PRO
William John Phelan IV
also known as Bill
About William
Biography
Philadelphia family law attorney William (Bill) J. Phelan, IV has a host of experience and accolades.
Both prior to and during his time at Cordell & Cordell, Mr. Phelan has appeared in hundreds of hearings on behalf of his clients, and his efforts secured results that have provided both financial security and peace of mind for those who had little hope until he took their case.
Domestic relations matters offer a plethora of options and issues that Mr. Phelan is experienced to handle, whether he is helping his clients to understand their case, negotiating and communicating with the opposing side, or meticulously preparing for and litigating a case at trial.
Mr. Phelan is experienced in handling all manner of appeals for family law cases, specifically handling various matters in Pennsylvania’s appellate courts. He is a member of an elite team of Cordell Appellate attorneys and regularly works with counsel in the firm across the United States to consult and assist on family law appeals.
“I enjoy working with my clients, who are usually in a difficult position in their lives, to help them reach a resolution that is not only in their favor, but also allows them to put their minds at ease and continue on with their daily lives,” Mr. Phelan said.
Providing Attentive, Caring, And Comprehensive Legal Representation. Call 202-643-6905
Providing Attentive, Caring, And Comprehensive Legal Representation. Call 202-643-6905
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Maryland for 11 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 17 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 18 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Cordell & Cordell
Mobile
Five Penn Center, 1601 Market Street, Suite 2230, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
cordellcordell.com/attorneys/william-j-phelan-iv/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find William online.
William John Phelan IV's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
Client Insights
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews
Posted by richard | November 07, 2013
excellent will and estate planning service and more. .
William and his associates offer excellent service at an affordable price. William and his partners have a very wide range of skills and experience that allow them to handle a multitude of different types of law. They are very friendly and add a good personal touch to the work that they do while main...
Posted by Jenny | May 24, 2013
Mom's Estate
I would recommend Mr. Phelan to anyone asking for a good, honest lawyer! I was at a loss, not knowing what to do with my mother's will and estate. Mr. Phelan provided step-by-step guidance and kept me informed all the while.
Posted by Ryan | May 02, 2013
Above and Beyond The Call
From my very first interaction with Bill, he went above and beyond the call of duty and that's been his style the whole way through. He's extremely personable, and has a deep understanding of the intricacies of disability law. He is professional and he has kept me informed through every step of my ca...
Posted by Ikeco | January 03, 2013
Great lawyer for employment issues
I was quite please with Mr.Phelan overall sevice delivery.He helped me to win my case after being denied twice from my former employer.He was efficient and gave upates to keep me abreast as to what was going on often.William is a very assertive and worked very hard to get a postive outcome for...
Posted by happy | March 08, 2012
greatly appreciated
My case was a case that I thought would never be resolved. Bill was excellent at representing my best interest. I would recommend him to my nearest and dearest friends and family.happy
William John Phelan IV's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse and recommend Bill. I serve as local counsel with Bill. He is very well organized in a case with a huge amount of paper. His research is thorough, and his writing is good and effective. He's still a young guy, but he will be lead counsel in no time."
"I may be biased but I believe Mr. Phelan is the best advocate in DC for clients with Social Security or other disability benefit issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is very knowledgeable about disability law and has been very active in the disability law community. He has been a champion for disability rights."
"Having known Bill Phelan for the last eleven years and seeing his passion for disability advocacy, I wholeheartedly endorse him. He is a tireless advocate and a good lawyer."
Wills and living wills lawyer
Child support lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Social Security & Disability lawyer
General practice lawyer
Family lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Education lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Irish Legal 100, Irish Voice Newspaper
2023
Irish Legal 100, Irish Legal 100
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2019
Irish Legal 100, Irish Voice Newspaper
2017
Rising Star - Family Law, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star - Family Law, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates
2016
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Distinguished Lawyer Designation, Expert Network
2016
10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in PA, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Who's Who Among Law Professionals, Montclair
2007
G.P. Smith Award for Exceptional Dedication to the Journal, Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Litigation Partner & Member, Appellate Practice Division, Cordell & Cordell
2014 - 2024
Senior Lead Litigator, Cordell & Cordell
2012 - 2014
Partner, Gowen Silva & Winograd PLLC (fka The Gowen Group, PLLC)
2010 - 2012
Principal, The Phelan Firm
2008 - 2011
Staff Writer, Mental and Physical Disability Law Reporter
2008 - 2014
Volunteer Attorney, Washington Legal Clinic For The Homeless
2007 - 2012
Staff Attorney, American Bar Association - Commission on Disability Rights
Associations
2020 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Disability Services CommitteeChair
2013 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section
2011 - Present
Alpha Delta Gamma Capital City Alumni Association, Inc.Board Member
2008 - Present
District of Columbia Bar Association
2018 - 2023
Brehon Law SocietyExecutive Council Member
2016 - 2022
Catholic Charities Appeal of Greater PhiladelphiaPresident of Board of Directors
2015 - 2023
Doris Jonas Freed Matrimonial American Inn of CourtExecutive Board Member
2015 - 2018
Justinian Society
2013 - 2015
District of Columbia Superior Court, Family CourtMental Health and Mental Habilitation Panel Attorney
Education
2007
MA - Masters
2007
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2000
HS Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2024
2024
Love Reigns Supreme: Review of Recent Family Law Cases before the U.S. Supreme Court
2023
2023
2022
How Appealing: Tips, Considerations, and Basics of Appeals for the Family Law Litigator
2021
2018
2016
2016
2015
2012
2011
2009
Best Practices for Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining a Diverse Legal Staff
2007
Ignored No Longer: Contributions of the Common Law of Agency to Principal-Agency Theory and Congressional Leadership
Publications
2018
2017
2017
2016
2014
2013
2011
2011
2009
2009
2008
2007
2007