John Rafferty | West Chester Litigation Lawyer

I was hired to represent a client who, due to sudden illness, had lost the ability to communicate, and required medical decisions be made on his behalf. The client didn't have estate-planning documents prepared, so I had to work to identify an appropriate guardian for this client, during his incapacity. By working together with his close family members, we identified and agreed to guardians who would serve his interests well. My client's health improved, and we quickly petitioned the court to remove the guardianship, so that my client could continue making decisions about his future. The client was so happy with my representation, that he came back for other services after his health improved.

I've built a successful practice by prioritizing relationships and transparency. I frequently advise clients not not to spend their money on lawyers, when their case would be better-off resolved outside the courts and without additional expense. I also try to add value to clients outside of litigation, by introducing them to people and organizations that complement their experiences and present new opportunities.

Clients should look for a lawyer who is willing to transparently tell a client, "Don't hire me - save your money, and resolve this in the next week, without legal expenses."

By developing and maintaining strong relationships with other attorneys and the judges in my community, I am able to affectively advocate for my clients, knowing that trust is already present in the courtroom.

I can let a client know whether a) they should or should not hire an attorney, b) what kind of attorney they need (maybe not me!), and c) if they do hire me, what my next steps and hourly rate would be.

I need clients to come prepared to provide a detailed chronology of the facts of their case.

I stay in frequent touch with my clients, and am not afraid to send updates via whatever medium (text, email, phone, messaging apps) is most comfortable for my clients. I also love informing clients of the risks and potential downsides to their case, so that they enter into litigation with eyes-wide-opened.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is educating clients to be more informed about their options, so that they can make wise decisions about legal expenses and case resolution.

I love to trail run, mountain-bike, shake cocktails, bake pastries, build websites, shoot/edit photos, and go for hikes with my wife and dog.

In 2023, I will be serving as the Board Chair of LCH Health and Community Services, a federally-qualified healthcare center that provides free and low-cost health care to the underprivileged in our area. I also volunteer my time regularly to support those who are recovering from abuse and exploitation.

• Board Vice-Chair and Chair of Risk Management Committee | LCH Health and Community Services
  BUCK Cancer Foundation | Fundraising Committee

• VISTA.Today Millennial Superstar | 2021
  Super Lawyers Rising Star | 2020-2022
  Top Lawyers, Main Line Today | 2018-2020
  Daily Local News Best Lawyers – 2021 Readers Choice Awards
  Fulbright Research Fellow in Ecuador
  Super Lawyers Pro Bono Award
  Independence Foundation Legal Fellow
  Dorothy Day Award for Excellence in the Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services
  Walter-Lucas Public Interest Fellow
  Villanova Award for Advancing Equality of Opportunity & Treatment of Women

• John is often invited to speak about the vulnerabilities that lead to situations of human trafficking, including at events hosted by state senators in the Chester County region. Other speaking engagements include:
  
  Finding Justice for Survivors of Sexual Abuse – Amplify Insight Podcast (March 2020)
  New Jersey & Pennsylvania Light a Beacon for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse – NBC10 News (December 2019)
  What You Need to Know About New Drone Laws in Pennsylvania – Continuing Legal Education (January 2019)
  Identifying & Representing Victims of Human Trafficking – Continuing Legal Education (October 2018)
  Mastering Bitcoin, Blockchain and Digital Currency Law – Webinar (October 2018)
  Assisting Survivors of Sex Trafficking – Temple ​University School of Public Health (Mar 2017)
  Labor Trafficking & Its Challenges – Luzerne County Family Services Association (Jan 2017)
  International Human Rights Guest Lecturer – Villanova Law School & Chestnut Hill College (Ongoing since 2014)
  Best Practices in Crime Scene Photography – Pennsylvania State Police & Centre County Police (2015-2016)
  
  John was also recently invited to present a Continuing Legal Education course on “Blockchains and Bitcoin: What Lawyers Can’t Afford to Ignore” at the nation’s oldest law library, Jenkins Law Library in Center City Philadelphia.

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