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Evan C. Pappas

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Co-Chair, Hospitality Group

Co-chair, Intellectual Property Group

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Delivering strategic legal solutions with innovation, practicality, and focus on the future of your business

Evan is a trusted outside general counsel to a wide range of businesses, serving as the “first call” for legal guidance across a variety of issues. With a diverse skill set that includes operational matters, litigation, regulatory compliance, and business strategy, Evan is known for providing practical, innovative solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether faced with a complex legal issue, navigating a business challenge, or seeking strategic advice for growth, Evan is committed to delivering results that align with his clients' long-term goals.

Evan works closely with business owners, executives, and key personnel to develop comprehensive strategies and assemble the right team to achieve success. From contract negotiations to compliance guidance, Evan’s proactive approach ensures that clients have the legal support they need at every stage of their business lifecycle. His extensive experience in handling both litigation and transactional matters allows him to provide holistic counsel that not only addresses immediate concerns but also anticipates future risks and opportunities.

In his litigation practice, Evan advises clients on risk mitigation and business litigation strategies, successfully representing them in courts throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He handles all stages of litigation, from pre-trial to discovery, trials, mediation, and appeals, providing hands-on guidance every step of the way. Following the resolution of disputes, many of Evan’s clients retain him in an ongoing capacity as general counsel, where he continues to offer advice on corporate governance, contracts, trade secrets, employment matters, and regulatory oversight.

A key part of Evan’s practice is advising businesses on intellectual property (IP), particularly in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He works with clients to identify and protect their valuable intellectual assets, offering strategic guidance on trademark searches, filing applications, and defending against infringement. Evan’s approach is focused on providing cost-effective protection strategies while ensuring that clients’ IP portfolios remain secure from unauthorized use or dilution. His expertise also includes representing clients in USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) proceedings and federal court litigation.

Additionally, Evan has a robust practice representing clients in the alcohol industry. He counsels liquor licensees, including restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries, on compliance, operations, and regulatory matters. Evan is well-versed in handling liquor license citations and hearings before the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE), helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments and protect their business interests.

Evan is a licensed title agent with extensive experience in facilitating both commercial and residential real estate transfers and refinances. He handles a wide range of real estate matters, including title searches, closings, and dispute resolution. In addition to his transactional work, Evan is actively involved in real estate litigation, representing clients in disputes related to property rights, contract issues, and title defects. He also serves as a mediator for the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, where he facilitates the resolution of disputes between buyers and sellers, helping parties reach mutually beneficial agreements outside of court.

Outside of his legal practice, Evan is actively involved in supporting local and regional nonprofit organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club and Dauphin County Crime Stoppers, working to improve the lives of children and promote safety in the community. Evan is also an executive member of the Board for the Sustainable Energy Fund, a regional nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable and regenerative technologies. Evan is deeply committed to leveraging his skills and expertise to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference in his community and beyond.

Representative Experience

  • Secured preliminary injunctive relief for a client in the insurance industry, preventing former employees from misappropriating proprietary customer lists.
  • Successfully resolved and dismissed fraud and contract claims in federal court for a client offering securities in the automotive sector.
  • Represented multiple Pennsylvania liquor licensees in non-renewal and citation hearings before the PLCB and BLCE.
  • Advised a petroleum industry client on due diligence and developed a brand protection strategy for a formerly well-known but abandoned trademark.
  • Represented an Amazon seller accused of trademark infringement by a manufacturer, successfully defending the client in a high-stakes intellectual property dispute

Education

Widener University Commonwealth Law School (JD)
Lehigh University (BA)

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court of New Jersey

Office Location

  • Harrisburg

Services

  • Alcoholic Beverages/Liquor Licensing
  • Arbitration, Mediation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Business & Finance
  • Business Succession Planning Capabilities
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Compliance & Risk Management
  • Franchise
  • Intellectual Property
  • Privacy, Data Security, & Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Transactions and Title Insurance
  • Securities Capabilities

Industries

  • Construction
  • Hospitality
  • Startup Businesses

Departments

  • Commercial Litigation

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Forty Under 40 Award, 2011

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • Clean Air Council, Board of Directors
  • Crime Stoppers of Dauphin County, Board of Directors
  • Dauphin County Lawyers for the Arts, Member

Education

Widener University Commonwealth Law School (JD, cum laude)
Lehigh University (BA, cum laude)

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court of New Jersey

Office Location

  • Harrisburg

Services

  • Alcoholic Beverages/Liquor Licensing
  • Arbitration, Mediation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Business & Finance
  • Business Succession Planning Capabilities
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Compliance & Risk Management
  • Franchise
  • Intellectual Property
  • Privacy, Data Security, & Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Transactions and Title Insurance
  • Securities Capabilities

Industries

  • Construction
  • Hospitality
  • Startup Businesses

Departments

  • Commercial Litigation

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Forty Under 40 Award, 2011

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • Clean Air Council, Board of Directors
  • Crime Stoppers of Dauphin County, Board of Directors
  • Dauphin County Lawyers for the Arts, Member

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