

Michael P. Pest
Member
Overview
Michael Pest practices in the area of commercial litigation. He represents a wide range of clients in litigation involving financial services, contractual disputes, alleged business torts, real estate transactions, shareholder disputes, and claims under various federal and state consumer protection laws. Michael has extensive experience in trial and appellate courts in multiple jurisdictions and before the American Arbitration Association.
Prior to joining Eckert Seamans, Michael served as a law clerk to the Honorable Dan Pellegrini, President Judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Representative Matters
- Defended national financial institution through trial and appeal in case involving various claims under Pennsylvania’s Uniform Commercial Code.
- Defended limited partnership and general partner in commercial arbitration involving claims by limited partner for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty.
- Represents financial services institutions and loan servicers in contested foreclosures, quiet title actions, and matters arising under statutes regulating the consumer finance industry, including the Truth-in-Lending Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
- Represents energy companies in cases involving alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Professional Affiliations
- Allegheny County Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Reading is FUNdamental Pittsburgh, elementary school reading mentor
Awards and Recognition:
- Received a 2021 Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch recognition for Commercial Litigation
- Selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Star
News and Insights
Publications
- “2020 in Review: Virtual Litigation,” pages 28-29, Bloomberg Law Practice Perspectives, December 2020.
- “Avoid Losing Control of a Remote Witness: Some Suggestions,” Bloomberg Law Insight, November 9, 2020.
- “Guidelines for Handling Exhibits in a Socially Distanced Courtroom,” Bloomberg Law Professional Perspective, November 2020.
- “Is This the End of the TCPA? High Court Hears Oral Arguments in ‘Barr’,” The Legal Intelligencer, May 2020.
- “Pennsylvania’s Donated or Dedicated Property Act: A Potential Hurdle for your Gas Development Project,” The PIOGA Press, February 2020.
- “INSIGHT: Third Circuit Continues to Rein in Runaway TCPA Claims,” Bloomberg Law, July 3, 2018.
- “TCPA Alert: Third Circuit Continues to Rein in Runaway TCPA Claims,” Eckert Seamans’ Legal Update, June 27, 2018.
Media Coverage
- “Energy Co. Is Owed $500K For Withheld Gas Sale Proceeds,” Law360, January 13, 2021.