Patrick J. Cooper, Esq. is the founding partner of Cooper Family Law, a premier Philadelphia-based firm specializing in high-stakes family law cases. With over two decades of experience, Patrick leads the firm’s family law practice, handling complex divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and adoption cases throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. As a certified divorce mediator in Pennsylvania, Patrick is committed to helping couples navigate divorce through mediation, offering an alternative to litigation that minimizes conflict and fosters cooperative solutions. He brings a calm, solution-oriented approach to all his cases, particularly in high-net-worth divorce cases that involve significant assets such as multiple real estate holdings, business ownership, and complex investment portfolios. Patrick has consistently achieved favorable outcomes for his clients, including securing decisions in international child custody disputes, advocating for grandparents’ custody rights, and effectively managing sensitive LGBTQ+ family law matters. His legal counsel is rooted in understanding the delicate balance between emotional sensitivity and the need for tough, decisive action when necessary. In addition to divorce and mediation, Patrick’s extensive experience extends to estate planning, where he works with individuals and families to craft comprehensive strategies that protect assets and legacies. He regularly assists clients in drafting wills and trust agreements to ensure their families’ financial futures are secure. Patrick is actively engaged in the legal community, serving on the executive board of the Philadelphia County Bar Association’s Family Law Section and the Nicholas A. Cipriani American Inn of Court. As Co-Chair of the Divorce and Support Committee, he is committed to advancing family law practices in the region. He has been selected to Super Lawyers for 2023-2026 and was previously named to Rising Stars from 2020-2022, further solidifying his reputation as a respected leader in family law. Outside of his practice, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and their dog, Fitz. While rooted in the Philadelphia area, he remains an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, though he kindly asks his clients not to hold that against him. If you’re facing a significant family law matter and need an experienced, strategic advocate, contact Patrick J. Cooper, Esq. at Cooper Family Law for personalized and dedicated service.

Representation of parties in civil litigation in Philadelphia and surrounding counties and Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pa. and before the American Arbitration Association; litigation of contract disputes including actions in the Supreme Court of New York, Manhattan and Montgomery County, Md. (admitted pro hac vice); construction arbitration; employment contract arbitration; class action consumer litigation; private mediation of contract disputes. Representation of plaintiffs in legal malpractice and accountant malpractice actions; expert witness in legal malpractice actions. All aspects of real estate practice including agreements of sale, mortgage financing, condominiums; cooperatives; leasing; sale-leasebacks; partnerships; limited liability companies; land development; land planning; easements; secured transactions; title insurance issues; cemetery law; served as Chairman of Abington Township (PA) Planning Commission. General corporate practice, including acquisitions and mergers; employment agreements; corporate documentation.

Colby T. Ciarrocca is a divorce and family law attorney with Petrelli Previtera, LLC, representing clients in matters involving divorce, custody, and support. She understands that family law cases are not just legal disputes but deeply personal transitions. Colby helps clients move forward by first gaining an understanding of their emotional, financial, and practical circumstances, then developing a strategy that reflects their goals and priorities. Before joining Petrelli Previtera, Colby practiced as a trial attorney handling complex civil litigation. She developed strong litigation skills through drafting court pleadings, presenting legal arguments, conducting depositions, and preparing cases for trial. That litigation background gives her confidence in the courtroom and a disciplined approach to preparation, evidence, and strategy. A Client-Centered Approach Colby believes strong representation begins with trust. She prioritizes building genuine relationships with her clients, encouraging them to be fully honest and share their whole story, even the challenging parts. She often tells clients that transparency allows her to prepare properly and protect them from any surprises in the courtroom. Divorce and custody matters can often feel overwhelming. Colby works to break the process down into manageable steps, helping clients focus on the immediate next steps rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Whether that means helping a client understand their rights, initiating a legal action, or negotiating temporary or long-term arrangements, she provides clear guidance and steady support. Clients describe her as both compassionate and confident. A former Division I collegiate athlete and team captain, Colby brings a competitive edge to her practice while recognizing that in family law, success often means reaching a resolution that supports clients’ goals and promotes long-term stability. Focus on Custody and Family Stability Colby has a particular interest in custody matters. She recognizes that children do not choose divorce and is committed to advocating for arrangements that protect their best interests while preserving meaningful family relationships. Her ability to connect with clients, manage different personalities, and remain composed under pressure allows her to guide families through emotionally charged situations with steadiness and clarity. Her prior work in high-stakes litigation reinforced her understanding of how profoundly legal disputes can affect families. That perspective informs her practice today, where she provides not only legal strategy but reassurance and practical direction during uncertain times.

