are Lenders Facing New Threats in Lender Liability Claims?” Lendicon (2015)
  • “Buying a Company: How to Position Yourself as a Buyer,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2014)
  • “Expanding Your Business Through a Joint Venture,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2010)
  • “Buying Businesses: Opportunities in a Down Economy?” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (May 2009)
  • “What Your Lender is Thinking in the Current Lending Environment”. Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2009)
  • “The Role of Private Equity in Mergers and Acquisitions, Parts I and II,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (2008)

Paul W. Minnich

Paul practices commercial, real estate and fiduciary litigation and maintains an active trial practice in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 30 years of practice, he has handled a wide range of litigation matters including contract litigation, fiduciary litigation, minority shareholder litigation, restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, insurance and coverage litigation and real estate, eminent domain and tax assessment appeal cases.

Paul also has a significant Orphans’ Court practice handling trust disputes, will contests and guardianship proceedings.

Paul’s practice also includes zoning and land development matters for some of the largest national and regional residential and commercial developers. Paul’s experience includes obtaining variances, special exceptions, conditional uses and other zoning relief.

A native of York, Paul has supported the growth and well-being of his hometown through his active community involvement. Paul serves on the board of directors for various non-profit organizations including social service agencies, and the local bar association. 

In addition to being an active litigator, mentor and adviser, Paul has also been a well-received speaker, delivering presentations on construction, insurance, risk management and fiduciary law issues to a variety of public and private groups.

RECOGNITIONS
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Real Estate (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Select Lawyer, Polk-Lepson Research Group; Commercial Litigation and General Civil Litigation
  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars (Litigation)
  • Central Penn Business Journal (Forty Under 40)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • York County Orphans Court, Rules Committee
  • Maryland State and Baltimore County bar associations
  • Pennsylvania and York County bar associations
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Trends in Zoning and Development,” – Panelist, Wake Up With Barley: A Morning on Real Estate Seminar (June 2023)
  • “Land Use Institute 2020” faculty member, Pennsylvania Bar Institute (September 2020)
  • “Civil Motions Court and Local Rules Compliance”, 2018 York County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference (October 2018)
  • “Guardianship Practice and Procedure”, York County Bar Association (March 2015)
  • “Risk Management: How to Mitigate Risk”, ACC Seminar: What Keeps You up at Night? (September 2013)
  • “Creating A Successful Inside-Outside Counsel Partnership”, ACC Seminar: What Keeps You up at Night? (September 2012)
  • “Construction Lien Law Seminar” Lorman Education Services
  • “Pennsylvania Construction Defect and Mold Litigation Seminar” National Business Institute
  • “Operational Considerations for Small Business” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Publication Counseling Small Businesses
  • “Should Punitive Damages be Recoverable from a Decedent’s Estate” Dickinson Law Review
CLERKSHIPS
  • Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas (1992-1994)

Jeremy D. Frey

Jeremy Frey is a member of the firm’s Business and Real Estate practice groups, focusing his practice in the areas of planning, negotiation and execution of business and real estate transactions, real estate development, land use and zoning matters, real estate assessment appeals, business and real estate financing, and business planning.

In the real estate area, Jeremy has successfully represented numerous clients on zoning matters, has a broad knowledge of the Municipalities Planning Code, and has been involved in numerous successful land use and real estate assessment appeals (for both commercial and residential properties). Jeremy regularly advises clients in the purchase and sale of residential and commercial properties, including the sale of hotel properties and the transfer of liquor licenses. Jeremy is a mediator for the REALTORS Association of York & Adams Counties (RAYAC), and is a licensed title agent for Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company.

In the area of business transactions, Jeremy works with clients on stock and asset purchases and sales and mergers between various types of business entities. Jeremy has assisted businesses in purchases and sales ranging from under $1,000,000 to more than $100,000,000 and he has also assisted borrowers and lenders in many types of loan transactions.

Jeremy is also part of the Food & Agribusiness Industry Group where he provides general counsel in a variety of areas to clients in the food and agricultural industries. In 2012, he successfully appealed the denial of a crop insurance claims for an Adams County orchard to the U.S. Federal Court.

He is very active in the community. He formerly was the president of the board of directors of the Hanover YMCA and was instrumental in the planning, fundraising and construction of the South Hanover YMCA. He is also very active in youth sports, coaching football, basketball and baseball in the local community.

Jeremy was selected to the 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

RECOGNITIONS
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2024, 2025)
  • Hanover Evening Sun Readers’ Choice Awards (Best Lawyer/Law Practice 2016, 2018)
  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars (2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
  • Select Lawyer (2016)
  • Central Penn Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 (2011)
MEMBERSHIP
  • Mediator, Realtors Association of York and Adams County (RAYAC)
PRESENTATIONS
  • Moderator – Panel Discussion on “Responding to Organizational Change,” Barley Snyder York Business Seminar (September 2024)
  • “Preparation for Zoning,” Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (May 2024)
  • Moderator – Panel Discussion on the “Current Business Environment,” Barley Snyder York Business Seminar (October 2023)
  • “Acquisition Activity Perspective,” Barley Snyder Food & Ag Summit (February 2019)
  • “Legal Considerations for Succession Planning,” The High Center York Event (October 2018)
  • “Planning and Sales Considerations for Condominiums and Planned Communities,” Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (September 2017)
  • “Common Legal Issues You Need to Know,” PA Treasury’s Small Business Initiative at York College (October 2016)
  • “Legal Issues Involved in Growing your Business,” PA Treasury’s Small Business Initiative (October 2016)
  • “Common Legal Issues for New Businesses,” PA Treasury’s Small Business Initiative at York College (October 2016)
  • “Negotiating Indemnification Clauses, Representations and Warranties and Other Standard Contract Terms,” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2015)
  • “Buying, Leasing and Owning: What is Best for Your Business?” Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2014)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Notes and comments editor, American University International Law Review

Jennifer McKenrick Stetter

 Jennifer is a member of Barley Snyder’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group, and estate planning and estate administration are her primary practice areas. Jennifer’s estate planning work involves the preparation of wills, financial and health care powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents, as well as trust creation and administration. Her practice also includes probate and estate administration through which a deceased person’s property and other assets are distributed and the estate is managed and settled. Jennifer also represents clients in guardianship matters through which a person or entity is appointed by the court to make decisions for another person of any age who is incapacitated, as well as Medicaid planning matters in which individuals or couples determine how to best structure or transfer assets in order to qualify for Medicaid to pay for nursing care.

Jennifer’s diverse practice also includes preparation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements which are often an integral part of the estate planning process. Jennifer has practiced in courts throughout central Pennsylvania, including Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton and York counties.

Her work in estate planning and administration also serves as a lead-in to the business and real estate elements of her practice. Her business and real estate experience includes:

  • Entity formation
  • Small business asset and stock purchases
  • Commercial and residential real estate settlement and refinancing
  • Preparation of commercial and residential purchase agreements

Jennifer is a native of Hanover and lives in the Hanover area with her husband and daughter. She is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hanover, and is a graduate of Delone Catholic High School.

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

John M. Coles

John is a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups regularly assisting business clients with a wide variety of general corporate issues, including such matters as entity formation, mergers and stock asset acquisitions. John has also provided counsel on commercial real estate, commercial leasing, planned communities, condominiums and the financing of all types of commercial transactions. He has also successfully represented clients in various industries involved in real estate tax assessment appeals throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

He also has experience in bankruptcy and workout situations, and works regularly with the firm’s commercial landlord clients who have been faced with tenant bankruptcies. He has also defended clients faced with bankruptcy preference claims and other adversary proceedings.

RECOGNITIONS
  • The Best Lawyers in America®,  Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2025), Real Estate Law (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

  • Leadership Harrisburg Area Class of 2005

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association

  • Dauphin County Bar Association

PRESENTATIONS
  • Moderator – 2023 Harrisburg Business Seminar (October 2023)
  • Transportation Logistics & Trade Seminar (March 2023)
  • A Roundtable Discussion on Due Diligence for Real Estate Construction Project – Wake Up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (May 2022)

  • Project Financing: When Can I Start Work? – Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (June 2018)

  • Key Terms in Commercial Leases and How They Can Hold Up Your Deal – Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS Commercial Council (April 2018)

Randy R. Moyer

Randy is a partner and chair of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in both complex and simple estate and tax planning as well as estate and trust administration.

