Our Firm
Joel S. Sansone
Partner
Joel practices in the areas of civil rights and employment discrimination, with a specific emphasis on the rights of the plaintiff. Joel’s employment practice includes experience in claims against employers for age, sex, race and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of employment contracts and wrongful discharge. He also has a wealth of experience in civil rights litigation, most prominently in actions concerning the rights of citizens in connection with government and police entities.
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Joel received his Juris Doctor degree from the Duquesne University School of Law. While attending Duquesne University, he was a senior staff member of the Duquesne Law Review and a finalist in the National Trial Moot Competition. Joel graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Massimo A. Terzigni
Of Counsel
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​Massimo Terzigni brings a strong commitment to justice and expertise in civil rights and employment discrimination law. With over ten years of experience at both the federal and state level, Massimo has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, the Northern District of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining the Law Offices of Joel Sansone, Massimo worked with the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office, the Allegheny County Solicitor’s Office, and the Allegheny County Family Court’s Pro Se Motions Program. Massimo received his Juris Doctor degree from the Duquesne University School of Law. While attending Duquesne Law, he was recognized for achievements in legal research and writing, legal process, clinical work in the area of federal litigation and pro bono service. Massimo graduated with honors from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Elizabeth A. Tuttle
Partner
Liz joined the Law Offices of Joel Sansone in 2015 as a law clerk and was hired as an associate attorney upon passing the bar in 2016. Liz has spent the entirety of her legal career practicing at the Law Offices of Joel Sansone. She focuses her practice on representing clients who have experienced civil rights violations and discrimination in their employment. Liz is now a partner in the firm.
Liz previously worked with the Pro Bono Center, Jewish Family & Childrens' Service, and also served as a judicial extern in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Liz graduated cum laude from the Duquesne University School of Law. While attending Duquesne Law, Liz worked as a research assistant and served as a student attorney in Duquesne's Urban Development Practicum and as Executive Editor of the Duquesne Business Law Journal. Liz received recognition for her commitment to public service and was presented with awards for her achievements in legal research and writing, labor law, criminal procedure, and civil rights litigation. Liz graduated from Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Liz is a native Pittsburgher, and enjoys spending time in and around the city with her family.
Amanda N. Shields
Associate​
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Amanda joined the firm in May, 2025. She is passionate about ensuring all people are treated equally and with respect when interacting with any entity. Amanda is a good standing member of the Pennsylvania Bar and the Western District of Pennsylvania.
As a lawyer for the people, she began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Westmoreland County. While at the Public Defender's Office, she was counsel on three jury trials, nine bench trials, and twenty Pre-Trial Motions.
Amanda graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2023 with her Juris Doctorate, along with the John P. Gismondi Civil Litigation Certificate. She was selected as a member of the Mock Trial Team, and is currently a volunteer coach with the program. She is published in a joint article from her time in law school titled, Creating a Better, Fairer Criminal Justice System. Amanda was on the board of the Pittsburgh Tax Review Journal as the primary editor. In addition, Amanda was awarded several scholarships including the Tuition Scholarship, Public Interest Scholar Scholarship, and the ACBA Diversity Clerkship Award.
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Patricia A. Schmidt
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Patti is a senior paralegal focusing on employment discrimination and civil rights. She is experienced in assisting attorneys in all phases of litigation, including, but not limited to, initial case assessment; preparing discovery and document management plans; drafting discovery; digesting deposition transcripts; preparing cases for mediation, arbitration and/or trial; and post-trial and appellate matters. She has significant experience working closely with clients during the discovery phase of litigation. Patti also has considerable experience handling all administrative matters of the firm.
Katelyn Ridjaneck
Katie is a paralegal focusing on employment discrimination and civil rights litigation. Katie graduated with a bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University and obtained her Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the Paralegal Institute at Duquesne University School of Law. During her studies, Katie became a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi, a national honor society for paralegal and legal studies. Among her many duties as a paralegal at the firm, Katie enjoys working closely with the attorneys and our clients in order draft pleadings in civil litigation, as well as EEOC Charges of Discrimination.
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