Daniel H. Glasser focuses on cases that require business valuation and multiple experts. His accounting background enables him to read and interpret financial statements and tax returns easily. His ability to think on his feet and perform quick mental calculations gives him an edge in litigating complex cases. It also enables him to consult with clients early in the case and let them know what to expect, which path to follow, and what goals they can expect to achieve.
Dan also has negotiated and litigated hundreds of custody matters and draws on that experience, as well as his personal experience in raising his own children, to come to practical solutions in such cases.
For nearly 20 years, Dan has negotiated and tried family law cases involving complex issues such as business valuation, tax issues, and equitable distribution. He is a founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC and is known for being a workout specialist for tough cases. He can prepare a difficult case in a short span of time.
He has briefed and argued numerous appeals in the state appellate courts. Dan also has experience as a business litigator and has dealt with a wide variety of issues in state and federal courts and administrative tribunals.
Dan has authored and co-authored various publications and seminar materials on domestic relations law (including tax aspects), ethics, evidence, and tax law and has been a featured speaker at various seminars and continuing legal education programs including bar association seminars in Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Boston, Bermuda, Toronto, and Harrisburg.
Dan originally had plans to pursue a career in accounting but found he had a natural aptitude for law. He started working in civil litigation at Buchanan Ingersoll but took an opportunity to transfer into its Family Law Group where he could use his accounting skills on complex cases. Dan also appreciated the high level of action in family law and the increased trial work and court time over his civil litigation work.
Dan admires his father for his approach to people and life, which was very genuine and no-nonsense, and his mother for her sweet disposition. He's an avid fan of sports of all kinds, whether he's watching, listening, or playing. He goes to every Steeler game and spends most of his free time with his family, which includes two teenage boys. He has a huge extended family of over 100 members who all try to get together annually.
Education
Dan graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1990, where he was a member of the Law Review, a Student Bar Association board member, and president of his graduating class. Additionally, as a member of the school's Appellate Advocacy Team, he was a five-state regional champion and a national finalist. He received a bachelor of science in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University in 1987.
“I’m like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I’m the most contemplative, thoughtful lawyer you’ll meet and I try everything to stay out of litigation. I try creative solutions no one’s thought of. If despite all reasonable efforts we still can’t settle and have to go to court, then I drink the sauce and get aggressive.”
Awards
Dan has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2005, a designation representing the top 5 percent of Pennsylvania lawyers as selected by a panel of peers. He was also named in the most recent edition of the prestigious publication Best Lawyers in America.
Dan also recently became a member of the American Bar Association and The ABA's Family Law Section.
CV
“I’m like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I’m the most contemplative, thoughtful lawyer you’ll meet and I try everything to stay out of litigation. I try creative solutions no one’s thought of. If despite all reasonable efforts we still can’t settle and have to go to court, then I drink the sauce and get aggressive.”
News
May 8, 2013 — Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC divorce attorney Daniel H. Glasser will speak at a National Business Institute (NBI) legal education seminar on Monday, May 13. The daylong program for lawyers and legal professionals, entitled “Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish,” will address a broad range of items that impact the mechanics and procedures of a divorce case, including when to accept and decline representation, fee agreements, pre- and post-trial strategies and the location, valuation, and division of assets. View full release
April 3, 2013 — Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC partner Daniel H. Glasser will present at a National Business Institute (NBI) legal education seminar on Tuesday, April 23, entitled “Legal Ethics: Hot Topics and Current Events.” The half-day program for lawyers and legal professionals will focus on ethical concerns that may arise when providing counsel and offer attorneys information on protecting confidentiality, guarding against conflicts of interest, and preventing malpractice. View full release
March 14, 2012 — Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC partner Daniel H. Glasser and associate Dana A. Levine will present at a National Business Institute (NBI) legal education seminar on Friday, March 23. The daylong program for lawyers and financial professionals, entitled “Dividing the Family Business in Divorce,” will address the challenges of divorces that involve a family-owned business, and explore common methods of assessing its value and dividing present and future interests. For more information, visit www.nbi-sems.com or call the National Business Institute at (800) 930-6182. View full release (PDF).
January 9, 2012 — Daniel H. Glasser, partner at Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC, is a featured presenter at this year's Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Family Law Section Winter Meeting this month. Glasser will moderate a panel, entitled "Experts A to Z," and will speak on the use of expert witnesses in family law in a seminar for other Pennsylvania family lawyers and judges. It will be held in St. Petersburg, Fla., from January 13-16, 2012. For more information, go to www.pabar.org/public/sections/famco/Meetings or call the PBA at (800) 932-0311, Ext. 2231 or 2245. View full release (PDF).
