State: Pennsylvania

When in law school, Cranberry Township divorce attorney Brittany Vakiner was determined to use her degree to help people.

“Family law is the perfect outlet to give people a voice, advocate, and voice of reason through one of the most difficult points in their lives,” Ms. Vakiner said. “I hope to bring assistance, stability, and clarity to my clients as they navigate the family law system and establish a new normal.”

She is extremely dedicated to her clients and genuinely cares about the outcome of her cases.

“It is so much bigger than just a case – it’s their lives,” she said. “Family law, whether it is divorce, custody, or support can be really hard and frustrating. I am here to walk through the process with you and am always on your side.”

Pittsburgh divorce attorney Stephen Matvey chooses to practice family law because it provides an opportunity to help and counsel people through their most difficult issues.

“The Appeal of practicing family law is being a person’s advocate when they need one most,” Mr. Matvey said.

When practicing law, Mr. Matvey is responsive and client-focused. As a detail-oriented worker, he explains the nuances of law clearly to assist people in making informed decisions.

“When first meeting about the process, I tell my clients that communication and honesty are key to navigating their case and making the best possible decisions,” he said. “I assure them that I will always be upfront with them while zealously representing their interests.”

Allentown divorce attorney Cassandra Colombo chose to pursue family law because she wanted to help those who should worry about nothing more than helping themselves emotionally get through the process.

“It is an area of law where you truly get to know your clients on a personal level, and that relationship makes the work that much more rewarding and special,” Ms. Colombo said.

Divorce is one of the most difficult things a man will ever experience. Ms. Colombo is compassionate and understands how frightening this life transition can be. She is committed to working diligently with her clients to ensure their rights are protected and that they are able to start the next chapter of their life on solid footing.

“The process can be frustrating and emotional, but I am the type of attorney to be there by their side at any and all times and to make sure their voice is heard,” she said.

Pittsburgh divorce attorney Andria Krupa generally was interested in providing pragmatic solutions to complex family law issues when she began her legal career.

In her pursuit of that endeavor, she interned for a family law judge in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County and also worked in the Duquesne University School of Law Family Law Clinic, which broadened the scope of her knowledge of issues faced by families in the court system.

“My ability to break down cases detail by detail in an effort to determine the most practical solutions to the client’s problems really separates me from a lot of other attorneys,” Ms. Krupa said.

If her clients do not understand something or are confused about the next steps they need to take, Ms. Voelker said the most important thing they can do is to ask questions.

“My job is to keep you informed about the process and what you can expect as we proceed through the court system,” she said. “I want to make the experience easier for you.

“You should also expect that I will provide you with honest legal opinions as it relates to issues and problems in your case. I don’t sugarcoat things.”

Philadelphia divorce attorney Jaimie Collins decided to pursue a career in family law because she enjoys building a strong rapport with her clients and helping them through what can be incredibly emotionally trying times in their lives.

“There is no greater reward than knowing you have positively affected such an important and daily aspect of someone’s life,” Ms. Collins said.

No two families are alike, and recognizing that fact has helped Ms. Collins tackle the truly unique challenges that each client faces with respect to family law matters.

Ms. Collins is detail-oriented and is a passionate advocate for her clients.

“I strive to have a strong understanding of and empathy for each client’s individual situation so that I may best assist them in reaching their particular goals,” Ms. Collins said.

During her initial meeting with clients, Ms. Collins assures them that their voices will be heard throughout what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming and impersonal process.

“To that end, I provide my clients with consistent communication about their cases and answer any questions at the earliest opportunity to help them understand the steps that need to be taken and to make the process less daunting,” Ms. Collins said.

Pittsburgh divorce attorney Jamie Spero says it is the bond she is able to build with her clients that makes practicing family law so unique and why she has chosen it as a career.

“It gives me the opportunity to help people who are going through one of the most stressful times in their lives,” Ms. Spero said. “You really get to know your clients and develop a bond with them. They rely on you to provide them with knowledge, guidance, and advice through a difficult process.”

As an undergraduate, Ms. Spero earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. That background enables her to provide better service to her clients because she is naturally organized, has the ability to recall facts easily, and understands complex financial issues.

As an attorney, Ms. Spero does everything within her power to make sure her clients understand what they are going through. Going through a divorce often creates a cloud of uncertainty, but Ms. Spero promises to guide them through the process to the best of her ability.

“The most important thing is being knowledgeable about what to expect in the process,” Ms. Spero said. “I believe that the more knowledge a client has about the process, the easier and less stressful the experience is. I endeavor to provide all my clients with this knowledge so they understand what is going on and what the next steps are.”

Pittsburgh divorce attorney Kimberly Nason first experienced family law while clerking for a highly esteemed Domestic Relations Judge in Cook County, Illinois.

There she quickly saw the need for knowledgeable, skilled, and empathetic family law attorneys.

“It is extremely satisfying to assist clients through what is surely one of the most difficult times of their lives,” says Ms. Nason, who moved to Pennsylvania in 2014 and joined Cordell and Cordell there in 2015.

She possesses a vast understanding of family law and the court process, and how to utilize both in the most effective manner for her clients.

Additionally, Ms. Nason is an experienced mediator. The skills she acquired in mediation training and applied process assist her in negotiating favorable settlements for her clients.

She has gained the respect of her colleagues in the family law division as an effective advocate and knowledgeable attorney.

Certified Mediator

Philadelphia family law attorney William (Bill) J. Phelan, IV has a host of experience and accolades.

Both prior to and during his time at Cordell & Cordell, Mr. Phelan has appeared in hundreds of hearings on behalf of his clients, and his efforts secured results that have provided both financial security and peace of mind for those who had little hope until he took their case.

Domestic relations matters offer a plethora of options and issues that Mr. Phelan is experienced to handle, whether he is helping his clients to understand their case, negotiating and communicating with the opposing side, or meticulously preparing for and litigating a case at trial.

Mr. Phelan is experienced in handling all manner of appeals for family law cases, specifically handling various matters in Pennsylvania’s appellate courts. He is a member of an elite team of Cordell Appellate attorneys and regularly works with counsel in the firm across the United States to consult and assist on family law appeals.

“I enjoy working with my clients, who are usually in a difficult position in their lives, to help them reach a resolution that is not only in their favor, but also allows them to put their minds at ease and continue on with their daily lives,” Mr. Phelan said.