John Rafferty

I am a litigator and focus my practice on Civil and Business Litigation matters. If there's a dispute brewing that may involve an agreement (even a handshake or verbal promise) or a contract, I'd love to help you identify a resolution, or if necessary, bring the case to trial before a judge or jury.

My extensive trial experience includes work at the Chester County District Attorney’s Office where, as an Assistant District Attorney, I managed multiple cases from investigation through trial, prosecuting serious criminal matters, including homicides and assaults.

My career began in the U.S. Navy, where I served as a naval officer in southeast Asia, Southern California and the Middle East. I was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for meritorious shipboard accomplishments, as well as the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for exemplary public service efforts.

I was awarded a full scholarship to Villanova Law School as a Public Interest Scholar, and received the Super Lawyers Pro Bono Award for exhibiting a significant and sustained commitment to public service through my work as a law student.

• Free Consultation
  If you mention Justia, I will provide you a 30 minute consultation at no charge, before my hourly-rate is billed after that.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  I accept payment via every major credit card.
• Contingent Fees
  If you have been assaulted, abused or injured, I may be able to take your case on a contingent fee arrangement; meaning my firm is only paid if we win your case.

Pennsylvania

Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Since 2013

Partner

Gawthrop Greenwood, P.C.

2017 - Current

Assistant District Attorney (Child Abuse Unit)

Chester County District Attorney's Office

2014 - 2017

Independence Foundation Fellow

Friends of Farmworkers, Inc.

2013 - 2014

Fulbright Research Fellow

Fulbright Fellowship through the U.S. State Department

2012 - 2013

During a year in Quito, I researched the ways in which the Ecuadorian government was implementing its laws intended to prevent and punish human trafficking; and learned about what innovations were happening to restore survivors.

Anti-Human Trafficking Intern

IOM

2011

Senior Legal and Policy Fellow

Polaris (formerly Polaris Project)

2010

Logistics Officer

Mine Countermeasures Division 31

2007 - 2009

Lieutenant

US Navy

2005 - 2007

Villanova University School of Law

J.D. (2012) | Law

Honors: Full Scholarship to Villanova Law due to commitment to Public Interest & Human Rights

Boston College

B.A. (2005) | Philosophy and Religious Studies

Arts & Science: Honors Program; Navy ROTC midshipman

Rising Star

Super Lawyers

2023

2020-2023

Top Lawyer

Main Line Today

2023

2018 - 2023

10.0 Superb Rating

Avvo

2023

AV Preeminent Peer Rating

Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Best Lawyers - Readers Choice Awards

Daily Local News

2022

2021-2022

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Attorney

Current

Chester County Bar Association

Attorney

Current

Activities: Young Lawyers' Division, Mock Trial

La Comunidad Hispana

Board Member and Chair of Risk Management

Current

Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania

Member

Current

Litigating Cryptocurrency: Is Bitcoin’s Future Doomed?

The Legal Intelligencer

2018

Encyclopedia of Transnational Crime and Justice (Authored article for "Nongovernmental Organization")

SAGE

2012

The Manama Declaration on Human Trafficking at the Crossroads (Co-Author)

Human Trafficking at the Crossroads (Bahrain)

2009

New Jersey & Pennsylvania Light a Beacon for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, NBC 10 News

2019

What You Need to Know about the New Pennsylvania Drone Laws, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2019

Mastering Bitcoin, Digital Currency, & Blockchain Law, 24/7 On-demand Recording & Complimentary Podcast CLE

2018

Identifying & Representing Victims of Human Trafficking, Continuing Legal Education

2018

Blockchains and Bitcoin: What Lawyers Can't Afford to Ignore, Jenkins Law Library, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2018

Q. What if a power of attorney is needed to make decisions but he can not be reached?

October 14, 2020

A: You can file a petition in the Orphans' Court Division in the Court of Common Pleas of the County in which your grandfather resides, Petitioning the Court to Remove your brother as POA; for failing to perform the job he was appointed to perform. If your grandfather lacks cognitive capacity to make important decisions, you might also consider filing a Petition for Guardianship, which would enable a new, designated person (the guardian) to work with your grandfather to help him make important decisions and manage his money.

Q. My friend's mom is near death and her sister, brothers and father are not allowing her necessary care and visitation.

October 14, 2020

A: She might consider filing a petition for guardianship of her mother, alleging that she needs assistance caring for herself and determining who can see her, and her current care-situation is insufficient. An estates attorney should be able to help you prepare and file such a petition.

Q. Is my son responsible for my nursing home payments should I have to be in one? My property is in his name also, \

October 14, 2020

A: Your could be responsible for your nursing home payments if he signs a personal guarantee, or something similar for the nursing home, promising to make payment if you or your estate assets run out of funds. Alternatively, if you ran up a significant bill that the nursing filed a suit in order to get paid, their judgment would be against you and your assets, but not your son (if he doesn't sign a personal guarantee, or something similar) - so your property (if then titled in both your names) would not likely be subject to the judgment.