About Opiel Law
Opiel Law was founded in 2016 by Owner and Lead Attorney Christopher Opiel, Esq. The firm provides comprehensive legal services in matters of criminal defense, corporate and business law, and real estate and zoning matters. Opiel Law’s attorneys are known for their detail-oriented approach to complex, high-stakes legal issues and they represent clients across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in state and federal courts. Attorney Opiel also handles federal criminal matters in the United States Virgin Islands.
Along with our attorneys, Opiel Law employs in-house licensed private detective — a former investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Department of State. This individual has a deep understanding about how a prosecutor thinks and what tools they use — and this unique insight is leveraged to support Opiel Law’s clients. We also provide in-house notary services for efficient, full-service legal support from start to finish.
Christopher Opiel, Esq.
Atty. Christopher Opiel, Owner and Lead Attorney at Opiel Law, graduated in the top five percent of his class from Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, DE, in 2014.
Prior to earning his Juris Doctorate from Widener, he graduated from King’s College, McGowan School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Throughout his years of higher education — and still today — Atty. Opiel has been active in leadership, sports and service activities.
Atty. Opiel has represented countless clients across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in state and federal court, handling federal and state criminal defense, corporate and business law, zoning, municipal law, civil rights, and appeals cases.
His professional experience includes a previous position with Lampman Law Offices, representing a heavy caseload of clients in all aspects of legal proceedings throughout Northeastern, Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, and an internship with the United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps., conducting legal research and analysis in areas of practice including Legal Assistance, Military Justice and Administrative Law.
His municipal legal experience includes service to:
Fairview Township (Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, 2015-2020)
Wright Township (Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, 2017-present and UCC Solicitor, 2025-present)
Slocum Township (Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, 2021-present and Planning Commission Solicitor, 2024-present)
Honesdale Borough (UCC Solicitor, 2025-present)
Dorrance Township (Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, 2025-present)
Professional Affiliations
Criminal Law Section of the Federal Bar Association
Bar Admissions
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Noteworthy
Special admission to practice federal criminal defense in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Nick Andrews, Esq.
Atty. Nick Andrews, Associate at Opiel Law, is a 2025 graduate of Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg, PA. Prior to earning his Juris Doctorate from Widener, he graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics and a Minor in Criminology.
Atty. Andrews held a Certified Internship in 2024 with the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office and a Legal Internship at Opiel Law in 2024 and 2025.
He became a Law Clerk at Opiel Law in August 2025 and, ultimately, an Associate upon passing the Bar in October of the same year.
At Opiel Law, Atty. Andrews will advance his legal career in all areas of law, with a specific focus on criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, real estate, business law, municipal law, zoning and appeals.
In his spare time, Atty. Andrews enjoys soccer, golf, fishing, and traveling with his family and friends.
Need Legal Help?
The legal team at Opiel Law brings deep experience in state and federal court, expertly handling the most complex of cases. Although our offices are based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Opiel Law serves and handles cases across the Commonwealth, including the Middle District.
When you contact Opiel Law, you'll reach a legal expert, not a call center. We are committed to attaining the best possible outcomes for each and every client, and our personal, responsive approach sets us apart.
Opiel Law offers free consultations as you explore your legal options. Our team is responsive to phone calls and messages sent through this website, and we aim to reply to all inquiries within 1-3 business days. Consultations are provided at no cost to you.
During a consultation, you can expect to have a 15- to 30-minute conversation so we can understand your case and specific circumstances. The consultation call is a means for you and Opiel Law to determine if working together is a good fit for both parties.
After the initial consultation call, an in-person or virtual (online) meeting may be scheduled to discuss specific details, timelines and fees. Opiel Law does not have walk-in hours. All appointments must be scheduled in advance.
Call Opiel Law
570-762-9992
Email Opiel Law
cropiel@opiellaw.com
Visit Opiel Law
88 N Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701