ROBERT I WHITELAW

WHITELAW ROBERT I, ESQ. Robert I Whitelaw, a distinguished Philadelphia attorney and former managing partner of the prominent regional law firm Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at age 80. Along with his wife of 46 years, Pamela Laws, he lived in Society Hill. He was one of Pennsylvania's foremost authorities in family law matters, including divorce, custody, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and apportionment of marital assets, as well as estate planning and probate law. In the course of a career which spanned more than five decades, he was treasured by clients and held in high regard by judges and fellow attorneys. He was known for his integrity, commitment to the bar and attorney education, meticulous preparation, courtroom advocacy and dedication to his clients. He was born June 30, 1945, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, to Bernard Whitelaw and Madge Abrams. He graduated cum laude from Amherst College in 1967 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1970. Upon graduation, he joined the Obermayer firm. He was a partner and member of the firm's management committee from 1984 to 2021 and served as managing partner from 1986 to 2016. During this period, the firm expanded significantly, and presently has offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New York. Its family law practice now has over 20 attorneys specializing in the field, many of whom Bob mentored and now hold bar and leadership positions similar to his own. The firm's current managing partner and Bob's successor, Mathieu Shapiro, said "Bob set the tone at Obermayer: steady, principled and marked by a level of discipline to which the rest of us could only aspire. His early arrival at the office was legendary. And Bob didn't just show up before everyone – he showed up before everyone and after he had completed a long, punishing bike ride, while the rest of us were still negotiating with our alarm clocks. That was Bob: leading, setting the standard, and making his most impressive habits look effortless." He was a leader and active in numerous bar organizations, including the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, and the American, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and District of Columbia Bar Associations and their sections on family law, litigation and probate law. He lectured widely on family law, divorce, custody and ethics, and served as an arbitrator, mediator and legal expert. He received numerous honors, including designations as Philadelphia Family Lawyer of the Year, a Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Super Lawyer, a Top 100 Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Attorney and among the Best Lawyers in America. In naming him a Super Lawyer, Philadelphia Magazine emphasized not only his legal and trial skills but also his honesty and integrity, stating "His word is his bond." In 2025, the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Family Law Section honored him with the prestigious Eric Turner Memorial Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the advancement of family law. He mentored dozens of younger attorneys and encouraged them to cultivate work-life balance, community engagement and service, and personal growth and fulfillment, saying "I tell all the young attorneys it is very important to have a hobby, to work with a charity and to make sure you take time off. I believe it is good for the soul and helps you not be one dimensional. It really helps you be a better lawyer and a better person." He and Pam shared a full and happy life together and enjoyed travel, the arts and time at the shore, including with family members and friends. And they were never happier than while sharing time and traveling with their granddaughter, Riley. Bob was an avid bicyclist and a supporter of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the ACS Bike-A-Thon. He was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor, including when early in his career, he surprised colleagues by having his identical twin brother Andy join him in a firm meeting, to their initial surprise and then laughter. He was active in numerous charitable and civic endeavors and served as President of The Prince Music Theater. He also served as President of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania and mentored three young men as his "little brothers." He is survived by his wife, daughters Kelly Whitelaw and Courtenay Whitelaw, sister Constance Abrams (partner Fran Marcus) and brother Andy (late wife Helen Nakajo) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, beloved stepfather Leonard Abrams, brother Stephen Whitelaw (Martine Whitelaw) and granddaughter Riley Whitelaw. A Celebration of his Life will be held in the Spring. Those who wish to do so may make a donation to a charity of their choice in memory of Bob. www.laurelhillphl.com