Industry knowledge.
Commercial perspective.

Auctioneering is a distinct and evolving business. The legal work calls for familiarity with the industry’s contracts, practices, licensing requirements, and changing technology.

George maintains a dedicated auction-law practice representing auctioneers and auction companies. He helps clients identify and manage risk, educate sellers and buyers, and protect commissions, premiums, and fees.

Contracts and the auction process

• Auction and consignment contracts; bidder terms and conditions
• Live, online, telephone, and absentee bidding issues
• Uniform Commercial Code issues, including auction sales and the passage of title, possession, and risk of loss
• Buyer’s premiums, seller withdrawal, payment obligations, escrow, and credit card chargebacks

The business behind the auction

• Licensing, disciplinary matters, and administrative proceedings
• Auction-related litigation and risk management
• Purchases and sales of auction businesses; succession planning
• Intellectual property auctions and transactional documentation
• Real estate, land use, environmental issues, and oil, gas, and mineral rights
• Sales tax and federal and state restrictions affecting certain property, including firearms and taxidermy
• Ethics and industry best practices

Speaking, teaching, and writing

George presents on auction law and ethics to national and state auctioneer associations, teaches in auctioneering programs in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Indiana, and provides continuing education. He was a principal draftsperson of amendments to Pennsylvania’s Auctioneer Licensing and Trading Assistant Registration Act.

See George’s Industry Experience ↗

George’s business and commercial practice has included individuals, start-ups, small companies, and publicly traded entities. The work spans the life of a business, from formation and governance to financing, acquisitions, and sales.

• Business formation, shareholder agreements, LLC operating agreements, and buy-sell agreements
• Corporate governance, ongoing corporate matters, and securities law compliance and filings
• Stock transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and asset purchases and sales
• Commercial loans and credit facilities, asset-based lending, project financing, and letters of credit
• Distribution and licensing agreements; employment and consulting contracts
• Commercial leases, mortgages, real estate transactions, and Uniform Commercial Code matters

Litigation can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. When it is appropriate or necessary, the client needs a clear understanding of the opportunities, risks, and decisions ahead.

George’s litigation experience includes a broad range of commercial, property, employment, insurance, and government-related disputes. Keeping clients informed throughout the process is a priority.

• Contract litigation, banking disputes, lender liability, and debtor-creditor matters
• Bad faith insurance coverage litigation
• Property disputes and nuisance actions
• Employment disputes and discrimination lawsuits
• Public records matters, consumer protection cases, and mandamus actions
• Commercial litigation and appellate practice

George combines a Master’s degree in Public Administration with experience as Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. That background informs his work with administrative practice and procedure.

His practice includes protecting professional licensees’ rights and addressing due process in licensing and disciplinary matters.

Agency and board experience

George has appeared before the Court of Judicial Discipline, State Civil Service Commission, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Environmental Hearing Board, Department of State, Board of Finance and Revenue, Board of Claims, Department of Human Services, and the State Boards of Auctioneer Examiners, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.

His work defending auctioneers against improperly issued citations contributed to changes in Pennsylvania auctioneer licensing law.

George has assisted clients in exploring and obtaining loan and grant financing through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including financing for multi-million dollar projects.

As former Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, he brings experience with Commonwealth financing programs and resources to project planning and funding questions.

• Commonwealth loan and grant financing
• Economic development incentives
• Project financing and commercial financing arrangements

Read about George’s Government Experience ↗

Property rights, obligations, and restrictions influence financing, development, ownership, and transactions. George’s experience includes real estate transactions, financing secured by real estate, property disputes, and appearances before zoning boards, planning commissions, and township supervisors.

• Property purchases, sales, and leases
• Private mortgage transactions and credit facilities for borrowers and lenders
• Land use, development, zoning, and property disputes
• Environmental and nuisance issues
• Government takings and eminent domain matters
• Oil and gas lease negotiations for landowners in the Marcellus Shale

As DCED Chief Counsel, George oversaw numerous real estate transactions and the implementation of eminent domain actions related to the underground mine fire in Centralia. In private practice, he has negotiated for clients whose property was subject to government takings.