Company Profile
GREGORY P. LAMONACA,
Esquire Founding Member;
Director of the Trial Lab; Certified Divorce Coach; Creator of Brutally Honest
Gregory P. (Greg) LaMonaca is the founding member of the firm, which he began in 1994, working from a spare bedroom in the first home he shared with his wife Monica. From that humble beginning, member-by-member, grew a firm comprised today of dedicated attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants utilizing a team-oriented approach to fulfill the firm’s mission. Over its 30 year history, the firm has grown to be one of largest family law firms in the area, committed to that mission of serving the needs of its clients throughout the Main Line, the state of Pennsylvania and beyond.
Mr. LaMonaca is a Cardinal O’Hara High School graduate, after which he continued his studies at West Chester University, achieving dean’s list status and graduating with cum laude honors. From there, he went on to the Widener University School of Law, concentrating his studies in trial advocacy. Mr. LaMonaca is a graduate of Mastery University and IAP Career College as a certified divorce coach. Mr. LaMonaca is a several-times published author, former martial arts instructor, and recipient of numerous professional awards in prior years, including:
Main Line Today magazine “Top Lawyer” designation seventeen times (often ranked #1), in the fields of divorce and custody, (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2006 and 2004);
Suburban Life magazine “Awesome/Top Attorney” designation fourteen times (ranked #1) for family law and divorce (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010);
LexisNexis/Martindale Hubble AV Preeminent® rating (4.5-5.0), achieved in 2017 and held since then – AV Preeminent is a significant rating accomplishment and a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence in both legal ability and ethical standards;
Daily Times “Best Lawyers” designation in the field of family law in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015; Also listed in 2014 as Best Lawyer for “Virtual Law.”
The American Society of Legal Advocates award as one of the “Top 100 Family Law Attorneys in Pennsylvania”;
The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys “10 Best Attorneys” for exceptional and outstanding client service”;
Philadelphia magazine designation as a “Super Lawyer” in multiple years;
Top 10 Family Law Firm in Attorney and Practice Magazine;
Avvo.com ranking score as 10 out of 10 as well as gaining the distinction of Top Rated Lawyer in 2021
Mr. LaMonaca holds membership in the American Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s family law divisions, along with his membership in many other organizations.
Besides the firm’s experience, dedicated team members, diversity, and passion for helping others, Mr. LaMonaca attributes the growth and success of the firm to his “Brutally Honest” system. The three-phase process of this system, which Mr. LaMonaca co-created with a former custody client, helps individuals assess their past and analyze their present as a way to determine current goals, and as part of creating a plan for accomplishing those goals.
Mr. LaMonaca is the Head of the Trial Lab which focuses on making the individual the most presentable version of themselves when it matters most. Using state of the art cameras and recording, the trial lab allows individuals to be their very best when preparing to present in front of a court or tribunal.
Mr. LaMonaca has worked to share his wisdom and vision with others. In 2009, he co-authored a book called the Brutally Honest Life Management Journal, to empower readers to reconnect with the things that matter most in life. In that first book, he detailed his own story of overcoming a rare, debilitating medical condition. He told of going from being a competitive martial artist and power lifter to becoming almost completely paralyzed in about a month’s time, as a tumor attacked his spine. In the book, he shared a year from his personal journal, candidly describing what it was like and what it took to overcome tremendous adversity against great odds. This book, and the “Brutally Honest” process help reader to design their own compelling future and to overcome what may stand in the way of achieving that compelling future.
A follow-up book, the Brutally Honest Pennsylvania Divorce & Custody Survival Guide, was written to help readers who are mired in a divorce or custody dispute to visualize the path to a brighter future. An updated and expanded version of the book, re-titled now as the Brutally Honest Pennsylvania Divorce, Custody & Financial Survival Guide (2019), is available for free download through the firm’s website, at www.LaMonacaLaw.com.
Mr. LaMonaca added to his publishing credits early in 2019, with the release of his third book, The Brutally Honest Guide to Sur-thriving Generation Now. The book contains vital lessons that may apply to anyone looking to make a significant life change. In it, Mr. LaMonaca has shared real-life examples that have helped him in various aspects of life, ranging from personal relationships, health and career, to personal growth, finances, emotional intelligence and fostering financial literacy in children. The book will help readers put together a plan for themselves and for their families, using principles that have proven to be successful. An agreement to publish another book was reached with the publisher and will be out in the future.
