Zanita is a peacemaker, focusing on helping families to resolve conflict with dignity and respect as a collaborative lawyer and mediator. For over 40 years Zanita has dedicated her practice to ably and effectively representing families in conflict and/or in crisis.
Zanita graduated from Brandeis University and Temple Law School. She became the first woman from Erie to return to her community to practice law. Her career has led to advocacy in a diverse range of practice areas, and Zanita continues to provide alternative dispute resolution services in civil matters beyond family law, such as labor and employment, estates, and more. Zanita provides effective and creative solutions for the unique circumstances of each case. Her philosophy and approach focus on identifying the needs and priorities of each individual, working toward the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
Zanita is the founding president of the Collaborative Professionals of Northwest Pennsylvania (CPNWPA). She is a former chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Collaborative Law Committee, and current chair of the Subcommittee on Legislation, the Subcommittee on Training, and the Subcommittee on State Teams. She is also currently a member of the PBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Family Law Committee, Labor and Employment Law Committee, and Solo and Small Firm Committee. Zanita has also served on the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), chairing the Membership and Outreach Committee, and the Fundraising Committee. She was an active member of the IACP’s Uniform Collaborative Law Act Advisory Task Force, and Zanita helped lead the process of drafting and passing the Pennsylvania Collaborative Law Act.
In addition to her practice as a collaborative lawyer, mediator, and peacemaker, Zanita is an experienced and trusted trainer in each of these areas. As a trainer, Zanita has helped to teach other professionals how to incorporate peacemaking into their practice. She has presented locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. If you’re reading this, Zanita looks forward to meeting and collaborating with you!
