Alan L. Yatvin

Alan L. Yatvin, a partner at Weir LLP in Philadelphia, leads the firm’s civil rights and special education/children’s disability rights practices. With over 40 years of litigation experience, Alan L. Yatvin has built a national and international reputation as a leading advocate for victims of police misconduct, students with disabilities, and defendants facing criminal charges.

Yatvin earned his Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in 1983. He began his career as an Assistant Defender in Philadelphia and in federal court before co-founding Popper & Yatvin, where he served as managing partner for over three decades. His admissions include prestigious courts, such as the U.S. Supreme Court and various international criminal tribunals.

Throughout his career, Yatvin has led and won high-profile cases in federal courts and before international tribunals, including the United Nations ICTY and the International Criminal Court. He has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of children with disabilities, earning recognition from judges and courts nationwide for his exceptional advocacy, strategic litigation skills, and unwavering commitment to justice.

In addition to courtroom successes, Yatvin has made significant contributions to legal education, authoring influential publications and delivering lectures on civil rights, special education law, and trial advocacy. His leadership roles include serving on the National Board of the American Diabetes Association and the Philadelphia Police Community Oversight Board.

Yatvin’s work extends beyond advocacy to shaping policy and awareness, particularly regarding the rights of individuals with diabetes in educational and law enforcement settings. He co-authored several key position papers and led numerous initiatives to improve healthcare access and civil protections for vulnerable populations.

Recognized with awards such as the Thurgood Marshall Criminal Justice Award and consistently named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List since 2004, Alan L. Yatvin continues to make a profound impact on civil rights, special education law, and criminal justice reform through his tireless efforts in and out of the courtroom.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Weir LLP
• Member, Philadelphia Bar Association

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania

Education

• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, New York
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges