LANCASTER, PA, May 5, 2026 – Stevens & Lee announced today that Derek P. Dissinger and Alexander Puskar have joined the firm, Mr. Dissinger as a Shareholder in the Real Estate Department and Mr. Puskar as a Shareholder in both the Corporate, Finance and Capital Markets Department and the firm’s ESOP Group. Both reside in the Lancaster office.
“Derek and Alex are exceptional lawyers whose practices align with the needs of our clients in Central Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Stevens & Lee President and CEO William P. Thornton, Jr. “Derek’s depth in real estate, land use and hospitality law, plus Alex’s corporate and ESOP experience, strengthen our ability to serve business clients throughout Pennsylvania.”
Mr. Dissinger has substantial experience in real estate transactions, land use and land development matters across Pennsylvania and Maryland, where he is also a licensed title agent. He represents clients in the purchase and sale of developed and undeveloped real estate and the complex issues associated with these transactions. He also assists real estate developers in sophisticated land development, zoning and planning matters, as well as lot add-ons and the formation of subdivisions, condominiums and other planned communities.
In his hospitality practice, Mr. Dissinger advises clients on the purchase and sale of hotels, restaurants and liquor licenses, and assists wineries and distilleries, breweries and brewpubs obtain Pennsylvania manufacturing licenses.
A corporate and transactional lawyer, Mr. Puskar advises stakeholders of closely held businesses on organizational matters, business succession planning and mergers and acquisitions, as well as other complex sale transactions, including establishing and operating employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). He also counsels nonprofit organizations of all sizes in mergers, acquisitions and fundamental change transactions, and in filing for tax-exempt status and general compliance issues.
After a successful 2025 which saw the firm expanding into Pittsburgh and Providence, RI, and growing substantially in Northern New Jersey, Stevens & Lee continues to focus on executing its strategy, which includes growth and penetration in existing markets, including Central Pennsylvania.
“Derek and Alex have spent their careers serving clients in this region and we couldn’t be happier having them lead our growth in this market,” said Mr. Thornton. “In addition to the law firm, our affiliated ESOP company, SES ESOP Strategies, and our title company, Reliance Search & Settlement, will benefit from their experience and service to clients in these areas.”
