PARTNER
Donald F. Kohler
Whether clients seek out attorney Donald F. Kohler because they are considering separating from their spouse, require a will or find themselves in a driveway dispute with a neighbor, they come to rely on Don as their personal family lawyer. Working tirelessly to keep clients informed and involved throughout the legal process, Don is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome as he guides clients through the most difficult times of their lives.
Kohler joined Gawthrop Greenwood as a partner in May 2025, after practicing law since 1997 including at his own successful private practice at Kohler Law Offices for the prior 12 years. Now able to offer his clients the expanded services of a larger law firm while continuing to focus on individual needs and customized strategy, he specializes in family law, including divorce, custody, support, alimony, Orphans’ Court, guardianships, adoptions, and probate litigation. Don also has extensive experience assisting clients with estate litigation.
Don serves in Gawthrop Greenwood’s West Chester office, where he is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association as well as past President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Chester County Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in U.S. district and appeals courts in Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey, has received a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating for divorce and probate, and been voted a Top Lawyer by Main Line Today more than a dozen times. Don has also been recognized with the Director’s Award by the Chester County Bar Association and the Service Award for the Chester County Bar Foundation.
Don earned his juris doctor degree from Widener University Delaware School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Penn State University. Based in Chester County since 1999, he is extremely active in his community. Boy Scouts of America has honored him with multiple awards, including the highest recognition a local council can bestow. Don is also a board member for West Chester Wolfpack Rugby and is a former basketball, baseball and soccer coach in the Kennett Square area. He is a past school board member for Kennett Consolidated School District.
COURT ADMISSIONS
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1999
- U.S District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2005
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Third Circuit, 1999
- State of New Jersey, 1997
- U.S. District Court, New Jersey, 1997
EDUCATION
- Penn State University, B.A., 1989
- Widener University Delaware School of Law, J.D., 1997
MEMBERSHIPS & SERVICE
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Chester County Bar Association, Member, 1999-present
- Chester County Bar Association, past President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Young Lawyers’ Division Chair and Director
- Chester County Bar Foundation, past President, Director and Scholarship Committee Chair
- Kennett Consolidated School District, School Board Director and Policy Committee Chair, 2021-2023
- New Garden Township Zoning Hearing Board, Member, 2004-2011
- Rotary International, Member, 2013-2025
- Boy Scouts of America, Member and Chester County Council Board of Directors, 2015-2024
- Boy Scouts of America, Assistant Scout Master, Troop 24, Kennett Square, February 2021-Present
- Boy Scouts of America, District Chairman, 2015-2020
- Kennett Square YMCA, past basketball and soccer coach
- KAU Baseball, past baseball coach
- West Chester Wolfpack Rugby, Board Member, 2023-Present
ADDITIONAL DISTINCTIONS
- Top Lawyers, Mainline Today, 2012-present
- Avvo.com 10.0 rating in Divorce, Probate and Business
- Chester County Bar Association, Board of Directors Award, 2014
- Chester County Bar Foundation, Service Award, 2016
- Boy Scouts of America, Silver Beaver Award, Chester County Council, Scouts BSA, 2023
- Boy Scouts of America, Extraordinary Service Award, Pack 60, Chester County Council, Scouts BSA, 2019
- Boy Scouts of America, District Award of Merit, Octorara District, Chester County Council, Scouts BSA, 2018
610) 696-8225
PRACTICE AREAS
DISTINCTIONS
- Top Lawyers, Mainline Today, 2012-present
- Avvo.com 10.0 rating in Divorce, Probate and Business
- Chester County Bar Association, Board of Directors Award, 2014
- Chester County Bar Foundation, Service Award, 2016
- Boy Scouts of America, Silver Beaver Award, Chester County Council, Scouts BSA, 2023
- Boy Scouts of America, Extraordinary Service Award, Pack 60, Chester County Council, Scouts BSA, 2019
- Boy Scouts of America, District Award of Merit, Octorara District, Chester County Council, Scouts BSA, 2018
Latest News
Robert Jefferson on Best Practices for New Lawyers
Municipal law attorney Robert C. Jefferson, IV presented a continuing legal education (CLE) course to attorneys from across Chester County on April 25, 2025 for the Chester County Bar Association, where he shared insight on the following key topics...
Elliot Berton on Rules Enforcement in Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations
Community association lawyer Elliot H. Berton gave an interactive presentation on April 25, 2025 at the Delaware County Bar Association, where he addressed one of the most vexing and controversial aspects of living in or owning property within a condominium or community association: controlling resident and owner conduct.
Steven Sugarman on Key Legal, Operational Challenges Facing Community Associations
Community association attorney Steven L. Sugarman served as a featured speaker at the annual Cranberry Township Neighborhood Forum on April 14, 2025, where he provided valuable insights into the key legal and operational challenges facing community associations today.
What Pennsylvania Insurance Carriers and Businesses Should Know About the Absolute Auto Exclusion
In a March 18, 2025 ruling, Gawthrop Greenwood, PC has secured significant insurance coverage for a client after years of contentious litigation and an appeal to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
