EMKM History

The roots of the Elderkin Law Firm reflect its rich tradition of educational excellence. The founding partners, Vern Elderkin and Harry Martin, joined in 1961 by William Kelly, each graduated from Harvard Law School before returning to Erie to practice their profession.

Vern Elderkin distinguished himself as the region’s pre-eminent labor relations attorney. Having spent his youth as a farmer, butcher and mill worker, he understood both sides of labor relations issues, and effectively used this practical knowledge to the benefit of the firm’s many labor clients. The firm continues to represent many companies in this complex and important area of law.

The firm’s business background originated with Harry Martin’s considerable talents representing companies. The firm continues to counsel sophisticated business clients in a wide range of areas, including formations, mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies.

The late Bill Kelly’s litigation experience was legendary. In one hotly contested consumer fraud case, Kelly personally dismantled the renowned F. Lee Bailey, successfully leading the prosecution in banning a major international pyramid scheme. Kelly’s victory brought to a halt the deceptive and fraudulent activities that had victimized thousands of consumers.

Originating in the downtown Erie Rothrock Building, the firm found a new home at the Commerce Building, located at 12th and State Streets.

In 1966, Joe Messina, the Editor-In-Chief of the Dickinson Law Review, joined the firm and later became a senior partner. Concentrating in the law of Estates and Trusts, Business and Real Estate, he further expanded the firm’s capabilities and talents.

The growing firm broadened its expertise in Civil Litigation, Insurance Law, and General Practice areas with the arrival of Ken Vasil (1976) and Ron Slater (1979). Jim Richardson (1979) was instrumental in developing Erie’s premier Matrimonial and Family practice department, and continues today as its head.

In 1980 the former Jones School was acquired and remodeled to become the Elderkin Law Firm’s new and current home.

Bob LeSuer (1981) and Craig Markham (1983) complete the core of the firm’s Litigation department.

Tom Minarcik joined the firm in 1983 and worked on one of the area’s largest bankruptcy cases. He is currently the head of the firm’s Bankruptcy department and also the head of its Estate Planning department.

John Enders (1990) gained his knowledge of Pension and Benefits from nearly 30 years of experience in the private sector. Likewise, Craig Zonna (1993) has used his experience in public accounting to benefit his Business Law clients. Ed Betza (1992) handles the firm’s municipal clients and is the solicitor for a number of Erie County townships and boroughs.

Lori Miller (2001) begins a new generation of Elderkin Law Firm attorneys, joined by Stacey K. Baltz(2006).

The year 2007 opened with the addition of three seasoned attorneys. The late Herbert J. Johnson, Jr. was experienced as a former Orphan’s Court Judge, consultant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and had over 60 years of legal expertise. Ed Wittmann has 40 years of experience in the areas of family practice, civil litigation, and real estate. Dave Rhodes, who began practicing law in 1998, specializes in municipal law, real estate, and estate planning.

Every Elderkin attorney has earned impressive academic credentials such as ranking in the top percentile of his or her graduating class, receiving scholastic awards or Law Review recognition.

Over the years, the founding partners served as mentors, imparting their wisdom and experience to new associates. These associates have grown within the firm to become the partners of today, and the mentors of tomorrow.