Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP is pleased to announce that attorneys Megan Knowlton Balne and David G. Gunther have been elected to partnership, effective October 1, 2019. According to Benjamin Levin, managing partner, “David Gunther and Megan Knowlton Balne personify our goals in developing associates for partnership. We have been fortunate to be able to mentor these exceptionally capable lawyers since joining our firm following their judicial clerkships.”

As an integral part of our litigation team, Megan concentrates her practice in the areas of employment, counseling and commercial litigation. Her enthusiasm and compassion are especially appreciated by our clients. Recently, Megan was honored with this year’s state-wide Professional Achievement Award by the New Jersey State Bar Association. She is a member of the South Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. With a passion for the arts, Megan directs and acts in theatre productions throughout South Jersey.Megan is a member of the Burlington County, New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. A graduate of Ramapo College (B.A., summa cum laude, 2007), Megan received her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law-Camden (J.D., magna cum laude, 2010).

David practices in the areas of business and franchise law. His business practice includes providing outside general counsel services to regional, national, and international companies, with a particular emphasis in advising food manufacturers. David handles the franchise registration and sales programs for a number of national franchisors. In addition to drafting franchise agreements, area development agreements and franchise disclosure documents, he regularly provides advice on franchise structuring, operational concerns, and compliance with franchise disclosure and relationship laws. He also represents franchisors in disputes with franchisees. David’s franchisee-side experience includes transactional representation of a national multi-unit, multi-brand franchisee which specializes in food concepts.A graduate of Wheaton College (B.A., 2004), David earned his law degree from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2009.

Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP attorneys have decades of experience in the region. The firm's practice areas include business and transactions, real estate, environmental law, zoning and land use, franchise and licensing, food and beverage law, general and commercial litigation, community associations, employment, business planning and tax, trusts and estates, leasing, eminent domain and real property taxation. Established in 2009, Hyland Levin Shapiro was founded on the principle of lawyers getting back to doing what they do best, practicing law. Most of its attorneys have worked for larger firms, and its clients include some of the area's most substantial businesses and institutions.