How much does it cost to hire J. for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does J. offer a free consultation?

J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can J. take my case if I'm outside Pittsburgh?

J. is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with J.?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is J. accepting new general clients right now?

J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

J. Lawson Johnston, General Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and Workers Comp · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

ShareholderatDickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.

Pittsburgh, PA

Practicing general in Pittsburgh since 1974.

52+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Litigation Workers Comp

Are you J. Lawson Johnston?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

J. Lawson Johnston is a shareholder based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Workers Comp. J. has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Pittsburgh, PA
Experience: over 52 years
Known for: General · Litigation · Workers Comp

Handles General, Litigation, and Workers Comp matters from Pittsburgh, PA.
Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters J. takes on

J. concentrates on general, litigation, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

J. takes general matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

J. takes litigation matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Workers Comp cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

J. takes workers comp matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet J. Lawson Johnston — general lawyer in Pittsburgh

J. Lawson Johnston is a shareholder of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Railroad Law, Litigation and Regulatory Counsel Group . He concentrates his practice in the areas of transportation law and commercial law and litigation, with specific emphasis in railroad litigation, toxic tort, and occupational disease.

Mr. Johnston possesses a strong background in civil litigation, employer liability, maritime, and administrative law matters, including OSHA, Public Utility Commission, Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and Black Lung Benefits Act - all areas upon which he has lectured extensively. He has represented Class I and Short Line railroads successfully in pre-trial matters and trials for over 30 years in FELA (Federal Employers’ Liability Act), crossing accident, and trespasser injury cases. In addition, he has represented the hospitality industry and national motor carriers in general liability matters.

Mr. Johnston formerly served as Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and presided over the first Tort Division for the Commonwealth in Western Pennsylvania after sovereign immunity was abolished.

Professional Accomplishments

•AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell since 2000
•The Best Lawyers in America : 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in Railroad Law for Pittsburgh
•The Best Lawyers in America since 2006: Railroad Law and Workers’ Compensation Law - Employers

Speaking Engagements

•“OSHA Proposed Constricted Recordkeeping Rules: Best Compliance Practices Uncovered!” (Co-Speaker); live webcast; The Knowledge Group; 3/18/2016

Community

•Neighborhood Legal Services (Protection From Abuse Project)

Press Releases

8/21/2025 Press Releases

Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers in America Award Recipients

8/15/2024 Press Releases

Forty-Six Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers Award Recipients

8/17/2023 Press Releases

Forty-Four Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers Award Recipients

8/25/2022 Press Releases

Forty-Three Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Lawyers Named to 2023 Best Lawyers List

8/25/2021 Press Releases

2022 Best Lawyers List includes 44 Attorneys from Dickie McCamey

8/19/2020 Press Releases

Forty-Five Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Lawyers Named to 2021 Best Lawyers list

8/15/2019 Press Releases

Forty-Two Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2020

8/15/2018 Press Releases

Forty-Two Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2019

8/15/2017 Press Releases

Thirty-Seven Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2018

8/15/2016 Press Releases

Thirty-Eight Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2017

2/17/2016 Press Releases

J. Lawson Johnston to Speak on OSHA Proposed Constricted Recordkeeping Rules in Live Webcast

8/24/2015 Press Releases

Thirty-Eight Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2016

How J. handles general matters

Who J. represents

J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and workers comp matters in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
J.D. · 1974
Temple University
B.A. · 1968

Jurisdictions

J.'s state bar admissions

Pennsylvania Supreme
1974 · ACTIVE

J. studied at J.D. in Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University and B.A. in Temple University.

Law school and academic background

J. completed J.D. in Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University and B.A. in Temple University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

J. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

J.'s professional memberships and bar associations

Memberships •Allegheny County Bar Association •National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel •Pennsylvania Bar Association
membership

Locations

J. Lawson Johnston's office in Pittsburgh

J.'s primary office is at Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1000, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.

Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1000

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of J. Lawson Johnston — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of J.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Pittsburgh.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once J. Lawson Johnston claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire J. Lawson Johnston — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for J.

J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about J. Lawson Johnston

How much does it cost to hire J. for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Pittsburgh?
J. is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with J.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new general clients right now?
J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

J. handles general matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If J.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Pittsburgh handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.