David Steerman - Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA

David Jonathon Steerman

Child custody Attorney at Philadelphia, PA

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Outstanding Legal Guidance and Support

I was referred to David by my mediation attorney to help with a challenging post-divorce custody dispute. David was truly exceptional throughout the process, which ended favorably. He took the time to understand the personal and legal nuances of the situation and clearly laid out my options. He provided all of the information I needed and was an excellent partner in the decision-making processes. He is also exquisitely knowledgeable about family law and how to manage litigation. His experience being in a court room and interacting with judges was obvious and reassuring. And throughout the process, David was up-front and transparent about the costs and let me take approaches that ultimately reduced my legal fees. His assistance was absolutely worth the investment. I really cannot say enough positive things. It was an exceptionally challenging time filled with anxiety. I knew I had the right partner on my side, which made all of the difference. I will certainly hire him again if needed.

Incredible Experience

I retained David Steerman to represent me in a child custody matter in which I was wrongfully accused of various claims by my childs other parent. In what was an extremely difficult time in my life, David was thoughtful, diligent, and attentive to my case. I was most impressed by his ability to treat my case like it was his only focus throughout the process. He spent countless hours preapring for and representing me in my trial. By educating me on law, and by representing me in the most honorable way through honesty and diligence, we successfully defeated the false claims and I retained custody of my child. I would recommend David to anyone seeking assitance in child custody matters. He truly took the time to support me and my case to a level of detail which I believe is unmatched against his peers. David is highly skilled in his profession and has insights and knowledge that are beyond that of other counsel in the marketplace. When this is combined with a truly caring and empathetic individual, you truly get the best representation. I can not thank David enough for what he did for me and my family. I think about what he did for me on a weekly basis and will forever be greatful.

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

A seasoned litigator, David Steerman's practice concentrates on family law exclusively. More importantly, Mr. Steerman believes the practice of law is about people - his clients. He understands dealing with family law issues such as divorce, same sex dissolution, custody and child and spousal support are complex and challenging. Mr. Steerman's goal is to have his clients and their children emerge from the issues they are confronting emotionally and financially intact while he serves their best interests both inside and outside the courtroom.

Although a strong advocate, Mr. Steerman is sensitive to the personal and important decisions his clients have to make. He offers steadfast counsel to clients in matters concerning:

Family Law
Child Custody
Divorce
Children
Child Abuse and Neglect
Same Sex Dissolution
Cohabitation Agreements
Domestic Partnerships
Marital Agreements
Premarital Agreements/Prenuptial Agreements/Postnuptial Agreements
Restraining Orders
Separation Agreements
Child Support
Spousal Support/Alimony Pendente Lite
Alimony
Protection from Abuse/Domestic Violence

Recognized by his peers for his work, Mr. Steerman is a fellow of The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is named as one of Pennsylvania's "Super Lawyers®" as listed in both the Philadelphia Magazine (June 2005 through 2019) and the Law and Politics Magazine, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers June 2005 through 2019 editions. In addition, Mr. Steerman has also been named to The 2014 through 2019 Best Lawyers in America.©

Mr. Steerman's interest and education in psychology compliment his legal abilities in dealing with the many complex emotions inherent in family law issues. He is a member of a prominent Judges, Lawyers and Psychologists group that meets monthly to address custody issues unique to Pennsylvania and the way in which they are handled. Rounding out his abilities, Mr. Steerman is proficient in Spanish.

An active member of the community, Mr. Steerman donates his time and energy to assorted local charities, non-profit organizations, Philadelphia V.I.P., Homeless Advocacy Project and is an attorney mentor in Family Law.

Mr. Steerman writes and speaks frequently on divorce and other family law related topics. He has assumed leadership positions in the Philadelphia Divorce Bar, including chair of the Bar Association's Family Law Section. Mr. Steerman has also served as a council member of The Pennsylvania Bar Association's Family Law Section.

Mr. Steerman has been a featured speaker on family law topics for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, The Family Law Sections of the Pennsylvania, Montgomery and Philadelphia County Bar Associations, the National Business Institute, Temple University L.L.M. Program, Pennsylvania Psychological Association, Widener University Paralegal Institute, as well as other organizations. He has appeared on Comcast CN-8, Money Matters on multiple occasions.

Mr. Steerman has penned family law articles for various periodicals including Philadelphia Lawyer Magazine, The Main Line Times, and Pennsylvania Family Lawyer. His case "Schulman vs. Schulman," was featured in the Wall Street Journal and "Egelman vs. Egelman," appeared in The Philadelphia Legal Intelligencer.

