Andrew G. Sykes, Managing Attorney
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Sykes chairs the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and lectures frequently on elder law topics to legal, professional, and community groups. His comments on elder law topics have been quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Town and Country Magazine, Pittsburgh Senior News, and other publications. He was admitted to practice in Pennsylvania in 1989, following graduation (with honors) from Ohio State University’s College of Law. As Managing Attorney, Mr. Sykes hires and trains the lawyers and paralegals of Sykes Elder Law. He constructs, improves, and maintains the systems used to provide the level of service clients expect. Mr. Sykes is also the proprietor of A.G. Sykes, an independent agency providing Medicaid qualified annuities to elder law attorneys in Pennsylvania.
Karen S. Timko, Attorney
Karen Timko combines a background in health care (as a certified registered nurse anesthetist) with impressive legal credentials. Before joining the firm, Ms. Timko practiced law at a major downtown law firm, and as in-house counsel at Shadyside Hospital. Her years of experience in elder law, and her caring, hands-on style make Ms. Timko a valued asset to the firm’s elder law clients. She is a 1984 graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Law.
Michael T. Siegert, Attorney
Following a long and impressive career as a prosecutor, Michael Siegert served as Senior Deputy Inspector General in Pennsylvania’s Office of Inspector General, where he investigated cases of Medicaid fraud and abuse. Mr. Siegert’s knowledge of Medicaid law serves as an invaluable resource to the firm’s Medicaid clients. His expertise in asset protection also pays off for clients in our estate administration and estate planning practices. He is a 1984 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law.
Ellen M. Warwick, Paralegal
Ellen Warwick has handled probate estates ranging in size from several thousand to tens of millions of dollars. She offers a mix of abilities rare among paralegals: her knowledge of estate administration and estate planning is matched by her knowledge of Pennsylvania’s Medicaid laws. Ms. Warwick’s attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction provide priceless support to the firm’s legal staff. She received her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in French and Spanish in 1989, an additional bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991, and a paralegal certificate from Robert Morris University in 1992.
Donna K. Dean, Paralegal / Legal Secretary
For more than 40 years, Donna Dean has served the needs of Pittsburgh-area clients. She began as a legal secretary and later learned to assist with estate administration and estate planning matters. Ms. Dean now handles those matters, along with Medicaid asset protection cases, in her friendly, relaxed style that puts clients at ease.
Vicki T. Pfaff, Client Coordinator
The voice many clients first encounter when calling the firm belongs to Vicki Pfaff. As Client Coordinator, Ms. Pfaff works with clients to determine whether their circumstances offer a good fit with firm’s services, and then smooths the way to a successful first appointment. Her background as a social worker, and her caring approach, reflect the firm’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of each individual client. Before joining the firm, Ms. Pfaff served as Aging Care Manager at the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987.
Manette Sykes, Community Outreach Coordinator
Manette Sykes uses her outgoing manner to spread the message about the firm’s mission and services to the Pittsburgh-area community. Ms. Sykes coordinates firm seminars, arranges speaking engagements, manages publication of Elder Law of Pittsburgh (the firm’s quarterly report), and frequently attends local senior expositions. Ms. Sykes currently serves on the Board of Directors of Life Service Providers, a network of services meeting the needs of the elderly in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. She notes that she is otherwise known in the local community as either “Jennifer’s mom” or “John’s mom.” Ms. Sykes received her bachelor’s degree in consumer economics from Ohio State University in 1987.
Frank A. Petrich, CFP, CELA, Of Counsel
Mr. Petrich provides advice and perspective as Of Counsel to the firm. He was the first Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) in Western Pennsylvania and is also a Certified Financial Planner with over 30 years of health care management experience. He was a founding member of the Elder Law Offices of Petrich & Sykes, this firm’s predecessor. Though now mostly retired from the practice of law, Mr. Petrich remains active in numerous community and volunteer endeavors.
