Sunshine Act

THE PENNSYLVANIA SUNSHINE ACT

OPEN MEETINGS AND OPEN GOVERNMENT

Open Government in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act is an important open government law designed to ensure that the public has the ability to know what possible actions a governmental agency may take before voting. In its most basic sense, the Sunshine Act is an open meetings law that allows citizens to access public meetings in Pennsylvania. 


Having litigated cases under the Sunshine Act and trained agencies and others, Schnee Legal Services, LLC provides services to individual members of the public and governmental agencies, including:


  • Assisting governmental agencies with compliance issues concerning the Sunshine Act
  • Advising citizens concerning civil and criminal enforcement of Sunshine Act issues
  • Litigating Sunshine Act cases in county courts of common pleas and appellate courts


The Sunshine Act governs access to governmental meetings, and Attorney Schnee has provided legal help to countless clients. As a lawyer, Mr. Schnee regularly litigates Sunshine Act issues on behalf of clients seeking to hold governmental agencies accountable.

Schnee Legal Services In Numbers

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A seasoned attorney with more than a decade of experience, J. Chadwick (“Chad”) Schnee started his law firm to serve clients in a wide variety of matters, including, among others, labor and employment law matters, municipal issues, Right-to-Know (open records), Sunshine Act and guardianship matters. Schnee Legal Services is also an employment law firm, having represented numerous organizations and individuals in employment discrimination and unemployment compensation matters.

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Bar Admissions

  • The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle

        District of Pennsylvania

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Authored four books focusing on the Right-to-Know Law and the Sunshine Act.

Three books titled the right to know law are stacked on top of each other

Consultations

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for justice, we are here to support you every step of the way. Don't navigate the complexities of the legal system alone; let us be your trusted partner. Contact us now to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward resolution and peace of mind.

Book A Consultation

"At Schnee Legal Services, we understand the importance of trust and will do what it takes to earn it."

~ J. Chadwick Schnee, Esquire

  • A tablet is open to a google search page on a table.

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    Chadwick is a great lawyer with amazing attention to detail. He really cares about his clients, and helped us a lot with an important case over the last couple years. ~ Richard

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  • A close up of a cell phone displaying the google mail and phone apps

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    Chadwick is an amazing attorney who is willing to take challenging cases and fight valiantly for his clients. His billing is transparent, and it has been a privilege to have him represent me. ~ Chris

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News & Updates

Agencies beware: Injunctive relief against users of the Right-to-Know Law may be increasingly difficult under Pennsylvania’s Anti-SLAPP Statute

April 15, 2025
Agencies beware: Injunctive relief against users of the Right-to-Know Law may be increasingly difficult under Pennsylvania’s Anti-SLAPP Statute

The Importance of Procedural Due Process: A Successful Expungement of a Mental Health Commitment In Erie County, PA

By J. Chadwick Schnee, Esq • January 1, 2025
The Importance of Procedural Due Process: A Successful Expungement of a Mental Health Commitment in Erie County, PA
A large library filled with lots of books on shelves.

Are public libraries subject to the Right-to-Know Law? Definitely maybe.

By J. Chadwick Schnee, Esq • December 1, 2024
Are public libraries subject to the Right-to-Know Law? Definitely maybe.
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