At Ketchel Law, our criminal attorneys are ready to help you fight your charges, understand your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Pittsburgh attorneys treat our clients with respect and understand that these are stressful times for you and your family.
We are experienced, knowledgable and have been successfully battling charges for thousands of clients in Western Pennsylvania for over a decade.
Read below about each of our attorneys and their qualifications.
Attorney Justin J. Ketchel
A Top Criminal Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, Attorney Justin J. Ketchel thoroughly understands how to navigate the legal system in Western Pennsylvania. He and his team of experienced attorneys have been successful in winning many high profile cases for the past decade.
Dedicated and passionate about law and justice, Attorney Ketchel strives to protect his clients’ rights and provide the best possible defense for every case.
Attorney Justin J. Ketchel is a Pittsburgh native and received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Duquesne University School of Law. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, as well as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). He serves on both the Allegheny County Criminal Law Committee and the Communications Committee.
Attorney Thomas M. McKinley
Attorney Thomas M. McKinley has represented hundreds of clients for Ketchel Law over the past five years in a wide variety of criminal defense cases.
“Trustworthy” and “Attorney” aren’t always words you hear together, but that is exactly how Attorney McKinley’s clients describe him: honest, trustworthy, and responsive.
Attorney McKinley is a Pittsburgh native. He received his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.
Attorney McKinley is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the United States Western District Court of Pennsylvania.
Attorney Michael E. Waltman
Attorney Michael E. Waltman is an exceptional trial attorney who has dedicated his career to criminal defense work. He works aggressively to defend his clients’ rights and freedom. He ensures his clients thoroughly understand the legal process and their options.
Michael is Capital Qualified, meaning that he is one of only a few attorneys in Western Pennsylvania permitted by law to represent persons facing the death penalty.
Attorney Waltman is a 2003 graduate from Penn State University and a 2007 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, where he received a full merit-based academic scholarship.
Attorney Waltman began his career as an attorney in the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender’s Office, leaving that office in 2010 to enter private practice.
Attorney Robert Stasa
Attorney Robert Stasa joined Ketchel Law in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Robert focused his practice on Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Law where he successfully litigated countless hearings. In addition to representing clients in traditional criminal matters, Attorney Stasa represents Pennsylvania Bar applicants in their Character and Fitness determination hearings so that they can obtain their license to practice law. Mr. Stasa offers an insightful perspective for any professional facing criminal charges that could lead to additional professional discipline.
Attorney Stasa was born and raised in Pittsburgh. He received his undergraduate degree from Allegheny College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Mr. Stasa acted as Research Editor for the University of Pittsburgh Law Review and earned numerous scholarships and honors throughout his education including Outstanding Achievement in Economics and invitation to The Order of the Coif.
Attorney Stasa is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Attorney Nicole M. Lopez
Attorney Nicole M. Lopez joined Ketchel Law in 2023. Her philosophy is fiercely advocating for all clients with unwavering dedication. Nicole’s fresh perspective and deep commitment to justice ensure that all her clients receive the best representation possible.
Before joining Ketchel Law as an attorney, Nicole worked as a Certified Legal Intern with the firm. During this time, she was able to assist in handling a number of diverse cases to ensure the best possible outcome for each and every client.
Nicole is a 2020 graduate of The University of North Texas, and a 2023 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law. While in law school, Nicole’s education was focused on criminal law and trial advocacy.
Attorney Lopez is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.