Law Firm Overview

I have been a general practice attorney since I began practicing law in New Jersey in 1983. Since 1991, I have been a solo practitioner in State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania, primarily practicing in the central Pennsylvania counties of Centre, Mifflin and Huntingdon. My practice encompasses civil and criminal matters, including personal injury, malpractice and driving under the influence, with a focus on family law matters such as custody and divorce.

I emphasize problem solving whenever possible as advised by Abraham Lincoln in a framed quote hanging near my desk; he discourages litigation and urges attorneys to use their abilities as peacemakers. I believe this is particularly applicable in family matters and especially in custody disputes. Except in emergencies, my philosophy is generally to litigate as a last and not a first resort. In so doing, my clients usually maintain more personal control over the outcome of their disputes and are more likely to achieve a result which is in the best interests of their child.

In addition to my legal experience as a family law attorney for the past twenty-five years, I also have had the experience of raising three children and having been married for twenty-eight years to Jill, who is my office manager and secretary and an attorney herself.

Additionally, I bring a unique perspective to personal injury law. At eighteen I was involved in a very serious automobile accident and sustained numerous orthopedic injuries resulting in traction, long-term hospitalization, multiple operations and years of recuperation. As a participant in litigation regarding this accident I was personally involved in various phases of the legal process, including answering questions under oath orally and in writing and also being examined by medical experts. Obviously, these experiences enhance my ability to successfully represent my clients.

On a personal note, I swim a mile almost daily as a physical hobby and as an intellectual hobby I write poems, short stories and novels. My most recent novel is currently being considered for publication.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Custody
• Mediation
• Visitation
• Child Support
• Divorce
• Separation Agreements
• Domestic Relations Hearings
• Paternity
• Alimony
• Spousal Support
• Alimony Pendente Lite
• Protection from Abuse
• Adoption
• Name Changes
• Legal and Medical Malpractice
• Living Wills and Anatomical Gifts
• Nomination of Guardian
• Powers of Attorney
• Wills and Estates
• Personal Injury
• Criminal Defense
• Driving Under the Influence
• Underage Alcohol Offenses
• Magisterial District Judge Hearings

Pro Bono Activities

• Free Initial Consultations, 1991 - Present

West Practice Categories

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Constitutional Law, Search & Seizure Protections, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug Violations, Juvenile Crimes, Misdemeanor, Traffic Violations, Estate Planning, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney and Appointment, Trusts, Wills, Family Law, Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Childrens' Rights, Collaborative Law, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Domestic Violence & Neglect, Juvenile Law, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Insurance Law, Motor Vehicle, Litigation & Appeals, State Appellate Practice, State Trial Practice, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Animal Bites -- Plaintiff, Assault & Battery -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Premises Liability -- Plaintiff, Property Damage -- Plaintiff, Slip and Fall -- Plaintiff, Wrongful Death -- Plaintiff, Probate & Estate Administration, Estate Administration, Professional Malpractice Law, Dental Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Other Professionals Malpractice