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 is the immediate past chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association. He lectures frequently on elder law topics to legal, professional, and community groups. His comments on elder law topics have been quoted on WTAE-TV and 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.
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. She is a member of the Allegheny County Elder Law Committee, the Elder Law Section and the Probate Trust and Real Property Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and is a frequent lecturer on elder law topics.
Ms. Timko serves as an elder at Southminster Presbyterian Church and a board member of the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Foundation. She is a 1984 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Law. 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.
Robert K. Schweitzer, Attorney
The son of a small-town dentist, Rob brings his personal, hands-on approach to the practice of elder law. Rob grew up in Ford City and attended Westminster College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and its Elder Law Section, the Allegheny County Bar Association (and serves on its Elder Law Committee), and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
In addition to his elder law experience, Rob has previously litigated commercial, construction, securities and professional liability matters. He holds bar admissions with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. His community activities include serving on the Westminster College Alumni Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania Lambda Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the College’s Pre-Law Advisory Board. Rob and his wife reside in Cranberry, PA.
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.
Amy Gleue, Client Coordinator
First-time clients to Sykes Elder Law are most often directed to Amy Gleue, who works with callers to determine whether their circumstances offer a good fit with the firm’s services. Amy brings an expertise in corporate interviewing and assessment as well as years of experience in counseling and social services. This mix of business and interpersonal skills enables her to establish a supportive rapport with prospective clients, clearly understanding their distinct family situations while identifying their priorities, needs and concerns. Amy’s organization of this information paves the way for an initial consultation focused on comprehensive individualized solutions. Amy holds a degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh.
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.
Deborah R. Brash, Executive Assistant
Debbie hails originally from Virginia, but has lived throughout the world as part of a military family. Prior to joining Sykes Elder Law, Debbie worked as the office manager of a military defense litigation law firm. A personal experience helping an elderly family member move into downsized living arrangements sparked her interest in elder law. Debbie uses her attention to detail and creativity in a variety of special projects that constantly improve the firm’s business systems, efficiency, and client service. Ms. Brash holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Design from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Cathy L. Kierzkowski, Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
Cathy brings the cheerful smile clients see at our front desk. Prior to joining Sykes Elder Law, Cathy spent 13 years as a receptionist at a large Oakland condominium, where she was valued so highly that the residents threw a fond farewell party for her when she left. Her long career as a secretary included a number of assignments with major corporations and downtown law firms, but now she enjoys working closer to home.
