Looking Back & Moving Forward: The Skeen Firm’s 2025 Year in Review (and What’s Next in 2026)
This year reaffirmed what we’ve believed from the start: people want straightforward legal help that respects their time, their goals, and their bottom line. Here’s a look at what we accomplished together — and what you can expect from us in 2026.
Looking Back & Moving Forward: The Skeen Firm’s 2025 Year in Review (and What’s Next in 2026)
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year of growth, learning, and serving everyday Pennsylvanians and West Virginians with Everyday Legal Advice®—no legalese, no nonsense, just clear guidance when it matters most.
This year reaffirmed what we’ve believed from the start: people want straightforward legal help that respects their time, their goals, and their bottom line. Here’s a look at what we accomplished together—and what you can expect from us in 2026.
A Year of Practical, Everyday Legal Guidance
In 2025, our blog continued to focus on the legal issues people actually face in their lives and businesses.
We shared insights on family law, helping couples and individuals better understand topics like prenuptial agreements, separation, and planning ahead for major life changes.
For small business owners, we published guidance on issues like partnerships, contracts, and resolving disputes before they escalate. Entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania and West Virginia rely on clear legal foundations to grow confidently.
We also expanded our content around estate planning, breaking down common misconceptions and explaining why tools like wills and trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy—they’re for anyone who wants peace of mind.
Each article is written with one goal in mind: to give you the information you need to make informed decisions before a legal issue becomes a legal crisis.
Civil Litigation: Protecting Your Rights When Disputes Arise
In 2025, we also continued to guide clients through civil litigation matters, helping individuals and businesses resolve disputes efficiently and strategically.
Whether involving contract disputes, business conflicts, or other civil claims, litigation can be overwhelming. Our focus is on helping clients understand their options, assess risk, and pursue outcomes that align with their long-term goals—inside or outside the courtroom.
By pairing practical legal advice with a clear strategy, we help clients move forward confidently when disputes can’t be avoided.
What 2025 Taught Us
This year brought valuable insight into what our clients and readers care about most.
Plain-English legal advice matters.
The content that resonated most was clear, practical, and focused on real outcomes—which is exactly what Everyday Legal Advice® stands for. Learn more about our approach on our About The Skeen Firm page.
Small business legal planning is a priority.
From startups to established companies, business owners are proactively seeking guidance to protect what they’ve built—especially when it comes to contracts, compliance, and disputes. See how we support entrepreneurs through Business Law.
Estate planning is happening earlier.
More families and professionals are recognizing that planning ahead isn’t about age—it’s about protecting loved ones and avoiding uncertainty. Learn more about Estate Planning at The Skeen Firm.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we head into the new year, our focus remains the same: helping individuals, families, and business owners move forward with clarity and confidence.
- New legal guides for small business owners
- Practical resources for family law planning
- Step-by-step explanations of estate planning tools
- Continued insights into civil litigation and dispute resolution
- Ongoing updates on how legal changes impact everyday people in Pennsylvania and West Virginia
We’re also continuing to improve our website so it’s easier to find the information you need—whether you’re researching a legal issue or ready to schedule a consultation.
Thank You for Trusting The Skeen Firm
If you’ve read a blog post, shared an article, or reached out to us for guidance this year—thank you. It’s a privilege to serve our community and provide legal advice that’s practical, accessible, and honest.
We look forward to continuing that work in 2026.
If you’re planning for the year ahead and have legal questions, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation: https://www.theskeenfirm.com/contact.
More Resources You May Find Helpful
*Disclaimer: The advice provided is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. It should not be relied on, nor construed as creating an attorney-client relationship.
Now offering Everyday Legal Advice in the Mountain State!
Our founder, Brocton Skeen, is officially licensed in West Virginia! ⚖️ We’re excited to bring Everyday Legal Advice to the Mountain State.
Our founder, Brocton Skeen, is officially licensed in West Virginia! ⚖️ We’re excited to bring Everyday Legal Advice to the Mountain State.
The Skeen Firm Opens Cranberry Township Office
We are pleased to announce The Skeen Firm has expanded by opening an office in Cranberry Township on July 1, 2020. This move furthers our mission of providing everyday legal services for the everyday resident of southwestern Pennsylvania. We look forward to serving clients in Butler and Beaver Counties.
We are pleased to announce The Skeen Firm has expanded by opening an office in Cranberry Township on July 1, 2020. This move furthers our mission of providing everyday legal services for the everyday resident of southwestern Pennsylvania. We look forward to serving clients in Butler and Beaver Counties.
Our new office is located at:
2009 Mackenzie Way
Suite 100
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Call us at 724-720-9362 to schedule a consultation. Or book on our website at https://www.theskeenfirm.com/contact
About The Skeen Firm PLLC: The Skeen Firm is a law firm that advises clients in the areas of estate planning, business, oil and gas/energy, family law, criminal defense, and bankruptcy across Pennsylvania. We focus on giving everyday legal advice for the everyday resident of Pennsylvania. For more information visit: www.theskeenfirm.com
Crystal L. McLaughlin Joins The Skeen Firm as a Partner
Washington, Pennsylvania: The Skeen Firm PLLC today announced that Crystal Lee McLaughlin will be joining The Firm as a Partner, chairing the Family Law and Criminal Law practices, effective May 7, 2020.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2020
Crystal Lee McLaughlin joins The Skeen Firm PLLC as Partner
Washington, Pennsylvania: The Skeen Firm PLLC today announced that Crystal Lee McLaughlin will be joining The Firm as a Partner, chairing the Family Law and Criminal Defense practices, effective May 7, 2020.
Crystal is joining the firm following a successful career in the corporate sector. She brings with her a unique blend of prior practice experience and a passion for the law and justice. Crystal is committed to utilizing technology to make our client’s experience easier as she will be working to establish and grow The Skeen Firm’s Family Law and Criminal Defense practices. Additionally, Crystal will help launch the Bankruptcy practice and help expand our growing Estate Planning practice.
“I am excited to join The Skeen Firm and return to my first love of practicing law,” says Crystal.
Crystal graduated from The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in English, minoring in mathematics. She was awarded her Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law, where she received an American Jurisprudence Award in Trial Practice.
“I am excited to add Crystal to the firm as a partner, chairing the Family Law and Criminal Defense practices,” says Brocton G. Skeen, Principal/Attorney at The Skeen Firm. “Crystal’s prior practice experience, combined with her unwavering professionalism are the perfect mix in a law partner. I look forward to watching and helping her grow a successful practice.”
About The Skeen Firm PLLC: The Skeen Firm is a law firm that advises clients in the areas of estate planning, business, oil and gas/energy, family law, criminal defense, and bankruptcy across Pennsylvania. We focus on giving everyday legal advice for the everyday resident of Pennsylvania. For more information visit: www.theskeenfirm.com