Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.7 /5.0
44 Client Reviews
$ 360-550 per hour
PRO
Debra G. Speyer
Virtual Consultation Available
About Debra
Biography
Has the thought of putting together an estate plan, trust , will, living will or power of attorney drain you?
Do you need a guardianship for a loved one and don't know where to turn?
Is the estate you need to administer or are about to probate
making your life hectic?
Has your family put you in charge of sorting a difficult family situation
and you don't know where to turn or even the questions to ask?
Do you need a plan for the future for yourself or a loved one that
you have been putting off until now?
Have you lost money due to stockbroker negligence?
Today is the perfect day to deal with these issues that have been on your to do list and we are the right law firm to do the job. We have taken care of these type legal matters for thousands of clients throughout the years. With our many years of experience and our rolodex of contacts, our goal is to get you through this experience smoothly.
With her boutique elder law, estate planning, probate, guardianship, trust and estate administration and and investment fraud law firm, Debra, a former chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Bar Association, TV legal expert, quoted in more than 250 periodical nationally, and voted by other lawyers as a top elder law and investment fraud lawyer, has help thousands of families with their legal needs. Every client is treated as if that client will determine the success of this firm.
Debra get results - effectively and compassionately. Her book "Money, Health and Home: Seven Steps to Helping Your Parents Navigate Retirement and Aging" is being published shortly.
Public service is an integral part of this law firm. We serve the community by educating the public and other lawyers about investment fraud, elder fraud, and elder law. We also provide extensive and worthy pro-bono service to the indigent elder community.
Debra is also an astute, experienced, and aggressive litigator with a national and international securities law practice. Before going into private practice in 1990, Debra was an attorney with the Enforcement Division of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) prosecuting brokerage firms and stockbrokers for investment fraud and regulatory violations. Prior to that, she was an attorney and vice president with Thomson McKinnon Securities, Inc., an international brokerage firm which later merged with Prudential Securities. While at Thomson McKinnon, she passed every stockbroker and brokerage firm examination that the securities industry offered, including all options and commodities examinations.
Debra holds a law degree, a master's degree in finance with a thesis on program trading and stock markets, and a bachelor's degree in accounting. Prior to entering law school, she was an accountant.
She has been quoted in over 250 periodicals throughout the world, including Newsweek, Kiplinger's Magazine, USA Today, Crain's New York Business, American Banker, The , Securities Week and Investment News.
She had been voted by other lawyers as being one of Philadelphia's top lawyers appearing in Best Lawyers of Philadelphia. She is also listed in Who's Who in American Law and Who's Who in America. She was honored by the National Organization of Women Business Owners with their annual "Women Making History" award. Debra has been acknowledged by Arrive Magazine as being one of the five "Women to Watch" on the East Coast for her work defending the rights of defrauded Senior Citizens.
Debra is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for her securities arbitration work. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is limited to attorneys who have won million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.
Debra is a frequently invited guest speaker for business, professional and non-profit organizations, and is a legal commentator for radio talk shows and television. She has appeared on Wall Street Journal Radio, NBC TV, CNN Financial News TV, CNBC TV's "Wake Up Call" and "Power Lunch Financial News," CN8 TV, Fox News, and WB17, as well as Comcast TV's "Legal View" with the Securities and Exchange Commission Director speaking on topics related to securities fraud. Debra has written extensively about investment fraud and elder fraud, and those articles have appeared in various newspapers and magazines.
Debra is on the Lawyers Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission. Pro bono work is an integral part of her law practice. She has been on numerous non-profit boards, including SeniorLaw, which assists indigent senior citizens with their legal problems. She is also on the board of directors for AMIT Children, and received an award from the organization for her fundraising efforts on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children.
Debra is a lecturer for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and other continuing legal education programs on the subject of securities fraud and the elderly, and has been a co-lecturer with the Pennsylvania Securities Commissioner on the subject of investment fraud. She is co-chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute's annual elder law course "Legal Issues in an Age of Aging," and was chair of the elder fraud conference in conjunction with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the purpose of which was to educate senior citizens on how not to become victims of fraud.
