User Image
User Image

Madelyn Snyder

Associate

Contact information

Download vCard Share

Dedicated Litigator Focused on Criminal Defense, Federal Litigation, and Client-Centered Advocacy

Madelyn Snyder is a litigation attorney focused on federal litigation and criminal defense, driven by a deep commitment to justice and finding effective ways to use the law to enact change for her clients. She is motivated by the challenge of persuading courts, tackling complex legal issues, and advocating for individuals navigating the legal system, often during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Madelyn most recently served as a Term Law Clerk to the Honorable Susan E. Schwab of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she managed a diverse federal caseload. In this role, she conducted extensive legal research and drafted orders, memorandum opinions, and reports and recommendations addressing motions to dismiss, summary judgment, and discovery disputes. Her work spanned a wide range of matters, including civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, employment discrimination under Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act claims, habeas corpus petitions, and Social Security appeals.

Known for her strong writing and analytical abilities, Madelyn excels at synthesizing complex legal issues and presenting them in a clear, persuasive manner tailored to the relevant audience—whether she is ensuring clients understand the pros and cons associated with various courses of action, negotiating with opposing counsel, or advocating for her client to a judge or other decision-maker with the relevant legal standards in mind. 

She approaches each case strategically, anticipating opposing arguments and using that insight to strengthen her clients’ positions.

Throughout her career, Madelyn has been committed to advocacy and public service. She gained hands-on litigation experience as a certified legal intern in the Dickinson Law Children’s Advocacy Clinic, where she represented child clients in dependency proceedings. She also worked with the Office of the Federal Public Defender and the Community Justice Project, contributing to trial and appellate work as well as impact litigation efforts.

Madelyn is equally committed to the human side of the law. She strives to create an environment where clients feel supported and understood, recognizing the stress and uncertainty that often accompany legal matters. Her goal is not only to be an effective advocate, but also a trusted advisor who helps clients navigate the legal system with confidence.

Presentations & Trainings

  • "Time Management Strategies Throughout Your Legal Career," Webinar Panelist, Federal Bar Association (2024)
  • "From Hiring to Firing: What Every Lawyer Should Know About Employment Law," Moderator, Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (2024)

Education

Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law (JD),
  • Civil Rights, Equal & Social Justice Certificate
  • Woolsack Honor Society
  • Robert J. and Mary Ellen Landy Award for excellence in the areas of ethics and professional responsibility, and overall devotion to the highest ideals of the legal profession
  • CALI Awards: Criminal Law; Professional Responsibility; Race, Racism & American Law; Constitutional Law II; Innocence and Wrongful Convictions
Eastern University (BA),
  • Templeton Honors College

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Office Location

  • Harrisburg

Services

  • Criminal Defense
  • White-Collar Criminal Defense

Departments

  • Commercial Litigation

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Dickinson Law Women’s Law Caucus Recent Graduate Award (2024)

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • Federal Bar Association, Member
  • National Constitution Center Scholar Exchange Program (2025–Present)
  • Penn State Dickinson Law Alumni Society Board (2022–Present)
  • Project S.H.A.R.E., Board of Directors (2020–2024)

Education

Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law (JD, cum laude)
  • Civil Rights, Equal & Social Justice Certificate
  • Woolsack Honor Society
  • Robert J. and Mary Ellen Landy Award for excellence in the areas of ethics and professional responsibility, and overall devotion to the highest ideals of the legal profession
  • CALI Awards: Criminal Law; Professional Responsibility; Race, Racism & American Law; Constitutional Law II; Innocence and Wrongful Convictions
Eastern University (BA, magna cum laude)
  • Templeton Honors College

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Office Location

  • Harrisburg

Services

  • Criminal Defense
  • White-Collar Criminal Defense

Departments

  • Commercial Litigation

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Dickinson Law Women’s Law Caucus Recent Graduate Award (2024)

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • Federal Bar Association, Member
  • National Constitution Center Scholar Exchange Program (2025–Present)
  • Penn State Dickinson Law Alumni Society Board (2022–Present)
  • Project S.H.A.R.E., Board of Directors (2020–2024)

Serving our clients successfully since 1900

The same attributes that have anchored over a century of success are still our guiding principles today.

Stay up-to-date on the latest News & Insights by subscribing to our alerts

Enter your email address below and be notified when we post new information.