ZIMMER KUNZ - Key Persons
Aaron has quickly gained a wealth of experience handling cases from start to finish, including more than 5 jury trials and more than 3 appellate oral arguments. While he strives to reach an early and positive resolution of each matter, he is ready and able to personally see every matter through to the finish line. During the course of his representation, he strives to provide experience and knowledge so clients have comfort with whatever situation they are in.
Aaron joined Zimmer Kunz as a law clerk in May of 2014 and has continued working there ever since. He has handled a vast array of matters including litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and advising clients / businesses. He has represented clients as both Plaintiffs and Defendants.
Aaron was the founder of Zimmer Kunz's brewery and alcohol practice and also assists many alcohol manufacturers with federal and state liquor licensing, zoning issues, tax reassessments, preparation of contracts / handbooks / policies / procedures, and any other issues that may arise.
Prior to joining Zimmer Kunz, Aaron gained valuable experience as an intern at the United States Department of Justice, Prince George's County Office of the Public Defender, and District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General.
Outside of work, Aaron is an avid homebrewer and enjoys ultimate frisbee, boating, and traveling with his wife Emily and son Carson.
Athena Dufour is an Associate Attorney at Zimmer Kunz, PLLC whose legal practice focuses on insurance defense, general liability, products liability, employment, and toxic torts.
Athena's experience in the legal field began before law school when she worked as a litigation paralegal for a civil defense law firm in Richmond, Virginia. After graduating from the University of Richmond School of Law, Athena clerked for the Honorable C.N. Jenkins, Jr. and Bradley B. Cavedo in the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Pivoting to Pennsylvania, Athena then worked as an associate attorney at a mid-sized civil defense law firm where she gained valuable experience handling insurance defense, general liability, and insurance coverage matters in various state and federal venues across the state.
When she's not working, Athena enjoys spending time exploring Pittsburgh's restaurant scene. Her favorite things to do include listening to true crime podcasts, weight lifting, watching football and hockey, and reading a good book.
Education
Undergraduate:
University of Virginia, B.A. in Government and Psychology, 2015
Law School:
University of Richmond School of Law, Cum Laude, J.D. 2020
"As an attorney, it is important to always strive to achieve the best real-world results for your client. This includes success in the courtroom, but it also includes protecting intangible assets like a client's reputation."
Brian Lucot is an attorney whose practice is focused on civil litigation. For the past decade, Brian has been representing individuals and corporations primarily in the areas of products liability, toxic torts, and commercial litigation.
Brian is a Director whose primary practice focuses on representing individuals and companies in civil litigation matters, including general liability defense, toxic torts, commercial litigation and products liability.
Prior to joining Zimmer Kunz in 2016, Brian represented clients in both civil litigation and transactional matters in the energy section.
Brian Lucot is an attorney whose practice is focused on civil litigation. For the past decade, Brian has been representing individuals and corporations primarily in the areas of products liability, toxic torts, and commercial litigation.
Brian is a Director whose primary practice focuses on representing individuals and companies in civil litigation matters, including general liability defense, toxic torts, commercial litigation and products liability.
Prior to joining Zimmer Kunz in 2016, Brian represented clients in both civil litigation and transactional matters in the energy section.
Brian lives in South Park Township with his wife and children. He is a very active member of his community. Brian volunteers as a baseball coach for the South Park Baseball Association and also serves on its Board. Additionally, Brian is an elected Supervisor on South Park Township's Board of Supervisors.
Education
Undergraduate:
Pennsylvania State University - B.A. 2006
Law School:
Duquesne University School of Law (cum laude) - Juris Doctorate, 2010
CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Local Government Law
Legal Externship in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Chief Judge Jeffery A. Deller
Dan Krauth is a trial attorney. His 30 years of practice have focused on the areas of oil and gas litigation, product liability defense, mass tort litigation, commercial litigation, construction litigation, and insurance defense. He served as the firm's managing partner from 2013 - 2021.
Dan has represented Fortune 500 companies, as well as smaller Western Pennsylvania businesses. He has tried dozens of cases to verdict throughout all counties in Western Pennsylvania, obtaining defense verdicts in an overwhelming majority of the trials.
As the Marcellus Shale play erupted in Pennsylvania in the last two decades, Mr. Krauth has litigated a myriad of cases within this general area, including leasing and commercial disputes, personal injury disputes, as well as assisted on eminent domain proceedings.
