Timothy S. Wachter

Shareholder

As a member of the Governmental, Public Finance & Bonds and Business & Tax Practice Groups, and as lead for Knox Law Public Strategies, Tim regularly advises governmental, business and nonprofit clients on highly complex legal, regulatory and public policy related matters. He also regularly provides counsel on matters related to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law to dozens of agencies throughout Western Pennsylvania, is recognized as a national thought leader in Federal Opportunity Zone Development and regularly advises businesses and stakeholders regarding Opportunity Zone investments. He was named as a 2021 and 2020 Top 25 Attorney Influencer by Opportunity Zones Magazine. In 2020, Tim was appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Commission for the American Semiquincentennial, or America250Pa.

Prior to joining Knox Law, Tim served as an aide to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, as the Special Assistant for Special Projects to Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker, and worked with the Pennsylvania Site Advance Team for the White House. Additionally, he gained economic development experience while working as an Economic Development Analyst at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Tim also serves as an advisor to candidates for various local, state and national level offices.

Follow him on Twitter @twachter and @KnoxLawPublicStrategies.

Practice Areas

  • The Dickinson School of Law, J.D.
  • Gannon University, B.A
  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of PA
2025 Tim Wachter Best Lawyers Logo
OZ Magazine Top 25 Attorneys Badge 2021

Community and Professional Service

  • U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), Pennsylvania Advisory Committee Member (April 2017-present)
  • Lake Erie and Genesee Basin Regional Water Resources Committee, Appointed Member (Nov 2019-present)
  • Pennsylvania Commission for the American Semiquincentennial (America 250PA), Commissioner and Executive Committee Member (2020-present)
  • Barber National Institute, Board Member (2024-present)
  • Penn State Dickinson Law Center for Government Law and Public Policy Studies, Advisory Committee Member (2017-present)
  • Erie Neighborhood Growth Partnership, Member (2014-present)
  • Flagship Community Bank, Business Advisory Board Member
  • Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees, Former Trustee (2014-2021)
  • Erie Downtown Partnership, Former Member and Board Chair
  • Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Former Member and Board Chair
  • Barber National Institute, 2011 Christmas Ball Chair
  • Young Erie Professionals, 2008 ImPAct Conference Committee
  • National Eagle Scout Association, Member

Professional Affiliations

  • Erie County Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, Education Law Section, Secretary and Treasurer
  • Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW), Opportunity Zones Group Co-Chair
  • Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers, Member and Board Secretary (2023-present)
  • National Association of Bond Lawyers, Member
  • Pennsylvania Society, Member
  • Federal Judicial Nominating Panel, Former Advisory Committee Member

Speaking Engagements

  • Firm's Annual Municipal Law Symposium (multiple years)
  • Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) Fall Conference, "Activating Opportunity Zones for Community Advancement," October 2024
  • Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Conference: The Latest on Short-Term Rentals, August 2022 and via webinar in October 2022
  • Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA) Conference, September 2022: Panel Moderator
  • Several national, regional and local speaking engagements on Opportunity Zones and Funds, Fall 2018 - present
  • McKean County Industrial Development Authority, November 2021: Understanding Tax Exempt Financing
  • Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA) Spring Meeting, May 2015
  • Firm's Next Generation Happy Hour, April 2015
  • 79-80 Interstate Development Corporation Annual Meetings, March 2014 & 2015 and Follow-Up Meeting, November 2014
  • PA Municipal Authorities Association Annual Board Member Training, Solicitor Panel at Western Location, March 2015
  • Warren County Intergovernmental Co-Op Monthly Meeting, March 2014
  • PA State Association of Township Supervisors: Fall Solicitors Seminar, November 2013
  • PA Municipal Authorities Association 70th Annual Conference, August 2012
  • PA Open Records Seminar, 2008 and 2009

Articles and Publications

Audio Presentations