Sandra L. Knapp, Maritime Attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Over 40 years of legal practice
West Chester, PA
Practicing maritime in West Chester since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Sandra L. Knapp is an attorney based in West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Sandra has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC.
- Based in
- West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Maritime
- Handles Maritime matters from West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026).
About Sandra L. Knapp: Sandra L. Knapp is an attorney based in West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Sandra has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Sandra takes on
Sandra concentrates on maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sandra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Maritime cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Sandra takes maritime matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sandra agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Sandra L. Knapp — maritime lawyer in West Chester
Sandra L. Knapp is an attorney based in West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Sandra has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC.
Named “Female Business Leader of the Year” by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, Sandra L. Knapp is a member of the Business Department at Gawthrop Greenwood and practices in the fields of Business Law, Commercial Transactions, Admiralty/Maritime Law, Real Estate Law, and Banking and Finance. She represents clients in a broad range of transactional and general corporate matters, including asset-based lending transactions, mergers and acquisitions, marine finance and vessel documentation, U.S.-based joint ventures for international companies, real estate, sale-leaseback transactions, construction contracts, leases and charters. She is frequently involved in multimillion-dollar financing and acquisition transactions for companies both nationally and internationally. In addition to financing matters, Sandy advises on maritime transportation regulatory matters, particularly on the coastwise trade of the United States and citizenship requirements. She has practiced in the Philadelphia area for over 35 years, representing clients throughout the United States and abroad.
Sandy is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, past Chair of its Marine Finance Committee and formerly a member of its Board of Directors. She is is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Sandy is active in the port community as well as the local Chester County community. In 2019, Sandy was named by the March of Dimes as a Chester County Woman of Achievement in Business.
Since joining the firm, Sandy has served two, three-year terms as chair of the Gawthrop Greenwood Management Committee. Prior to joining Gawthrop Greenwood, she was the managing partner of Knapp McConomy Merlie LLP.
How Sandra handles maritime matters
Named “Female Business Leader of the Year” by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, Sandra L. Knapp is a member of the Business Department at Gawthrop Greenwood and practices in the fields of Business Law, Commercial Transactions, Admiralty/Maritime Law, Real Estate Law, and Banking and Finance. She represents clients in a broad range of transactional and general corporate matters,…
The kind of cases Sandra takes
Sandra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for maritime matters in West Chester and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Villanova University
JD · 1986
Lehigh University
BA International Studies · 1981
Jurisdictions
Sandra's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1987 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1986 · ACTIVE
Sandra studied at JD in Villanova University and BA International Studies in Lehigh University.
Law school and academic background
Sandra completed JD in Villanova University and BA International Studies in Lehigh University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sandra runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Sandra has received 17 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Female Business Leader of the Year 2022
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Main Line Today
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyers 2014 - 2023
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Local News
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyers 2021 - 2023
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Who's Who of Shipping and Maritime Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — March of Dimes - Chester County Woman of Achievement, Business Award 2019
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Brava! Women Business Achievement Award 2012
2026
Best Lawyers in America — SmartCEO Magazine
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Women's International Trade Association - Woman of the Year Award
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026).
Locations
Sandra L. Knapp's office in West Chester
Sandra's primary office is at 17 East Gay Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19381. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gawthrop Greenwood PC
17 East Gay Street
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19381
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sandra L. Knapp — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new maritime attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sandra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sandra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sandra's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Sandra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a maritime attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many maritime matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Sandra
Sandra discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in maritime practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every maritime matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Sandra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sandra's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many maritime practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sandra L. Knapp
How much does it cost to hire Sandra for a maritime case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sandra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sandra offer a free consultation?
Sandra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sandra's office. Some maritime attorneys offer free consults — check Sandra's current terms during booking.
How long do maritime cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple maritime matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sandra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sandra take my case if I'm outside West Chester?
Sandra is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sandra will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Sandra?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sandra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sandra accepting new maritime clients right now?
Sandra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Maritime attorneys serving West Chester, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Sandra handles maritime matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified maritime attorneys in that community.
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