Community

We believe in giving back to the community through service on local boards, pro bono representation for people in need, and participation in charity events.

support center for child advocatesProfessionally, we pay it forward by handling family law cases on a pro bono basis through referrals from public interest agencies such as Philadelphia Legal Assistance, Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (Philly VIP) and the Support Center for Child Advocates.

Megan E. Watson is the current president of the Philly VIP Program Board!

The firm has won numerous awards for our service, including Philly VIP’s Brennan Award and the Philadelphia Bar Foundation-Citizen’s Bank Pro Bono Award. We were also named to The Philadelphia Business Journal‘s List of Top 25 Law Firms by Pro Bono Hours in 2016 , 2017, 2021, and 2023.

In addition, many of our attorneys have been named to the First Judicial District’s Pro Bono Roll of Honor for exemplary pro bono work. Lisa Shapson also received the First Judicial District’s Pro Bono Publico Award from the Court of Common Pleas – Family Division, Domestic Relations in 2018. 

We have also participated in local charity events such as the Philadelphia Bar Association’s-Support Center for Child Advocates’ (SCCA) annual 5k Run/Walk and the SCCA annual benefit, toy drive, and gift card drive.

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At BKW Family Law, we value all families, including our work family. Everyone continues to cherish the Philadelphia Bar Association’s inaugural small firm Family Friendly Award in 2000 for employment policies demonstrating work-life balance and the importance of family (and community service).