Black, Stranick, & Cella, P.C.

31 yrs experience in giving our clients a fresh start

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and has no record of discipline from the Pennsylvania bar association.*

Firm Overview

The firm began in 1986 as Black & Associates, P.C. Its founding principal, David R. Black created the successor firm Black, Strancik & Waterman in May 2004. The present firm, Black, Stranick, & Cella was established in 2008 and consists of three partners, three associates and a retired judge (the Honorable Dominic Jerome) who serves as counsel to the firm.

Black, Stranick, & Cella is a full service civil legal practice. Primary areas of concentration are consumer bankruptcy, estate planning and administration, personal injury, social security disability, corporate formations and small business planning

Example cases

My areas of concentration are personal injury, consumer bankruptcy, estate planning, decedent's estates and real estate.

Main Office

Main
PO Box 168
Media PA 19063-0168

Phone

(610) 566-8500

Fax

(610) 566-4375

Websites

http://www.thebankruptcylegalgroup.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Free for first half hour.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

For routine Chapter 7 cases the fees begin at $1,500. Chapter 13's, which are more labor intensive, typically cost $2,500 in fees. Additional fees are charged for extraordinary services which are occasionally, but not normally, needed for a routine case. These fees are charged on an hourly basis.

Hourly Rates

$300.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours:
(610) 566-8500

Office Manager

Nicole Werner

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I selected this area of law because I wanted to be an advocate for people who needed it most.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

It is an excellent idea for clients to acquaint themselves as much as possible with the law as it affects their legal problems. As a local clothier advertised: "An educated consumer is our best customer." While this should not be a substitute for competent legal advice, an informed client is a more effective partner in making the attorney-client relationship work most successfully.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I'm willing to review documents and make modifications as needed to promote the client's best interests.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

It has been our experience in the particular fields of bankruptcy and estates that a client is not well served by attempting to represent himself. Even the most routine of cases presents unforeseen challenges which require legal expertise beyond what could be reasonably expected from a client who is not an attorney. In fact, many people who are attorneys have sought my legal advice because they have learned first hand the adage "He who represents himself has a fool for a client."

David Black

David R. Black

I have been in private practice for the last 31 years.

I have been practicing law for 31 years and that legal experience has made me a better attorney. I have hired other lawyers and paralegals and have tried to surround myself with the brightest people who can challenge me.

Seeing the big picture. Getting to the right result even though it might be the road less traveled.

To try to persuade and use litigation, or the threat of it, as leverage in that endeavor.

Personal interests:

My family, water sports, tennis, film.

License

Bar Number: 24405
Pennsylvania , 1976

Education

Villanova University School of Law
J.D. , 1976
Villanova, PA
Temple University
B.A. , 1971
Philadelphia, PA
English Literature.
Villanova University School of Law
J.D. , 1976
Villanova, PA
Temple University
B.A. , 1971
Philadelphia, PA
English Literature.

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.