Keith A. Clark

Overview

Keith Allen Clark joined CGA Law Firm on January 1, 2025, in an “Of Counsel” capacity. He focuses his legal practice on business and financial services, hospitality law, corporate law, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, trade associations, governance, and government relations. Keith has served as General Counsel to several prominent trade associations, including the Pennsylvania Automotive Recycling Trade Society (since 1970), the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (1977-2024), and the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and its predecessors (1981-2025).

His dedication to both his profession and community has earned him numerous awards and recognitions. Mr. Clark has received the “AV” Preeminent Lawyer Rating by the Martindale Hubbell peer-review rating process for over 30 years and has been named a business “Super Lawyer” for Pennsylvania and a top attorney in North America.

Keith is experienced in handling:

• Business, financial, and compliance services for financial institutions
• Corporate governance and strategic planning
• Commercial real estate transactions
• Mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations
• Representation of IRS 501(c)(6), (c)(4) and (c)(3) non-profits.
• Legislative review and government relations

Education and Background

Keith graduated from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, NJ, in 1967, where he majored in Economics and was inducted into the Economics Honor Society. He subsequently graduated from Dickinson School of Law (now the Pennsylvania State University Law School) in 1970, where he also served as an Editor of the school’s “Law Review”. After earning his law degree, he served in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant. He subsequently served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Keith has lectured extensively at various professional organizations and academic institutions on topics such as banking regulations, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, ethics, land development, tax law, estate planning, and liability issues for officers and directors. Keith has also authored over 100 articles for professional journals and trade associations. As a member of the American Arbitration Association’s national panel of Commercial Arbitrators, Keith has contributed his expertise in resolving complex commercial issues for over 45 years and has also been trained by the AAA as a mediator.

Hospitality Industry

Keith has extensive experience in the hospitality and alcoholic beverage industries, spanning 55 years, including serving as General Counsel for the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and its predecessors since 1981. He has participated in drafting and interpreting Pennsylvania County Hotel Room Tax legislation since the 1970s. He has represented Tourist Promotion Agencies (“DMOs”), Counties, and individual businesses regarding such matters since then, and he has a reputation as being the “go-to” person for legal advice relative to same in the hospitality industry. He has spoken with Pennsylvania DMOs and trade associations, as well as Pennsylvania County Treasurers, over the years regarding the intricacies of answered and unanswered questions about Hotel Room Taxes.

Financial Services

Keith brings extensive experience in financial institution operations, having worked in banking operations for 6 years while in college and law school, and serving as outside General Counsel for York Federal Savings and Loan Association in York, PA, during the 1970s. He was inducted into the Community Banking Hall of Fame in 2025 after serving as a founder and General Counsel of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers since 1977.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Keith has held various leadership roles within the Boy Scouts of America (now known as Scouting America), including Chairman of the Keystone Area Council (now the New Birth of Freedom Council) and Area President and President of the U.S. Northeast Region. He also served on the Executive Board of Scouting America for 18 years. In recognition of his outstanding service, Keith was honored with the Silver Buffalo Award, which is the highest national honor for adult volunteers.

He has also contributed to numerous other organizations in various capacities, including the following:

• Envision Capital Region, Chairman
• Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), Chairman
• Penn State Harrisburg Board of Advisors
• Greater West Shore Chamber of Commerce
• Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
• Harrisburg Academy Foundation