Accomplished attorney with over twenty-three years of trial experience including federal prosecution, criminal defense in federal and state courts as well as civil litigation in federal and state courts. Career highlights include the following:
• Extensive comprehension of practical similarities and differences in the
implementation of pretrial, trial and post trial issues in criminal cases within federal court
• Knowledge of procedures and substantive law within several districts of the federal criminal justice system.
• Participation in courtroom trials in over 30 cases tried in federal and state courts,
averaging about 2 trials per year.
• Published opinions in both state and federal appellate courts in both civil and criminal cases.
• Successfully litigated 100% of contested custody disputes in cases involving
the father as the primary residential parent
• Successfully litigated 100% of municipal condemnation cases
Work experience
04/01/01 to present McARDLE LAW OFFICES Wheeling, WV
Solo Practitioner, Owner
• Practice concentrating in criminal defense, domestic, corporate, and
general civil litigation with a client base of approximately 100 clients.
• Defend individuals charged with criminal violations in federal and state courts
• Represent individuals in the prosecution and defense of domestic relations matters addressing complex relationships with special emphasis in child custody and support issues.
• Defend corporate clients in areas of employment contract disputes and job related injuries.
• Prosecute personal injury cases involving auto accidents and medical malpractice.
01/01/97 to 04/01/01 MUSSER & McARDLE, L.C. Wheeling, WV
Partnership
Partner in a small general practice law firm concentrated in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, real estate and corporate law.
09/01/94 to 01/01/97 PHILLIPS, GARDILL, KAISER & ALTMEYER Wheeling, WV
Associate
Associate in a law firm of eleven attorneys which concentrated in commercial law.
06/89 to 09/94 UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE Wheeling, WV
Special Assistant United States Attorney, Law Enforcement / Victim Witness Coordinator
• Researched, investigated, prepared and tried countless criminal
cases ranging from white collar crime to narcotics.
• Designed and implemented the Federal Victim Witness program for the United States Attorney’s Office.
• Appointed Ethics Officer by the United States Attorney: implemented
necessary procedures for policing compliance of Department of Justice Ethics regulations.
• Prepared responses to prisoner habeas petitions.
• Prepared numerous appellate briefs to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
• Fostered relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through the coordination of law enforcement training in the Northern District of West Virginia.
• Trained, supervised and managed all support staff assigned to the criminal section of the United States Attorney’s Office in the area of victim witness issues; supervised and managed special authorizations for witness vouchers.
Education
1986 - 1989 University of Pittsburgh School of Law Pittsburgh, PA
Juris Doctor
• Moot Court Semi-Finalist (8/256)
• Trial Moot Court
• Pennsylvania Supreme Court certification: appeared in court proceedings
• Student Director Legal Assistance Program
• Teaching Assistant
1982 - 1986 Washington & Jefferson College Washington, PA
B.A. Political Science, Business Administration
• Dean’s List
• Student College Senate
Professional Associations | Supreme Courts | Appellate Courts | U.S. District Courts |
NACDL |
United States |
Third Circuit |
Northern District |
West Virginia Trial Lawyers | West Virginia | Fourth Circuit | Southern District West Virginia |
Ohio County Bar (Secretary 3 years) |
Ohio | District of Arizona |