Barry A. Lewis

Barry A. Lewis graduated from Benton High School in 1978, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1982, along with minors in Computer Science and Political Science and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. After graduating from the United States Army Intelligence Center and School, and exceeding all course standards, Mr. Lewis was hired as the Chief of Police in Sugarloaf Township in 1983, and in Benton Borough in 1984. Attorney Lewis graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1994 and joined the Law Offices of Cleveland C. Hummel. In 2000, Mr. Lewis and C. Cleveland Hummel formed the law firm of Hummel & Lewis, LLP, which became Hummel, Lewis & Smith, LLP in 2016.  The firm name reached its current iteration, Hummel Lewis & Davidson, LLP in 2021.

In over twenty-five years of practice, Barry has focused his practice in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Law, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Municipal Law. He is also extensively involved with the Marcellus Shale natural gas leasing which is occurring throughout Pennsylvania.

Attorney Lewis' experience as a law enforcement officer allows him to quickly evaluate cases involving criminal charges, including whether proper police procedures and protocols are followed during the investigation and arrest. Mr. Lewis' training in DUI enforcement includes techniques such as standardized field sobriety tests and various testing methods for blood alcohol. As a former member of the Columbia County Drug Task Force, Attorney Lewis has extensive experience with drug investigations and drug offenses. He has also trained in advanced accident investigation, criminal investigation and interrogation, and sex crime investigations. Attorney Lewis has handled cases involving felony charges including theft, homicide by motor vehicle, aggravated assault, and sexual assault, including taking numerous cases to trial. Mr. Lewis is also mindful of the effects of a criminal record, particularly with youthful offenders. He has worked within the justice system to negotiate plea agreements that allow offenders to enter programs in which an offender's records are expunged after a period of probation. Mr. Lewis works with clients who struggle with drug addiction or alcoholism and assists them in entering special Drug or Alcohol Courts, as well as a special program for persons charged with a non-violent felony, which allows the felony to be removed from the client's record.

Mr. Lewis takes a hands-on approach to family law, and is diligent in returning telephone calls within twenty-four hours. Barry handles all aspects of family law including pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, alimony, name changes, and adoptions. He has appeared on behalf of clients in fourteen Pennsylvania Counties.

Attorney Lewis has experience in settling estates, including both small estates and large estates, where federal estate tax returns are required. He and his staff are involved in all aspects of the estate administration process, from collecting assets and paying debts, to calculating taxes, selling real estate, and preparing the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return. Barry works with the executor or administrator so that every detail of the estate is completed in a timely manner.

Attorney Lewis also litigates estate issues in Orphans Court. He has litigated issues concerning Will contests, guardianships, cases requiring or defending  accountings from executors of an estate or agents under a Power-of-Attorney or guardianship, appointment of administrators or executors, fiduciary issues and the proper accounting methods. He has also been appointed by the Court to act as an auditor in issues dealing with Will contests, proper accountings and excessive fees.

Attorney Lewis has a continuing interest in helping clients complete estate planning including the drafting of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills. He also has a background in elder law, including guardianships, Medicaid/Medicare issues, nursing home admissions, and planning for the elderly who wish to remain in their home. Mr. Lewis has experience in Orphans Court litigation with matters such as Will contests, guardianships, and cases requiring or defending accountings from executors of an estate or agents under a Power of Attorney or guardianship. Barry also has significant experience in Marcellus Shale natural gas leases.

Barry volunteers with four local fire departments and is a member of the Columbia County Sheriff's Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team. He taught vehicle rescue courses through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Fire Academy for over twenty years. He also served as the President of the Executive Board of the Columbia-Montour Council of the Boy Scouts of America and District Chair of the Lenni Lenape District, and he is currently a Liason on the Area Four Committee and Executive Vice President of the Columbia-Montour Council. Barry has received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver.