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Matthew Joseph Lager
also known as Matt Lager, Matthew J. Lager
About Matthew
Biography
Matthew J. Lager is a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, having lived in Bucks, Centre, and Erie counties. Graduating from Council Rock High School North, he then attended The Pennsylvania State University’s main campus, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Afterwards, Matthew went on to earn his Juris Doctor from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law.
While at Penn State Law, Matthew was a member of the Rural Economic Development Clinic, where he was recognized as a Public Interest Advocate for providing free legal assistance to small businesses in rural communities throughout the state. Additionally, Matthew represented Penn State Law at the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, hosted yearly at Pace University in White Plains, New York.
Prior to joining Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager, Matthew spent a summer serving as an interning law clerk to The Honorable Frank Palumbo of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where he drafted judicial opinions for appeals to Pennsylvania’s Superior and Commonwealth courts.
Matthew’s practice is primarily focused on automobile accident cases, workers’ compensation claims, and Social Security disability claims. As a rider himself, Matthew takes a special interest in representing injured bikers after motorcycle accidents.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Car Accident
25%
12 years
Personal Injury
25%
12 years
Social Security & Disability
25%
12 years
Workers Compensation
25%
12 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
20%-33%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New Jersey for 13 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 13 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager
234 W 6th St, Erie, PA, 16507
Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager (Smethport)
203 W Main St, Suite B, Smethport, PA, 16749
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Matthew Joseph Lager's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Robert | February 10, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Extreamly helpful!
Matt helped me out with some social security questions I had and I couldn't be happier with how insightful he was. He was also very personable. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a consultation.
Posted by Peter | March 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great experience
Matt did a wonderful job handling my claim. He was very thorough and conscientious during the entire process. When the settlement was held up for no apparent reason, he wrote letters and got results. Thank you, Matt!
Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Choice!
I was involved in an auto accident that was not my fault, but we both had the same insurance carrier. I hired Atty. Lager because I was worried that the insurance company would not be fair. To make matters worse, the other driver, an elderly gentlemen, later on passed away of natural causes. Atty....
Posted by Paul & Madeline Skala | August 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Auto Accident
We were involved in a head on auto collision 1,000 miles from home. The driver of the other vehicle was @ fault & their insurance company was very supportive initially, but offered a low ball sum of money to settle/clear their liability. Attorney Lager represented our best interests while dealing w...
Posted by Carla | October 7, 2013
Attorney's work thorough and competent
Feel appreciative of Attorney's Lager's careful application and representation of my case. He showed understanding of the various issues surrounding our claim, and I valued the communication and steps taken in a timely manner to present my medical situation to the Office of Disability.
Matthew Joseph Lager's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney Lager is hardworking, honest, intelligent, personable, and dedicated. Excellent lawyer, better person. You and your case will be in good hands with Matt."
"Attorney Lager is an excellent attorney who is well-respected in the legal community. He is someone I have had the pleasure of spending time with discussing a wide range of personal and professional topics. I have learned through these discussions that he is conscientious, hard working, and very knowledgeable. I know these personal and professional traits will continue to allow him to acquire tremendous results for his clients."
"I do not hesitate to send my clients to Attorney Lager for their workers' compensation claims and other cases he handles. He has a great reputation in Erie, and he is well prepared for every case."
"Attorney Lager is a respected attorney who does a great job for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse Mr. Lager as a trustworthy, zealous and honorable attorney."
"Matt is one of the finest young lawyers I know, and I am not just saying this because he gave me a kind endorsement. I had the pleasure of getting to know Matt in our very first law school class, and frequently worked with him over the next three years. Matt never ceases to impress me with his dedication to our craft and his achievements in the field. I am confident that his work at Bernard Stucynski & Barnett will continue to reflect the drive, determination, and attention to detail that allowed him to excel during our time together at the Dickinson School of Law."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Outstanding Pro Bono Lawyer, The Erie County Bar Association and Northwestern Legal Services
2012
Excellence for the Future Award in Workers' Compensation Law, CALI
2012
Miller Public Interest Advocate, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
2012
Moot Court Board, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
2009
Dean's Scholarship, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Partner, Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager
2012 - 2017
Associate, Bernard Stuczynski & Barnett
2011 - 2011
Certified Legal Intern, Rural Economic Development Clinic, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
2011 - 2011
Interning Law Clerk for Judge Palumbo, Court Of Common Pleas Of Philadelphia County
Associations
2018 - Present
Erie County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2017 - Present
Pennsylvania Association For JusticeSustaining Member
2017 - Present
Pennsylvania Association For JusticeBoard of Governors
2016 - Present
Erie County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Leadership CommitteeMember
2012 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Erie County Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Erie County Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Practice SectionMember
2012 - Present
Erie County Bar Association, Civil Litigation Practice SectionMember
2017 - 2017
ChairErie County Bar Association, Solo/Small Firms Division
2016 - 2016
Erie County Bar Association, Solo/Small Firms DivisionVice Chair
2013 - 2014
The Northwest Pennsylvania American Inn of CourtMember
2012 - 2016
Erie County Bar Association, Solo/Small Firms DivisionMember
2009 - 2013
Penn State Alumni AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Car Accident Litigation Against State Farm for TMJ with Limited Tort
Defeated State Farm's Motion for Summary Judgment on Limited Tort, Settled the Month before Trial
Social Security Disability Award for Multiple Sclerosis
Won a Fully Favorable Decision
Car Accident Settlement for Back Injury
Settlement
Workers' Compensation Settlement for Back Injury
Settlement
Education
2012
Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
Pennsylvania State University, University Park (main campus)
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2017
Workers’ Compensation From The Injured Worker’s Perspective: Thoughts From A Claimant’s Attorney
Workers' Compensation
2017
Penn State Law Workers' Compensation Law Course, Guest Lecturer
Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law
Publications
2017
ErieInjury.com Law Blog
No Recovery, No Fee Lawyers in Erie, PA: What does “Contingent Fee” Mean?
2016
ErieInjury Law Blog
When should I hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
2016
ErieInjury Law Blog
Social Media and Your Injury Claim
2016
ErieInjury Law Blog
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
2016
ErieInjury Law Blog
Four Signs the Insurance Company is Not Offering a Fair Settlement for your Case
2016
ErieInjury Law Blog
Who is the Best Lawyer in Erie, PA?
2012
Environs Environmental Law and Policy Journal, UCDavis School of Law
Survey Protocol Me Maybe: Why Survey Protocols Will Help Better Determine the Presence or Absence of Endangered Species
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers