Stephen A. Drazin

Stephen A. Drazin

4.3
Rating: 7.7

Licensed for 32 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Pikesville, MD
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Personal Injury, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy ... +2 more

3520 Barton Oaks Road, Pikesville, MD

About Stephen

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Quality representation in all facets of Family Law (contested and uncontested); including, but not limited to, separation, divorce, alimony, child support, property division, litigation, agreements, father's rights, grandparent visitation, same-sex custody, domestic violence, etc.

33 years | 5,000 cases

50%
Personal Injury 20%

Assists victims of Automobile, Truck, and Bus accidents. Represents families for wrongful Death Claims.

20%
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 10%

Assists Debtors through the complexity of the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy process. A Bankruptcy stops Foreclosures, Creditor Harassment, and civil suits.

33 years | 500 cases

10%
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 10%

Assists Debtors through the complexity of the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy process. A Bankruptcy stops Foreclosures, Creditor Harassment, and civil suits. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharges unsecured debt (credit cards and the like)

33 years | 1,500 cases

10%
Wills and Living Wills 10%

Wills, Estates, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Probate

33 years | 5,000 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 32 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1993

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2007

Location

Law Offices of Stephen A. Drazin

3520 Barton Oaks Road, Pikesville, MD, 21208

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Stephen A. Drazin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | December 07, 2012 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Poor Attorney and no communication.

Mr Drazin never informed me of his reprimand that occurred which is why he doesnt represent his clients "DRAZIN, Stephen A. - Commission reprimand for failing to deposit and maintain an unearned portion of his client’s advance retainer in an attorney trust account for safekeeping until such funds wer...e earned as fees or used as expenses related to the representation. He also, failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the representation." He uses a very inexperienced attorney "Carey Jacobson" who doesnt know how to represent herself amongst attorneys and charges too much for her lack of experience. I would never recommend this firm. The communication factor is very poor and you are guaranteed to have an attorney with little knowledge but continue to charge you for services!

Stephen Drazin

Replied last June 10, 2013

Interestingly, this poor review was traced to a disgruntled spouse of one of our clients - who we successfully represented and continue to do so. The Reviewer seeks to discredit anyone with whom he had contact with during his divorce proceedings. He sued his own attorney, the trial Judge, the Court Clerk, the Court Reporter, the Court's Social Worker, the minor children's attorney, and - of course - me. All to no avail. He, therefore, attempts to utilize this forum. Concerning the reprimand: It was entered by consent in that it occurred prior to the Commission's Opinion that such a deposit into an Attorney's Operating Account with the consent of the client was perfectly permissible and we did not wish to be the "test case" and spend thousands of dollars to litigate the issue. Now, six plus years later, such a reprimand would not be issued. The reviewer's trailer of failing "to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the representation" was actually due to the client's Accountant who failed to follow-up and provide the Services for which he was retained. DrazinLaw was the "middle-man" and, as such, could only provide the client with frequent reports of "no change in status" with our recommendation for the client to contact the Accountant directly or find a new Accountant. The client opted not to do so - resulting in no movement on the complex Income Tax issue. The Reviewer fails to note that, after a reasonable period of time wherein the matter should have been resolved and was not (due to the Accountant), DrazinLaw informed the client that it could no longer represent him without the complex tax issue being completed (or, at least, a plan for such being in effect) and issued a FULL refund with absolutely no charge for the Legal Services rendered. The Reviewer also fails to note that such termination of Services and refund occurred prior to any reprimand and that the Client contacted the Commission to retract the Complaint realizing that the same should have been only against the Accountant. Needless to say, we no longer act as such "middlemen." Lastly, the Reviewer fails to note (although he states Cary Jacobson, Esquire has little experience, doesn't know how to represent herself, and charges too much) that Ms. Jacobson, during the many hearing she representing the Reviewer's spouse, consistently beat the Reviewer and won the issues being litigated. In essence, his statements concerning Ms. Jacobson are wholly incorrect.

Posted by John | August 01, 2011

My Lawyer For Life

Stephen has been my lawyer since 2007. He has always taken good care of me and I have recommended him to friends and family. I feel fortunate to have found an honest, knowledgable lawyer to help me navigate through any legal issues that I may experience.

Stephen Drazin

Replied last June 10, 2013

John: Your review is appreciated. I haven't heard from you in some time; but, the same is an indication that the results we achieved (together) for your family (you and the children) are working-out-well.

