Patricia B. Small

Admitted to practice in 1981, Ms. Small has been associated with the law firm of Berlinger & Small since its formation. She practices primarily Family Law, including divorce, custody, property distribution, and support, both child and spousal. Ms. Small is a Certified Mediator and a Custody Mediator for the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. She is a member of the Family Law Sections of the Montgomery County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.

Ms. Small also advises in the areas of estate planning:  Drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives (Living Wills) for clients, including Family Law clients after a divorce. In the area of estate administration she guides clients through the sometimes lengthy and complicated process of opening and closing an estate after the death of a loved one.

Prior to joining Berlinger & Small, Ms. Small was associated with a large Philadelphia law firm, as a litigator in the field of asbestos litigation.

Ms. Small graduated magna cum laude from Temple University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and was a full-time teacher in the Philadelphia School System for six years. Her background in child development gives her unique insight into family law issues, particularly the effect of divorce on the children. While teaching full time, she attended Temple University School of Law in the evening where she received the Barrister’s Award for Trial Advocacy.

As a lawyer, Ms. Small advocates vigorously for her clients.
As a counselor, she helps her clients understand their legal situation and options.
As a mediator, Ms. Small acts in a neutral capacity, helping the parties themselves find a solution that works for them, rather than a court imposed solution.

Ms. Small has provided free legal services to non-profit corporations and religious institutions, believing that it is important to give back to the community.

Areas of Practice

Family Law
Estate Planning
Estate Administration
Mediation

Court Admissions

All Pennsylvania State Courts
United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA
United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals
United States Supreme Court

Professional Associations

Montgomery County Bar Association
Montgomery County Family Lawyers
Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors of Jenkintown Day Nursery

Education

Temple University College of Education
Magna Cum Laude
Temple University School of Law
Recipient: Barrister’s Award for Trial Advocacy