LANCASTER, Pa., April 1, 2025 — Saxton & Stump officially welcomes attorneys and professionals from the well-known York County law firm Stock & Leader, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing law firms in Pennsylvania. This expansion makes Saxton & Stump’s Education Group one of the largest in the state, now serving more than 80 public school entities across 12 counties.
School districts will benefit from expanded services, including special education, Title IX, public finance, tax assessment, construction law, and litigation support – all backed by the firm’s extensive statewide resources.
To lead the expanded Education Group, Saxton & Stump has named Brooke E.D. Say, former chair of Stock & Leader’s School Law Group, as co-chair alongside Jeffrey D. Litts. Say will be joined by fellow shareholders Dr. Leigh E. Dalton, Gareth D. Pahowka, and David M. Walker in the Education Group.
“I have known Brooke for years and have long respected her work representing school districts in a wide array of legal areas, particularly in special education,” Litts said. “She is a passionate advocate for the school districts she represents. I’m also thrilled to now work alongside Leigh, Gareth, and Dave, who are equally accomplished, and expand our talented Education Group.”
Brooke E.D. Say has practiced education law for more than 20 years, with a focus on general school matters, special education, gifted education, student discipline, special investigations, and civil rights matters, including Title IX. She serves as a certified court-appointed mediator in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. She is also a sought-after speaker on education law topics nationwide and regularly presents at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Exceptional Children’s Conference (ECC), including its “Year in Review” session. Her contributions to the legal field have earned widespread recognition, including being named to the Pennsylvania Rising Stars list for eight consecutive years beginning in 2012, receiving The Legal Intelligencer’s “Lawyers on the Fast Track” honor in 2015, and being recognized by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal on its “Women of Influence” list in 2020. She earned her law degree from Penn State Dickinson Law and her Bachelor of Arts from Messiah University.
“Joining Saxton & Stump was an easy decision for the benefit of our clients,” Say said. “With our expanded team and resources, we can more comprehensively meet the complex legal needs of Pennsylvania school districts—large or small, rural or urban—with additional bench strength and our signature personal touch.”
With this expansion, Saxton & Stump grows to more than 130 attorneys, further strengthening its capabilities in Education Law, Labor & Employment, Real Estate, and Trusts & Estates. The move adds a robust and unique combination of experience and skill.
The full list of Stock & Leader attorneys joining Saxton & Stump are, in alphabetical order:
- Jody Anderson Leighty: Shareholder in the Real Estate and Trusts and Estates Groups
- Gregory W. Bair, II: Shareholder in the Commercial Litigation and Education Groups
- MacGregor J. Brillhart: Shareholder in the Trusts and Estate and Senior Care Groups
- Seth B. Byers: Associate in the Education Group
- Dr. Leigh E. Dalton: Shareholder in the Education Group
- Bradley A. Davis: Senior Counsel in the Education Group
- Ronald L. Hershner: Shareholder in the Business and Corporate and Real Estate Groups
- David A. Jones, II: Shareholder in the Real Estate and Education Groups
- Steven J. Koehler: Senior counsel in the Business and Corporate Group
- Kristen R. McGuire: Senior counsel in the Trusts and Estates Group
- Madison S. Meiser: Associate in the Business and Corporate Group
- Gareth D. Pahowka: Shareholder in the Education Group
- Peter T. Ruth: Shareholder in the Real Estate and Education Groups
- Brooke E. D. Say: Shareholder and co-chair in the Education Group
- Thomas M. Shorb: Shareholder in the Trusts and Estates Group
- Neil A. Slenker: Shareholder in the Business and Corporate and Real Estate Groups
- Walter A. Tilley: Senior counsel in the Trusts and Estates, Commercial Litigation, and Labor and Employment Groups
- David M. Walker: Shareholder in the Education, Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Groups
“This integration strengthens our ability to serve clients across Pennsylvania and beyond with top-tier legal talent,” Saxton & Stump CEO James W. Saxton said. “We warmly welcome this outstanding group of professionals during this exciting growth phase as we continue delivering exceptional legal services in new and innovative ways for our clients.”
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
With over 250 professionals, including more than 130 attorneys, Saxton & Stump’s innovative model continues to attract highly talented and experienced attorneys, driving the growth of the law firm and its affiliate companies nationwide.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.
