Practice Areas Workers’ Compensation Defense Federal Black Lung Defense Insurance Defense Litigation Subrogation & Recoveries Employment Law (Employer Defense) ERISA & Employee Benefits Litigation Commercial & Business Litigation Business & Corporate Law Claim Auditing Services Unemployment Compensation Heart & Lung Act Claims Estate Planning & Probate
Stop Costly Claims Before They Drain Your Budget
Save millions through early intervention, strategic litigation, and boutique-level attention.
40+ years of landmark victories.
EXPERIENCED
40+ years crushing fraudulent claims
EFFECTIVE
Big-firm expertise, small-firm 24-hour response
HERE FOR YOU
Licensed in PA & WV, appearing nationwide
ABOUT US
Big-Firm Power.
Boutique Attention.
Zero Tolerance for Fraudulent Claims
Founded by nationally-recognized defense attorneys James Poerio and Robert Walter, we’ve built our reputation on one simple principle: aggressive early intervention saves clients millions.
For over three decades, we’ve defended employers, insurers, and businesses across Pennsylvania and West Virginia with the kind of strategic thinking that comes from handling landmark cases – and the personal attention that comes from being intentionally small.
Best Law Firms
In Pennsylvania
First Tier Ranking
OUR BENEFITS
Why Choose Our Lawyers?
Discover how our boutique defense firm combines aggressive advocacy with personal service to deliver measurable results for businesses across PA and WV.
- $12M+ saved in Black Lung defenses alone
- 95%+ favorable resolution rate across all practice areas
- Zero successful fraud claims for multiple clients over 18+ months
- Landmark precedent cases still protecting employers today
- Partner-Level Attention
- Proven Cost Savings
2008
2012
2019
2021
Firm Founded
Poerio & Walter, Inc. was founded by James M. Poerio and Robert P. Walter after serving as shareholders at a large Pittsburgh firm, with a vision to provide focused, partner-level defense representation without big-firm inefficiencies.
Expanded Core Defense Practice
The firm expanded its defense practice to include claims auditing services, strengthening its ability to help employers, insurers, and self-insured entities proactively reduce exposure and control costs.
Recognized Leadership & Growth
Poerio & Walter continued to grow its team and practice depth while earning national recognition for workers’ compensation and insurance defense, including repeated honors in Best Lawyers and U.S. News – Best Law Firms.
Statewide & Multi-State Reach
With offices in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, the firm expanded its geographic reach across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, serving employers, insurers, and businesses with complex, high-stakes defense matters.
OUR EXPERIENCES
Why Clients Choose Us?
Poerio & Walter is a defense-focused law firm built on experience, consistency, and direct attorney involvement.
We represent employers, insurers, and businesses with a strategic, cost-conscious approach delivering results without unnecessary complexity or overhead.
Request a Consultation
Submission of this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Schedule a confidential consultation with a Poerio & Walter attorney to discuss your matter, evaluate next steps, and determine the most effective path forward. Our team works directly with employers, insurers, and businesses to provide clear guidance and practical defense strategies.
OUR SERVICES
Legal Practice Areas
Workers’ Compensation Defense
Defense of employers, insurers, and self-insured entities in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims, including litigation, appeals, and cost-containment strategies.
Subrogation & Recoveries
Pursuit of recoveries on behalf of insurers and employers, including workers’ compensation subrogation, property loss recovery, auto claims, and collections.
Insurance Defense Litigation
Defense of insurers and insureds in matters involving: General liability, Automobile liability, Premises liability, Property damage, Construction-related claims, Casualty and coverage disputes
Employment Law (Employer Defense)
Defense of employers in: Wrongful termination, Discrimination and harassment claims, Employment litigation, Workplace compliance counseling
Business & Corporate Law
Legal support for businesses including: Entity formation, Contracts and transactions, Strategic business counseling, Franchising and intellectual property matters
Claim Auditing Services
Claims review and audit services designed to reduce exposure, manage reserves, and improve claims handling outcomes for employers and insurers.
Unemployment Compensation Defense
Representation of employers in unemployment compensation claims, hearings, and appeals.
ERISA & Employee Benefits Litigation
Counseling and litigation involving employee benefit plans, including disability, pension, and ERISA-governed disputes.
Commercial & Business Litigation
Representation of businesses in contract disputes, commercial litigation, construction litigation, and corporate conflicts.
Federal Black Lung Defense
National defense of coal mine operators and insurers in Federal Black Lung Benefits Act claims.
Heart & Lung Act Claims
Defense of municipalities and public employers in Heart and Lung Act litigation.
Estate Planning & Probate
Wills, trusts, estate administration, and probate matters, particularly for business owners and families.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
OUR TEAM
Seasoned Attorneys. Proven Defense. Personally Invested in Your Outcome.
Poerio & Walter is intentionally small, allowing our clients direct access to experienced attorneys who know their industries, understand risk, and focus on efficient, strategic resolutions. Our team is nationally recognized in workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and complex business litigation—bringing big-firm capability with hands-on attention at every stage of your matter.
James M. Poerio
Founding Shareholder
Robert P. Walter
Founding Shareholder
Jonathan C. Beech
Shareholder
Warner Mariani
Of Counsel
