Bio
Jay is an attorney at MacDonald Illig whose practice focuses on real estate, commercial and economic development, and financing matters. He advises individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, lending institutions, municipal authorities, and economic development agencies on a broad range of transactional and development-related legal matters. Jay is known for his practical approach to complex transactions and his commitment to providing thoughtful and collaborative legal guidance.
Jay Helps Clients With:
- Real estate transactions
- Residential and commercial real estate matters
- Title and development issues
- Commercial financing transactions
- Tax-exempt financing
- Municipal bond financing
- Industrial development bond matters
- 501(c)(3) bond financing
- Economic development projects
- Representation of lending institutions and development agencies
Jay regularly assists clients with matters ranging from residential real estate transactions to complex financing and development projects involving municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and business entities.
Approach to Client Service
Jay approaches legal matters with a focus on practicality, responsiveness, and professionalism. Clients value his candid communication style, attention to detail, and ability to balance careful analysis with practical solutions that support efficient and effective outcomes.
Experience and Professional Background
Jay advises clients throughout Erie and beyond on a variety of real estate, financing, and development matters. His practice includes representing individuals, business organizations, nonprofit institutions, lending institutions, municipal authorities, and economic development agencies.
He has experience handling commercial financings as well as tax-exempt municipal, industrial development, and nonprofit bond issues. His work also includes advising clients on title matters, land development issues, and transactional real estate matters.
Jay previously served as chair of MacDonald Illig’s Real Estate Practice Group and Marketing Committee.
Professional Recognition
Jay has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Law since 2018.
Community Involvement
Jay is actively involved in community and nonprofit organizations and has held leadership roles supporting social, educational, and cultural initiatives throughout the region.
Noteworthy
- Selected for inclusion in the publication The Best Lawyers in America© for Real Estate Law (2018 - Present)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Attorney Rating
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Services Award Recipient (1987 - 1988)
- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Award Recipient, 2008
- Erie County Bar Association President's Award Recipient, 2012
- Catholic Charities Helping Hands Award Recipient, 2014
- Gannon University Distinguished Alumni Award, 2016
- Listed in the Bond Buyers Municipal Market Place Guide® as nationally recognized bond counsel
Education & Admissions
Memberships & Associations
- Erie County Bar Association, Board of Directors 2006-2011; President 2010
- American Bar Association, Member
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Member, Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyers Trust Account Board, 2024 - Present
- Director, Our West Bayfront, 2024 - Present
- Director and Past Chairman, Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie, 2018-2024
- Director, Erie Arts and Culture, 2017-2022
- Director, Erie Land Bank, 2016-2018
- Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network 2013-2022; President 2018-2020
- Director, Erie County Historical Society 2012-2015
- Director and Past President, ExpERIEnce Children's Museum 2009-2015
- Director and Secretary, John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation 2008-2019
- Director and Past President, Early Connections, Inc. 2005-2010
- Trustee, Mercyhurst Preparatory School 1999-2006; 2014-2020
- Director and Past President, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services 1999-2008
- Director and Past President, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie 1995-2013
- Director and Past Chairman, Erie County Bar Foundation 1991-1994
- Director and Past President, Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services, Inc. 1988-1998
- Director and Past President, Northwestern Legal Services 1981-2013
- Gannon University, Lecturer in Business Law 1980-1994
- Past Director, Perseus House, Inc. and L'Arche of Erie, Inc.