Jan Matthew Tamanini
About Jan
Biography
My primary emphasis is using plain language to make legal documents and issues clear and unambiguous. You should not need a legal education to understand your documents and legal issues. My aim is to demystify the legal process for my clients and, through the use of plain language, avoid disputes that often occur due to poorly written documents.
I focus my practice on serving as the equivalent of in-house counsel for business and nonprofit clients who don't have an attorney on staff, as well as providing services on a project basis for businesses and nonprofits. I assist clients with administrative law matters and contract claims against Pennsylvania government agencies, practicing at the agency level, in the Board of Claims of the Commonwealth, and in the appellate courts (Commonwealth Court and the PA Supreme Court).
I'm an original member, and former chair, of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Plain English Committee. I'm active in other bar association activities on the state and local level, serving on several committees in various roles. I've written many articles for both attorneys and nonattorneys about legal issues and the use of technology to support law and business practices. I'm also active in the PBA's Commission on Women in the Profession.
Finally, I'm a mom to two great adult children and two wonderful retired racing greyhounds, and I'm blessed with one amazing grandchild (so far!). I'm also an avid SCUBA diver and have attained the PADI Master Diver rating.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 41 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
JMT Law LLC
PO Box 61226, Harrisburg, PA, 17106
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Jan Matthew Tamanini's Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Ron | May 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Conscientious, knowledgeable, thorough attorney who helped me navigate a complicated post-nuptial agreement.
As my marriage deteriorated I needed to separate two businesses from shared control, one through ownership and one via spousal rights. Jan constructed a post-nuptial agreement that enabled me to successfully do exactly that. She was clear, capable, and friendly. Her price was more than reasonable. I ...
Posted by Colleen | May 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Legal help for the overwhelmed entrepreneur.
When I opened my small business I knew I needed help to navigate the legal implications of being an entrepreneur. Jan made the process easy, reviewing legal concerns, assessing for legal gaps in my insurance and creating contracts and waivers for me. Jan is detail-oriented, professional, personable, ...
Posted by Rachel Strella | May 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Owner/CEO
Jan has represented my business since its inception in 2010. She helped me to establish my LLC and she's guided me the past eight years for both ongoing business and estate planning needs. Jan handled each matter with superior quality, going above and beyond to protect my best interest. Her time ...
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2009
Excellent and Frank Advice
I have known and worked with Ms. Tamanini for several years. She has provided excellent advice and consultation on a variety of issues related to my work ranging from bancruptcy to government law to civil and labor law. She listens to the full story and asks probing questions and then does her home...
Jan Matthew Tamanini's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Extremely knowledgeable and highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse Attorney Tamanini without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I regularly read Ms. Tamanini's answers to legal questions posted on the Avvo forum. I find her answers to be reasoned, incisive and caring. As a fellow Pennsylvania attorney, I would have no difficulty referring any potential client in the Harrisburg area to her. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
"Jan is one of the foremost advocates of "plain English law" and its importance in the Business Law world. She knows Business Law extraordinarily well and cares about making sure her clients understand what their business transactions are doing and that they are doing it right. You can read her Avvo Legal Guides or answers to questions or the great material on her website and you'll probably conclude what anyone who knows her has figured out - she's probably one of the top Business Law attorneys in the state. If you have a Business Law problem and her office is anywhere near you, I highly recommend her to you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jan is a very ethical, comprehensive attorney. Her involvement in the plain language effort in law is extremely important and useful to the legal community and any potential clients."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jan takes a personal interest in her clients, and is excellent at leveraging technology to increase client service while containing costs. I was impressed by the obvious connection Jan had with her client in the matter we collaborated on. It was clear to me that she had developed a great personal relationship with her client, and that her client respected her opinion. At the same time, Jan wasn't afraid to involve another attorney with more experience in the issue her client was facing."
Estate planning lawyer
Family lawyer
Communications and media lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Experience
Honors
1984
Order of Barristers, Dickinson School of Law
1983
Edgar I. King Award, Dickinson School of Law
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Founding member, JMT Law, LLC
Associations
2018 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association Senior Lawyers CommitteeVice Chair
2014 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association In House Counsel CommitteePlanning Committee member
2004 - Present
PBA Commission on Women in the ProfessionMember
1984 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
1984 - Present
Dauphin County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2017
American Bar Association Solo Small Firm Section, Business Opportunities and Commercial Law CommitteeChair
2010 - 2016
Plain English Committee, PA Bar AssociationChair
2009 - 2016
PBA Solo & Small Firm Practice Section CouncilMember
1984 - 2016
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
$34,000+ default judgment for my client
Converted to Chapter 7
Commonwealth Court found Parks Superior did not violate the Board of Vehicles Act. The PA Supreme Court refused the Board's petition to allow an appeal.
Education
1984
JD - Juris Doctor
1976
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1976
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2011
2011
2011
2010
Planning For the Unplanned: Are You Prepared?
2008
Business Law For Launchers: What You Need To Know!
Publications
2009
2009
2009
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
What do I need to get a duplicate copy of my short certificate?
18 Sep 2025
What to do when ashes were thrown out? And title transfer of property invalid?
26 Feb 2024
How do i change address of my LLC in PA from home to commercial property that i have rented?
10 Jan 2024