Randy is also a member of the firm’s Family Business group, working closely with family owned business owners in formulating succession plans and advising owners of closely held businesses with respect to their estate and retirement plans. Randy works with his clients to address their business and personal needs in a way that will minimize their future estate, gift, income and generation skipping transfer taxes while maximizing and preserving family wealth. Randy also works with his clients to identify potential family conflicts with respect to succession planning, estate and retirement planning matters and offers suggestions to incorporate into business planning to avoid such conflicts.

Randy’s estate planning practice includes the following:

  • Drafting complex and simple estate plans that include wills, revocable trusts, dynasty trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), charitable remainder trusts, family limited partnerships, limited liability companies and powers of attorney for both finance and health care needs. 
  • Assistance with retirement planning and charitable giving.
  • Counseling owners of closely-held businesses on business succession planning, business formation, governance issues including buy-sell agreements and planning for the sale or disposition of family businesses.
  • Advising clients of the consequences of proposed transfers and transactions as they relate to estate, gift, generation-skipping and income taxes.
  • Assistance with estate administration and the probate process.
  • Planning for the creation, preservation and transmission of wealth among generations.
  • Creating charitable foundations/trusts and assisting in corporate governance and formation of such charitable entities.

Randy’s practice also focuses in the area of tax exempt organizations, including the formation of non-profit organizations and obtaining tax exempt status from the IRS. Randy also works with governance issues affecting tax exempt organizations, including public charities, private foundations, colleges, universities and other non-profits.

Randy served in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in the Persian Gulf as part of operation Desert Shield. He also served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Haitian refugee crisis from 1991-1992 and was awarded the Navy achievement medal.

MEMBERSHIP
  • Pennsylvania and Lancaster Bar Associations
CLERKSHIPS
  • Judicial Clerk for Judge James P. Cullen (Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • U.S. Marine Corps

John T. Reed

John is a member of the firm’s Business Law Group and Family Business Law group. John’s primary practice is comprised of two separate but related areas: (i) counseling family-owned and closely held businesses; and (ii) buying and selling businesses, and in many cases, acting as a general counselor for the business on an ongoing basis after the transaction is completed.

Counseling Family Owned and Closely Held Businesses

John’s work in this area is extremely varied and from the broadest standpoint, John acts as a virtual in-house counsel to these businesses.  In this “in-house counsel” role, John learns about the business, the owners, the objectives, and outlook of the owners, and then combines this information with his legal knowledge and the expertise of colleagues at Barley Snyder to provide counsel to the business on legal and business related issues. John has been involved in specific family-related matters such as succession planning, developing both advisory boards and boards of directors with outside directors, developing family councils, facilitating family meetings, navigating owner disputes, and negotiating and implementing Shareholder Agreements (Buy-Sell Agreements). Of course, John also advises on general business issues such as contract review and negotiation, real estate purchases or sales, employment issues, strategic planning, and general business strategy.

Barley Snyder is also one of the founding members and a current corporate sponsor of the S. Dale High Family Business Center at Elizabethtown College. John leads the firm’s efforts at the Center and is a frequent speaker and a regular resource for the CEO Roundtable and Emerging Leaders Groups at the Center.

Buying and Selling Businesses

John regularly represents clients buying or selling businesses. This representation can include very complicated transactions involving mergers of entities, multi-level financing and equity arrangements, earn-out provisions, and floating purchase prices or straightforward deals as well as advising clients on the proper entity to form for a purchase, negotiating and drafting letters of intent and term sheets, guiding the due diligence portion of the investigation, negotiating and securing financing, analyzing financing options, determining value, and leading the team of advisors in the negotiation of the deal.

Outlook

John finds working with family businesses and their owners extremely rewarding. Barley Snyder has a tradition of representing generation after generation of family businesses. Family business owners have a very different outlook and approach to business than the Fortune 500s. The family business owner does not base his or her decisions on what will maximize profits for the next month (and his or her bonus), but rather makes decisions keeping in mind that he or she is just holding the business in trust for the generations to follow. These owners make decisions that will benefit the business in the long run to ensure the business survives from generation to generation. John understands this approach and acts as a partner and strategic advisor with his family business clients.

In addition to his legal work and when he is not chasing his three sons, John is actively involved in the community. Since John arrived in Lancaster, he has made community involvement a high priority and believes the community is made stronger through dedicated volunteers and that a stronger community results in a strong and more stable business environment. The central Pennsylvania region is proof of that.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Harrisburg metro area, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law (2020, 2025)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law (2013-2025)
  • Lancaster Family YMCA “Volunteer of the Year” (2004)
  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars
  • Inaugural recipient of “Wall of Fame” of the High Center for Family Business
MEMBERSHIP
  • American, Pennsylvania and Lancaster County Bar Associations
PUBLICATION
  • Family Business Center Webcast – Succession Planning for Family Businesses
PRESENTATIONS
  • “The Expected Impact of COVID-19 on M&A: A Look at the ‘New Normal’”, Barley Snyder Webinar Series (June 2020)
  • “Recent Developments in the M&A Market”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2016)
  • “Succession Planning”, High Center for Family Business (May 2016)
  • “Business Succession & Wealth Transfer: Considerations of Death, Taxes and Achieving Family Harmony”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2014)
  • “Diamonds in the Rough: Working With Troubled Borrowers”, Barley Snyder LendiCon Seminar (May 2014)
  • “Is an M&A the Right Course for Your Business?”, S. Dale High Center for Family Business: Mergers and Acquisitions Panel (January 2013)
  • “Guiding Wealth through Generations”, S. Dale High Center for Family Business, “Keeping it in the Family” (November 2011)
  • “Succession Planning: Today’s Planning, Tomorrow’s Success”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar (October 2011)
  • “Who’s in Charge Here: Succession Planning for Business”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar (May 2006)
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Director, The Wenger Group Board of Directors
  • Captain, U.S. Air Force (1986-1992)

Reilly S. Noetzel

Reilly is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group and the Construction, Environment, Land Use, and Municipal industry groups in addition to being a licensed title agent. He dedicates his practice to the representation of clients in all aspects of their real estate transactions and developments with a particular focus on condominium and planned community law, land use and development, construction and regulatory matters as well as leasing.  

Condominium & Planned Community Law 
As a large part of his practice, Reilly helps clients navigate the Pennsylvania Planned Community and Condominium Acts, and provides creative and efficient advice on structuring these types of developments.  He is familiar with the requirements of the Acts, and establishes the framework for each community to facilitate a smooth transition of the development at turnover.  Reilly recognizes this area of the law can be complex and routinely gives educational presentations to homebuilders, developers, and other professionals on condominium and planned community law compliance.  He has prepared and reviewed homeowners’ association and condominium documents for developments of all types and sizes, including building conversions, shopping centers, residential planned communities, master-planned developments, and site condominiums.  He also advises developers in completing lot takedowns within these types of communities.

Land Use & Development
Reilly’s zoning and land development work includes representation of clients in the submissions of and hearings for text amendment, rezoning, variance, special exception, conditional use, land development and condition modification applications. He understands the complexities of the Municipalities Planning Code and the requirements that municipalities and developers must follow throughout the land development process in Pennsylvania. Reilly’s experience in this area includes assistance with the development of mixed-use, commercial/industrial buildings and complexes as well as residential neighborhoods. 

Construction
In his construction practice, Reilly advises owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals on all facets of construction law and procurement matters, with a particular focus on negotiating contracts for uniquely funded projects, such as RACP and ARPA, as well as other state and private grant programs. This includes the review and negotiation of the American Institute for Architects (AIA) form agreements, updates to form purchase orders and agreements, and assistance with mechanics’ liens, prevailing wage, and Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act issues. Reilly also has specific experience with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for renewable energy projects. In addition, Reilly represents developers with respect to building code and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) enforcement issues and appeals as well as Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) approvals.  

Regulatory & Permitting
In connection with his land use and development practice, Reilly helps clients navigate the regulatory and permitting requirements associated with real estate projects including the rules and regulations of various Pennsylvania state agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the Pennsylvania Utility Commission. He regularly assists clients with issues related to permits for public infrastructure as well as highway occupancy, NPDES, post-construction stormwater management and building permits.

Leasing
Reilly devotes a significant portion of his practice to the representation of landlords and tenants in various leasing matters. He frequently negotiates retail, industrial, office, and ground leases and advises clients on ancillary leasing issues such as financing and construction matters. Through his experience in lease negotiations, Reilly is well-versed in standard commercial leasing clauses in central Pennsylvania. He often guides clients through the process of understanding lease provisions, including complex CAM clauses. Reilly also assists clients in the negotiation of energy and utility leases, including solar farm and cell tower leases.