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2011 | Divorce & Separation

First lawyer I have ever completely trusted

I am usually pretty skeptical of any lawyer, especially after some of my previous dealings with lawyers. Then I found myself in the middle of a nasty divorce and a difficult bankruptcy. A friend of mine had used Drazin's services and recommended him. Needless to say I was very skeptical. Lucky for me... I was wrong. He has been amazing. He explained each step of the process for me and has made me feel much better about the whole process. His knowledge of the law impresses me each time I deal with him. He has taken a huge amount of stress off of my shoulders during one of the most difficult times of my life. But most importantly he tells me the truth, which is a lot more then I can say about the other lawyers I have dealt with. He is straight forward about what is realistically possible and doesn't promise things because he thinks that's what I want to hear. Then there is his staff. I have worked with Cary, Jeannine, and Alex. Cary walked me through my bankruptcy hearing and was great. She answered all my questions both before and after the hearing. She is very responsive and has responded within 24 hours to any email or phone call. Jeannine is amazing beyond words. She is so much more than a paralegal. She has handled all my paperwork for both the bankruptcy and divorce. She keeps my documents organized and thanks to her I have the documents I need. Anytime I come in she allows me to vent my frustrations and understands my stresses over the situation. She too will respond within 24 hours of any email I send. Jeannine has been invaluable. As for Alex I just started working with him but he has been as responsive and thorough as the other people in the office so I have confidence in him. Stephen Drazin is the type of lawyer you want because he has integrity and is the kind of man you are proud to represent you. He knows his stuff and will work harder than any lawyer I have ever met to make sure you are heard. As are the rest of his staff. Stephen Drazin surrounds himself with good people and as a result has created the best law firm I have seen. I would not hesitate to use this office again or recommend it. If you need a lawyer there is no other choice.

Posted by Bob | March 26, 2010 | Divorce & Separation

Outstanding Attorney

Extremely professional and efficient, Stephen Drazin represented me for over 12 months during my divorce and child custody hearings after taking over representation from a less capable attorney. He and his staff are very knowledgeable, competent and responsive. I will continue to utilize this attorn...ey for my legal needs and would readily recommend him to any one who is needing representation in a difficult divorce or custody situation.

Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2009

The Best

Mr. Drazin consistently provides impeccable representation to each of his clients. His staff is diligent in keeping each client informed regarding the status of his or her matter. Mr. Drazin is incredibly knowledgeable about the law and always acts in a professional manner.

See All Client Reviews

Stephen A. Drazin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen
Randall J. Meyers headshot
Randall Meyers

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Stephen knows divorce as well or better than anyone! I would call him without doubt an EXPERT DIVORCE LAWYER! He will tell you the practical issues as well as the legal issues and the most cost effective path. He cares about his clients. I highly recommend him."

Larry Jason Feldman headshot
Larry Feldman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen always works hard to get his clients excellent results. He is equally successful in hammering out an agreement as he is battling it out in the Courtroom. I endorse him for the handling of any and all family law matters."

Robert N Grossbart headshot
Robert Grossbart

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Claudia Weinstein Englisby headshot
Claudia Englisby

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Stephen was retained to complete a separation agreement and finalize divorce on my mother's behalf. Stephen came on board after an earlier retained lawyer, working for a large firm was fired because she could not effectuate settlement of a separation agreement after many months. At the time, he was retained (for a quite reasonable and fair retainer), the parties were in bitter dispute. He effectuated the best possible outcome in the most professional manner. His knowlegde of domestic law is outstanding. Furthermore, he understands the emotional and legal issues within his field. He has an uncanny knack for eloquently arguing his case both in written and verbal communication. He presents his case to opposing party without creating greater conflict. Stephen managed to resolve all issues in the separation agreement and finanlize the divorce expertly and expeditiously. He iseasy to talk with, compassionate and highly recommended."

Jeffrey Aron Rosenzweig headshot
Jeffrey Rosenzweig

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. He is highly skilled, aggressive, persistent and extremely intelligent. He achieves outstanding results for his clients and I do not hesitate to refer clients to him."

View All Endorsements
Cary Caroline Jacobson headshot
Cary Jacobson

Family lawyer

V Peter Markuski Jr headshot
V Markuski

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jeffrey Aron Rosenzweig headshot
Jeffrey Rosenzweig

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.7 (Very Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2007.

Reprimand issued in MD, 2007

updated on 02/15/2013

Reprimand means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State warns the lawyer in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2013

Top Lawyers in Maryland, American Lawyer Media

2012

Highly Rated in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Highly Rated in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

CV Rating - Highly Rated in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale - Hubbell

2009

CV Rating - High Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale - Hubbell

2008

CV Rating - High Ethical Standards & Legal Ability, Martindale Hubbell

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Managing Attorney, The Drazin Law Center, P.A.

1993 - 2009

Managing Attorney, The Law Offices of Drazin and Drazin

1990 - 1993

Law Clerk, The Law Office of Israel Drazin, P.A.

1986 - 1989

Law Clerk, The Law Office of Karl H. Goodman

Associations

2010 - Present

Baltimore County Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Baltimore City Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Bankruptcy Bar Association for the District of Maryland

Member

1993 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

1993 - Present

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1993 - Present

Maryland Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1993 - Present

Howard County Bar Association

Member

1993 - Present

Howard County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Desouki v. Oweis

Won

Janice M. v. Margaret K.

Won.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

St.Thomas University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

Towson State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Languages

English

Hebrew

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2007
    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