Barley Snyder remembers former partner Judge Shawn Long

Lancaster-based Barley Snyder remembers former partner Judge Shawn Long for his honesty, friendship and legal skills. 

Long, who was appointed to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas in July 2022, passed away Jan. 7 at the age of 55. 

“Shawn spent his entire legal career with us and was thoroughly loyal to our organization,” Barley Snyder Managing Partner Jeff Lobach said. “He brought a wry sense of humor to his work and had many friendships across the firm. Shawn’s legal skill was recognized and well respected beyond the firm. He will be dearly missed.”  

Long served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years before graduating from York College of Pennsylvania and Dickinson School of Law. His commitment to service continued after his time in the military, including director and chair of the United Disability Services in Lancaster and as a counselor in York County’s juvenile justice system, Barley Snyder said in a statement.  

In the late 1990s, Long joined Barley Snyder working in the areas of creditors’ rights, litigation and real estate.  

Barley Snyder said he was a well-regarded leader and attorney, having been named to prestigious lists including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year.” 

“Those of us who came to know Shawn over the years and were lucky enough to count him as a friend, will remember him for his loyalty, honesty, and his unparalleled ability to tell a story,” said Kim Decker, fellow partner and management committee member. “His wisdom was conveyed in his always wise counsel that what matters most in life is God, family, and friends.”  

In its statement, the firm said, “We express sincere condolences to all who knew, admired and respected Shawn including our colleagues at the Bar, our Barley Snyder team members and especially the Long family.”