Licensed for 32 years

State PA

Status Active

Acquired 1990

Updated 12/04/2022

State NJ

Status Active

Acquired 1990

Updated 11/07/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact David

Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP

1835 Market Street, 14th Floor

Philadelphia, PA, 19103

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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0

23 customer reviews

5 Star

96%

4 Star

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1 Star

Posted by Tom | November 29, 2021

Outstanding Legal Guidance and Support

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Posted by anonymous | November 29, 2021

Incredible Experience

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Posted by Julie | November 17, 2019

Experience could not have been better

In addition to being extremely thorough, detailed and knowledgable, David was understanding, compassionate and sensitive. Most importantly however, he listened. He did not push me into unnecessary litigation and listened to my unique requests. My divorce consisted of one meeting with both parties represented, and one follow up meeting to sign the paperwork. Since my divorce was finalized, David has continued to be responsive and helpful when additional questions/items arise. I feel fortunate to have him as my advocate.

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Posted by Ilana | October 4, 2019

Smooth Sail

David took the proverbial bull by the horns and moved my divorce forward smoothly. He was able to help mobilize my ex-husband’s divorce attorney and negotiate the best possible agreement. I am very thankful for David’s guidance and friendship. I would highly recommend David Steerman, Esquire.

Posted by Katherine | August 13, 2019

A man of integrity, great legal knowledge and skill, and great patience and empathy

I feel very fortunate to have David Steerman represent me. He is a man of integrity, great legal knowledge and skill, and great patience and empathy. Having worked with lawyers for many years, I can say that he is exceptional among his peers. I recommend him highly.

Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2019

Exceptional Attorney

David is an extremely responsive, highly knowledgeable, and a practical, common sense attorney. He does not try to escalate matters, as many lawyers do. David is also approachable and sensitive to the stress that one faces from the process. One of his biggest assets is that he is well-respected and known in the legal community from practicing for 20+ years: so will have a good command of the court system and possibly even the opposing attorney's style for a smart resolution. David's team is highly professional and it was a wonderful experience working with every member from paralegal to other attorney, when needed. I would recommend David to anyone going through the difficult process.

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Posted by anonymous | July 22, 2019

Highest Regard

I had hired David to provide guidance and consultation through my divorce. I found David to be very open, personable and extremely knowledgeable. He was able to provide recommendations while also being flexible enough to take on the tone of the engagement. I have already recommended him to a close friend and would recommend him to anyone in a similar situation.

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Posted by Benjamin | July 18, 2019

Outstanding lawyer

Mr. Steerman was my lawyer in a divorce. He reviewed the mediation documents, explained what they meant, and protected my interests. He was easy to understand and professional. He arranged for the paperwork to go through the courts in a timely and efficient manner. It was great to have him on my side.

Posted by Elizabeth | July 17, 2019

Amazing lawyer & person

David met with us during a difficult situation. He was thorough, detailed, reassuring, & caring. He was very responsive to emails. At the end, he gave us an honest opinion of what we should do. He has been my lawyer for 8 years! Highly recommend!!

Posted by Judith | July 17, 2019

Great divorce lawyer

David was an outstanding advocate in my divorce: strong and assertive when necessary but not cutthroat or overly aggressive. He was always responsive, supportive, and professional. He knows the court system inside out and things happened exactly as he predicted they would. And he is a classy guy.

Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2019

Not all heroes wear capes!

When I came to David, I was tired and hopeless. My case was a total mess. I was tangled in a custody battle against someone who kept moving from state, to state. I would retain a lawyer, and before anything could be accomplished, the other party would up and move, leaving my previous attorney's outside of their jurisdiction. Everything changed when I retained David. David was diligent and wise. He knew exactly what to file, and when to file it to prevent the cycle from continuing. His approach was firm, yet measured. We were able to hold on to jurisdiction and have actual court proceedings, so that finally my story could be told. Thanks to David, I won custody!! I highly recommend him.

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Posted by Larry | July 17, 2019

Larry S Segal DC, CCSP

David Steerman was instrumental in guiding me through the difficulty associated with divorce. He is aggressive enough to get you what you need and calm enough to hold your hand. Thank you David....

Posted by Dan | July 17, 2019

Professional, Proficient and Caring

We hired David to protect our most precious assets… Our daughter and grandchildren. David always kept us informed, both during Discovery and as new information came to light. At trial, David was prepared, succinct and factual when presenting our case. We had a very favorable ruling which we are forever grateful. David, thank you for your expertise and for caring… Dan

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Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2019

Outstanding!

David was extremely thorough, knowledgeable and confident. He was cordial but knew when to "bare his teeth" to protect my interests. David is well-regarded by his peers, which also helped secure an appropriate outcome.

