W. Robert Ament
Jeffrey B. Balicki
Jay H. Feldstein
Edwin I. Grinberg
Charles B. Hadad
Jeffrey R. Lalama
Gary M. Lang
Robert E. McKee
Jane O’Connell
Lisa M. Petruzzi
Francis C. Rapp, Jr.
Alison T. Smith
Ryan R. Smith

W. Robert Ament
412.263.6121
412.263.6128 (fax)
wra@fgsmlaw.com

"As a former general practitioner, I know that the acquisition or sale of real estate does not stand alone. There are always tax consequences, business disentanglements, emotions, and time constraints to manage. I find it rewarding to be able to help people with some of the most significant investments of their lives."

A 36-year practitioner, Bob concentrates his practice primarily in Real Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Business Law, where he counsels clients in the acquisition, development, financing, and ultimate settlement of residential and commercial properties. As a licensed title insurance agent, he also provides underwriting services and issues title insurance products on behalf of clients.

A former principal in the firm of Miller, Ament, Henny & Kochuba, P.C., Bob joined Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee as a shareholder in 2004 and appreciates the teamwork that enables him to pull specialty counsel from various sectors of the firm’s practice to meet specific client needs, without having to outsource to specialized counsel. After a stint in the U.S. Army, Bob enrolled at Duquesne University School of Law, where he was honored to serve on the Law Review, and gained tremendous practical experience by clerking for a sole practitioner. His first, and most memorable, court appearance occurred three days after his admission to the Pennsylvania Bar, when he was privileged to present a case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Bob is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Real Estate Section, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania state courts and by the federal courts in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Bob and his wife Peggy have three children, four grandchildren, and a dog. Although much of their time is spent with family, they are also involved in charitable and public service work. Bob has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of a local church for over 25 years and is well known in the assessment office for filing many tax exemption requests for charitable entities.

Jeffrey B. Balicki
412.263.6071
412.263.6129 (Fax)
jbalicki@fgsmlaw.com

"I bring a practical mind-set and business acumen to the practice of law based on my professional experiences before and after law school. As a shareholder and officer of a family-owned business, I have managed all aspects of the business and legal operations of the business, including staff selection, training and supervision, account management and development."

After earning his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University in 1988, Jeff Balicki joined Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee as a corporate lawyer, counseling clients on general business legal issues. Several years later, Jeff was invited to join the firm's business litigation group. While he continues to serve clients as a business counselor, he now concentrates his practice in Business Litigation, with an emphasis in Employment Law, and Personal Injury Defense law.

Jeff has handled numerous charges of discrimination filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Human Relations Commissions of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Utah, and Virginia, and state and federal courts. His business litigation experience is quite expansive and varied, as he has successfully defended the president of a privately owned corporation in a shareholders' derivative action brought by minority shareholders and served as co-counsel in the defense of the former general counsel of one of the nation's largest non-profit healthcare systems. In addition to representing corporate officers in cases involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, gross negligence, mismanagement and corporate waste, Jeff spearheaded the defense and negotiation of claims by the IRS against corporate officers based upon the tax treatment of deferred compensation. He also serves as defense counsel to self-insured entities.

In addition to his law degree, Jeff has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and U.S. Tax Court. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Business and Employment Law Sections. In addition, Jeff serves on the Board of Directors for the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania and is chair of the organization's legal committee. Jeff's aggressive style is reflected in his outside interests of snow skiing, water skiing, mountain biking, and motorcycling.

Jay H. Feldstein
412.263.6077
412.263.6129 (Fax)
jfeldstein@fgsmlaw.com

"Founding this firm over 45 years ago, our core values haven't changed. We deliver prompt and efficient service to clients, perform to the highest ethical standards, and provide the highest quality of legal services."

Jay Feldstein's field of concentration is litigation, particularly representing persons injured or killed in Medical Malpractice, Airline Crashes, Dental Malpractice, Automobile Crashes, and Defective Machinery and Product Cases. He was appointed by the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania as the Liaison Counsel in the U.S. Airways Flight 427crash and worked closely with Federal Judge William Standish and all counsel representing both plaintiffs and defendants.

Jay is a member and past president of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, and the Academy of Trial Professionals. He is an author and lecturer for the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and has been the Chairman of the Allegheny County Bench-Bar Conference and the Pennsylvania Lottery Commission. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Professionalism Award of the Civil Litigation Division of the Bar Association. In 2003, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Liberal Arts from Penn State University. Every year since 2004, Jay has been named a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" by the publishers of Philadelphia Magazine in the personal injury (plaintiff) category.