Mr. LaMonaca enjoys spending time with his wife Monica, who has been his partner for almost four decades now, and with their two children, Alyssa& Gregory. He enjoys reading, writing, weight lifting and training in the martial arts with a variety of traditional Filipino weapons. His biggest goal is to create a lasting legacy that will long survive him.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
CHRISTOPHER CASSERLY,
Esquire Partner & Shareholder
Director of Appellate Unit
Since joining LaMonaca Law in 2013, Chris has carved out his reputation as a steadfast and resolution-oriented fixture in Family Law courts across Delaware and surrounding counties. When taking on a new case, Chris’s approach is always to find a middle ground and proceed toward resolution with as little acrimony as possible along the way. Where a case does not lend itself to an amicable resolution, however, Chris’s years of courtroom experience make him a dogged and persuasive litigator. Chris has been named a “Top Attorney” by Main Line Times each year since 2015 and is a perennial “Super Lawyer” in the category of Family Law (2019, 20, 21, 22, 23). Chris has secured courtroom victories for his clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Chris has also served as custody chair for the Delaware County Bar Association Family Law section. When he’s not advocating for his clients, Chris enjoys cooking, all things Sopranos and Seinfeld- related, and being down the shore with his wife, daughters, and good dog Molly.
LAWRENCE C. WELSH,
Esquire Chief Legal Counsel
Director of Forensic Support Team & Interstate/International Child Abduction Unit
Larry is a multi-year “Top Lawyer” honoree in Main Line Today magazine, and he has been named as an “Awesome/Top Attorney” for family law and divorce in Suburban Life Magazine. Larry is an active member of the bar associations and family law sections of Delaware County, Chester County, and the state of Pennsylvania.
TERESA MALLON,
Esquire Senior Legal Counsel
Teresa graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a Masters Degree in Social Work. After working in the field as a social worker for several years, and while her now grown children were very young, Teresa went on to graduate from Widener University School of Law.
Teresa believes that her 29 years of Family Law experience weighs heavily in favor of her clients not only in the Courtroom but also in trying to settle their issues and keep them out of the Courtroom. After a quarter century of representing clients, Teresa truly understands the emotional and physical toll that Family Law issues can bring upon a person.
Here are some of Teresa’s credentials and accomplishments:
– Committee Member of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
– Featured in Main Line Today Magazine
– Received the President of the Delaware County Bar Association Special Recognition Award
– Received the Service to the Section Award from the Family Law Section of the Delaware County Bar Association
– Received an Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
– Served as Chairperson of the Family Law Section of the Delaware County Bar Association.
– Board of Directors of the Delaware County Bar Association
– Admitted to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
– Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States of America
GERRY GEBHART,
Esquire Director of PFA Unit
Gerry graduated from Drexel University magna cum laude with a degree in Information Systems and a minor in Business Administration. After working as a consultant in the intermodal transportation industry, Gerry enrolled in and graduated from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, where he specialized in trial advocacy.
Prior to joining LaMonaca Law, Gerry practiced Family Law privately while working at the Public Defender’s office. Gerry quickly gained a reputation as a savvy trial attorney, securing numerous successful trial verdicts, eventually resulting in his being elected as president of the Delaware County Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association.
Gerry is a multi-year winner of the Delaware County Daily Times “Best Lawyers” recognition in multiple areas of family law.
Gerry lives in Middletown Township where he is active in his local firehouse as both a firefighter and a member of the board of directors.
MICHAEL R. GALANTINO,
Esquire
Michael R. Galantino is an instructor for the Pennsylvania Minor Judiciary Education Board and an adjunct professor in criminal justice at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Galantino served for thirty years in the Delaware County (PA) District Attorney’s Office including the last twenty-one years as Deputy District Attorney and Chief of the Special Victims / Domestic Violence Division. He has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from West Chester University and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law.
He began his career in the District Attorney’s Office in 1989 and was promoted to the criminal trial division in 1991, where he prosecuted a variety of cases over the next seven years. In 1998, Mr. Galantino was appointed Chief of the newly created Special Victims’ Unit to specialize in cases involving Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Internet Crimes Against Children. He prosecuted thousands of cases in his career, including more than 140 jury trials to verdict. He has taught at the National, State, and local levels on issues including computer-facilitated sexual assault, child abuse and exploitation, ethics, evidence, criminal law, search and seizure and courtroom procedures.Mr. Galantino also served for three years as the Executive Director of the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators, an organization that provides training and support to prosecutors around the country.
ANDREW FRANCOS,
Esquire
Andrew graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics. During his time there, Andrew was a two-time letterman for Franklin and Marshall’s Division I wrestling program. After college, Andrew attended Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where he graduated Cum Laude and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. After graduating from Widener, Andrew accepted his current position at LaMonaca Law. Andrew brings with him a strong commitment to family values and looks forward to serving clients with the same level of zeal as he would expect his family to receive.
ALYSSA M. LAMONACA,
Esquire
Alyssa was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management accompanying a Minor in Finance. She graduated Law School from Widener University Delaware Law and is licensed to practice in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She has achieved the rank of third degree black belt, taught in her Martial Art School’s SWAT (Special Winning Attitude Team) program and was a member of their elite Demonstration Team, who won the World Championship in 2014. Ms. LaMonaca has been working formally at LaMonaca Law full time since 2014, and informally for many years prior.