Posted by Doris | July 16, 2019

Professional! Understanding! Caring!

David handled several complicated and painful divorce/alimony issues for me with grace and expertise. He was thorough, informative, supportive and readily available throughout. I could not have wished for a better attorney.

Posted by Mike | July 16, 2019

Smart and Calm. A Perfect Guide.

David was an extremely knowledgeable and level headed attorney throughout my divorce. His calm demeanor was helpful when faced with the frustrating situations we all experience at some point (or, many times) during the process. His communication was timely, clear and succinct. Never one to waste time, David always gets right to the point. David’s experience is also very obvious. He never seems surprised by anything. Not an easy task with my case. Without question, I would highly recommend David If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing a divorce lawyer. Just get to him before your spouse does. He is the best.

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Posted by Danielle | July 14, 2019

GREAT work ethic !!! He KNOWS the Law !!

While under a tremendous amount of stress, David Steerman, not only made himself available during business hours, he went above and beyond providing me with constant communication in my case progress, always discussing strategy, my views and opinions on matters such as custody, what to expect, cost, preparing me for depositions or trials. David put MY intrests ahead of his own And continues to keep me focused by always being available to answer ANY questions or concerns with undivided loyalty.

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Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2019

David was the second attorney I hired to deal with my difficult divorce proceedings. David was able to bring the other party to the table and negotiate a settlement. Once the divorce was finalized I continued to utilize David for continuous issues that arose. David was quick to respond and continues to help me with issues when needed.

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Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2019

Professionalusm with care

I hired David to handle my difficult divorce. He shepparded me through this stressful period. He explained the process fully with great care and understanding. He obtained a more than fair settlement for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone in a similar situation.

Posted by Ramsey | July 13, 2019

Exceptional

Call David Steerman right away. He is calming, precise, rational and always available. This team is exceptionally qualified as well. I could go on with glowing compliments but really, you do not need to look any further.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner, Chair of the Family Law Group
Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg, LLP
2012 - Present

Partner, Member of the Family Law Group
Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, LLP
2004 - 2012

Partner, Member of Family Law Group
Dolchin, Slotkin & Todd, PC
1990 - 2004

Law Clerk to Honorable William Witten Vogel , President Judge
Montgomery County Court Of Common Pleas
1989 - 1990

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Education

Pennsylvania Psychological Association - Selina J. Schultz, Esquire
Formally Trained Mediator
2019

Pennsylvania Psychological Association / Selina J. Schultz, Esquire
Certified Parenting Coordinator in PA
2019

Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1989

University of Pennsylvania
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1986

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Associations

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Fellow
2005 - Present

Philadelphia Bar Association
Member
1990 - Present

Montgomery County Bar Association
Member
1990 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member
1990 - Present

Philadelphia Bar Association- Family Law section
Chairman
2002 - 2003

Philadelphia Bar Association- Family Law section
Treasurer
2001 - 2002

Philadelphia Bar Association- Family Law section
Secretary
2000 - 2001

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

AV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2019

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2018

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2017

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2016

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2015

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2014

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2013

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2012

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2011

Penn. Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2010

Penn. Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
2009

Penn. Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
2008

Penn. Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
2007

Penn. Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
2006

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Publications

Pennsylvania Family Lawyer
“Case Note on Gowdy v. Kesserling”
1997

Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section — Newsletter
“Custody Relocation Update, The Burdens of a Move,”
1996

Philadelphia Lawyer Magazine
“Interviewer — Custody a View from the Bench,”
1994

Philadelphia Lawyer Magazine
“Family Law — The Right Moves,”
1993

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Attorney endorsements

Received (9)

Given (3)

Endorse David

Adam Horwitz

Family Attorney | Jul 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Carla Marino

Family Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David works diligently to assist his clients and ensure that they are supported during the difficult processes involved in divorce matters. He is the client's fierce advocate, is goal oriented and all the while maintains a high level of professionalism. I recommend him with confidence."

Michael Waddington

Family Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

David Glass

Family Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I used to practice Family Law in Philadelphia and often came up against David Steerman. He was the consummate professional: knowledgeable, sharp, a zealous advocate for his clients, but still able to settle cases that warranted it, and a gentleman throughout the process. Now that I practice in Los Angeles, David is my go-to guy whenever anyone needs a Philadelphia family law attorney."

Jonathan Hoffman

Family Attorney | Jul 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. David is one of the most highly knowledgable family lawyers I have ever worked with. David is a zealous advocate who is practical and highly capable of finding beneficial solutions to the most difficult of problems. David is the lawyer who other lawyers go to for advice on all family law issues."