Pennsylvania Appellate Update 2025-2026

Jonathan D. Koltash serves as deputy general counsel for healthcare in the Governor’s Office of General Counsel (OGC).In this position, Mr. Koltash provides counsel to the Governor’s Office regarding health-related matters, serves as a liaison to the health and human services-related agencies, and litigates cases on behalf of the agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction.He is also an adjunct professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Central Penn College. Prior to serving as deputy general counsel, Mr. Koltash served as the inaugural chief counsel for the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, known as Pennie^®. He previously served as assistant chief counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, deputy attorney general with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and as assistant counsel for the Department of Labor and Industry. Mr. Koltash is an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA). He is currently vice-chair of the PBA’s bylaws and membership development committees.He previously served as chair of the PBA’s House of Delegates; is a past member of the Board of Governors, as well as its former parliamentarian, a past chair of the Young Lawyers’ Division, Government Lawyers’ Committee, Career Transitions Committee, and Administrative Law Section; and former co-chair of the Bar Leadership Institute. Mr. Koltash is the immediate past president of the Dauphin County Bar Association; chair of the Events Committee and Life Fellow of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation; treasurer of the New Birth of Freedom Scout Council; vice-president of the James S. Bowman American Inn of Court; a board member of the YMCA Youth and Government program; a member of the Commonwealth Court Historical Society Board of Directors; and chair of Widener Commonwealth Law School’s Dean’s Board of Advisors.He was the inaugural president of Widener Law Commonwealth’s Alumni Association. Mr. Koltash is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the United States District Courts of the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as a mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, a hearing officer Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Board, and a site coordinator at Widener Commonwealth’s Volunteer Income Tax Association clinic. Mr. Koltash received a B.S. in Finance and a B.S. in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University and his J.D., cum laude, from Widener Commonwealth Law School.

Ms. Merrigan is a Stoneleigh Fellow and Principal Attorney at Phillips Black. She has represented people facing sentences of death and life without parole for twenty years. Her training and background are in capital mitigation, and she has been appointed and has consulted in state and federal habeas corpus, pre-authorization, and trial cases as a mitigation specialist and as counsel. She is a former staff attorney and Acting Director of the Death Penalty Litigation Clinic, a non-profit law firm in Kansas City, Missouri.

Casey Alan Coyle is the Managing Shareholder of Babst Calland’s Harrisburg Office and past Co-Chair of the firm’s Appellate and Litigation Practice groups. He concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation and appellate law. Mr. Coyle has significant first-chair trial experience and regularly represents businesses in high-stakes or bet-the-company litigation in state and federal trial courts throughout the country. He has worked on a variety of cases, including cases involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, civil conspiracy, constitutional challenges, emergency injunctions, environmental litigation, non-competition/non-solicitation agreements, shareholder litigation, and theft of trade secrets. He also represents clients in matters brought before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court as part of its original jurisdiction. Beyond his extensive trial work, Mr. Coyle frequently represents businesses and trade associations in state and federal appellate courts. Over his career, he has represented either a party or an amicus curiae in over 15 appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mr. Coyle has successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to grant review of an appeal—commonly known as “allocatur”—on six different occasions. In addition, he has presented oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and Pennsylvania Superior Court. Mr. Coyle frequently serves as a commentator for The Legal Intelligencer and Law360 on appeals pending before the Pennsylvania appellate courts. Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. Coyle was a partner at a national law firm with offices throughout the eastern United States. While there, he served as Chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice Working Group. Before entering private practice, he served as a law clerk for the Honorable Thomas G. Saylor, Chief Justice Emeritus of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, for nearly two and a half years. Mr. Coyle graduated from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Temple Journal of Science, Technology & Environmental Law. He earned his B.A. in Journalism, with distinction, from the Pennsylvania State University. During his time at Penn State, Mr. Coyle was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and spent a semester in Washington, D.C., interning for CNN’s Capital Gang.

