P. Kristen Bennett, Stephen R. McDonnell Named to Local Boards

Gawthrop Greenwood partners P. Kristen Bennett and Stephen R. McDonnell have been named to the boards of local nonprofit organizations that serve communities and businesses throughout the Brandywine Valley and Chester County.

“With sponsorship and support of more than 30 organizations each year, Gawthrop Greenwood has upheld a rich tradition of giving back to its communities in Chester County and Greater Wilmington, as well as supporting and becoming actively involved in the business organizations valued by our clients and friends,” said Sandra L. Knapp, Chair of the Management Committee at Gawthrop Greenwood. “It’s a pleasure and an honor for our attorneys to serve on these worthy boards.”

Gawthrop Greenwood attorney P. Kristen Bennett has been named to the Brandywine Health Foundation, a nonprofit based in Coatesville, PA. The Brandywine Health Foundation’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of people who live and work in the greater Coatesville area by fostering community partnerships, providing capacity-building support and making grants to promote health equity and a healthy community.

Bennett focuses her practice on trusts and estates, as well as taxation. Her work encompasses all aspects of wills and trusts, including the probate of wills, the marshaling of assets, and the administration of living and testamentary trusts. In addition, Bennett provides counsel on estate and trust administration, including probate, estate tax returns, income tax returns, post mortem tax planning and other administration issues. She also represents clients in guardianship proceedings and petitions related to probate or trust administration in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Attorney Stephen R. McDonnell has been named to the Board of Directors of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI) in Malvern, PA. CCCBI is a member-driven chamber of influence that provides effective connections to enhance advocacy, business development and community investment.

As a member of Gawthrop Greenwood’s management committee and past chair of the firm’s litigation department, McDonnell understand the day-to-day challenges of operating and growing a mid-sized business in Chester County. He focuses his law practice on helping corporations and individuals avoid and resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation and/or litigation. His practice is concentrated in the areas of contract disputes, construction claims, employment issues as well as insurance matters. His day-to-day experience working with large, as well as smaller growing businesses and individuals gives him a unique understanding of their needs and concerns in the context of the larger local business landscape as well as the public sector.