Reilly prides himself on providing practical advice and delivering efficient results for his clients. He especially enjoys the tangible nature of real estate law and appreciates the ability to see a project through from beginning to end. His well-rounded experience in the areas above allows him to be the point person for developers throughout all stages of their projects.

In his spare time, Reilly enjoys biking, hiking, reading, astronomy, Revolutionary and Civil War history, and spending time with his family outdoors. 

View some of Reilly’s representative matters:

  • Represented a regional funeral home in the acquisition and development, including permitting, land development, and zoning approvals, for a new, approximately 14,000-square-foot funeral home and crematory. 
  • Represented a farm equipment and machinery sales and repair business in the sale of its existing building, the acquisition of raw land, and the development of a multi-phased, 300,000 square foot vehicle retail, service, and repair center. Reilly’s work on this matter included obtaining conditional use, variance, and land development plan approvals for the new building as well as assistance in obtaining a PIDA loan to finance the development.
  • Counseled a large retailer in the development of a multi-phased, 250,000-square-foot manufacturing, office, and warehousing center, including navigation of permitting and land development issues, sewer and water capacity matters, and special exception approvals for the use.
  • Represented landowners in obtaining variances and special exception approvals to convert existing buildings into an apartment building and an Airbnb building.
  • Represented a large church in the conversion of its existing building into a condominium, and the sale of a condominium unit to a buyer.
  • Counseled a residential developer in rezoning several tracts of land, obtaining text amendments for higher density, and development of townhome, single-family and mixed-use buildings.
  • Served as counsel for a one-of-a-kind stream restoration and walking trail project in Lancaster County, which included preparation of easements, construction documents, and municipal intergovernmental agreements related to stormwater and MS4 permitting.  
  • Served as landlord’s counsel on various lease negotiations for a new retail shopping center, which included advising the client on sophisticated CAM, exclusive use, and other specific retail leasing issues.
  • Obtained text amendment and conditional use approvals for a large-scale multifamily and townhome development in Lebanon County, and advised the developer on planned community structuring issues for the community.
  • Prepared condominium/planned community documents for a shopping center redevelopment, single-family and townhome developments throughout central Pennsylvania as well as building conversions in urban settings including Lancaster and Harrisburg.
RECOGNITIONS
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Land Use and Zoning Law (2024, 2025)
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section Trailblazer Award (2020)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Lancaster County Bar Association
PRESENTATION
  • Training on Title Insurance, Mid Penn Bank (July 2024)
  • “Guilty by ‘Association’ – Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls in the Formation and Operation of HOAs”, Building Industry Association of Lancaster County (April 2024)
  • “Trends in Zoning and Development,” – Moderator, Wake Up With Barley: A Morning on Real Estate Seminar (June 2023)
  • “What Residential Builders Need to Know About Construction and Land Development”,  Building Industry Association of Lancaster County Morning Mingle (Sept. 2022)
  • “Exploring and Negotiating Key Clauses in Construction Contracts”, ABC Keystone’s Fall Regional Construction Wake-up Call Series (Fall 2022)
  • “Construction Agreements & Payments: Understanding the Construction Process”, ABC Keystone (October 2020)
LANGUAGES
  • German
  • French
  • Arabic

Maria Di Stravolo Elliott

Maria is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. She counsels international, national, regional and local businesses and individuals on complex real estate and construction transactions. She takes the time to understand her clients’ business so she can design legal and business solutions to best meet their needs. 

Real Estate Law
Much of her real estate work involves commercial, residential and mixed use projects, including hospitals, banks, colleges, water and sewer treatment plants, apartment buildings, shopping centers, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). She prepares documentation for developers for a variety of condominium and planned communities (commercial, residential, mixed use and site condos) and has also represented homeowner’s associations.

She collaborates with her clients through every step of the real estate matter, including:

– negotiating and preparing sales agreements

– assisting clients with due diligence

– obtaining any zoning and land development approvals

– obtaining liquor license approvals

– forming entities for real estate ownership

– reviewing title commitments and resolving any title matters

– reviewing and negotiating loan documents from banks and state agencies

– closing the deal by preparing settlement documents and attending settlement

– paying attention to any post-closing matters, such as tax assessment appeals or in the case of non-profits and educational institutions, tax exemption appeals

Maria has successfully negotiated leases and related documents for all types of commercial and residential properties, including college campuses, medical office buildings, health campuses, professional office buildings, retail and shopping centers, cell towers, apartment buildings, banks, farms, parking lots, hotels, and industrial, manufacturing and warehouse buildings. She represents both landlords and tenants on a regular basis.

