$ 400-400 per hour
Joni J. Berner
About Joni
Biography
I became a lawyer because I like helping people resolve their differences. Although I practiced family law with a large Center City firm early in my career, I went out on my own in 1988 and never looked back. I founded our firm on the principle of providing superior service at reasonable rates for our clients while providing a flexible and supportive work environment for our employees. For twenty years and counting, we are proud to have maintained this model. While handling many custody, divorce, protection from abuse and support trials throughout my career, my practice now focuses on collaborative law and mediation. I also serve as an adjunct family law professor at Villanova.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 47 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
Berner Klaw & Watson LLP
1528 Walnut St Ste 1100, Philadelphia, PA, 19102-3621
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Joni J. Berner's Reviews
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Joni J. Berner's Lawyer Endorsements
"Joni is a well-prepared formidable opponent in a litigated case. She has a lot of emotional intelligence and brings much insight to difficult situations. She does excellent Collaborative Divorce work."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Best Lawyers in America 2017-2020 (Family Law Mediation), Best Lawyers®
2020
Best Lawyers in America 2016-2020(Collaborative and Family Law), Best Lawyers®
2019
Best Law Firms 2017-2019 (Berner Klaw & Watson LLP), U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers®
2019
PA Super Lawyer 2012-2019, Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters
2018
AV Preeminent® 2018, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Pro Bono Roll of Honor 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
2017
Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses 2016-2017, Philadelphia Business Journal
2017
Brennan Award 2013-2015; 2017 (Berner Klaw & Watson LLP), Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program
2017
Top 25 Law Firms by Pro Bono Hours 2016-2017, Philadelphia Business Journal
2017
Business Integrity Award (Berner Klaw & Watson LLP), Independence Business Alliance
2016
Client Choice – Boutique Family Law Firm of the Year in PA, CorporateINTL
2016
Inaugural Industry Icon Award – Legal 2016, The Philadelphia Inquirer
2015
Top 100 Women-Owned Business 2013-2015, Philadelphia Business Journal
2011
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™, Inaugural Edition, Martindale-Hubbell®
2009
Citizens Bank Pro Bono Award (Berner, Klaw & Watson LLP), Philadelphia Bar Foundation
2005
Brennan Award 2004, 2005 (Berner & Klaw), Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program
2002
Chancellor’s Award (Berner & Klaw), Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program
2000
Philadelphia Family-Friendly Award (Berner & Klaw), Philadelphia Bar Association
Work Experience
1994 - Present
Managing Partner, Berner Klaw & Watson LLP
1987 - 1989
Managing Attorney, Women’s Law Project
1987 - 1993
Managing Partner, Law Offices of Joni J. Berner
1980 - 1981
Trial Attorney, City of Philadelphia Law Department
1978 - 1986
Associate, Blank Rome
1976 - 1978
Intern, Juvenile Law Center
Associations
Philadelphia Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Family Law Section ( Philadelphia Bar Association)
Officer
Family Law Section ( Philadelphia Bar Association)
Chair
Judicial Selection Committee ( Philadelphia Bar Association)
Member
Board of Governors (Philadelphia Bar Association)
Member/Family Law Section representative
Family Mediation Association of Delaware Valley
Chairperson
Women’s Law Project
Board Member
Good Shepherd Mediation Program
Board Member
Radnor Fire Company
Vice President
American Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Collaborative Law Committee Law Schools Liaison (Pennsylvania Bar Association)
Member
Delaware County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Board of Trustees, Cedar Crest College
Vice Chair
Family Law Section’s Web Page Coordinator Committee (Philadelphia Bar Association)
Chair
Solo and Small Firm Management Committee (Philadelphia Bar Association)
Co-chair
Lawyer Referral & Information Service Committee (Philadelphia Bar Association)
Member (and past co-chair)
USPS REDRESS (Postal Service Employee Mediation Program)
Mediator
Collaborative Law Affiliates of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Member
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Member
Women’s Therapy Center of Philadelphia
Member and Past President
Villanova University School of Law Alumnae Advisory Board
Member and Past President
Radnor Fire Company Board of Directors
Vice Chair
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Volunteer Mediation Program
Volunteer
Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program
Volunteer
2012 - 2012
Women’s Therapy Center of PhiladelphiaPresident
Education
1978
Villanova University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
Cedar Crest College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Co-Panelist, Women in Law on the Frontlines of Change
Co-Panelist, Women in Law on the Frontlines of Change
Publications
2019
Pennsylvania Bar Association (Quarterly, April 2019)
Unbundled Legal Services
2018
The Legal Intelligencer (Family Law Supplement)
Transforming a Family Law Practice to a Peacemaking Practice
2018
Philadelphia Business Journal
Women in Law: Those who made a big move share the lessons learned
2017
The Legal Intelligencer
A ‘See You in Court’ Mentality May Stifle Good Lawyering
2016
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Emerging Icons: Recognized as having ‘the potential to become legends’
2014
The Legal Intelligencer
Perspectives on Building a Women-Owned Law Firm
2013
The Legal Intelligencer
Training the Next Generation of Family Law Attorneys
2011
Philadelphia Bar Reporter
Follow Rules With Funds, Avoid Discipline
2009
Philadelphia Bar Association
Two Philadelphia Law Firms . . . to Receive Prestigious Philadelphia Bar Foundation Awards
2004
American Bar Association
Prenuptial Agreements (Chapter) The Impact of Domestic Violence on Your Legal Practice: A Lawyer’s Handbook
1996
American Bar Association
Prenuptial Agreements (Chapter) The Impact of Domestic Violence on Your Legal Practice: A Lawyer’s Handbook
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers