Meet the team

Thomas J. Petrelli, Jr.

CEO

Melinda M. Previtera

Partner

April M. Townsend

Attorney

What our clients are saying

"Thank you for everything"

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, your experience and knowledge, coupled with great communication and interpersonal skills has made this as easy as humanly possible for me.

— Heather Ramsey

"Expert Legal Advice"

It was a pleasure working with Melinda and her wonderful staff. I received expert legal advice and representation during a difficult time and could not be more pleased. I would highly recommend this firm.

— John Burke

"Highly Recommended"

My experience was very good. Everyone was professional and attentive to my needs, keeping me updated every step of the way. I couldn’t ask for a better result, highly recommended.

— David Russell

Thomas J. Petrelli, Jr.

CEO

Since passing the Bar, Tom’s impressive career has earned him the recognition of his peers and authoritative legal organizations. He has been named in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers every year since 2009. Martindale-Hubbell awarded Tom with the Client Champion Gold Award in 2019 and in previous years. He is among Suburban Life Magazine’s 2010 Awesome Attorneys in the category of Divorce and Family Law, and Arrival Magazine’s Top 50 Family Lawyers in the Northeast. These and other accolades exemplify Tom’s dedication to his clients and the practice of family law.

The groundwork for Tom’s laser-sharp legal mind started with his outstanding education. In addition to his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, he holds an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law. The performance-based curriculum integrates theory, persuasion, speech, and effective use of courtroom technology. His LL.M. degree is yet another layer of experience that allows Tom to successfully represent clients in contested divorce and custody cases that go to trial.

Tom and his firm work together to ensure success for each client. In this regard, prevailing in a case might mean consulting with the rest of the legal team. For Tom’s clients, that extra step translates to getting the practicing power of nearly a dozen attorneys. He also shares his knowledge and experience with his associates, ensuring the firm works toward the best possible outcome in every case they handle.

“Whatever legal issues my clients are facing, we’ll face it together.”

Melinda M. Previtera

Partner

To Melinda, offering top-notch experience, education and above-and-beyond legal work is just the beginning. “We know how to speak the language and get you the best results.”

While earning her law degree from Rutgers School of Law, Melinda received a certification in mediation. She also conducted research in child advocacy rights and completed a domestic violence clinic. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees, cum laude, from Dickinson College.

The International Women’s Leadership Association recognized Melinda as a “Woman of Outstanding Leadership” for her personal and professional achievements and for her dedication to supporting other women in reaching their goals. She was selected for inclusion in the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list every year since 2016. Rising Stars is an honor given to attorneys younger than 40 or who have been in practice for 10 years or fewer. Melinda was also named to the Top 40 under 40 list by the Institute of Family Lawyers in 2016.

In addition to her legal background, Melinda is an executive committee member of the Justinian Society and an active member of both the Nicholas A. Ciprani Inn of Court and the Philadelphia Bar Association.

April M. Townsend

Attorney

April M. Townsend is an attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over a decade. April handles all aspects of estate planning and estate administration. She also assists with family law including divorce, equitable distribution, support, custody and adoption.

April received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland in College Park, MD where she double-majored in Government & Politics and Criminal Justice and graduated with honors. She received her Juris Doctor from the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University, admitted as a Conwell Law Scholar. While in law school, April began developing legal experience as an intern for Judge Hill in the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center as well as the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General in their employment litigation and insurance fraud sections. After passing the bar, she worked as an associate for a family law firm for over ten years.

April is certified as a mediator and has previously served as faculty for NBI Seminars providing continuing legal education, most recently speaking on Estate Planning for Unmarried and Remarried Couples in 2021. She has been recognized as a Top Attorney by Suburban Life Magazine. April currently serves on the Executive Board of the YWCA of Bucks County as Secretary as well as Vice Chair for the GMZ Community Development Corporation. She is an active member of the Bucks County Bar Association participating in various sections and volunteering for pro bono service.