Profile

Abbegael is an attorney in the Labor and Employment and Public Finance & Government Services Groups. She handles a broad range of employment matters for employers, with a focus on defending litigation claims under the Family Medical Leave Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other federal, state, and local laws.

Abbegael is a speaker and writer with thought leadership in employment law developments resulting from government COVID-19 mitigation measures.

What does Abbegael do for clients?
Abbegael’s clients are business owners, state agencies, and municipal governments. Her practice ranges from proactive counseling of clients regarding compliance with discrimination laws, hiring, evaluating and discharging employees to defending clients before administrative bodies and courts. Abbegael also advises clients on employee benefits issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions, including benefits due diligence.

A sample of services Abbegael provided to Clients since joining McNees include:

  • Litigation Defense
  • Performing HR Internal Investigations
  • Drafting Employment Policies, Agreements, and Restrictive Covenants
  • Counseling, Compliance, and Guidance in Employment Law Matters

Prior to joining McNees, Abbegael served as Deputy General Counsel to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor’s Office for four years and Deputy Attorney General in the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General for 11 years. She has argued before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth, Superior, and Supreme Courts as well as acted as lead counsel in state and federal court bench and jury trials.

Additionally, Abbegael is a trained mediator and serves on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s Certified Mediation Panel, with areas of expertise including employment law, constitutional law, civil litigation, and environmental law.

What does Abbegael do in her free time?
In her free time, Abbegael can be found coaching youth cheerleading, cheering on her daughters at softball games and ski races, and working on DIY projects. Abbegael resides in Dauphin County with her husband, their twin daughters, and their two Great Danes.

EDUCATION

Saint Joseph’s University, B.S., 2001

Widener University School of Law, J.D., 2004

MEMBERSHIPS

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Dauphin County Bar Association

U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania – Certified Mediator

COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court – Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court – Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

Contact Info

Practice Groups