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Richard M. Serbin
About Richard
Biography
Richard M. Serbin has been representing seriously injured people since 1974. For the last twenty-five (25) years he has devoted himself to representing survivors of sexual abuse. In 1987, he filed his first of many lawsuits against a Diocese and its Bishop for protecting a serial child predator. He was one of only a few attorneys in the country with the courage and interest to undertake the difficult task of going against one of the largest institutions in the world. He was motivated to stop the sexual abuse of children, and to alert the public of the need to be vigilant against sexual predators in trusted positions.
Richard M. Serbin is the only attorney to succeed in obtaining a jury verdict in Pennsylvania against a priest for sexually molesting a child, his bishop and the diocese who protected him. His trailblazing work on behalf of victims of sexual abuse has included multiple appearances before the Supreme Court, establishing the law in Pennsylvania, cited by other courts throughout the United States.
Through his years of experience Richard M, Serbin has gained the knowledge and experience that few attorneys can replicate. His devotion to his clients and aggressive approach has forced large institutions to address the problem of sexual molestation of children. He enjoys a nationwide reputation for successfully representing sexual abuse victims in their fight for justice.
Survivors of abuse need an attorney who not only has experience in this unique and technical field of law, but also someone who is sensitive, compassionate and understanding to their needs. Our current and former clients can attest to the personal and caring approach he provides to each individual.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Personal Injury
100%
51 years | 300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 30 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 51 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1974
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Richard M. Serbin
1522 N. 6th Ave., Altoona, PA, 16601
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Richard M. Serbin's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
1 Client Review
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
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Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
Not recommended
I hired this attorney for a personal injury sex case and was not happy with the communication level and knowledge of the case. Yes avvo I hired this attorney!!! This is my opinion and my opinion only
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Experience
Honors
2013
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2010
Million Dollar Advoate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2009
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2008
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2007
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2006
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2004
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2003
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2002
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2001
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2000
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1999
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1998
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1997
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Personal Injury Attorney, Law Offices of Richard M. Serbin
2002 - 2012
Partner, Serbin Kovacs & Nypaver
1994 - 2002
Partner, Reese, Serbin, Kovacs & Nypaver
1982 - 1994
Partner, Levine, Reese & Serbin
1978 - 1982
Partner, Mullen, Casanave, Carpenter & Serbin
1977 - 1980
Associate, Mullen & Casanave
1974 - 1977
Associate, Barron & Zimmerman
Associations
1989 - Present
National Board of Trial AdvocacyCivil Trial Advocate
1987 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
1987 - Present
Pennsylvania Association For JusticeMember
1979 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
2008 Pa. Super 58, 946 A.2d 744 (2008).
Superior Court held victim was entitled to interest on jury verdict
2006 Pa. Super 59, 896 A.2d 1260 (2006).
Superior Court held 1,000,000 Punitive
582 Pa. 114, 870 A.2d 766 (2005).
Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that punitive damages to punish a wrongdoer may be recovered
2000 Pa. Super 316, 763 A.2d 826 (2000).
Pennsylvania Superior Court held that it would be against public policy to hold a victim of sexual abuse who fails to put a stop to the abuse
2000 Pa. Super 316, 763 A.2d 826 (2000).
Pennsylvania Superior Court held that evidence of an employer's actual or constructive knowledge
No. 1175 C.P., 1987 (Blair County) (1994).
Plaintiff Verdict $1,880,564
414 Pa. Super 138, 606 A.2d 905 (1992).
Superior Court held that a victim of sexual abuse was entitled to discover records held by the church-employer of the alleged child molester
414 Pa. Super 138, 606 A.2d 905 (1992).
Superior Court held that a victim of sexual abuse was entitled to discover records held by the church-employer of the alleged child molester
Hutchison V Luddy, 7242 A.2d 1052 (Pa.,1999) (Supreme 1999)
Education
1974
Duquesne University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1970
University of Pittsburgh
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Seminar
What Civil Judges Want You to Know
2011
Seminar
What Civil Judges Want You to Know
2010
Seminar
What Civil Judges Want You to Know
Publications
2002
Trial Magazine
When Clergy Fail Their Flocks
Languages
English