In addition to being a former chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Bar Association, she has been active in other committees and sections including the Probate and Estate Committee and the Securities Regulations Committee. She belongs to, and serves on, various committees and subcommittees of the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Public Investors American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, American Trial Lawyers Association, British Law Society, Connecticut Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and DC Bar Association. She is also an arbitrator for FINRA and the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Debra welcomes new clients and referrals from law firms and looks forward to working with you.
_____________________________________
Are you drained by a family situation? Let me help you sort it out and come up with a solution.
Let me help you with your probate, guardianship, estate planning and investment fraud recovery.
Trust planning can be very draining. Let me help you sort things out and come up with a solution.
Administering an estate can be hectic and time consuming. You don't know where to start. Let me help
Estate Planning can be very draining as you need to face your mortality. Let me help guide you.
Estate Planning can be very draining as you need to face your mortality. Let me help guide you.
Are you drained by the family situation? Let me help you sort out the pieces and come up with a plan
Have you lost money from stockbroker negligence? Let me help you recovery your investment losses.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Elder Law
20%
36 years | 1,000 cases
Probate
20%
36 years | 500 cases
Securities and Investment Fraud
20%
40 years | 1,000 cases
Estate Planning
10%
36 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
40%-40%
Pro bono
10 %
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016 2013 2011
Licenses
Licensed in Maryland for 15 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 37 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 37 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 39 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in Connecticut for 39 years
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 39 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
Debra G. Speyer Law Offices
(610) 949-9554
Fax
Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA, 19004
speyerlaw.comDebra G. Speyer Law Offices
1515 Market Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19102-1754
speyerlaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Debra online.
Debra G. Speyer's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (40)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | December 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Exactly what I needed
My case was very difficult and I had so many attorneys decline my case but they would tell me to contact Ms. Speyer, so she’s very well respected with her colleagues they said she would help move things along in my case. Another review said she’s not coddling which she isn’t and that’s needed in orde...
Posted by Gwen | May 05, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
Guardianship
I have been so stressed trying to have my mother court appointed guardian terminated since my mother was no longer in the nursing facility, and back home with me. I called and several agency and even paid for consultation and never heard back from anyone. But once I call called attorney Debra Speyer ...
Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
When you NEED a professional to GET IT DONE!!!
Hello everyone.. My name is Henya and my family and I have been struggling with a serious dilemma for years. After consulting with many fabulous attorneys who weren’t able to “get the job done”, I finally met with Ms. Speyer in person and immediately knew that she was the right person for the job! N...
Posted by Lynn | August 08, 2013 | Elder Law
Advice and representation that was needed!
Excellent attorney who actually takes the time to listen!! Had a million questions and she answered each one while providing excellent representation. Going though alot of rough times with an elderly parent and she definitely had the answers.
Posted by Scott | February 15, 2013 | Probate
Extremely Honest
Was very honest with me. Told me that since my Father had zero assets and zero income, that I could make all of the arrangements for him now while he was alive to take care of a few small items. Gave me examples and advice of what to do now that made good sense. Advised me to not spend money on this ...
Debra G. Speyer's Lawyer Endorsements
"Debra Speyer and I worked on a dispute together. She is well organized and presents insightful arguments and presentations. I would highly recommend her to handle my own affairs."
"Debra Speyer is one of the nation's leading securities arbitration counsel. As Chair of the National AAJ Busines Torts Section for 2010-2011, she focused a national debate on cutting edge areas of law. She has done an amazing job of balancing her professional obligations with teaching responsibilties as a Law Professor at Drexel University."
Jeffrey Coleman
Securities and investment fraud lawyer | May 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known Ms. Speyer for over a decade. She and I have been members of a group of lawyers that advocate for investor protection and represent investors against banks, trust departments and broker dealers. Ms. Speyer is a fine lawyer who works diligently to fight for investors rights and for her individual clients. I am proud to have her as a valued collegue in this area of the law."
"Excellent lawyer."