She also handles various agricultural real estate matters for clients, including Clean and Green (Act 319), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and agricultural preservation easements.

Real Estate Portfolio Services
Maria enjoys working with investors, developers, buyers and sellers with extensive real estate portfolios, bringing expertise and personalized service to each transaction. She focuses on assisting clients with acquiring, selling, and managing their properties. With an in-depth understanding of industry trends and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes, Maria builds strong relationships with her clients.

Construction Law
Maria’s construction law practice involves issues during all phases of the construction process, including drafting and negotiating construction contracts, providing advice on claims avoidance and handling bond claims. She also counsels clients on various alternative dispute resolutions for construction matters, including mediation, arbitration and litigation.

She regularly addresses general construction matters involving liquidated damages, change orders, performance and payment bonds, termination of contracts, and mechanics’ liens waivers and releases. She has extensive experience with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) construction contracts, including creating standard changes for clients working on multiple construction projects. Maria is familiar with the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, having assisted clients with ensuring their construction contracts meet the requirements of the act. She advises clients on the amendments to the Pennsylvania Mechanics’ Lien Law and how the changes affect their construction projects. Maria is familiar with an amendment to the Mechanic’s Lien Law to address the Pennsylvania Construction Notices Directory, which was implemented in 2017 for construction projects over $1.5 million. She is also knowledgeable with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and the International Building Code. In 2020, Maria was named a Fellow at the Construction Lawyers Society of America, joining the invitation-only international honorary association composed of preeminent lawyers specializing in construction law and related fields.

Examples of her real estate and construction experience include:

– Successfully handled the purchase of a $5 million corporate headquarters site for a food manufacturer including the preparation of condominium documents in connection with Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) financing and handling a Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF) loan for equipment financing.

– Was instrumental in the purchase and partial lease-back of a $10 million industrial building along with obtaining successful zoning approval for a special exception to allow the client to manufacture its recycled rubber surface and flooring products at the site.

– Created condominium documents for a hospital pavilion, a shopping center, a studio complex, an industrial/business site condo and a mixed use urban building condo.

– Obtained successful zoning approvals for a sewer authority to install a pumping station and sewer lines in existing residential development and worked on sewer line easement agreements.

– Negotiated a warehouse lease for an international manufacturer of fishing equipment and construction documents for the tenant fit-out as well as resolving a change order dispute for the client.

– Handled the purchase of a warehouse facility that was transformed into a large sports facility, where she negotiated leases, liquor licensing, and rental facility agreements.

Maria regularly presents on real estate and construction matters. She has given presentations before Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Keystone Chapter, Building Industry Association of Lancaster County and the Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Council of the Lancaster County Association of Realtors. In addition, she has taught continuing legal education classes for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Lancaster Bar Association. She is conversational in Italian and speaks Spanish.

