J. Dwight Yoder

Dwight practices in the areas of civil rights litigation, zoning and land use law, employment law, fair housing claims, personal injury and general litigation. He also provides legal counsel to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations on a wide variety of matters, including negotiating agreements, handling real estate transactions, drafting and reviewing lease agreements and general business matters.

Dwight has a passion for civil rights litigation and protecting the constitutional rights of individuals. He has represented plaintiffs in a variety of civil rights cases, including cases involving free speech rights, religious liberties, unreasonable searches and seizures, and prisoner’s rights. He also handles employment discrimination cases and claims of discrimination against individuals with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act. Dwight has handled cases in all three federal district courts within Pennsylvania and has argued cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Dwight has significant experience in zoning and land use matters having represented landowners, developers, neighbors and municipalities in all aspects of the zoning and land use approval process. Dwight regularly represents clients before zoning hearing boards and municipal bodies. He has prosecuted many appeals through the county and state courts. Dwight represents municipalities both as the appointed solicitor and as special counsel. Dwight also has extensive experience in representing citizen’s groups and neighbors opposed to large scale development and other controversial uses that affect the quality of life and overall character of the surrounding community.

Dwight serves as the chair of the firm’s executive committee and is a member of the firm’s Advocacy Group. In 2011, Dwight was elected president of the Lancaster Bar Association. He also has chaired the Municipal, Zoning and Land Use Section. Dwight currently serves on the Lancaster Family YMCA Association Board of Directors and the Bridge of Hope National Board of Directors. He regularly gives seminars on civil rights and zoning topics. Dwight also serves as an adjunct professor at Elizabethtown College. Dwight has been involved with the youth group at his church and has coached numerous youth soccer teams over the years. Dwight and his family live in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster County.

Education

• William and Mary School of Law, J.D., Order of the Coif
• Pennsylvania State University, M.C.P. with honors
• Messiah College, B.A. with honors

Community Involvement

• Elizabethtown College, Adjunct Professor
• Bridge of Hope National Board of Directors
• Lancaster Family YMCA Association Board of Directors

Professional Affiliations

• Lancaster Bar Association (President – 2011)
• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• American Bar Association

Bar Admissions

• Pennsylvania
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court