Chad Mooney
Real estate lawyer
Jeffrey Coleman
Securities and investment fraud lawyer
Reuben Guttman
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyers of Montgomery County, Surburban Life Magazine
2013
Best Lawyers of the Main Line, Main Line Magazine
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Million Dollar Advocates Forum Since 1990, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Who's Who in American Law Since 1990, Marquis
N/A
"Women Making History" Award, National Organization of Women Business Owners
N/A
Best Lawyers of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Magazine
N/A
Women to Watch, Arrive Magazine
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Adjunct Professor of Law, Drexel Law School
1990 - Present
President, Debra Speyer Law Offices
1988 - 1990
Prosecutor, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
1984 - 1987
Vice President/Counsel, Thomson McKinnon
1980 - 1984
Law Clerk, Judge Michael Solomon
Associations
2010 - Present
Maryland Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
British Law SocietyMember
1993 - Present
American Trial Lawyers AssociationOfficer
1992 - Present
Pennsylvania Securities CommissionLawyer Advisory Committee
1992 - Present
American Association for JusticeOfficer
1991 - Present
Public Investors Arbitration Bar AssociationMember
1990 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
1990 - Present
Court of Common PleasArbitrator
1990 - Present
FINRAArbitrator
1990 - Present
National Association of Women Business Owners.Member
1988 - Present
Philadelphia Bar AssociationMember
1988 - Present
Florida BarMember
1988 - Present
District of Columbia BarMember
1986 - Present
Connecticut Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
1984 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
S.L. vs. T.O and S.O
146k Requested, 437k Awarded
F.W. vs. E&Y and J.B.
77k Requested, 77k Award plus interest
M.B. vs R.J.S.
$1.1 settlement
V.S. vs. L.M.
67k Requested, 66k Awarded
B.T. vs. P
194k Requested, 182k awarded
R.K vs. P.A.M.
380k Requested, $371 Awarded
Education
1986
Hofstra University
M.B.A
1984
Hofstra University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
Hofstra University
B.B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2011
Pennsylvania Bar Law Practice Management Institute
Law Practice Management
2011
Pennsylvania Bar Institute Twelth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2011
Anatomy of a Ponzi Scheme
Ponzi Scheme Litigation
2011
American Association for Justice
Business Torts
2010
PA Assoc of Licensed Investigators Annual Meeting
Elder Fraud
2010
American Association for Justice
Nuts and Bolts of Business Litigation
2009
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: 11th Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2009
American Association for Justice
Securities Arbitration
2008
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Tenth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2008
AAJ (Formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of American) Meeting
Investment Fraud
2007
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Ninth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2006
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Eighth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2005
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Seventh Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2004
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Sixth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2003
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Fifth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2002
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Fourth Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2001
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Third Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
2000
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: Second Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
1999
Pennsylvania Bar Institute: First Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging
Elder Law
N/A
Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association
Hedge Fund Fraud
N/A
Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association
Securities Fraud
N/A
Public Investors Arbitration Bar
Insurance Fraud
N/A
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: Elder Fraud Conference
Elder Fraud
N/A
Pennsylvania Securities Commission Elder Fraud Conference
Securities Fraud
N/A
Pennsylvania Insurance Commission Elder Fraud Conference
Elder Fraud
Publications
N/A
Trial (American Association for Justice)
Hedge Fund Fraud
N/A
Pennsyvania Bar Institute
Elder Fraud-Legal Issues in An Age of Aging
N/A
Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
Insurance Products
N/A
Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
Insurance Industry Issues
N/A
AAJ Business Torts Newsletter
Getting Grandma's Nest Egg Back
N/A
AAJ Business Torts Newsletter
Promissory Note Fraud
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
See More Legal AnswersLegal Guides
Legal Guide
FINRA Expanding Arbitration to Adviser Disputes
30 Nov 2012
Legal Guide
NASAA Report Highlights Most Common Compliance Failures at Brokerage Firms
27 Oct 2012
Legal Guide
New Study Confirms Older Americans Are Prime Targets for Investment Fraud
25 Aug 2012