Attorneys

Bernard W. O'Keefe

Bernard W. O’Keefe is an attorney in the Litigation Department with a focus in commercial and construction litigation. Bernie has successfully defended numerous contractors in arbitration, mediation, and the federal and state courts involving cases and claims of all types including construction accidents, and claims for indemnification, contribution, subrogation, defense and attorney fees. He has successfully defended numerous municipalities, boroughs, and townships throughout Western Pennsylvania in cases involving construction litigation, claims against police, road safety claims, flooding, sewer and landslide claims, and defending cases involving alleged personal injury brought by plaintiffs against the local municipality, borough or township. Bernie has defended numerous contractors and companies involving workers compensation and unemployment claims brought by employees against the contractor and/or company.

In addition, Bernie has experience in auto and commercial vehicle litigation, municipal liability, and asbestos and environmental litigation. Bernie has tried numerous cases in both state and federal courts to successful conclusions for his clients.

Bernie has worked as a trial attorney for more than 30 years, both as corporate counsel and in private practice. He served in the Corporate Counsel Department of Mylan Inc. where he managed the nationwide pharmaceutical litigation for Mylan Inc. In addition, he managed the litigation and staff counsel law firms nationwide for the defense of thousands of cases filed against insureds of Firemans Fund Insurance Company.  He has been responsible for management of product liability cases, pricing litigation, and workers compensation and unemployment compensation claims and cases. Bernie managed outside counsel nationally in various litigation matters. 

Bernie has a BV rating, signifying a very high level of professional excellence through the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating System. 

Bar Admissions

• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• State of West Virginia
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Federal Courts

Education

• Duquesne University, B.A., 1975
• Duquesne University School of Law, J.D., 1978
• University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business, M.B.A., 1991

Community Involvement

• Coach, St. Gabriel Basketball and Cross Country Teams 
• President, Seton-LaSalle Catholic High School Women’s Volleyball Booster Organization
• Past President, Seton-LaSalle Catholic High School Men’s and Women’s Basketball Booster Organization
• Past President and Vice President, St. Gabriel Athletic Board
• Past President, St. Gabriel Men’s Club