HARRISBURG, Pa., January 29, 2026 —Saxton & Stump has added experienced environmental and commercial litigator Stefanie Pitcavage Mekilo to its suburban Harrisburg office, reinforcing the law firm’s commitment to helping businesses navigate regulatory risk and high-stakes disputes.
Mekilo is a shareholder in the law firm’s Environmental, Workplace Safety and Utilities Group, and its Business Litigation and Strategic Solutions Group. She regularly represents regulated companies in complex environmental, energy, and commercial litigation cases in state and federal courts nationwide, with a practice focused on protecting business operations, managing regulatory exposure, and resolving disputes with a strategic, results-oriented approach.
Before entering private practice, Mekilo spent more than a decade as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she drafted more than 200 judicial opinions for federal judges and worked closely with the court on jury and bench trials, as well as emergency injunction proceedings. This experience provides her with rare insight into judicial decision-making, litigation strategy, and effective advocacy, which she applies to guide clients at every stage of a dispute.
“The depth and perspective Stefanie brings from both the courtroom and the judges’ chambers are crucial,” Saxton & Stump Chairman James W. Saxton said. “Her first-hand experience working with federal judges and evaluating complex litigation from the inside strengthens our ability to advise clients facing regulatory and significant business challenges. Stefanie’s arrival also reflects our continued investment in building a premier environmental and business litigation platform.”
In her environmental practice, Mekilo counsels clients facing regulatory challenges, enforcement action, and litigation arising from environmental and energy laws, agency action, and compliance obligations. She regularly represents clients before state and federal agencies, including in permitting, compliance, and citizens’ group appeals before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, and in proceedings seeking judicial review of agency action. Mekilo’s business litigation practice spans a wide range of complex disputes, including restrictive covenants, fiduciary duty, and business tort litigation, emergency injunction proceedings, statutory disputes, class actions, multidistrict litigation, and related commercial matters.
In addition to her litigation practice, Mekilo is deeply engaged in the legal and local communities. She serves as president of the Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and Co-Chair of the organization’s CLE Committee. She is also a member and immediate past president of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Junior Board and previously served on the organization’s board of directors.
“What drew me to Saxton & Stump is the depth of legal talent across the firm and the way practice groups work together to support clients facing complex, intersectional challenges,” Mekilo said. “Having a broad, integrated team behind me allows me to deliver comprehensive, strategic solutions for clients navigating high-stakes and often highly nuanced disputes.”
Mekilo received her law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she graduated summa cum laude and later returned as an adjunct professor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bloomsburg University.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
With nearly 300 professionals, including more than 150 attorneys, Saxton & Stump continues to grow through its innovative, collaborative model that attracts top legal talent. This expanding platform enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients and includes seven growing affiliated companies that extend its business advisory reach nationwide.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions to complex legal and business challenges with five-star service and results-focused advice, offering a refreshingly different experience for clients, attorneys, and business professionals alike.
