PARTNER

Elliot H. Berton

BIOGRAPHY

Elliot H. Berton focuses his practice on the protection of condominium and homeowners’ associations in state and bankruptcy courts. Drawing on his extensive experience representing banks, financial service companies and other creditors, he advises community association clients on negotiation and documentation of loans, service and other association contracts, assessment recoveries and other financial issues. Elliot also assists associations with transition from declarant control, operational issues, governing document amendments and interpretation, and defense litigation.

Elliot’s efforts for banks and financial institutions include workouts, collection of commercial and residential loans in state and bankruptcy courts, loan sales and acquisitions, real estate matters as well as negotiation and documentation of service contracts.

A frequent lecturer, Elliot has conducted roundtables and presented talks to managers both at seminars and for management companies covering an array of topics including rules enforcement, dealing with a troublesome resident, assessment collection, and borrowing in lieu of special assessments. He has also been a panelist for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute course “Who’s on First? Lien Priority in Pennsylvania,” “What’s On Second? Sophisticated Issues in Line Divestiture & Priority,” and at PBI’s annual Real Estate Institute and Bankruptcy Institute. Elliot has been a featured speaker for the Delaware County Real Estate Committee and has taught collection practices and procedures to attorneys and other professionals.

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania, 1988
U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1988
New Jersey, 1988
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, 1988
Chester County, PA

Education

Villanova University, J.D., 1988
Penn State University, B.A., Political Science, 1985

Membership & Service

Chester County Bar Association
Bankruptcy Conference, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Education Committee

Additional Distinctions

Main Line Today “Top Lawyers”
Daily Local News “Top Lawyers”

CREDENTIALS

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania, 1988
U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1988
New Jersey, 1988
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, 1988
Chester County, PA

Education

Villanova University, J.D., 1988
Penn State University, B.A., Political Science, 1985

Membership & Service

Chester County Bar Association
Bankruptcy Conference, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Education Committee

Additional Distinctions

Main Line Today “Top Lawyers”
Daily Local News “Top Lawyers”

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Good News: The Unit Owner Has Filed Bankruptcy

If you're part of a homeowners association (HOA), planned community, condominium association or cooperative -- this article is for you. Community Association attorney Elliot H. Berton outlines what exactly happens when a resident files for bankruptcy, and how it affects next steps for your community's board members.

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.

Handling Resident Misbehavior

A community association resident is acting outrageously. Complaints are flooding in to management and the Board. You've demanded that the resident behave, but the communications have been ignored and the misconduct continues. What is to be done?

Elliot Berton on Board Fiduciary Duties, Confidentiality & Rules Enforcement

Community association lawyer Elliot Berton recently led a roundtable discussion for community association board members across the region. The roundtable on "Board Member Fiduciary Duties, Confidentiality and Rules Enforcement" was…

Gawthrop Recognized by Legal Intelligencer as a Notable Law Firm on 2023 Watch List

The Legal Intelligencer just announced that Gawthrop Greenwood has been named to the publication's 2023 Watch List in the category of Firm Growth/New Hires. The list recognizes small to midsize…

Attorney focused on homeowner's protection

(610) 889-0700

eberton@gawthrop.com

PRACTICE AREAS

Latest News

Gawthrop attorney James Doyle and his wife standing in front of tables at the CCBA President's Dinner

Gawthrop Greenwood Attorney James Doyle Appointed President of Chester County Bar Foundation

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC Partner James D. Doyle has been elected President of the Chester County Bar Foundation for 2026. "It is my honor to carry on the Foundation's 41-year history of helping Chester County citizens understand, gain access to and benefit from our legal system," said Doyle.

Commercial Real Estate and Business Lawyer Gordon W. Prince Named Partner

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC has promoted commercial real estate and business attorney Gordon W. Prince to partner. “Gordon has quickly risen to become a valuable and trusted resource for many businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Stephen R. McDonnell, chair of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Management Committee.

Family Law Attorney Carl W. Heckert Named to Management Committee

Gawthrop Greenwood has named Wilmington-area family law, probate and real estate attorney and partner Carl W. Heckert to the firm’s Management Committee. “As a lifelong Delaware resident with more than 35 years of experience, Carl is the ideal partner to represent the needs of our thriving Greenville office and its highly valued clients as we move forward.”

Good News: The Unit Owner Has Filed Bankruptcy

How Can We Help You?

With offices in West Chester, Berwyn and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as Greater Wilmington, Delaware,
we provide the highest level of legal services throughout the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region.