Dan has served on the board of several philanthropic endeavors, including the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative and the Career Literacy for African American Youth, and he has served as a mentor to diverse high school students in Pittsburgh Schools, and through the Fresh Start Program at Penn State. Mr. Krauth currently serves as the Chair of IADC's Environmental and Energy Committee.
Education
Undergraduate:
Pennsylvania State University, B.A., 1985
Law School:
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1989
Daniel Cuddy concentrates his practice in the areas of civil and criminal defense. Whether representing a large company, small business owner, or an individual in a civil lawsuit or charged with a crime, Dan prides himself on earning the trust of his clients by being accessible, straightforward and determined to obtain the best result possible.
Since joining the firm in 2016, Dan has represented multiple companies, organizations and small business owners in cases including asbestos and toxic exposure suits, personal and/or sexual misconduct cases, and a variety of general injury cases. He has represented such clients in courts in both state and federal court.
Dan has also represented several well-known non-profit organizations in grand jury investigations and to render advice as needed. As part of this practice, he has also conducted several detailed internal investigations and is adept at advising corporate and organizational clients on urgent issues needing quick responses, professional discretion and tactful candor.
Dan also represents numerous criminal clients in both state and federal court, in issues ranging from routine charges to high stakes federal charges. As part of this practice, Dan has represented targeted individuals and witnesses in grand jury proceedings involving typical criminal cases, as well as white collar/fraud, public corruption and environmental crime investigations.
Education
Undergraduate:
University of Pittsburgh, B.A. 1990
Law School:
University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D. 1993
During his undergraduate years, Mr. Cuddy was a four-year member of the soccer team and was elected to the school's Athletic Director's List from 1986 - 1990. He was also nominated for the Big East Conference's Scholar Athlete of the Year in 1989.
Loyalty may be a rare commodity now, but I have been blessed to have worked for Zimmer Kunz for more than thirty years and with the support of my colleagues here I have maintained business relationships with many of the same clients over those years. - Dara DeCourcy
As Practice Group leader for the firm's Appellate Practice/Insurance Coverage department, Dara DeCourcy focused on insuring that clients' interests were well represented through the final stages of litigation. She has practiced before Pennsylvania's appellate courts for more than forty years, appearing before those courts in hundreds of cases, and she has appeared before the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In handling clients' concerns in insurance coverage, she has represented insurers and insureds in auto, personal injury, commercial general liability, professional liability, construction, D&O and environmental coverage disputes, advising concerning parties' rights and liabilities under insurance contracts and if litigation ensues, representing her clients at every stage of that litigation.
She draws upon the large network she has developed among appellate practitioners by working with them or against them, and by serving in leadership roles on appellate practice committees. She knows the inclinations and particular concerns of the many appellate court judges she has appeared before on multiple occasions, better information than may be acquired through research alone.
Dara attended night school in Pittsburgh, Pa, while working full-time for a Fortune 500 company in its marketing department as a technical writer and speechwriter, then continued to work full time by juggling part-time positions in the local District Attorney's office and a civil litigation firm while completing law school. Before joining Zimmer Kunz in 1989, Dara worked in the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania District Attorney's office for ten years, in the Appellate Division. While there, she also served as the DA's representative on the board of the nonprofit organization the Center for Victims, eventually serving as Board Vice President for years.
During her years with the DA's office, in addition to handling hundreds of cases on appeal, she advised trial counsel on issues they confronted, always ensuring that a comprehensive record was prepared for an eventual successful appeal. That is a role she has played during her years with Zimmer Kunz as associate and shareholder, and she continues to do so in her current capacity as Of Counsel.
Education
Undergraduate:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, B.A., English literature, minor history, 1975
Law School:
Duquesne University School of Law, LLB, 1979
Appellate Moot Court Board member
Instructor, Legal Research and Writing
General Commercial and Tort Litigation: Mr. Ryan focuses his practice in the areas of products liability, employment law, workers' compensation and federal black lung.
Education
St. Vincent College, Latrobe PA, B.S. Political Science
Ohio Northern University, J.D.
Evan's legal practice focuses on insurance defense litigation, toxic tort litigation, general liability, contract disputes/drafting, and corporate structuring.
Prior to joining Zimmer Kunz, Evan gained practical experience in general liability, subrogation litigation, personal injury litigation, as well as working with one of the largest lifting solutions businesses in North America where he reviewed contracts and assisted in the preparation and evaluation of both stock and asset purchases. He has also clerked for the Honorable Jeffery A. Deller at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania where he attended legal proceedings for various debtor and creditor matters.