Maria has three active kids and lives in Lititz. She sings as a cantor at St. James Catholic Church in Lititz and can be found doing karaoke now and then. She loves theatre and has performed in musicals and comedies when she was younger. Now, she can often be found playing pickleball at the Lititz recCenter.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Construction Lawyers Society of America
  • Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone Chapter
  • Building Industry Association of Lancaster County
  • St. Thomas More Society
  • Lancaster Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
PUBLICATIONS
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Understanding Complex Lease Provisions,” – Moderator, “Wake Up With Barley: A Morning on Real Estate” Seminar (2023)
  • “What Residential Builders Need to Know About Construction and Land Development”,  Building Industry Association of Lancaster County Morning Mingle (Sept. 2022)
  • “Exploring and Negotiating Key Clauses in Construction Contracts”, ABC Keystone’s Fall Regional Construction Wake-up Call Series (Fall 2022)
  • “Doing Business with Coronavirus: Managing Tenant Relationships and Protecting Landlord Interests”, CCIM Webinar (May 2020)
  • “Condos in the City”, Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (June 2019)
  • Moderator: “Structuring & Financing Real Estate Deals”, Barley Snyder LendiCon (March 2019)
  • “Managing & Protecting Your Online Reputation”, ABC Keystone Seminar (October 2018)
  • “Ever-Changing Challenges of Construction & Development in PA”, Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (June 2018)
  • Featured speaker, Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s “The Year in Review for the General Practitioner 2017” (December 2017)
  • “Planning and Sales Considerations for Condominiums and Planned Communities”, Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (September 2017)
  • “Construction Risk Management: From Contract to Completion”, Wake up with Barley: A Morning on Real Estate (September 2017)
  • “Understanding the Construction Process – From Inception to Completion”, ABC Keystone Seminar (April 2017)
  • “Current Trends in Commercial Lending”, Lendicon 2017 (March 2017)
  • Right to Repair Act, BIA Morning Mingle (April, 2016)
  • Symposium on New Federal Closing Requirements, TRID – Making It Work For You (May 2015)
  • “Leasehold Mortgages”, Barley Snyder LendiCon Seminar (March 2015)
  • “Buying, Leasing and Owning: What is Best for Your Business?”, Barley Snyder Business Seminar, (October 2014)
  • “Facing Land Development and Construction Issues”, Barley Snyder LendiCon Seminar, (November 2012)
RECOGNITIONS
  • Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence List (2022)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law (2024, 2025)
LANGUAGE

She also handles various agricultural real estate matters for clients, including Clean and Green (Act 319), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and agricultural preservation easements.

Real Estate Portfolio Services

Maria enjoys working with investors, developers, buyers and sellers with extensive real estate portfolios, bringing expertise and personalized service to each transaction. She focuses on assisting clients with acquiring, selling, and managing their properties. With an in-depth understanding of industry trends and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes, Maria builds strong relationships with her clients.

  • Italian

– Handled the purchase of a warehouse facility that was transformed into a large sports facility, where she negotiated leases, liquor licensing, and rental facility agreements.

Jennifer Craighead Carey

Jennifer is the firm’s managing partner and a member of the Employment Practice Group where she concentrates her practice in the areas of labor and employment law as well as school law.

In the area of employment law, Jennifer serves as both a counselor and a litigator. In her litigation role, Jennifer has handled cases at both the administrative level and in state and federal court. Jennifer regularly practices before the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as well as administrative agencies throughout the country, handling all manner of discrimination and retaliation claims. Jennifer routinely handles litigation in the Federal District Courts in both the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. Jennifer has obtained summary judgment and successful verdicts on behalf of her employer clients in numerous cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In addition to defending discrimination cases involving sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, Veteran’s or military leave status, and other legally protected classes, Jennifer has also handled litigation for employers both at the administrative level and in state and federal courts involving claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Executive Order 11246, the False Claims Act, the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and comparable state and local ordinances.

In her role as employment counselor, Jennifer regularly provides advice to employers on a myriad of employment issues, including counseling on performance and conduct related issues, reasonable accommodation obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FMLA compliance and management, sexual and other harassment, workplace violence, and many other issues. Jennifer has worked with clients in investigations involving harassment, misappropriation of funds and other areas of misconduct, including conducting investigations of executive and high level management employees. Jennifer also has expertise in Executive Order 11246 to include affirmative action compliance for government contractors and handling OFCCP audits. Jennifer works with government contractors on hiring and compensation audits and drafting and reviewing affirmative action plans. Jennifer also has experience in assisting employers with claims involving unemployment compensation and workers’ compensation and frequently counsels clients on the interplay between the ADA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation. In addition, Jennifer reviews personnel policies for employers and has reviewed hundreds of employee handbooks for legal compliance.

Jennifer believes in a strategy of prevention for her employer clients, and in this role not only provides counseling and investigation services to employers, but also conducts a variety of on-site, workplace training in the areas of sexual and other harassment prevention, diversity, documentation strategies in the context of discipline and discharge as well as performance evaluations, FMLA/ADA/workers’ compensation interplay and management, workplace violence, union avoidance strategies for managers and supervisors, and the nuts and bolts of workplace management to prevent litigation. Jennifer is accustomed to conducting training at all levels to include employees, supervisors and managers, and executives and directors.