Select Publications and Presentations
- Co-Presenter/Author, National Business Institute, “Dividing the Family Business in Divorce.” 2012.
- Panel Moderator, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section Winter Meeting, “Experts, A to Z.” 2012.
- Author/Lecturer, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, “Hot Tips: Engagement to Closing, Closing Letters.” 2011.
- Speaker, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, “Tax Law for the Family Practitioner.” 2009.
- Co-Course Planner/Lecturer, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, “Bankruptcy and Creditor Issues.” 2008.
- Speaker, Pennsylvania Bar Association, “Discovery: Tips and Tactics for Successful Litigators.” 2008.
- Author/Speaker, National Business Institute, “Successful Financial Settlements for your Divorce Clients.” 2006.
- Speaker/Co-Author, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section Winter Meeting, “Hidden Income: Is Proving It Worth the Risk.” 2003.
- Author/Speaker, American Bar Association, FLS Annual Meeting, “Finding Hidden Cash.” 2001.
- Speaker/Co-Author, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section Summer Meeting, “Tax aspects in Divorce: Special Problems.” 2000.
Other Media Appearances
- Pittsburgh Business Times, “What types of features do you require in a car?” by Louis A. Corsaro, Jan. 25, 2013.
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Personnel Moves," April 8, 2012
“A lot of these cases are a series of little actions: exclusive possession of the house, custody, an interim issue or motion where you have to depose someone. I want it to be as painful and aggravating for the other side if they choose to litigate. I want them to feel what it will be like in litigation. It’s not going to be easy or pleasant if they choose to litigate rather than settle.”
Affiliations & Memberships
- PENNSYLVANIA BAR ASSOCIATION (FAMILY LAW SECTION) - former elected member of council and former co-chair of the Program Committee
- ALLEGHENY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION (FAMILY LAW SECTION) - former co-chair of the Legislative Committee and past chair of the Program Committee and the Support Guidelines Committee
- COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, ALLEGHENY COUNTY Volunteer, NLSA Pro Bono PFA Attorney (1993-present) Volunteer, Pro Se Motions Attorney (1998-present)
- UPPER ST. CLAIR SCHOOL DISTRICT VOLUNTEER Baker Caper PTA Fundraiser (2000-2005) "Survivor" Competition Co-M.C. (2005)
- USC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Baseball Assistant Coach Pony League (2009) Football Boosters (2008-2009) Baseball Assistant Coach 9-10 Yr. Olds (2005-2006) Baseball Head Coach 7-8 Yr. Olds (2004)
- ODYSSEY OF THE MIND Trained Judge (2005) Volunteer, Spontaneity Judge- Spontaneity Fun Day (2005) Volunteer, Regional Competition (2005) Volunteer, State Competition (2005) Volunteer, Fundraising Booth, USC Community Day (2005)
- BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Merit Badge Counselor (Citizenship in the Nation, Law, Public Speaking, American Business) Troop 366 Trained Leader (2006) Troop 366 Speaker re: Knowing Your Constitutional Rights (2005, 2008) Pack 661 Assistant Den Leader (2000-2002) Pack 661 Acting Cub Master (2003-2005) Pack 661 Committee Chair (2002-2005)
- TEMPLE EMANUEL Adult Education Committee (2000-2002) Representative and Chair of South Hills Yom Ha'Azmaut Celebration (2003)
- AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (FAMILY LAW SECTION) – member
“A lot of these cases are a series of little actions: exclusive possession of the house, custody, an interim issue or motion where you have to depose someone. I want it to be as painful and aggravating for the other side if they choose to litigate. I want them to feel what it will be like in litigation. It’s not going to be easy or pleasant if they choose to litigate rather than settle.”
On A Personal Note
I love watching and playing most sports, but I am most devoted to the Steelers (as proven by the article I wrote in 1998 that was published in the Pennsylvania Family Lawyer under the subtitle: "Lifestyles of a Famous Divorce Lawyer".
I read fiction thrillers all the time and am a very active father to my two sons. I am now preparing my older son for the SATs. Both my boys have inherited my love of music (classic blues rock) as both now play Bass guitar.
I am married 18 years to my wife, Kathy, whom I met in law school. Kathy is a Health Care Agent who works for various insurers at the Pittsburgh branch of a national marketing company. In our spare time, we share our love of traveling, books, and movies with each other.
“I love going to court; I love the fact that Allegheny County has a very collegial family law group. We fight like cats and dogs in the courtroom but we shake hands like ladies and gentlemen when we leave. The judges are well informed. Every case is factually and legally different and interesting.”