https://lavangalaw.com/about daily 0.75 2018-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/1522799419252-KE4T5N6C34GITZ7Y3V71/16998911_10154691706078248_7954339817292845574_n.jpg About The Attorney https://lavangalaw.com/home daily 1.0 2024-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/2c6986f7-3b6b-422a-add1-b46579b0f1d2/Untitled+design-2.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://lavangalaw.com/upr daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://lavangalaw.com/upfaq daily 0.75 2018-08-30 https://lavangalaw.com/paa daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://lavangalaw.com/contactus daily 0.75 2026-02-20 https://lavangalaw.com/tax-preparation daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://lavangalaw.com/taxpreprequest daily 0.75 2019-01-15 https://lavangalaw.com/pay-my-bill daily 0.75 2019-10-29 https://lavangalaw.com/our-offices daily 0.75 2020-11-19 https://lavangalaw.com/delco daily 0.75 2024-01-24 https://lavangalaw.com/allegheny daily 0.75 2024-01-24 https://lavangalaw.com/team-2 daily 0.75 2026-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/b8b3cd22-534b-49df-97cd-bb78235d5b6b/istockphoto-1397556857-612x612.jpg Meet Our Staff - Brian Clark bclark@lavangalaw.com Brian Clark is originally from Alaska but currently residing in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. He has a deep passion for education and always eager to learn new things. Currently he is attending Villanova University completing a certificate program for Paralegal. He is an avid reader on his downtime and enjoys reading up on history and the outdoors. He has a deep passion for hunting and spends a great deal of time in the outdoors either hiking, hunting, fishing, or simply foraging the forests for edible plants. Family and close friends are extremely important to his life. Other hobbies that he has include cooking and weather forecasting. He is an Air Force veteran and volunteers time helping veterans participating in various fund-raising programs through the years. He embraces challenges and dedicated to a growth mindset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/6b81b390-543f-40ae-8ca5-53e2977279e0/unnamed-3.png Meet Our Staff - Elaina DiDonato, Legal Assistant edidonato@lavangalaw.com Elaina earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she completed a double major in Political Science and History, along with a minor in Philosophy. Shortly after graduating, she continued her education by obtaining her paralegal certificate. Elaina has experience as both an immigration paralegal and an intellectual property paralegal. She is especially passionate about service, dedicating her spare time to pro bono work supporting immigrants through her volunteer efforts with The Commission on Immigration. Outside of work, Elaina enjoys fishing, reading, traveling and spending time laughing with friends and family. She is also a devoted pet owner who loves her golden retriever, Honey, and her two cats. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue her long-term goal of attending law school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/25c776df-c809-40e0-8137-4ebebce740f9/unnamed-2.png Meet Our Staff - Jared Fontenot, Legal Assistant jfontenot@lavangalaw.com Jared holds a BA in American History from Southern New Hampshire University and an MBA in Human Resources from Louisiana State University. Originally from Louisiana, he relocated to Pennsylvania in 2008 and has come to really enjoy life in the Keystone State. A Certified Notary Public in Pennsylvania, Jared is committed to serving his community with professionalism and integrity. Outside of work, Jared is a husband and father of two teenagers. He enjoys traveling—especially to Italy and the UK—along with movies, concerts, and live performances. A devoted Phillies fan, he is also a season ticket holder. An avid foodie, Jared enjoys discovering new restaurants and exploring diverse cuisines with his wife, Sarah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/c48e6f08-3f98-4efc-99ae-ee43b70de7d0/unnamed-2.jpg Meet Our Staff - Beth Ann Hartman, Legal Assistant bhartman@lavangalaw.com Beth Ann was born and raised in Montgomery County and is a graduate from Upper Dublin High School. She has enjoyed making Bucks County her home for the past 22 years with her husband of 28 years and her two daughters. She enjoys reading, doing all crafty things, floating in the pool, camping, and simply being with her family and friends. Beth Ann is also a licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate Agent and has been involved in real estate for over 30 years https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/bc420b89-bc68-4ed2-bd0a-e49919cff3a7/Resized_20241130_121901%281%29_168171226935534_1732987661414%281%29.jpeg Meet Our Staff - Lauryn McDonald, Paralegal 267-454-8813 | lmcdonald@lavangalaw.com Lauryn McDonald is a paralegal specializing in property tax appeals. With over a decade of experience in consumer law, she brings precision and expertise to her role. A commissioned Notary Public, Lauryn is dedicated to serving her community. She is an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, reflecting her commitment to service and historical preservation. Passionate about yoga, she uses it to maintain balance and focus. Lauryn cherishes time with her nieces, family, and close friends. A nature enthusiast, she enjoys caring for her plants and exploring the outdoors. Her diverse interests and skills make her a valued asset to her firm and community. Dedicated to growth, Lauryn strives to excel professionally while enriching her life through meaningful connections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/d3d4519a-e455-4b7f-9b4e-70feb025f112/IMG_7053.jpg Meet Our Staff - Skylar Painter, Legal Assistant & Client Communications Specialist 267-454-8828 |spainter@lavangalaw.com Skylar Painter is a graduate of West Chester University, having earned a Bachelors of Arts in History. She was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and still resides close by in Chester County. Skylar previously worked as a high school teacher as well as a preschool teacher, so she is extremely passionate about helping the community. She is also involved in Oral History preservation, having presented her research at the annual Oral History Association's conference in 2024. Outside of work, Skylar’s hobbies include reading, playing with her two cats, and crochet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/2ad3042e-aa72-41eb-9836-1bfe6f9f80d3/silhouette-female-grey-md.png Meet Our Staff - Krissie Reyes, Legal Assistant kreyes@lavangalaw.com Krissie Reyes is from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of William Tennent High School. She holds a B.A. in Criminology and double minors in Sociology and Spanish from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with friends and family, especially her goldendoodle Brownie. Her favorite season is summer; she enjoys going to the beach and watching sunsets. Krissie is a big fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Go Birds!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/b837f6b3-ccbe-4f05-b0d0-b178b4c42eda/image.jpeg Meet Our Staff - Aja Smith, Legal Assistant asmith@lavangalaw.com Aja Smith is from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and Thomas Jefferson University, where she earned her degree in Law & Society with a minor in Communications. She spent most of her life playing volleyball and was captain of her college team, leading them through multiple championship seasons. Her athletic career ended unexpectedly at the start of her final season due to an Achilles injury, which pushed her to explore new interests outside of work and sports. Aja loves to travel—so far, Paris and Capri are tied as her favorite places—and she finds a lot of joy in live music, discovering new Asian restaurants, reading, yoga, and cooking. She also loves spending time with her family and her two mini schnauzers, Dunkin and Mocha, who are constant sources of chaos and comfort. She hopes to attend law school in the future and is focused on continuing to grow personally and professionally, taking on new experiences with curiosity and enthusiasm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/a9396534-f560-4589-9aac-997406fe4832/C.Tropea+-+Photo.jpg Meet Our Staff - Cheyenne Tropea, Legal Assistant & File Coordinator 267-454-8630 | ctropea@lavangalaw.com Cheyenne Tropea grew up in the Philadelphia area and currently lives in Delaware county. She graduated from WB Saul High School and Montgomery County Community College. She has worked in customer service and hospitality for over 10 years. Prior to Lavanga Law, she worked at another Law Firm as a Receptionist and is striving to grew within the field. On the side, she pet sits and helps out at a local Doggie Daycare. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, relaxing at the beach or hiking in the mountains. Crafty in making cosplay outfits and props, she loves to attend Anime Conventions with her husband and friends. An avid animal lover, she likes to support local shelters and is a proud cat mom of three. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/4d0fd9bc-4bc3-4e1f-a5fa-c6461cd7d528/unnamed.jpg Meet Our Staff - Heather Vargo, Head Legal Assistant hvargo@lavangalaw.com Heather Vargo is originally from Delaware, but currently resides in Philadelphia. She has a deep passion for traveling, always eager to explore new places and cultures. Whether it’s the thrill of live music or the magic of Disney World, Heather cherishes experiences that bring joy and connection. Family is central to her life, and she loves spending time with her loved ones and her pets, who add special warmth to her everyday adventures. An avid reader, Heather finds solace and inspiration within the pages of books, always ready to lose herself in a captivating story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/68987152-2ea4-424f-802c-da525db9d590/IMG_4079.JPG Meet Our Staff - Charles J. (CJ) Wertz, Legal Assistant cwertz@lavangalaw.com A lifelong Delaware resident, CJ spent nearly a decade in estate care and family estate services in his previous role with the Catholic Cemeteries of Wilmington. After taking time away from work to focus on his health and family, he joined Lavanga Law LLC in early 2024 in a part time role and transitioned to a full-time staff member at the end of the summer of 2024. Outside of work CJ has been a long time participant in the Polar Bear Plunge, Relay for life, and most recently the Extra Life fundraising events. He enjoys writing, building and painting scale models and miniatures with his son, and cooking. He has a passion for trivia and often seizes opportunities to showcase his extensive knowledge of “pointless information”. A devoted Carolina Panthers fan, he eagerly awaits their next winning season. https://lavangalaw.com/locations daily 0.75 2026-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/55b03df1-4838-4ef4-862b-a053f3eac995/unnamed.png Locations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/866f1707-bd5b-4e53-93cb-3100c220d76e/unnamed-2.png Locations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/5841c881-98d0-4540-9bc4-19752ca3bf06/image.png Locations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/0d7df92c-f26b-4e4e-9298-364dd1f95767/unnamed-4.png Locations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/2c44975b-7783-4c36-8f6f-bd6345c2585a/unnamed-5.png Locations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/6a587bfd-0fad-4843-b1da-06904fcf8720/unnamed-6.png Locations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://lavangalaw.com/team-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/1522799419252-KE4T5N6C34GITZ7Y3V71/16998911_10154691706078248_7954339817292845574_n.jpg Meet Our Attorneys - Michael A. Lavanga, Esq (215)680-7972 | mlavanga@lavangalaw.com Michael Lavanga is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Pennsylvania. He grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and moved to Bucks County in 1984. While living in Bucks County, he was active in local politics, and ran for the Council Rock School Board in 1995, Northampton Township Supervisor in 1997, and for Pennsylvania State Representative in 2004. He also served as an officer on the Signal Hill Condominium Association and the Village Shires Community Association from 2001 through 2007. A graduate of Council Rock North High School, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Villanova University and his Juris Doctor degree from the Temple University Beasley School of Law. Before going to law school, Michael worked as an insurance agent licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and a licensed Series 7 stockbroker from the National Association of Securities Dealers. More recently, he has worked as a Chief of Staff for State Rep. Mark Painter, who represented part of Montgomery County. He also had worked as a political consultant to numerous candidates and elected officials running for local, state, and federal offices. Just prior to opening his law practice, Michael operated PA Unclaimed LLC, a third-party unclaimed property finder licensed and registered with the Pennsylvania Treasury. His interests include live music, and he frequently attends concerts and music festivals throughout the United States and Canada. Bar Admissions Pennsylvania United States Tax Court https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/5c6e4c4b-acbf-4ea0-809b-3f767327004d/IMG_2646.JPG Meet Our Attorneys - BreeAna E. Coleman, Esq. (717)992-2920 | bcoleman@lavangalaw.com BreeAna Coleman is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. She grew up in Central Pennsylvania, where she currently practices law. Prior to this role, BreeAna worked as an Administrative & Legislative Liaison for a lobbying firm in Harrisburg, PA. In the political arena, she communicated with PA Legislators regarding client budget needs, assisted with proposed changes to legislation, and organized fundraisers for PA legislators via Political Action Campaigns. A graduate of Susquehanna Township High School, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comprehensive Liberal Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2018. She graduated cum laude with her Juris Doctor degree from the WesternMichigan University- Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2021. While in law school, BreeAna served as the Senior Articles Editor for the Cooley Law Journal and was involved in several scholarship & leadership programs. Before relocating back to Pennsylvania, BreeAna served as a staff attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida. There, she worked in the Family Law Division, clerking for several judges in the division. BreeAna’s interests include singing, volunteering in her church/community, working out, and spending time with those she loves. She also enjoys traveling out of the country to experience different cultures. She enjoys the Caribbean countries most and has been to Barbados, Curacao, the Bahamas and Mexico. Education: WMU- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor Virginia Wesleyan University, BA in Comprehensive Liberal