Drew earned his B.A. in Communication from Messiah College and M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Baylor University. He is a certified teacher in Pennsylvania and taught middle grades for five years before he went on to obtain his J.D., magna cum laude, from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. Drew graduated in the top 5% of his class and earned membership in the Order of the Coif. Following law school, Drew clerked for the Honorable Renée Cohn Jubelirer, President Judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Drew is active in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Family Law Section and was recently selected for its Leadership Development Program. He is also involved in PBA’s LGBTQ+ Rights Committee and has written articles for its quarterly newsletter. He is licensed in both Pennsylvania and Maryland. Drew is a member of the firm’s family law and municipal groups.

At Keller Postman, John works on a broad range of disputes, including products liability and consumer protections suits. John helps develop legal strategies, writes briefs, and presents argument on legal questions. He also uses his econometrics training to help with expert discovery and examination. John recognizes the importance of pro bono work. Recently, he has won two appeals that ultimately granted his client PCRA relief. He also has helped Catholic non-profits with corporate issues. Before joining Keller Postman, John was senior litigation counsel at Washington Legal Foundation. There, he wrote about 100 amicus briefs supporting free enterprise in courts across the country. He filed the first amicus brief in the Supreme Court supporting the challenge to OSHA’s vaccine mandate, which helped convince the Court to take the extraordinary step of hearing argument and staying the mandate. He also filed a brief supporting ending the unconstitutional in-house proceedings at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Previously, John served as assistant solicitor general in a state attorney general’s office. There, he was first chair in a federal trial challenging a state election law that was ultimately upheld. He also wrote the briefs that convinced the state supreme court to uphold the State’s right-to-work statute. This experience helps John understand the nuances of working with state attorneys general. John obtained his B.S. in economics with a minor in mathematical sciences from Clemson University. He then received his J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. After law school, John worked for Judge Arthur J. Schwab of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and clerked for Judge Judith Ference Olson of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

Christina McKinley is a rare combination of both experienced trial lawyer and appellate advocate. Although trained as a commercial litigator, Christina excels in government and regulatory litigation, which is the common thread running through her diverse substantive background. Her experience spans a wide range of industries and sectors, including chemicals, manufacturing, retail, energy, and environmental. As a first-chair trial lawyer, Christina has tried numerous cases to verdict, including multiple cases involving complex environmental statutes (e.g., the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and the Clean Water Act), complex commercial agreements, and trade secrets issues. Her matters routinely involve administrative law and statutory issues, including the intersection of federal and state agencies; environmental statutes and disputes arising under them; energy resource disputes; and the protection of competitive interests (e.g., Lanham Act, unfair competition, tortious interference, trade secret protection, restrictive covenants). Notwithstanding her significant first-chair trial experience, Christina’s passion lies in the appellate realm. An experienced appellate litigator, Christina has practiced before the United States Supreme Court at every stage of the process, including the briefing and preparation of several merits cases that were argued before the Court. She also has practiced before nearly all of the United States Circuit Courts and all three of Pennsylvania’s appellate courts, and has argued numerous appeals. Her appellate practice spans a range of substantive fields, including energy policy, intellectual property, immigration, tax, bankruptcy, and criminal law. In addition, her appellate practice frequently involves challenges to regulatory action and agency decision-making via petitions for review, complex statutory construction issues, and the intersection of regulation and policy. In 2023, Christina was selected by The Legal Intelligencer as one of only 29 “Lawyers on the Fast Track” statewide in Pennsylvania. This recognition is only given to attorneys under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in four categories: development of the law; advocacy and community contributions; service to the bar; and peer and public recognition. Before entering private practice, Christina was a law clerk to the Honorable Janice Rogers Brown of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Before that, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Michael S. Kanne of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Christina graduated summa cum laude from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, where she served as a Production Editor on the Board of the Law Review and on the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Team. She earned her B.A. in History from Duquesne University, where she also graduated summa cum laude and received the Department’s Joseph R. Morice Award for Excellence. Christina is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys everything related thereto. Christina also is a voracious reader. Her favorite passion, though, is watching and coaching her boys in their numerous sports endeavors.

Born in Rosedale, West Virginia, Lucas recognized early on that becoming a lawyer was his desire. He completed both his undergraduate and legal studies at WVU. Lucas worked for Attorney Sean Logue in criminal defense throughout his time in law school. He later moved to the Fourth Judicial District of Colorado to work in criminal prosecution. After discovering that defense was his genuine vocation, he started working as a 3L for Attorney Walker, where he assisted on general criminal defense matters such as DUI, underage drinking, fake ID, Homicide, Sex Offenses, Drug Offenses, Summersville Traffic Tickets, College Crimes, Morgantown Municipal Court Cases, Federal Offenses and Criminal Appellate matters.

