Marie DeForest Garcia

Marie DeForest Garcia is a distinguished partner at DeForest Koscelnik & Berardinelli, where her legal practice is primarily focused on commercial litigation and white collar defense. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the firm's additional offices in New York, New York and Short Hills, New Jersey, her proficiency extends nationally as she handles complex cases, including contractual disputes, trade secret issues, asbestos defense and employment matters. She adeptly manages high-stakes litigation for clients across a broad spectrum of industries, providing keen insights and robust defense strategies.

Ms. Garcia’s educational background is as striking as her legal practice. She holds a J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law, where she graduated with magna cum laude honors in 2008. Further enhancing her credentials, she earned an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania in 2019. Her academic excellence is complemented by her admission to practice law in several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, California and New Jersey, among others, as well as various federal courts.

Clients and colleagues praise Ms. Garcia for her meticulous approach to litigation and her ability to deliver favorable outcomes in challenging cases. Her notable achievements include securing summary judgments in multimillion-dollar disputes and defending clients in high-profile investigations by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Her commitment to her clients is matched by her dedication to achieving justice and her skill in navigating complex legal landscapes.

Ms. Garcia is actively involved in professional circles, contributing to the legal community through her roles in various affiliations. Her accolades include recognition from esteemed organizations such as Best Lawyers. Her leadership skills were honed at prestigious societies during her university years, such as Omicron Delta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha. These honors not only highlight her professional excellence but also her commitment to the ethical practice of law and continuous personal growth.