43 McNees attorneys named to 2026 Best Lawyers in America®, including five “Lawyer of the Year” honorees
August 21, 2025
Press Releases
McNees is pleased to announce that 43 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, representing 28 areas of law. Among those honored, five received the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” distinction, the highest recognition awarded by Best Lawyers. In addition, 34 attorneys were named to The Best Lawyers in America® list (including the five Lawyers of the Year), and nine were included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®.
Selections for Best Lawyers are based entirely on peer nomination and review. Since 1983, Best Lawyers has been considered one of the most reliable and unbiased sources of legal referrals. The “Lawyer of the Year” recognition is presented to only one attorney in each practice area and region annually, representing the publication’s highest designation.
Below is the full list of McNees attorneys recognized in the 2026 edition, along with their corresponding practice groups and designations:
Lawyer of the Year
The Lawyer of the Year designation is awarded to individual attorneys who achieve the highest overall peer review ratings in a specific legal practice area and geographic region. This recognition is highly selective, reflecting professional excellence, leadership, and the respect of peers.
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pa.
- Stephen C. Gierasch – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Timothy M. Finnerty – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Brian F. Jackson – Employment Law, Management; Labor Law, Management
- Elizabeth P. Mullaugh – Trusts and Estates
- Nicole Stezar Kaylor – Corporate Law
The Best Lawyers in America®
The Best Lawyers designation is conferred following a rigorous, independent peer-review process. Attorneys are nominated and evaluated by other leading lawyers in the same practice area and region, based on professional competence, integrity, ethical standards, and consistent excellence.
Maryland
Frederick, Md.
- Kendall A. Camuti – Real Estate Law
- Derek P. Roussillon – Commercial Litigation; Litigation, Construction; Product Liability Litigation, Defendants
- Robert A. Weishaar, Jr. – Energy Law
- Joseph S. Welty – Corporate Law
Towson, Md.
- David L. Cole, Jr. – Litigation, Construction
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pa.
- Erik R. Anderson – Commercial Litigation
- Jonathan Andrews – Real Estate Law
- Adeolu A. Bakare – Energy Regulatory Law
- Susan Bruce – Energy Law
- Debra Denison Cantor – Collaborative Law, Family Law
- Joseph Chapman – Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs
- Dana W. Chilson – Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Charles M. Courtney – Land Use and Zoning Law
- Timothy M. Finnerty – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Trusts and Estates
- Helen L. Gemmill – Litigation – Real Estate
- Stephen C. Gierasch – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Scott A. Gould – Environmental Law; Litigation, Environmental
- Kandice Kerwin Hull – Appellate Practice
- Brian F. Jackson – Employment Law, Management; Labor Law, Management
- Nicole Stezar Kaylor – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- James W. Kutz – Commercial Litigation; Litigation, Construction; Litigation, Municipal
- Andrew Levy – Employment Law, Management
- Renee Lieux – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Charis Mincavage – Energy Law
- Elizabeth P. Mullaugh – Litigation, Trusts and Estates; Trusts and Estates
- Adam L. Santucci – Labor Law, Management
- Bradley A. Walker – Corporate Law
- Rhonda M. Weaver – Real Estate Law
- Jennifer E. Will – Employment Law, Management; Labor Law, Management
Lancaster, Pa.
- Vance Antonacci – Trusts and Estates
- Kendra D. McGuire – Commercial Litigation; Litigation, Trusts and Estates
Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Ross A. Giorgianni – Construction Law
- Michael D. Klein – Construction Law; Litigation, Construction
York, Pa.
- Anne E. Zerbe – Employment Law, Management
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
The Ones to Watch recognition honors attorneys who demonstrate professional excellence in their careers. Selections are based on peer review and reflect legal skill, integrity, and potential for continued success.
Maryland
Frederick, Md.
- Ilan Z. Weinberger – Corporate Law; Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pa.
- Brigid Landy Khuri – Energy Law; Natural Resources Law
- Jeffrey Esch McCombie – Real Estate Law
- Kenneth R. Stark – Energy Law
Lancaster, Pa.
- Ashley Nichols Weber – Construction Law
- Peter Wertz – Real Estate Law
Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Amanda Kraft – Construction Law
- Cara Pinto – Intellectual Property Law
Radnor, Pa.
- Richard J. Kalinowski – Construction Law; Litigation, Construction
The Best Lawyers in America® list is an annual publication that identifies leading attorneys across various legal practice areas in the United States. Established in 1983, it utilizes a peer-review process in which thousands of lawyers evaluate their peers based on professional expertise and reputation. The list serves as a resource for individuals and businesses seeking legal representation. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of notable legal professionals in the country.
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McNees is a multidisciplinary law firm founded in 1935 with more than 150 attorneys representing businesses, associations, institutions, municipalities and individuals. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Radnor, State College and York, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Frederick and Towson, Md.; and Washington, D.C. McNees is a member of the ALFA International Global Legal Network.