KRISTY L. PANELLA
Practice Manager & Lead Paralegal
Kristy grew up in Delaware County, where she currently resides with her husband and two children. She began working for LaMonaca Law as a paralegal in June of 2000, when the firm consisted of only three members: firm owner, Gregory LaMonaca, Monica LaMonaca, and Kristy. Since that time, the firm has continued to grow into one of the largest family law firms in Delaware County. During her many years at the firm, Kristy has utilized her extensive skills to assist the team members at LaMonaca Law, in her position as Practice Manager and Lead Paralegal, serving each of our clients with dignity, empathy, compassion and excellence.
PATRICK J. DEMPSEY, JR
Operations Manager/Legal Assistant
Patrick grew up in Broomall, Pennsylvania and now living in Chester County with his wife, 2 daughters and their cats, Little Bear and Hooper. After high school, Patrick attended St. John’s University before transferring to Eastern University graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. While at both universities, he was a member of the Men’s Lacrosse team as well as being captain while attending Eastern University. Patrick began working for LaMonaca Law in May of 2011 and assists Greg and the entire team. As Operations Manager, Patrick makes sure all the systems and procedures are operating at full capacity, and coordinate any new systems with the entire team.
Outside the Office, Patrick enjoys spending time with her family, working on house projects, traveling with this family, watching sporting events, documentaries. Movies and Shark Week. A few items on his bucket list are visiting the Georgia Aquarium, cage diving in the Galapagos or South Africa, and purchasing a “vacation” home in Ireland or New Hampshire.
MONICA A. LAMONACA
Bookkeeper
Mrs. LaMonaca was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania being one of 11 brothers and sisters. A graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School, she continued her studies at West Chester University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Thereafter, she continued her education by attending Widener University where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Reading. Mrs. LaMonaca has been affiliated with the firm since its inception in 1994 while also teaching reading to countless students in the Delaware County area.
Mrs. LaMonaca developed her strong work ethic early in life as she helped her Father prepare tax returns while often going into work with her Mother, a head ob-gyn nurse. Coming from a twin home in Clifton Heights, she learned early how to work with others to achieve results, to always have respect for others and live life with passion. Along with her husband, and founder of the Firm, Gregory LaMonaca, they both worked through high school, drove together to West Chester University, heading directly to work afterwards. They are the parents of two children, Alyssa and Gregory and enjoy quiet time together.
Asked about what her greatest joys are, without hesitation, she says “To be the best Mother and Wife I can be, and to see the smiling faces on a young child’s face as they discover the joy of reading for the first time.”
CHRISTINA AVELLA
Paralegal
Christina Avella joined the firm in 2014, where she has continued to assist the firm in their family law practice. Christina grew up in Brookhaven where she attended Sun Valley High School. She continues to reside in Delaware County with her husband and two children. Christina graduated from Temple University in 2011 with a BA in Criminal Justice and later went on to obtain her paralegal certificate in 2013 through Delaware County Community College. Since 2014, Christina has continued to excel in her career at LaMonaca Law, and has contributed to the company’s growth and productivity.
Christina has a large, close knit family, with whom she spends most of her time outside of work. The bonds she shares with her family have helped Christina excel at LaMonaca Law, as she understands how important family is, and through that, she is able to empathize with the issues our clients face, which allows her to be a strong advocate for them.
THERESA MULHERN
Legal Secretary
Theresa grew up in Delaware County and is a proud graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School. She began working as a legal assistant in 2000 for law firms located within Media Borough. She has known Gregory P. LaMonaca as a friend and colleague since beginning her career in the legal field and joined the LaMonaca Law Team in 2018. Theresa is passionate about the needs of our clients and works with the team members to bring each client the results they need and deserve.
SHAYNE HATTERSELY
Paralegal
Shayne was born and raised in Newtown Square, Delaware County and is a graduate of Marple Newtown Senior High School and Penn State University. She began working as a legal assistant while in college and fell in love with the legal field. Shayne has worked for law firms located within Media Borough and has been Teresa A. Mallon’s “right hand” for over ten years joining the LaMonaca Law Team alongside her in September 2019. Shayne has also been a Pennsylvania Notary Public since 2005.
PATRICIA WALLACE
Legal Assistant
Ms. Wallace was born and raised in Delaware County and attended Delaware County Community College. Pat started her career working for a law firm in Philadelphia and through the years has worked in the non-profit, banking and healthcare fields, to name a few.
Pat’s brings her pleasant and caring nature to our front desk staff. Pat is a proud member of the LaMonaca Law family since 2014.
CAITLYNN CORDERO
Legal Secretary
Caitlynn was born and raised in Delaware County where she graduated from Upper Darby High School. While in high school, Caitlynn had a strong desire to give back to the community through volunteer work. She began her volunteer work at a pre-school in Primos, and later she continued volunteering at her own school. Caitlynn then went on to volunteer in college through the Big Brother’s Big Sister’s program, and every Tuesday and Thursday she would also help at an after school program at a school in her town. Caitlynn come from a very large, very close knit family who taught her to be strong and independent, as well as compassionate and kind. Caitlynn joined the firm to assist in our very busy family law practice, where she uses her experience to help our many clients and our team at LaMonaca Law.
GREGORY J. LAMONACA
Legal Assistant
Gregory graduated Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. He has been a member of the LaMonaca Law team since 2019, working as a part-time legal assistant. Gregory is a third degree black belt, taught in his school’s SWAT (Special Winning Attitude Team) and was a member of their elite demonstration team, which won the World Championship in 2014.
LAUREN A. STEVENS,
Esquire Of Counsel
Lauren Stevens is “Of Counsel” to the firm. She is a 1980 graduate from the University of Delaware with a BA degree in Criminal Justice and a 1984 graduate from The Widener University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Delaware County Bar Association. Lauren began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Chester County District Attorney’s Office where she gained valuable trial experience. Lauren later became an associate with a Philadelphia Law Firm where her practice focused primarily on insurance defense litigation matters including motor vehicle, products liability, medical malpractice and medical device mass tort litigation. In 1995, Lauren became an owner/partner in the law firm of Stevens and Witmer, P.C. where her practice focused primarily on family law, landlord tenant, real estate, personal injury and criminal matters.
BRADY B JOHNSON IV,
Esquire Of Counsel
Brady Johnson graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. After College Brady began his career in Banking, attending Law School at night. Brady received his Juris Doctorate from Widener Law School in Wilmington Delaware. Mr. Johnson focused his studies on Trial Advocacy, Child Abuse and Neglect, Counseling and Negotiations.<br>
Mr. Johnson is a member of the American Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Association.
CHRISTOPHER R. MATTOX,
Esquire Of Counsel
Mr. Mattox, graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Temple University were he graduated magna cum laude in 1992. He received a Dean’s scholar scholarship to attend the Widener University School of Law. Mr. Mattox then received a Masters in Law from Temple University in Trial Advocacy in 1999.Mr. Johnson is a member of the American Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Mr. Mattox was re-elected to serve a six-year term as a District Judge in Upper Darby which commenced January 2, 2010. Mr. Mattox primarily handles personal injury and family law matters within the firm, with a special interest in litigation. Mr. Mattox is a licensed member of the Pa. Bar Association. He is a member in good standing of The Eastern District of Pennsylvania, The Third Circuit Federal Court of Appeals and The Supreme Court of the United States.
JOSEPH MICHAEL LAMONACA,
Esquire Of Counsel
Mr. LaMonaca is “Of Counsel” to the firm. In addition, Mr. LaMonaca has represented individuals in the area of Domestic Relations, and specializes in representing individuals in aviation law throughout the country, and abroad, in actions involving pilot f.a.a certificate actions, f.a.a civil penalty actions, medical certificate actions, n.t.s.b. hearings and appeals, united states court of appeals matters, dui, alcohol and drug related aviation matters, aviation accident and incident matters and investigation, flight department/pilot consultation, aviation insurance related matters, aviation employment related matters, f.b.o. representation, airline representation and defense, aircraft owner and pilot association panel lawyer matters, and aviation law seminars/pilot practical legal seminars.
Howard Anmuth,
Esquire
Howard Anmuth Graduated Cum Laude from Temple University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Thomas M. Cooley Law School is where Howard obtained his Juris Doctor in 1993, and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Bar since 1994. In addition, Howard is also admitted to practice before the United States Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Having practiced in several areas of civil law including personal injury and consumer bankruptcy, Howard’s primary area of practice is family law.
In addition, he was a Public Defender for Delaware County for almost nineteen years. In 2022 Howard was elected the President of UAW Local 5503, where he served until early 2024.
Born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Howard is a 1984 graduate of Marple Newtown High School.
CAROL A. MCDONALD,
Esquire Retired
Carol McDonald joined the firm in 2006 and is now enjoying retirement. She graduated magna cum laude from Rosemont College and then received her Juris Doctorate degree from Villanova University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and has also passed the bar exam in New Jersey. Carol is a member of the Pennsylvania and Delaware County Bar Associations. Professionally, Carol has practiced both civil and criminal law. In 2001 she joined the Legal Department at the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County (DAP) and served as the Director of the Legal Department for over 3 years. In her capacity at DAP, Carol represented thousands of victims of domestic abuse.