Studies Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg, PA Bar Admissions Pennsylvania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/cf8bec6f-7153-4da1-aa63-b494a8bcd8e5/IMG_9172.jpg Meet Our Attorneys - Andrew Klass, Esq. 412-605-9241 | aklass@lavangalaw.com Andrew Klass, Esq. is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A native of North Huntingdon Township in Westmoreland County, he graduated from Gannon University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He currently resides in southern Butler County. Before entering the legal profession, Andrew worked as an engineer for one of the nation’s largest electric utility companies. After nine years in the engineering field, he elected to pursue a new professional direction and enrolled in law school. Andrew earned his J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University and has been practicing law since 2024. He began his legal career as a contract attorney with an insurance defense firm while preparing for the bar exam, after which he served as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Joseph E. Kubit in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas. Prior to joining Lavanga Law, LLC, Andrew gained experience in both insurance defense and family law. His broader legal background includes criminal law, estate administration, toxic torts, and, most recently, tax assessment appeals. Outside of his professional work, Andrew enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, cycling, and skiing. Education Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University Gannon University Bar Admission Pennsylvania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/e01ddfe1-c68c-4a6c-b3d3-eb1662f969c7/Rodriguez+December+2022+Headshot.jpg Meet Our Attorneys - Jessica Wood Rodriguez, Esq 610-248-8288 | jrodriguez@lavangalaw.com Jessica E. Rodriguez (she/her) is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and the United States Supreme Court. Jessica grew up in Montgomery and Delaware Counties. A graduate of Radnor High School, Jessica received her Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, Capital College, in public policy. During Jessica's undergraduate career, she focused on gaining experiences in politics and government including internships with the U.S. House of Representatives, PA Legislative Services, Clark Resources, ACLU of PA, Project Vote Smart, and the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office. She also worked on political campaigns in Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and California. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Jessica served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Houston, Texas, and as a financial aid administrator in PA and NJ. Jessica attended Temple Law as an evening student and worked full time during the day at the Philadelphia-based non-profit Clarifi. Jessica earned her Juris Doctorate from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law in 2018 and was employed with the City of Philadelphia Law Department from 2018 until 2024. Jessica began working in the Law Department’s Child Welfare Unit as an Assistant City Solicitor, where she litigated hundreds of dependency bench trials in the Court of Common Pleas and worked on several appeals before the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts. In 2021, Jessica was promoted to Deputy City Solicitor and began focusing her practice on the intersection between law and policy. Jessica was instrumental in assisting DHS with the implementation of several new federal, state, and local laws. In addition, Jessica was closely involved with numerous complex litigation matters. Jessica also served as a co-chair for the Law Department's Professional Development Committee and the Child Welfare Unit's Anti-Racist workgroup focused on case initiation. In 2024, Jessica was part of the creation of an entirely new unit at the Law Department, focused on compliance, and advised Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, which includes the Department of Human Services, Parks and Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia, regarding their obligations with federal and state laws, settlement agreements and consent decrees, regulations, local laws, and best practice standards. Since becoming a licensed attorney in 2018, Jessica has completed the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Bar Leadership Institute and completed a one-year term as a Philadelphia Bar Foundation Board Observer at the nonprofit HIAS-PA. Jessica has also served as a liaison on the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Executive Committee. Education Temple University Beasley School of Law Juris Doctor, 2018 Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, 2011 Radnor High School Bar Admissions Pennsylvania, 2018 Supreme Court of the United States, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/4fc96b5d-7cf6-4bcb-be74-29ba6324d9d4/IMG_3724.jpg Meet Our Attorneys - Matthew Russin, Esq (412)886-8645 | mrussin@lavangalaw.com Matthew J. Russin, Esq. is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. He was born, raised, and grew up in the McKeesport area of Allegheny County. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature and spent considerable time living in Poland and Russia. He currently resides in southern Allegheny County with his wife and children. Matthew earned his J.D. from the Duquesne University School of Law and has been practicing law since 2012. After a foray into the exciting world of document review, he hopped onto the oil and gas bandwagon and worked as a title abstractor. He then attempted to enter private practice with another local attorney but was quickly called back into the oil and gas industry, spending several years working as a title attorney at some of Pittsburgh’s major-player law firms in the energy sector. His legal experience includes criminal defense, estate administration, family law, oil and gas title law, real estate law, and, most recently, tax assessment appeals. Just prior to joining Lavanga Law LLC, he briefly worked for himself as a solo practitioner. Matthew is a “hands-on” type of guy, spending whatever free time he can find reading fiction and non-fiction, performing auto maintenance for himself and his family and friends, and repairing iPhones and Apple watches. Education Duquesne University School of Law University of Pittsburgh South Allegheny Jr/Sr High School Bar Admission Pennsylvania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/26a39631-cb4b-422b-b591-58df2fe4b389/unnamed.png Meet Our Attorneys - Brayden Steele, Esq. (412) 627-9043 | bsteele@lavangalaw.com Brayden S. Steele, Esq. is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. He grew up in the Uniontown area of Fayette County. He attended Seton Hill University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in French. He currently resides in central Westmoreland County with his fiancé and fur children. Brayden earned his J.D. from Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Florida before relocating to Pennsylvania and passing the July 2025 administration of the bar. Brayden graduated from Seton Hill as a member of the university soccer team, helping as a residential assistant of the dorms, and meeting his fiancé along the way. Just prior to joining Lavanga Law LLC, Brayden worked for local restaurants and bars to expand his network among locals of his area. His current goals include growing as an attorney in order to make a difference in people’s lives and to expand his bar admission to Florida. Brayden is an energetic and personable individual. He spends his free time exercising, enjoying time with friends and family, and looking for any adventure to pass the time. Some of his favorite areas are music, sports, and trivia. Education Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law Seton Hill University Laurel Highlands Sr High School Bar Admission Pennsylvania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac3d0e65b409b6e753605a2/8d941feb-8f29-4477-b245-4506ace48286/Screenshot+2026-02-18+at+6.00.52%E2%80%AFPM.png Meet Our Attorneys - Liam Woods, Esq 267-733-7899 | lwoods@lavangalaw.com Liam Woods is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, he moved to Bucks County, PA with his family in 2020. Prior to pursuing a career in law, Liam gained valuable experience as an auditor and billing analyst at Legal Cost Control, Inc., where he worked from 2008 to 2012. In this role, he assisted Fortune 500 companies and government entities in managing legal costs, while collaborating closely with general counsel to control expenditures on external legal services. This exposure to the legal industry sparked his interest in law, prompting him to enroll in law school. During law school, Liam gained practical experience working with immigration and criminal defense law firms and he served as President of the Employment Law Society. His passion for service and working with young learners led him to volunteer as a Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Scholar. In this role, Liam coached Philadelphia high school students in moot court competitions, and his efforts culminated in one of his students achieving second place in the National competition in Washington, D.C. Before joining Lavanga Law, Liam worked as both a transactional attorney and in-house counsel for a real estate and development company. There, he honed his skills in drafting contracts, negotiating deals and settlements, and collaborating with outside counsel to represent the company in a broad array of legal matters. With his diverse background in both law and business, Liam brings a well-rounded perspective to his legal practice. Liam enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three young sons. Outside of law, Liam has a passion for all things coffee and can regularly be found sipping some of the finest beans from around the globe. Education Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law Juris Doctor Temple University Bachelor of Arts St. Joseph’s Preparatory High School Philadelphia, PA Bar Admission Pennsylvania New Jersey