Education
Undergraduate:
Duquesne University, B.S. in Business Management, cum laude, 2020
Law School:
Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, J.D. 2023
General Commercial, Construction, and Tort Litigation: Construction defect and project disputes, business torts and contractual dispute litigation, and construction site accident litigation with representation of contractors involved in industrial, commercial and residential construction projects.
Transportation and Trucking Litigation: Representation of motor carriers, transit and bus companies, and equipment operators in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, as well as 24 hour emergency accident response coordination.
Representation of institutional clients including non-profits, for-profit companies, and licensed professionals in errors and omissions, malpractice, premises liability suits, and in regard to claims of neglect or abuse.
Mr. Stewart is active with a number of philanthropic groups and non-profit organizations including past term service on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greensburg and as chair of Strong Kids Campaign for two years. Additionally, Mr. Stewart participated in the 2014 construction campaign for Westmoreland Museum of American Art and served on the Board of Trustees of the Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust.
Ms. Suder's legal practice focuses on insurance defense, general liability, toxic tort litigation, and criminal defense.
Education
Undergraduate:
Washington & Jefferson College, B.A. History, 2015
Law School:
University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D., 2019
Honors:
2018 John Gismondi Public Interest Fellowship Recipient
CALI Excellence for the Future Award - Legal Writing and Analysis, Criminal Procedure
Activities:
Journal of Law and Commerce, Managing Editor
JURIST, Senior Editor
John Gaughan brings more than three decades of experience to a practice which centers on workers' compensation litigation and appeals, including the defense of insurance companies and self-insureds in all aspects of workers compensation practice in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Gaughan handles all aspects of Federal Black Lung and Longshore and Harbor Workers Act claims. His administrative experience and practice includes Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, Employment Law, Long-Term Disability and Workers Compensation claims. He has also represented government entities in heart and lung cases, correctional facilities for Act 534 and Act 632 matters.
Mr. Gaughan has practiced in every county in Pennsylvania and, with his unique background with both an MBA and a Masters in Counseling Psychology, he has been a sought-after presenter to counsel, insurance adjusters, employers, unions, physicians and others on a wide range of topics including Mental-Mental claims, Wage Loss issues, Third Party Subrogation, Statutory Employers and Specific Loss Benefits.
EDUCATION
Undergraduate: Mercyhurst College, B.A. Sociology
Undergraduate: Waynesburg College, B.S. Business Administration
Graduate: Gannon University, M.S. Counseling Psychology
Graduate: Waynesburg College, M.B.A.
Law School: Duquesne University, School of Law, J.D.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County
- Support Staff
Confident. Prepared. Fearless. Words used by both clients and opposing counsel to describe seasoned trial lawyer, John Zotter. While many litigators dedicate their careers to pushing cases toward settlement, John is not afraid to tell a client that a case needs to be tried. John Zotter has been trying jury trials for over 30 years and, with countless victories, his advice to try a case has proven to be sound advice. At the same time, John's known willingness to try and ability to win jury trials has resulted in favorable settlements prior to trial.
John Zotter's practice is devoted entirely to personal injury, wrongful death and commercial litigation including cases involving commercial disputes, products, utilities, premises liability, construction, trucking, professional negligence, nursing homes, insurance, bad faith, dram shop, and Marcellus Shale.
John Zotter is a Member of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, a select invitation-only organization that promotes the highest standards of integrity, civility, and competence in the legal profession, and is limited to 250 lawyers who are actively engaged in a civil trial practice.
A Pittsburgh native, John Zotter resides in the Pittsburgh suburb of Upper St. Clair with his two sons, daughter, and wife, Amy, a pediatrician in private practice. John's charitable efforts include co-founding the Autism Speaks Golf Classic in Pittsburgh.
Education
Undergraduate:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, B.S. in Accounting, 1985
Honors: Magna Cum Laude Graduate
Law School:
University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1988
Honors: Executive Editor, The Journal of Law & Commerce, (Business Law Review for the University of Pittsburgh School of Law)
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- Member of the President
"My time with a large insurance company at the start of my career, combined with my decades of experience as a practicing litigator, have taught me how to best serve my clients. I always keep the client's goals and expectations at the forefront when litigating their interests."