Keenan S. Carlin is a divorce and family law attorney with Petrelli Previtera, LLC, representing clients in matters including divorce, property settlement agreements, custody, spousal support, and child support. Keenan helps clients regain a sense of stability by creating a clear plan from the outset, preparing carefully for negotiation or litigation, and guiding them step by step through the process. Whether resolving financial issues or navigating custody decisions, he focuses on protecting his clients’ long-term interests. Clients working with Keenan can expect a lawyer who listens carefully and helps them focus on what truly matters. He understands that most people entering the divorce process feel overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. Keenan works to break the process down into manageable steps, helping clients define their goals, understand their options, and make informed decisions at each stage of the case. His approach is steady, practical, and grounded in clear communication. That client-centered approach is strengthened by his substantial courtroom experience. Keenan has handled bench trials, jury trials, evidentiary hearings, and contested proceedings, and he is comfortable advocating for clients when litigation becomes necessary. His time in the courtroom allows him to anticipate how a judge may view certain arguments, evidence, and positions, which helps clients make smarter strategic decisions long before they ever step into a courtroom. Keenan began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney, where he managed active caseloads, conducted suppression hearings, negotiated with opposing counsel, and independently tried cases. Working closely with victims and families gave him a strong understanding of the emotional weight legal proceedings can carry. That experience continues to shape how he supports clients navigating high-conflict and high-stress family law matters. Keenan was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and is proud to serve the community where he grew up. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University and his Juris Doctor from the Thomas R. Kline School of law at Duquesne University. Keenan is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Keenan S. Carlin is accepting clients across Pennsylvania and works from the firm’s Philadelphia office.

Ever since childhood, Renee Hykel Cuddy, Esq. has been passionate about helping others. While attending law school, Renee Hykel Cuddy ambitiously trained and competed around the globe as an international Olympic athlete for the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team. She competed for the United States for six years and won several international medals. She brings this same tenacity to her law firm by doing everything she can to win your immigration or family law case. Through her athletic experiences, Ms. Hykel Cuddy developed an understanding of the benefits of diverse culture in business, as well as a passion for uniting families. Hiring Hykel Law is like having Olympic-level legal representation. Through the years, Renee Hykel Cuddy’s vision and sense of purpose have never wavered. She founded Hykel Law Firm with a mission of helping foreign immigrants enjoy the same freedoms, aspirations, and opportunities enjoyed by U.S. citizens. Ms. Hykel Cuddy maintains resilient integrity, honesty, and aggressive defense on behalf of all the individuals and families in greater Philadelphia whom she has the pleasure of representing. When other lawyers throw in the towel, get in touch with Renee Hykel Cuddy, Esq., founder and managing attorney of Hykel Law.

Andrew F. Ruder earned a B.S. degree from Towson University in 2007 and went on to receive his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law in Camden in May of 2012. While in law school, Andrew was a member of the Rutgers Law Journal. His comment, “The Use of Risk Assessment Tools in Formulating Individualized Sentencing Programs,” will be published in the next volume. Additionally, Andrew participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Project. In the summer of 2010, Andrew interned with the Honorable Mitchell S. Goldberg in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and also with the Honorable Shelley Robins New in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Andrew served as a law clerk for a small firm in New Jersey as well as for a mediation company under Judge James D. Clyne. He joined Pond Lehocky in September 2012 to practice in the area of Workers’ Compensation. Andrew is admitted to practice law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Tech2Educate, a non-profit that raises money to provide new technology to charter schools in the Philadelphia area. Most recently, he co-authored an article with Samuel H. Pond entitled “AMA’s Approach to Impairment Rating Evaluations is Unconstitutional” published in The Legal Intelligencer. Andrew was also featured as a contributing writer in the Spring 2013 edition of New Jersey Chiropractor, a quarterly publication distributed by the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors.

Cristiane Lucena, who prefers to go by Cris, is a Brazilian-born attorney with over two decades of experience navigating complex legal systems across two continents. She began her legal career in Brazil as a labor and employment attorney, and she also clerked for justices at the Labor Regional Court in Paraná. After relocating to the United States, Cris earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. law from the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) in 2020 and passed the Texas Bar Exam during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cris discovered her passion for immigration law while working as a student attorney at UHLC, where she advocated for vulnerable individuals facing overwhelming legal challenges. Since then, she has dedicated her career to immigration law, proudly supporting diverse communities—including Afghan nationals paroled into the U.S. due to the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Her work is marked by compassion, diligence, and a deep understanding of the immigrant experience. In 2023, Cris moved to Philadelphia and joined Hykel Law in May 2025. She is excited to continue helping immigrants achieve stability and opportunity, with a special commitment to serving the Brazilian community in the Philadelphia area. Outside the office, Cris loves the thrill of roller coasters and enjoys outdoor adventures, such as hiking, biking, and exploring nature trails. She’s an avid traveler who values time with friends and family, and she’s always happy to wind down with her beloved cat, Kobe.