Jay received his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School He is admitted to the Bars of the United States Supreme Court and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and has been elected a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. Fulfilling his desire to teach and travel, in 2008, Jay taught an American Judicial System and Politics class at a law school in Lithuania.






Edwin I. Grinberg
412.471.0677

egrinberg@fgsmlaw.com

A founder of the firm, Edwin Grinberg successfully counseled business owners for more than 35 years. Now retired, Ed is currently serving in a counsel and decision-making role for Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee.




Charles B. Hadad
412.263.6073
412.263.6128 (fax)
cbh@fgsmlaw.com

“Having grown up in the midst of my father’s family business,
I know how personal business planning is.”

Concentrating in the areas of Estate Administration and Estate Planning, Corporate and Business Planning, and Real Estate Transactions, Chuck Hadad is making a name for himself as an attorney who thrives on both complexity and variety. Chuck is also an experienced litigator for Orphan’s Court, a niche specialty within the Estate Administration practice.

Chuck’s practice areas allow him the flexibility of counseling both individuals as well as businesses. He enjoys working one-on-one with clients to help them plan and see their goals through to completion. In the realm of Real Estate law, Chuck has worked on foreclosures, closings, and landlord-tenant issues.

Chuck has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his Juris Doctor with Honors from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, where he was a finalist for the Distinguished Student Award and received the Certificate of Merit in his Estate Planning course.

Chuck is a member of the Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations and a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association Probate and Trust Section. Prior to joining Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee in June 2007, he clerked for another Allegheny County law firm and has also worked in Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette, Butler, Bedford, Elk, and Mercer Counties.

Chuck is an active Pitt alumnus and enjoys attending various Pittsburgh Panther sporting events. A native of North Huntingdon, he and his wife Angela now reside in Canonsburg.




Jeffrey R. Lalama
412.263.6074
412.263.6101 (Fax)
jlalama@fgsmlaw.com

“Just providing legal counsel is not enough. It’s vital that we think in relation to business strategies and our clients’ personal goals as well.”

In 1986, while in his second year of the law school program at Duquesne University, Jeff Lalama joined Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee as a full-time law clerk. He passed the bar in 1988 and was immediately invited to join the firm as an associate. He was made a partner/shareholder in 1995 and has served as president of the firm since 2001. Jeff works as both a Litigator and Client Counselor, primarily with Banks, Homeowner Associations, the Real Estate Industry, and Businesses and Commercial Enterprises.

Jeff’s approach to law is to deeply understand both the short and long-term issues affecting a client’s case and business. He then offers his legal expertise to counsel people in a way that ensures full understanding of their options and the practical consequences of the legal advice they receive, the actions to be taken, and the decisions to be made. Recent examples of this expertise include Jeff's work in the successful and expeditious resolution of partnership dissolution matters. He helped the former partners equitably resolve the financial issues of their former business, without any interruption to their new, solo endeavors. For another client, he oversaw the successful workout of a troubled $2 million loan, thereby allowing his client to realize full payment without bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Jeff is licensed and admitted to practice in the state, federal and bankruptcy courts in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Community Association Institute. Jeff lives in Bethel Park his wife Alex and his two daughters, Sammy and Natalie, or as they are known in the mighty Kickapoo Tribe in the South Hills YMCA Indian Princess Community, Red Feather and Bluebird. Jeff is also active in his daughters’ softball teams.




Gary M. Lang
412.263.6110
412.263.6126 (Fax)
glang@fgsmlaw.com

"It's our duty as lawyers to give back to our profession and the Pittsburgh community."

Gary Lang works primarily with individuals, as a litigator and counselor, in Medical Malpractice, Professional Negligence, Personal Injury, and Product Liability Cases. Enjoying the intellectual challenge of this field, Gary has been instrumental in changing several major hospital policies. Gary has been with the firm since 1983, and is now a Senior Shareholder and Chair of the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Litigation Group.

Gary strongly believes that attorneys should give back to their profession and to the community. In 2009, Gary was presented with an award by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, honoring Lang's long-time dedication to pro bono legal work with Protection from Abuse (PFA) cases. In 2000, Gary received an Achievement Award from the Allegheny County Bar Foundation also for his dedication to pro bono work with PFA cases. He is also Founding Member and Charter Member of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation, including the charitable arm of the Allegheny County Bar Association. In addition to serving on various civic boards, Gary has served as the President of the Council of the Borough of Pleasant Hills (1990-1995) and he is involved with the Board of Governors of Neighborhood Legal Services Association, a nationwide organization that serves the underprivileged.

Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government from the College of William and Mary and his Juris Doctor from Capital University. He is a former Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Bench-Bar Committee, and a member and former Director of the Board of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County. Gary is also one of only approximately 2,500 nationwide attorneys certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Advocate. Gary is a frequent lecturer and author. He co-authored the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Civil Practice Manual and has been published in the Pennsylvania Bar Quarterly. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, membership of which is restricted to lawyers who have received a verdict or settlement in excess of $1 million. Also, the publishers of Philadelphia Magazine have named him a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" for the past four years. An avid runner, Gary has completed 18 marathons in the past 20 years, including running the Pittsburgh Marathon 12 times.





Robert E. McKee
412.263.6123
412.263.6129 (Fax)
rmckee@fgsmlaw.com

“Having represented privately-owned businesses for many years, I am well aware that the business, legal and tax problems they encounter, whether related to acquisitions, other business transactions or estate planning, are often entangled with personal and family issues. My goal is to help our clients develop strategies and devise solutions that properly balance these often conflicting factors.”

A founding member of Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee, Bob McKee offers individual and business clients his extensive expertise in various business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning.

Bob provides the counsel and legal expertise needed to help clients successfully stabilize or expand their business operations and to develop strategies for the transfer of privately-owned businesses to the next generation of entrepreneurs. He frequently represents clients in mergers, sales, and acquisitions.

In addition to dealing with the complexities of documentation and tax-related strategies, he brings a unique perspective to the estate planning table. Bob’s attentive and supportive approach focuses upfront on the distinctive philosophy of each client - helping them develop a strategy that meets personal goals while maintaining lifestyle preferences.

Bob earned his Juris Doctor from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Law, where he served as Case Editor of the Law Review and was elected to the Order of The Coif. He graduated in the top five percent of his class. Bob served two tenures as president of the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Family Business Center, and the Estate Planning Council.

A native of Pittsburgh, Bob currently resides in Allison Park.




Jane O’Connell
412.263.6112
412.263.6128 (fax)
joconnell@fgsmlaw.com

“Though my clients come to me usually in financial and emotional distress, I’m heartened by the growth that I see take place in their lives. It’s rewarding to be a part of that process.”

As Chair of the Firm's Family Law Department, Jane O’Connell’s expertise encompasses all facets of domestic relations, including divorce, support, custody, relocation litigation, and equitable distribution. Understanding how painful these situations are for her clients, Jane enjoys helping them work through the necessary processes, come to terms with the changes in their lives, and emerge with new perspectives.

Jane's career in Family Law began over 25 years ago as a law clerk to the Honorable William L. Standish. Two years later, she became a hearing officer in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, where she heard cases involving child and spousal support, custody, and interpretation and enforcement of agreements. From there she became a partner in a local firm and then went on to found her own firm, O'Connell & Associates. Jane joined Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee in 2003 as a Shareholder.

Jane earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Carnegie Mellon University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member and former officer of the Allegheny County Bar Association. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association. Outside of the office, Jane enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family. Jane resides with her family in the Mt. Lebanon area.





Lisa M. Petruzzi
412.263.6076
412.263.6126 (fax)
lmp@fgsmlaw.com

“I enjoy the diversity of my job and welcome the opportunity to assist people during the most difficult times of their lives with warmth, empathy, and sound legal counsel.”

Joining Feldstein, Grinberg, Stein & McKee in 2006, Lisa Petruzzi is a Shareholder in the firm's Family Law practice, where she handles a broad range of Domestic Law, including divorce, custody, support, adoption, guardianship, equitable distribution, and juvenile matters (including delinquency and dependency). Her practice also includes Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Collaborative Law, and Parent Coordination (for high conflict custody cases).

These areas require additional specialized training, and Lisa has obtained certification to provide these services to her clients. This training is invaluable in assisting clients in solving disputes without taking them to trial, which saves considerable costs and time. In court, she is a formidable opponent, well prepared to secure a favorable outcome for her clients. Lisa has been appointed by judges in Orphan's Court and Family Division to act as attorney for alleged incapacitated persons, juveniles, and children in high conflict custody matters.

Lisa joined the firm after five years in solo practice handling family, domestic, and elder matters, as well as estate planning. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Computers from Robert Morris College in 1988, and her Juris Doctor from the Duquesne University School of Law in 1996. She is an active member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and sits on Council for the Family Law Section. She is co-chair of the Family Law Section's Program Committee, and a member of the Court Relations Committee. Lisa is also a member of the Collaborative Law Association of Western Pennsylvania (CLASP), where she serves as chair of the Marketing Committee.

Lisa is active in her community, and is a founding member of Cures for Kids, a nonprofit charitable organization, where she sits on the Board of Director's. She serves as Vice President of the Thomas Jefferson Youth Football Boosters.

Lisa resides in Jefferson Hills with her husband, Dan, and their two children.





Francis C. Rapp, Jr.
412.263.6099
412.263.6101 (Fax)
frapp@fgsmlaw.com

"For me, it's about helping people navigate a system that they don’t understand - that can be intimidating. The goal is to secure justice for my clients."

A partner at Feldstein Grinberg Stein & McKee, Frank Rapp has been with the firm since 1988. Frank is a trial lawyer with emphasis on Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Criminal Defense, Construction Law, and Medical Malpractice.

A graduate of Duquesne University, Frank earned his Juris Doctor in 1982 and was the Executive Managing Editor of Law Review in 1981-1982. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations, the American Association for Justice, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County.

Frank has volunteered as a child advocate and was one of the original Career Mentors with the CLAAY Program at Oliver High School. He was also an advisor to the high school’s mock trial program, which went to the State Finals in 2004.

Frank is currently an Adjunct Professor at Duquesne University's School of Law, teaching trial advocacy. He resides in New Kensington, Pennsylvania and is an active member of his parish community.





Alison T. Smith
412.263.6119
412.263.6128 (fax)
asmith@fgsmlaw.com

“Family-owned and closely held businesses have unique business succession planning issues. This is a niche that I feel passionately about.”

Joining the firm in 1998 as a member of the Corporate and Estates practice group, Alison Smith is currently the chair of the Estate Administration department, and provides additional expertise in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration and Business Succession Planning. Alison represents various corporate clients, particularly family-owned and closely held businesses. Alison has also worked with members of the firm's litigation group to develop the Orphan's Court litigation practice. Alison has successfully asserted claims on behalf of beneficiaries and other interested parties for breach of fiduciary duty in the course of estate and trust administration, as well as breaches involved in the management of assets pursuant to power of attorney.

Alison applies keen analytical abilities to each client situation. She takes the time to thoroughly understand unique circumstance, listening to client recommendations and concerns and identifying potential issues, in order to develop cost-effective solutions that help her clients meet their goals. Alison is a member of the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and American Bar Associations. She is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association Probate and Trust Section and lectures frequently on the topics of estate administration, estate planning and business planning. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and the Duquesne University School of Law. A minor in Business Administration gives Alison valuable insight into the business issues her corporate clients face and the financial issues that arise in the course of estate and trust administration.

Alison is a graduate of Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) VII, a program of Leadership Pittsburgh. LDI is a yearlong program designed to help the city's young people develop leadership skills. She also serves as a volunteer librarian for the Family History Library in Greentree. Alison is also known as "Ask Alison" - the host of Pittsburgh's newest legal talk show on KQV 1410 AM. Ask Alison is a talk show all about you and the law. Your life, your family, your job, YOUR questions. Alison resides in the South Hills with her husband Shawn and their two sons.





Ryan R. Smith
412.263.6105
412.263.6126 (fax)
rrs@fgsmlaw.com

“My clients… some lose an arm or a leg and they can’t get it back no matter what. But given the reality of our legal system, I’m happy to fight for my clients to get them what they deserve.”

Joining the firm in 2008, Ryan Smith is a member of the firm’s Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Group, as well as practices in the areas of Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. An active trial attorney, he has tried many jury cases to verdict. Ryan understands that litigation is extremely stressful for his clients and to ease this stress, he strives to know his clients on a personal level. Ryan delivers empathy and understanding for client situations and sound counsel for their legal needs.

Ryan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Miami University of Ohio, his MBA from Robert Morris University, and his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University. While attending law school as an evening student, Ryan worked full time as a business manager for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He was also Managing Editor of the Duquesne Law Review.

After graduating, Ryan spent seven years as a sole practitioner practicing in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, civil rights, and professional malpractice. He is a member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Allegheny County Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice; and a former member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Association for Justice. In 2010, Ryan Smith was the first recipient of the Allegheny County Bar Association Federal Court Section's ACBA National Trial Advocacy College scholarship to assist members of the Young Lawyers Division. Ryan's scholarship enabled him to attend the 29th Annual National Trial Advocacy College program held at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Ryan and his wife, Rachael, reside in Bethel Park with their three children - Kara, Tyler, and Max. Ryan also volunteers for his church, St. Thomas More, helping Sudanese refugee immigrants with their applications for naturalization and other immigration related issues. In his spare time, he indulges his passion for fishing and enjoys the occasional round of golf.