Walter P. DeForest

Walter P. DeForest is a partner at DeForest Koscelnik & Berardinelli, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based law firm, where he concentrates his practice on business litigation, employment and labor law and general litigation. Backed by decades of legal experience, he represents businesses and individuals in complex disputes, providing strategic counsel and effective advocacy in matters spanning a wide range of industries.

Mr. DeForest has built a reputation for handling sophisticated litigation involving commercial conflicts, employment matters and other civil disputes. His practice reflects a thorough understanding of litigation strategy and a commitment to protecting his clients' interests through every stage of the legal process. He is recognized for delivering practical legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Mr. DeForest received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966 before earning his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1969. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, New York and Florida. His federal admissions include the Supreme Court of the United States; and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th and 10th Circuits.

Furthermore, Mr. DeForest is authorized to appear before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the Federal Circuits; and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Ohio, the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Northern District of West Virginia, the Southern and Western Districts of New York, and the District of Colorado.

In recognition of his legal ability and ethical standards, Mr. DeForest has earned an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, the organization's highest honor. His career reflects a longstanding dedication to distinguished advocacy in litigation and client service, and he continues to advocate for clients facing challenging legal matters while upholding the highest standards of the profession.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.