Margaret Klaw

Margaret Klaw is a veteran in the field of family law, with a career spanning more than three decades. Her professional focus has centered on mediation, arbitration, and consultation in complex family matters including divorce and custody. She is deeply committed to delivering compassionate and ethical legal services that support clients during some of their most difficult life transitions.

Margaret’s educational path began at Oberlin Conservatory (1975–1976) before continuing to the London School of Economics in 1979 for a political science program. Margaret earned her B.A. in Political Science magna cum laude from Boston University in 1980. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 1984, laying the foundation for her lifelong dedication to justice and family advocacy.

Margaret has held a variety of pivotal roles throughout her legal career. Early on, she served at the Law Offices of Phyllis Gelman in New York, where she practiced employment discrimination, civil rights, and family law. She later became Assistant General Counsel at the Victim Services Agency in New York, where she focused on training and legislative work concerning domestic violence and child abuse.

Margaret’s commitment to public interest law continued as Litigation Coordinator at the Women Against Abuse Legal Center in Philadelphia, providing legal assistance in custody, appellate, and abuse protection cases. She also spent time working closely with solo practitioners, gaining valuable insight into client-centered representation in all areas of family law.

Widely recognized for her excellence, Margaret Klaw has received numerous awards, including Best Lawyers in America (2016–2025) for both Collaborative Law and Family Law Mediation. She’s been named a PA Super Lawyer from 2006 to 2024 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for her professional integrity and expertise. Beyond her legal practice, Margaret is also a published author, using storytelling to shed light on the intricacies of family law. Her work continues to influence both the legal field and the broader community through thoughtful advocacy and education.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, BKW Family Law LLC
• Attorney, Law Offices of Joni J. Berner
• Litigation Coordinator, Women Against Abuse Legal Center
• Assistant General Counsel, Victim Services Agency

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania
• New York

Education

• Northeastern University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  B.A. in Political Science

Awards & Badges