News

Marshall Dennehey announced that it has added the majority of the talent and existing business of Pittsburgh-based civil defense litigation firm Walsh Barnes, P.C. The move brings seven attorneys, including former Walsh Barnes named partner Adam M. Barnes and two other shareholders, to Marshall Dennehey's Pittsburgh office. Paul J. Walsh, III, founder and managing partner of Walsh Barnes, is stepping away from active litigation after 35 years and will devote his full attention to mediation. Walsh Barnes will be closing as of July 31, 2025.

"The union will not only strengthen our firm by bringing in litigators with diverse expertise and a strong client base, but enrich our culture with individuals who embody the very best of Pittsburgh's character," said G. Mark Thompson, Marshall Dennehey's President and CEO. "Our confidence in the success of this match is further bolstered by the fact that our lawyers, and those of Walsh Barnes, have worked together on a variety of cases and long known, liked and respected one another. We believe Walsh Barnes' decision to partner with us is a testament to the enduring power of Marshall Dennehey to attract great lawyers."  

"I have had the pleasure of litigating many cases with Marshall Dennehey over the years and have found the firm to be home to exceptional attorneys with the highest ethical standards," said Walsh. "I am thrilled that our attorneys and staff have been afforded the opportunity to continue their careers at such an esteemed firm."

Barnes joins Marshall Dennehey as a shareholder in the Casualty Department. He has more than 25 years of experience litigating general liability and coverage cases in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. His experience includes matters involving premises liability, product liability, auto liability, fire losses and employment liability. Barnes received his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law – Bloomington and his B.A., cum laude, from Indiana University – Bloomington.

Guy E. Blass will also join Marshall Dennehey as a shareholder in the Casualty Department. Blass, who has tried more than 50 civil jury trials to verdict, has over two decades of experience in matters involving construction claims, product liability, toxic torts, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents and general liability. He received his J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law and his B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Susan A. Kostkas joins Marshall Dennehey as a shareholder in the Health Care Department. Kostkas has nearly 30 years of experience defending nursing homes and personal care facilities in professional negligence claims resulting in personal injury and death. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Kostkas was a registered nurse in cardiology and intermediate care units and she continues to maintain her RN license. She earned her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law and a B.S.N. from Gannon University.

Edward A. Yurcon, who joins the firm as special counsel in the Casualty Department, has 45 years of litigation experience. He defends companies and individuals in a wide variety of matters including wrongful death, bodily injury and catastrophic loss claims arising from gas explosion and fire, industrial, tractor trailer, automobile accident, premises liability, defamation and product liability claims. Yurcon ran his own firm for many years and holds a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and a B.A., cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh.

Gretchen J. Fitzer will be special counsel in the Casualty Department. She defends personal injury actions, including premises liability, product liability, auto liability, and professional negligence. Fitzer, who has more than 30 years' experience, earned her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law and her B.A. from Allegheny College.

Ryan Joyce is joining Marshall Dennehey's Professional Liability Department as special counsel. With 15 years of experience, he focuses his practice on the defense of professional malpractice claims. Joyce received his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, his M.A. from Temple University, and his B.A. from Allegheny College.

Alyssa McKenzie joins Marshall Dennehey as an associate in the Casualty Department. She concentrates her practice on the defense of bodily injury and property damage claims arising out of motor vehicle liability, premises liability and product liability claims. McKenzie received her J.D. from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law and her B.A, magna cum laude, from Ohio Northern University.

In addition to the seven attorneys, the support staff of Walsh Barnes will join Marshall Dennehey's Pittsburgh office.