Jeffrey M. Stacko

Partner

Jeff is an experienced litigator who represents individuals and entities in a wide variety of commercial litigation. Whether advising clients on case strategy, conducting discovery, or defending through trial, Jeff works closely with his clients to achieve the best results possible.

A large portion of Jeff’s practice is focused on the construction industry, where he has represented contractors and subcontractors in all aspects of construction projects. He has defended and prosecuted construction defect claims, Pennsylvania Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act (CASPA) claims, and mechanics’ liens. In addition to construction litigation, Jeff serves as counsel for automobile and motorcycle manufacturers and distributors in warranty litigation pursuant  to the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law. Jeff has also represented clients in government investigations, including inquiries by federal regulators.

Jeff is an active member of the Pennsylvania Defense Institute.

Credentials

Education

University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., 2012)

The Pennsylvania State University (B.S., 2009)

  • Finance

Bar admissions

  • West Virginia
  • Pennsylvania

Court admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia

Affiliations and memberships

  • The Hay-Sell Pittsburgh American Inn of Court, Website Administrator (2018-2023)
  • Pennsylvania Defense Institute, Young Lawyers Committee Chairperson (2021-2024)

Distinctions

  • Pennsylvania Rising Star® (2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers®
    • “Ones to Watch” in Pittsburgh for Oil and Gas Law (2021-2025)
  • Pennsylvania Defense Institute’s Young Lawyer of the Year (2022)

Career Highlights
  • Mechanics Lien and Payment Act Matter

    Dinsmore represented an electrical and instrumentation services subcontractor in a mechanics’ lien and Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act (CASPA) matter.  Following the provision of services for the construction of a natural gas pipeline, the subcontractor was not paid in accordance with the parties’ contract in an amount in excess of $1,000,000.  Dinsmore noticed and filed mechanics’ liens, along with a complaint alleging CASPA violations.  The contractor defended the claim by invoking a “pay if paid” provision in the contract.  Following protracted litigation, the Dinsmore team argued that the “pay if paid” provision was not enforceable because of the “prevention doctrine,” and recovered approximately 99% of the amount contractually due.

Publications
  • March 31, 2020

    Construction Impacted by Coronavirus? Know Your Lien Rights

  • March 11, 2020

    Opioid Treatment Agreements: PA Dept. of Health Publishes Temporary Regulations

News
  • May 22, 2025

    Ten Dinsmore Attorneys Named to 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists

  • August 15, 2024

    250+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2025 Best Lawyers ®, Ones to Watch

  • January 3, 2024

    Dinsmore Elevates 13 Attorneys to Partnership

  • August 17, 2023

    200+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2024 Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch”

  • August 18, 2022

    Best Lawyers® 2023 Names 63 Dinsmore Attorneys “Ones to Watch”

  • May 23, 2022

    Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Honors 8 Dinsmore Attorneys

  • August 19, 2021

    Best Lawyers® Recognizes 64 Up-and-Coming Dinsmore Attorneys

  • May 26, 2021

    Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

  • August 20, 2020

    Best Lawyers® Recognizes 52 Up-and-Coming Dinsmore Attorneys

  • May 28, 2020

    Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Events
  • October 19, 2023

    Furnisher’s Responsibilities When Investigating “Legal Disputes”