Joni Mangino is a Shareholder at Zimmer Kunz, and is one of the original members of the law firm since its formation in 1988. With more than 30 years of experience, Joni is a seasoned trial attorney who can quickly work through the complexities of a case to determine the best strategy for her clients.
Companies large and small benefit from Joni's client-focused approach to her cases, relying on her counsel for matters ranging from:
toxic and environment torts;
institutional liability;
civil rights;
malpractice liability;
employment litigation matters;
product liability; and
employment discrimination.
Throughout her career, she has defended employers, contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers of various types of products in numerous jurisdictions throughout the country. Joni litigates cases for various clients and engages in creative solutions to litigation disputes.
She has successfully defended various religious organizations and non-profits in claims and suits alleging discrimination and physical, mental, and sexual misconduct. Joni also represents various licensed professionals in disciplinary and civil court proceedings. Her experience covers all aspects of litigation from pre-suit investigation to trial of cases in both federal and state courts.
Joni has an established reputation both in and out of the courtroom as a trusted leader in her field. She has served as part of the management of Zimmer Kunz for more than 15 years and is currently the acting President of the Board of Directors. She has also been a long-time member of respected professional organizations such, the Academy of Trial Laws of Allegheny County - an organization whose membership has represented the most exceptional civil trial lawyers in Allegheny County for more than 60 years, Best Lawyers and the Harmonie Group - an invitation-only international network of elite and vetted law firms that have the proven ability to serve the special needs of the risk industry.
Prior to joining Zimmer Kunz, Joni worked with Chubb & Son Insurance Company,. As a litigation specialist for five years, Joni handled all types of complex claims including but not limited to medical, dental, and psychological malpractice, toxic torts, and products liability. Joni's time at Chubb allows her to have a better understanding of what insurance companies need when retaining a lawyer.
Community involvement has always been a priority for Joni, exemplified by her dedication to various nonprofits over the years. She currently serves on the Governance and Nominating Committee of Catholic Charities and has been a Board Member of Catholic Charities for several years. Outside of work, she is the proud mother of three adult children.
Education
Undergraduate:
Westminster College (Pa)., B.A., 1980
Law School:
Duquesne University School of Law, 1985
Law Review
"I look at a client's legal issue as an opportunity. It could be an opportunity to resolve a difficult dispute or avoid one; or it could be a new way to approach their business or provide them with options that they have not considered. My focus is what is their goal and what do we need to get them there."
A multi-state trial attorney and litigator in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, Joe has routinely been involved in commercial and tort litigation, employment, civil rights, products liability and toxic torts, administrative law and other disputes. He also provides legal consultations for individuals, businesses and non-profit entities. Joe's diverse set of clients includes product manufacturers and suppliers, contractors, professionals, property owners, insurance companies and their insureds, and non-profit organizations.
As a trial and appellate attorney, including an emphasis on federal court litigation, Joe handles claims and disputes from just after an event occurred, through trial and even through appeals. Getting involved early in learning the facts and how they affect the legal issues has always been Joe's interest and allows him to be an effective advocate for his clients.
Litigation: toxic tort litigation, including products liability, employer liability and, premises liability
Mr. Fiorilli's primary area of practice is litigation, with an emphasis on toxic tort, criminal defense, product liability, and business litigation.
Job Titles:
- Construction Litigation, Toxic and Environmental Torts, Trucking and Transportation, Institutional Liability, Insurance Defense and Insurance Litigation
Matt Breneman represents clients in toxic tort, construction and general liability litigation in Western Pennsylvania and throughout West Virginia. In everything from informal settlement negotiations to trial, his strong but open minded and creative approach to handling cases allows him to be fiercely vigilant for his clients while working efficiently to bring matters to a favorable resolution.
Since joining the firm in 2004, Matt has represented manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, employers and premises owners in asbestos litigation. During that time, he has overseen thousands of cases from their filing through resolution. Matt also serves as regional counsel for a product manufacturer and has represented contractors and suppliers in benzene litigation. He has also been retained to handle toxic tort cases involving mold, mercury exposure and groundwater contamination. Matt has also been involved in defending cosmetic and industrial talc cases in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Being part of this still new and growing litigation from the outset has allowed Matt and Zimmer Kunz to have an intimate knowledge of this litigation within this region of the country. Matt is sure to be continuously updating his knowledge regarding the ever changing medical and scientific aspects of these different types of toxic tort litigation and relies on that knowledge to evaluate and defend cases. He has found that this has allowed him to effectively guide clients and insurance carriers in making educated decisions throughout the course of the litigation of a case.
