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David R. Black
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David R. Black
Black, Stranick, & Cella, P.C.
PO Box 168
Media, PA 19063-0168
Phone: (610) 566-8500 | Fax: (610) 566-4375
http://blackandassociates.com
31 yrs experience in giving our clients a fresh start
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I enjoy helping people who for reasons beyond their control ( e.g., illness, loss of job, death, divorce, or diminished income or the like) are experiencing financial turmoil whose only realistic remedy is seeking the protection of the bankruptcy court.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
PA, Nov 1976
Bar Number: 24405
Other Court Admissions
US Supreme Court; US District court (Eastern Dist. of PA); US Court of Appeals (Third Circuit); Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Delaware County Court of Common Pleas; all bankruptcy courts nationwide.
Association Memberships
United States Supreme Court Bar Admission; Pennsylvania Bar Association; Delaware County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I regularly attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of consumer bankruptcy, estate planning and administration and other relevant subjects that will benefit my clients.
Example Cases
My areas of concentration are personal injury, consumer bankruptcy, estate planning, decedent's estates and real estate.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Villanova University School of Law
City:
Villanova
State:
PA
Year:
1976
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Temple University
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Year:
1971
Focus and Accomplishments:
English Literature.
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
Pennsylvania
Firm Focus and History
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
Previous Employment Summary
I have been in private practice for the last 31 years.
Activities and Awards
I have served on multiple occasions as an arbitrator resolving civil disputes in commercial litigation matters for more than 20 years.
I serve as pro bono adviser to several chapters of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).
What is your opinion 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.
Are you 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.
Are you 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."
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have always been interested in taking a global view of a problem and finding a practical solution to the problem. Sometime it doesn't always fit within the box but it fits within the law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
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.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I selected this area of law because I wanted to be an advocate for people who needed it most.
What do you like best about your career?
Contrasted with other kinds of law, bankruptcy clients are very grateful, and that is rewarding. In most cases the improvement in their financial lives is immediate and dramatic, so that makes them especially grateful.
I love solving problems in a practical way and taking a position that may not be part of the trodden path. Persuading the court to adopt this position is a rewarding position that also is in the best interest of the client.
Tell us about your law firm:
There are 3 partners. I am the founding and senior partner. One attorney is a former employee of mine. We have a retired judge who is counsel to the firm. We have a staff of paralegal secretaries as well.
What are your strengths and style?
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.
Office Manager/Assistant
Nicole Werner
Fax
(610) 566-4375
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours:
(610) 566-8500
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
No
Fixed-Price Services and 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.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free for first half hour.
Typical Retainer
$500 deposit toward the foregoing fees.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