In her role as labor attorney, Jennifer has handled numerous labor arbitrations both in the public and private sector. In addition, she has handled labor negotiations for unionized employers, including Act 111 negotiations in in the public employer arena. Jennifer also counsels public employers on issues unique to the Heart and Lung Act and has successfully handled numerous civil service and grievance arbitrations involving termination of Heart and Lung Act benefits. Jennifer has also represented employers before the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board and the National Labor Relations Board.

Jennifer also provides representation to universities and colleges on labor and employment matters, affirmative action compliance, student discipline, sexual assault and other sensitive issues, and on compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Jennifer regularly presents on FERPA issues, including the interplay between FERPA and HIPAA. In addition, Jennifer counsels schools on issues related to Title IX compliance and student accommodation requests under the ADA. She is also a past presenter for the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) on FMLA and ADA matters unique to school districts.

Jennifer represents clients of all sizes and in all industries and is well versed in issues unique to manufacturing and the service sector and provides employment law expertise and litigation management services to a national retailer. In addition, she regularly represents hospitals, long term care facilities, and other health care institutions in employment issues unique to those settings, including issues related to the Older Adult Protective Services Act, credentialing and staff privileges, and medication diversion, among other issues. Jennifer is also labor and employment counsel to municipalities throughout Pennsylvania.

RECOGNITIONS
  • Central Penn Business Journal, Power 100 List (2025)
  • Central Penn Business Journal, Power Law List (2024, 2025)
  • Commencement Speaker, Winter Graduation at Millersville University (2023)
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • City & State PA, Law Power 100 list (2023)
  • Millersville University, Marvelous Marauder (2023)
  • Lawyers of Color, “Law Firm Leaders” (2022)
  • Savoy Magazine Most Influential Black Corporate Directors (2021)
  • Central Penn Business Journal, Forty Under 40 (2005)
MEMBERSHIPS
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • Lancaster County Association for Human Resource Management
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, employment law section, minority attorneys section
  • National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA)
PUBLICATION
  • Pennsylvania Employment Law Deskbook, contributing author
PRESENTATIONS
  • “Navigating the Complexities of the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act,” 42nd Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2025)
  • “Strategies for Managing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace,” 42nd Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2025)
  • “Navigating the Complexities of the Family and Medical Leave Act: Strategies to Mitigate Your Risks,” 41st Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2024)
  • “Are Workplace DEI Programs Legal? Assessing DEI in 2024,”41st Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2024)
  • “Medical Marijuana: Legislative Initiatives and Case Law,” Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association (September 2023)
  • “Top 10 Management Mistakes,” 40th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2023)
  • “Practical Applications of FMLA/ADA,” 40th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2023)
  • “Employee Policies & Procedures Surrounding Medical Marijuana – Webinar,” LeadingAge PA (February 2023)
  • “Practical Applications of FMLA/ADA,” 39th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “Getting in the Weeds of Medical Marijuana,” 39th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2022)
  • “Workplace Investigations,” 38th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2021)
  • “Diversity and Inclusion: A Legal and Institutional Perspective,” 38th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2021)
  • “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Impact on Health Care and Long Term Care,” webinar (December 2020)
  • “Leave Issues Under FMLA, FFCRA and ADA,” 37th annual Barley Snyder Employment Law Seminar (September 2020)
  • “Breaking Down the Legal Barriers to Hiring,” Lancaster Chamber (March 2020)
  • “How to Control Absenteeism Under the FMLA/ADA/WC,” Barley Snyder 36th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “Drug Testing in the Workplace—What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant,” Barley Snyder 36th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2019)
  • “When Personal Conduct, Social Media and the Workplace Collide,” Barley Snyder 35th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2018)
  • “Workplace Investigations in the Era of the #MeToo Movement,” Barley Snyder 35th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2018)
  • “The Price of Incivility: The Link Between Civility and Workplace Harassment,” Barley Snyder 35th Annual Employment Law Seminar (May 2018)
  • Featured speaker, “Opioids in the Workplace,” from the Action for Substance Abuse Prevention Lititz (November 2017)
  • “Opioids in the Workplace,” Central Penn Business Group on Health (February 2018)
  • Featured speaker, “Opioid/Heroin Panel for Businesses” (August 2017)
  • “Taking and Defending the Deposition of an HR Manager,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s 23rd Annual Employment Law Institute (April 2017)
  • “Advanced Strategies for Managing the FMLA and ADA,” 2017 Barley Snyder Employment Seminar (April 2017)

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