Lewis, Barry A.

Barry A. Lewis graduated from Benton High School in 1978, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1982, along with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. After graduating from the United States Army Intelligence Center and School, and exceeding all course standards, Mr. Lewis was hired as the Chief of Police in Sugarloaf Township in 1983, and in Benton Borough in 1984. Attorney Lewis graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1994 and joined the Law Offices of Cleveland C. Hummel. In 2000, Mr. Lewis and C. Cleveland Hummel formed the law firm of Hummel & Lewis P.C.

Barry focuses his practice in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Law, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Elder Law and Municipal Law. He is also extensively involved with the Marcellus gas leasing which is occurring throughout the state.

Attorney Lewis' experience as a law enforcement officer allows him to quickly evaluate cases involving criminal charges, including whether proper police procedures and protocols are followed during the investigation and arrest. Mr. Lewis' training in DUI enforcement includes techniques such as standardized field sobriety tests and various testing methods for blood alcohol. He has also had training in advanced accident investigation, criminal investigation and interrogation, and sex crime investigations. Attorney Lewis has handled cases involving felony charges including thefts, homicide by motor vehicle, aggravated assault, and sexual assault. Mr. Lewis is also mindful of the effects of a criminal record, particularly with youthful offenders. He has worked within the justice system to negotiate plea agreements that allow offenders to enter programs in which an offender's records are expunged after a period of probation.

Attorney Lewis has experience in settling estates, including both small estates and large estates where federal estate tax returns are required. He and his staff are involved in all aspects of the estate administration process, from collecting assets and paying debts, to calculating taxes, selling real estate, and preparing the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return. Barry works with the executor or administrator so that every detail of the estate is completed in a timely manner.

Mr. Lewis takes a hands-on approach to family law, and is diligent in returning telephone calls within twenty-four hours. Barry handles all aspects of family law including pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, alimony, name changes and adoptions. He has appeared on behalf of clients in fourteen Pennsylvania counties.

Attorney Lewis has a continuing interest in helping clients complete estate planning including the drafting of wills, powers of attorney and living wills. He also has a background in elder law, including guardianships, Medicaid/Medicare issues, nursing home admissions and planning for the elderly who wish to remain in their home. Mr. Lewis has experience in Orphans Court litigation with matters such as will contests, guardianships, and cases requiring or defending accountings from executors of an estate or agents under a power of attorney or guardianship. Barry also has significant experience in Marcellus Shale natural gas leases.

Barry volunteers with six local fire departments and is a member of the Columbia County Sheriffs Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team. He teaches vehicle rescue courses through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Fire Academy. He has also served as the President of the Executive Board of the Columbia-Montour Council of the Boy Scouts of America.