Corrie Woods focuses his practice on post-trial and appellate litigation and provides support for Kline & Specter’s attorneys on a full range of legal issues. Woods joined the firm in 2025 after founding and practicing for seven years at a small appellate boutique firm in Allegheny County. Prior to that, Woods served as a judicial staff attorney to then Justice, now Chief Justice Debra Todd of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and to Justice Arthur M. Recht of the First Judicial Circuit of West Virginia. Woods has frequently represented clients before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court, and trial courts throughout Pennsylvania. He has appeared before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Third Circuit, United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. He has litigated complex legal issues ranging from constitutional restrictions on redistricting, impeachments of public officials, and punitive damage awards to the proper interpretation of consumer protection, mental health, and various criminal and regulatory statutes. He has developed expertise in procedural and evidentiary issues in civil and criminal cases alike. Woods is an active member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, where he has served as the Chair of its Appellate Practice Committee since 2020, and he has also served on its Amicus Curiae Brief Committee, Judiciary Committee, Nominating Committee, and its Publications Committee. He routinely organizes and speaks at continuing legal education and continuing judicial education seminars on appellate practice issues. He regularly covers the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s docket on his personal blog, SCOPABlog, and his personal podcast, The Standard of Review. Woods earned his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he served as a Research Editor for the University of Pittsburgh Law Review and received awards for excellence in the areas of constitutional law and appellate practice.

Ben Baer is a seasoned trial lawyer and a founding partner of Injury Law Partners. Ben’s passion for helping victims has led his career. Ben has developed a reputation for handling the most complex personal injury cases in which clients have suffered life-changing injuries. His experience spans a wide range of catastrophic accidents, construction and workplace accidents, auto and crashworthiness accidents, aerial lift tip-overs, electrical contacts, and cases involving defective or malfunctioning products. What sets Ben apart is his track record of success. Over the last decade, he has obtained record-breaking, multimillion dollar settlements and verdicts, with many reaching seven, eight, and nine figure outcomes. These substantial recoveries are a testament to his exceptional legal skills and relentless advocacy for his clients. Ben was part of the legal team that secured a record-breaking $160 million settlement for the individuals most severely burned in the devastating Philadelphia Food Truck Explosion, with one of Ben’s clients receiving over $69 million. At the time of its resolution, it was the largest individual pre-verdict settlement in the history of Pennsylvania State Court. Ben’s exceptional legal skills have garnered recognition from his peers and the extended legal community. He has been recognized for many years as a Super Lawyer, a prestigious honor reserved for the top 5% of all attorneys in Pennsylvania. He was also acknowledged by The National Trial Lawyers Association in their list of Pennsylvania’s “Top 40 under 40,” a distinction reserved for the most promising young trial lawyers. In 2025, Ben was named a “Power Player” finalist by the Legal Intelligencer’s Pennsylvania Legal Awards. Appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as the vice chair of the Pennsylvania Civil Rules Committee, Ben assists the Supreme Court in the preparation, revision, publication, and administration of the Pennsylvania rules of civil procedure. After becoming a lawyer, Ben attended the Temple University Beasley School of Law’s nationally renowned Trial Advocacy Master’s program, where he graduated with honors. After obtaining his LL.M, Ben was invited to join Temple’s faculty. He currently teaches both law students and other lawyers who wish to become better trial attorneys. Ben is also a member of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Inn of Court. Ben places major importance upon giving back to the community. Ben serves on two charities focused on helping Pennsylvania’s children. Ben is a board member of the Justice Max Baer Memorial Fund, a charity he started with others to keep his late father’s dream alive of enhancing the lives of abused and neglected children. Ben is also a member of the Allegheny County Musical Festival Advisory Committee, which provides children with life-enriching opportunities and items that are not otherwise available to them through government funding. Ben is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and also volunteers his time working as Judge Pro Temp for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. At the request of the Court, Ben works with opposing counsel to mediate pending cases and helps resolve discovery disputes. Prior to founding Injury Law Partners, Ben worked with a Philadelphia-based, nationally-renowned injury law firm, where he was made partner in 2020. Before entering private practice, Ben worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. During his time as a prosecutor, Ben took approximately 20 major trial cases to verdict, prosecuting violent crimes. Ben also handled thousands of bench trials and hearings pursuing justice for crime victims. His integrity, passion for justice, and commitment to excellence are evident in every case he handles, making him a trusted advocate for catastrophically injured clients. While the results are significant, Ben is most proud of the relationships he forms with his clients. Ben always makes himself available to clients and takes the time to talk with them and explain every step of the often long and difficult legal process. Ben was born and raised in Pittsburgh and now lives in South Philadelphia with his wife and three children.

