David Norman Portney

David Norman Portney

5.0
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 39 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Baltimore, MD
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Family

Blaustein Building, Suite 1214, One North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD

About David

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 95%

I have been practicing primarily consumer bankruptcy (Chapters 7&13) since 1997. My office has represented approximately 12,000 clients in consumer bankruptcy since 1990. I also represent clients in debt collection matters.

40 years | 12,000 cases

95%
Personal Injury 3%

From 1986 to 1997 I practiced law primarily in the area of personal injury i.e. automobile accidents and workers compensation. I have successfully represented thousands of clients in this area. When currently consulted for personal injury matters I co-counsel with professional colleagues.

40 years | 5,000 cases

3%
Criminal Defense 1%

From 1986 to 1989 I was a Public Defender in Baltimore County, Maryland. I represented thousands of clients in that time. I do not currently practice in criminal cases but refer clients to professional colleagues.

13 years | 3,000 cases

1%
Family 1%

From 1986-1997 I represented approximately 150 clients in Family Law matters. I do not currently practice in Family Law cases but refer clients to professional colleagues

13 years

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 39 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1986

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Grossbart, Portney Rosenberg, PA

Blaustein Building, Suite 1214, One North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

David Norman Portney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

47 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (47) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Edwin | December 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Knowledgeable and professional

When we went for the consultation he asked us a series of questions about our situation and the reason for bankruptcy and we explained everything. After reviewing the situation we were in he was very specific and detailed over the entire process that we would go through during the bankruptcy. Then c...ouple weeks later, we came back and brought all the information he requested and he took the time he had specified during the consultation. Afterwards he explained the programs we must complete at home to complete the bankruptcy and what to expect in the netting with the trustee. He made us feel very confident and secure. When the day of the meeting came up. He was present wth us and just explained to be calm and that we keep things easy to be out sooner. after the meeting he once again explained what to expect now that this part had been accomplished. He always demonstrated to us to take this easy and to look at this as a new beginning. He was always constantly making sure we understood the entire process and what to expect next. It was a great experience having him complete this process to ensure we wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I’m very thankful for his help and I would always recommend him for anything Bankruptcy related to any friends and family.

Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Very thorough from start to finish.

Mr. Portney did an excellent job with my case from start to finish. I had a very difficult case with changes throughout, but David hung in there with me until we both were happy with the result. My questions were answered in a way I could understand and if I didn't he framed the answers in a way I un...derstood. I would recommend him to anyone looking to find a lawyer who is contemplating Bankruptcy. It's a difficult thing to go through, but Mr. Portney made it a lot less stressful. Thanks again!

Posted by Anna | April 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Excellence in the field

Mr. Portney is excellent at his job. He is thorough, precise and explains any process with detail. I truly believe he loves the law and is there to offer guidance to his clients. Always the professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel.

Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Would highly recommend!

From the moment I walked in his office, he was kind, explained in layman's terms what my options were for bankruptcy. As I had never thought I would be in this situation, he made a horrible situation bearable. Took the time to explain in great detail what the outcome would be and assured me that "I w...ould be ok". Now as I move forward with the next chapter of my life I have reached out to him for questions that have arised after the fact and he and/or is office staff are more that willing to help. He is not only a great attorney but a great man of character!

Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney

case was transferred to Mr. Portney's firm

Our secured attorney was promoted and no longer able to provide the services that were paid in full. Mr. Portney was of great assistance to us after receiving our case that was several years old. We greatly appreciate his prompt return calls, emails and willingness to meet with us when we requested....

See All Client Reviews

David Norman Portney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Marc H Baer headshot
Marc Baer

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Dave Portney. As a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee, Dave has appeared before me on numerous occasions. Dave is a highly competent lawyer who provides quality representation to his clients."

William S. Cooper headshot
William Cooper

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known David since `1957. He worked in my office for 10 years. He is very knowledgeable and competent and diligent. I highly recommend him as a lawyer in our community."

James Robert Logan headshot
James Logan

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know David for over 15 years and have always found him to be thoroughly prepared to represent his clients. He has a deep knowledge of bankruptcy laws, but also cares about his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Michael Lawrence Cochran headshot
Michael Cochran

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Other

"David Portnoy is extremely knowledgable in the area of bankruptcy and debt management. He was kind enough to spend an hour of his time free of charge to educate me. I will definitely be recommending him to my clients who need to address their ailing financial circumstances."

View All Endorsements
William S. Cooper headshot
William Cooper

Personal injury lawyer

James Robert Logan headshot
James Logan

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2012

Law Firm of the Year, Maryland Volunteer Legal Service

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Partner, Grossbart, Portney and Rosenberg, PA

2016 - 2017

Adjunct Professor-Consumer Bankruptcy Clinic, University Of Maryland School Of Law

1986 - 1997

Associate Attorney, Law Office of Buettner and Cooper, P.A.

1986 - 1989

Criminal Attorney, Office of the Public Defender for Baltimore County

Associations

2005 - Present

Bankruptcy Bar Association for the District of Maryland

Member

1986 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

2011 - 2013

Bankruptcy Bar Association

Executive Council

1986 - 1997

Maryland Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

In re Raskin Case No.: 11-27484

Mr. Raskin is able to avoid the Susquehanna Lien on his undivided interest in the marital home.

In re: Griffin 12-19863

The Court found that the "Reverse Mortgage" could be modified under the chapter 13 plan and allowed Mr. Griffing to modify the mortgage and pay it off through the chapter 13 plan.

Thomas v. Litton Loan Servicing, LP AW-10-373

Judge Williams of the U.S. District Court reversed the bankruptcy Judge's ruling. The bankruptcy Judge subsequently approved the Motion to Avoid the Second Mortgage and turn it into unsecured debt.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1986

University of Baltimore School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1978

George Washington University

MA - Masters

1972

University of Maryland, College Park

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

Annual Spring Forum

Recent Consumer Cases

2014

Consumer Bankruptcy Bar-Brown Bag Lunch

Avoid Judgment Using Homestead Exemption

2014

Bankruptcy & Foreclosure in Maryland Training

How to Prepare Means Test-Chapter 13 & 7

2014

Annual Spring Forum

Conflicts When Representing Married Couple In Bankruptcy

2014

Annual Spring Forum

Ethical Issues Regarding Retainer Fees

2013

Professional Seminar

Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy: Line-by-Line Workshop

2012

Bankruptcy Bar Association Spring Forum

Ethical Considerations in Marketing a Bankruptcy Practice

2010

Judicial Forum

What Judges and Trustees Want You To Know

Publications

2013

Dundalk Eagle Debt Worries Not Just A Financial But An Emotional Issue

2013

Dundalk Eagle "Underwater" Mortgages Remain An Issue

2013

Dundalk Eagle Options, Limits In Addressing Student Loan Debt

2013

Dundalk Eagle Mortgage Companies Suing Homeowners

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution