Walter P. Eells, ADR Attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on ADR and Family Law
West Chester, PA
Practicing adr in West Chester since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Walter P. Eells?
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Quick answer
Walter P. Eells is an attorney based in West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Walter has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC.
- Based in
- West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- ADR · Family Law
- Handles ADR and Family Law matters from West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Walter P. Eells: Walter P. Eells is an attorney based in West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Walter has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Walter P. Eells
Walter concentrates on adr and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Walter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Walter takes adr 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 Walter agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Walter takes family law 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 Walter agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Walter P. Eells — Over 41 years of Pennsylvania adr experience
Walter P. Eells is an attorney based in West Chester, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Walter has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC.
Walter P. Eells is a partner in the firm’s West Chester office. With over 30 years of litigation experience, he concentrates his practice in the Family and Orphans’ Courts, offering focused and timely advice to clients involving adoptions, guardianships, divorce, custody, support, pre- and postnuptial agreements, and all related litigation and mediation. He previously served as the Chairperson appointed by the Chester County Court of Common Pleas to review and revise the Local Family Court Rules. A former winner of the Chester County Bar Association Public Service Award, Walter has worked closely over the years with Legal Aid of Chester County and the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County as pro bono counsel.
A former Managing Partner of Gawthrop Greenwood, and past chair of the Family Law Group, Walter is a member of the American Bar Association, Family Law Section, and is active in the Chester County Bar Association, having served for a number of years as the Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education and Naturalization Committees. Named one of The Best Lawyers in America® each year since 2019, he also has been recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s Top Lawyers by Main Line Today every year since 2011.
Walter was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1985 and the New Jersey Bar in 1989. He received his law degree from Ohio Northern University and his undergraduate degree from Villanova University. Walter is a Barrister of the Honorable John E. Stively, Jr., American Inn of Court.
Walter has shared his extensive knowledge of family law through teaching Continuing Legal Education classes with the Chester County Bar Association. Courses he has taught include “Support in Chester County” and “New Chester County Court rules in a Nutshell.” Prior to joining Gawthrop Greenwood, Walter served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps.
How Walter handles adr matters
Walter P. Eells is a partner in the firm’s West Chester office. With over 30 years of litigation experience, he concentrates his practice in the Family and Orphans’ Courts, offering focused and timely advice to clients involving adoptions, guardianships, divorce, custody, support, pre- and postnuptial agreements, and all related litigation and mediation. He previously served as the Chairperson…
Who Walter represents
Walter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr and family law matters in West Chester and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Walter P. Eells's legal education and bar admissions
Ohio Northern University
J.D. · 1985
Villanova University
B.A.
Jurisdictions
Walter's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1989 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1985 · ACTIVE
Walter studied at J.D. in Ohio Northern University and B.A. in Villanova University.
Law school and academic background
Walter completed J.D. in Ohio Northern University and B.A. in Villanova University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Walter runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Walter P. Eells
Walter has received 15 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Arbitration
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Pennsylvania 2023-present
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Main Line Today
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyers 2009, 2011 - present
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Local News
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyers Readers Choice Awards 2022 - present
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chester County Bar Association Public Service Award, 1999
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Aid of Chester County Volunteer Attorney Program - 5 Years of Service Award
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Philadelphia Life
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Attorney
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Arbitration (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers (2026).
Locations
Walter P. Eells's office in West Chester
Walter'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 Walter P. Eells — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Walter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Walter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Walter'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; Walter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Walter
Walter discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Walter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Walter's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Walter P. Eells
How much does it cost to hire Walter for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Walter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Walter offer a free consultation?
Walter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Walter's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Walter's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple adr 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. Walter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Walter take my case if I'm outside West Chester?
Walter 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 — Walter 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 Walter?
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. Walter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Walter accepting new adr clients right now?
Walter's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving West Chester, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Walter handles adr matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
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