Ezza represents clients in complex litigation matters. She works closely with the Litigation team to assess risk, develop litigation strategies, and craft persuasive motions and briefs. Drawing on her experience with Pennsylvania courts and her strong understanding of both procedural and substantive law, Ezza delivers practical, efficient solutions that align with clients’ business objectives. Ezza’s past practice has included insurance defense litigation where she worked on personal injury, property damage, and commercial claims, as well as advised clients on litigation avoidance and claim resolution. Prior to that, she litigated criminal cases as a county prosecutor, handling caseloads in both adult and juvenile court. She approaches every matter with a balance of analytical skill and strategic foresight to secure favorable outcomes while minimizing cost and disruption. Clients value Ezza’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance. She prioritizes open communication and prepares every assignment as if the case will go to trial, ensuring that clients and the team are well-informed and confident at every stage of litigation. Her collaborative approach allows her to anticipate client needs and tailor strategies specific to each case and business context. What sets Ezza apart is her commitment to consistent, high-quality advocacy grounded in empathy and professionalism. She builds trust through reliability and thoroughness, fostering long-term client relationships built on mutual respect and results. Outside of her legal practice, Ezza enjoys cooking, puzzles, embroidery, music, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.

Jon Bruno is an appellate lawyer serving trial attorneys and clients throughout Pennsylvania. He has successfully litigated dozens of appeals in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Jon is the founder and owner of Bruno Litigation LLC, an appellate boutique based in Pittsburgh. In addition, Jon is the author of Pa. Super. Blog, which offers concise weekly updates covering the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Before launching his firm in March 2026, Jon served the people of Western Pennsylvania as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA), where he handled a wide range of criminal appellate matters and advised fellow prosecutors on complex legal issues. Jon previously practiced civil and appellate law at Del Sole Cavanaugh Stroyd. He began his legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable D. Michael Fisher of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. A frequent writer and presenter, Jon has published articles on aspects of appellate practice, tort law, and similar topics. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Appellate Advocacy and Amicus Curiae Brief Committees. In addition, Jon currently serves on the executive board of the Bar Association of the Third Federal Circuit (3CBA) and is an appointed member of the Third Circuit’s Lawyers Advisory Committee. Before turning to full-time law practice, Jon spent several years in academia. He taught legal research and writing at Harvard Law School and was an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Michigan and junior fellow at the Michigan Society of Fellows. Jon earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University’s Department of Government and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School.

Samantha is an associate in the Firm’s Litigation Department who is based in the greater Harrisburg area. She focuses her practice on appellate matters, state government litigation, and political disputes. She regularly counsels clients through all stages of litigation, from inception through appeals. Samantha’s extensive appellate practice includes challenges to pending or enacted legislation, administrative law, and constitutional issues. Samantha has argued before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court and filed appellate briefs in Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court, Superior Court, and Supreme Court, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Samantha also represents clients in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court’s original jurisdiction, where her knowledge of the Court and its procedures informs her strategy for client success. Her experience in the Commonwealth Court’s original jurisdiction ranges from high profile political disputes—involving ballot access issues, congressional redistricting, and election-related challenges—to declaratory judgment actions brought by charter schools and insurers. In addition to her appellate work, Samantha has broad experience in commercial litigation, with matters involving defamation, breaches of contract, and insurance coverage. Samantha’s litigation experience includes preparing preliminary objections, developing discovery strategies, taking and defending depositions, and drafting dispositive motions. Prior to joining Kleinbard, Samantha served as a clerk for President Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court and as a judicial intern for Justice Wecht on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.