Matt also represents contractors in construction defect claims ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-million dollars. These cases have involved everything from excavation and hill slips to improper installation of sewer lines and vinyl siding. These cases often involve cross claims for defense and indemnity from other contractors and/or project owners. Matt has found that the devil is in the details with these cases and focuses on the contracts and project documents to protect the interests of his clients. He has found that each construction case offers a new and interesting fact pattern which needs to be dissected through thorough work with his clients and the appropriate experts. He has found that this brings the key issues into laser focus and allows for a pointed defense.
Finally, Matt also defends general liability cases. These range from slip/trip and falls to dog bites to motor vehicle accidents. He regularly handles these cases throughout Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This work has permitted him to represent many individuals from all walks of life and he has enjoyed the opportunity to help people who are often times quite nervous and unknowledgeable regarding the legal process. Matt finds it fulfilling to bring a sense of comfort to those clients. He recognizes that oftentimes lawsuits involve strong emotions and unsettling allegations of wrong doing and Matt treats people with respect and courtesy while also being a zealous advocate. Matt also prides himself in his ability to evaluate each matter and make recommendations regarding whether to examine potential early resolution versus extensive litigation in each case that he handles.
Matt also represents contractors in construction defect claims ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-million dollars. These cases have involved everything from excavation and hill slips to improper installation of sewer lines and vinyl siding. These cases often involve cross claims for defense and indemnity from other contractors and/or project owners. Matt has found that the devil is in the details with these cases and focuses on the contracts and project documents to protect the interests of his clients. He has found that each construction case offers a new and interesting fact pattern which needs to be dissected through thorough work with his clients and the appropriate experts. He has found that this brings the key issues into laser focus and allows for a pointed defense.
Finally, Matt also defends general liability cases. These range from slip/trip and falls to dog bites to motor vehicle accidents. He regularly handles these cases throughout Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This work has permitted him to represent many individuals from all walks of life and he has enjoyed the opportunity to help people who are often times quite nervous and unknowledgeable regarding the legal process. Matt finds it fulfilling to bring a sense of comfort to those clients. He recognizes that oftentimes lawsuits involve strong emotions and unsettling allegations of wrong doing and Matt treats people with respect and courtesy while also being a zealous advocate. Matt also prides himself in his ability to evaluate each matter and make recommendations regarding whether to examine potential early resolution versus extensive litigation in each case that he handles.
Matt is also active in presenting at continuing legal education seminars and has presented on topics including: determining the nature and extent of damages in a personal injury claim; UM/UIM motorist law; and admitting/excluding emails, texts and social media posts into evidence. He has also prepared and provided presentations for insurance carriers regarding updates on the law in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He also has prepared literature regarding different areas of law for insurance carriers who have found those materials to be quite helpful in staying up-to-date on the law as well as having the ability to use these materials as a quick reference to have at their disposal.
Finally, Matt has always believed in the importance of charitable work and service. He has volunteered as a "big brother" for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh and has also served as a mentor in the Career Literacy for African-American Youth (CLAAY) program. He has also been proud to participate in firm events which have benefitted local shelters, the American Cancer Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Matt currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southpointe Grizzlies Special Hockey Program, an organization that educates and encourages individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injuries and other rare genetic disorders, to participate in the game of ice hockey.
Education
Undergraduate:
West Virginia University, B.A. History, 1999
Law School:
Duquesne University, 2002
Job Titles:
- Fraternity President, 1978 - 1979
Mr. Zeli is a Member with Zimmer Kunz. His practice is focused on all areas of civil litigation, with a concentration on general liability, transportation, toxic tort defense, as well as contract disputes. Mr. Zeli has successfully represented hundreds of corporations, including manufactures, suppliers, premises owners and contractors in matters throughout the tri-state area, as well as, various courts throughout the United States.
In addition to his liability defense work, Mr. Zeli has been successful in securing millions of dollars for his clients through resolution of contract disputes, subrogation matters, employment disputes, and liability matters.
Job Titles:
- Professional Liability, Toxic and Environmental Torts, Trucking and Transportation, Institutional Liability, Insurance Defense and Insurance Litigation, Employment Law
"I can truly never thank you enough for the way you handled all of this for us. Saying how much I appreciate you and all you have done just isn't enough." Bonnie Lantz, Safety Specialist, P&B Transportation, Apollo, Pennsylvania.