Ryan D. Very, Esq.
Proprietor
Like his grandfather who predeceased his birth, Ryan Very is a zealous trial attorney who asserts rights and promotes justice. A fourth-generation Pittsburgher, Mr. Very has represented hundreds of businesses and consumers in a wide-variety of civil litigation and criminal defense matters. He attended a top-twenty law school. Upon graduation he was awarded a fellowship at the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the most sophisticated legal organizations in American history. He worked at the Pennsylvania chapter, which legalized same-sex marriage state-wide. A proficient litigator, he has negotiated hundreds of thousands of dollars in civil settlements, and plea bargained for the withdrawal of multiple felony charges at the first stage of a criminal proceeding. His client-obsessed, results-driven practice provides cost-effective strategies that maximize results and avoid preventable obstacles.
Awards
-Super Lawyers Rising Star
-ACLU Law Fellow
Appointments
-Chair, County Referral Committee
Affiliations
-American Bar
-Pennsylvania Bar
-Allegheny County Bar
-ACLU Legal Committee
Admissions
-U.S. Supreme Court
-U.S. Tax Court
-U.S. District Court for the Western District of PA
-Supreme Court of PA
-U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Education
-J.D., Boston University
-M.A., Boston University
-B.A., University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude
Stephen R. Matvey, Esq.
Associate
Affiliations
-American Bar
-Pennsylvania Bar
-Allegheny County Bar
Admissions
-U.S. District Court for the
Western District of PA
-Supreme Court of PA
Education
-J.D., University of Pittsburgh
-B.A., Kent State University, cum laude
Stephen Matvey is a conscientious attorney who holds himself to the highest professional standards. Prior to joining Very Law, Mr. Matvey represented townships, boroughs, and school districts at a firm in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Since joining Very Law, he has developed a diverse motions and discovery practice. He thrives in the nuances of family and criminal law, and fights for his clients from intake to trial. A diligent attorney with a dizzying work ethic, he solves problems with close personal attention, and pursues objectives with unflappable determination.
Russell K. Turner, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Russell Turner is a tenacious litigator who has dedicated his career to fighting for what is right. He was selected by the County Bar Foundation’s Pro Bono Center to assist indigent family law litigants. At the Duquesne University Civil Rights Clinic, he specialized in expungements and pardons. He made national news when he appeared on NBC’s Megyn Kelly Today, where he discussed his legal aspirations with the cast of Will and Grace. Known for his no-holds-barred cross examinations, Mr. Turner is an attorney you want in your corner.
Awards
-Super Lawyers Rising Star
-CALI Excellence in Core/Applied Competencies
-ACBF Pro Bono Center Fellow
Affiliations
-American Bar
-Pennsylvania Bar
-Allegheny County Bar
Admissions
-Supreme Court of PA
Education
-J.D., Duquesne University
-Paralegal Certificate, Saint Francis University
-B.A., University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Niki L. Erdner
Administrator
Education
-M.A., Duquesne University
-B.A., Gettysburg College
Niki Erdner is an enthusiastic helper-of-people. Equipped with a Master's degree from Duquesne University, she comes to Very Law with eleven plus years of customer service experience, and her own yoga business. As approachable as she is organized, she enriches the lives of our clients, and manages the firm's day-to-day operations with unparalleled attention-to-detail.
