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Jonathan Seth Corchnoy

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Avvo Rating8.7
Jonathan Seth Corchnoy
Jonathan Seth Corchnoy
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About Jonathan

Special Education and Personal Injury Law

Jonathan S. Corchnoy
 has been practicing law for over 40 years in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and for over 5 years in the Sarasota metropolitan area. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and other states upon Court approval (including Delaware), and is a member of the The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).

His primary office is now located in Sarasota, Florida.  Prior to coming to Sarasota, he practiced  in the Greater Philadelphia region for over 30 years and continues to maintain an office there.  He clerked with the United States Department of Justice, Tax division. He is a 1981 graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and Allegheny College, in Meadville, PA. He spent his youth growing up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

He is active in special education,personal injury,and elder law issues. He has had both six and seven figure verdicts. He has successfully litigated special education Due Process hearings, Incapacity hearings, and insurance disputes regarding a variety of issues. He has been involved in appellate litigation before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the U. S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

He is active in helping parents of special needs children receive a free and appropriate public education as well as plan for their future personal and financial independence. He is a past member of the Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the School Law Committee of the New Jersey Bar Association. He currently is a member of the Education Law Committee for  the Florida Bar Asociation.  He has taught professional continuing education courses for COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) at its annual conference, Lehigh University's Special Education Law Conference, the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Exceptional Children's Committee, and Lorman Education Services. He has volunteered as an AARP Driver Safety Instructer. He is the father of a gifted child and a special needs child.

Practice areas

OtherElder lawSlip and fall accidentCar accidentEducation
  1. Education: 40%

    We limit our cases to representing parents of disabled students in Special Education IDEA, Section 504, and ADA claims.

    18 years, 300 cases

  2. Car accident: 20%

    Plaintiff's Personal Injury Motor Vehicle litigation: Settlements, Arbitrations, Jury & Non-Jury Trials

    39 years, 2,000 cases

  3. Slip and fall accident: 15%

    39 years, 500 cases

  4. Elder law: 15%

    We will prepare Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, Advanced Medical Directives (Living Wills). We will litigate incapacity matters. We will Counsel regarding end of life planning for middle income persons.

    18 years, 100 cases

  1. Personal injury: 10%

    39 years, 200 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

430849 1370269664

Contact

1990 Main Street
address map

Jonathan S. Corchnoy, Esquire

1990 Main Street
Suite 750
Sarasota, FL, 34236

Fax (941) 217-4824
Website
https://www.corchnoylaw.com/

1515 market Street
Suite 1510
Philadelphia, PA, 19102

Fax (941) 217-4824

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing201509/29/2020
NJActive200609/14/2020
PAActive198111/04/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers4333
Legal guides1
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Owner and attorneyLaw Offices of Jonathan S. Corchnoy2002 - Present
Federal ArbitratorU.S. District Court (E.D. PA.)2008 - 2015
AttorneyLaw Office of Jerome Taylor1985 - 2002
Common Pleas ArbitratorCourt Of Common Pleas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania1982 - 2015
AttorneyLaw Office of the Honorable David Cohen, Councilman-at-large of the City of Philadelphia1981 - 1985
Law ClerkUnited State Department Of Justice Tax Division1980 - 1981
Law ClerkFederal Trade Commission, Bureau Of Competition1979 - 1980
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Florida BarMember2015 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Children's Rights CommitteeMember2013 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Appellate Advocacy CommitteeMember2013 - Present
Council of Parent Attorneys and AdvocatesMember2009 - Present
United States District Court for the District of New JerseyN/A2006 - Present
New Jersey State Bar AssociationMember School Law Committee2006 - Present
Camden County Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Third CircuitN/A2005 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember of Exceptional Children's Committee2003 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of PennsylvaniaMember and Court Arbitrator1981 - Present
United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of PennsylvaniaMember1981 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Lorman Education Services publicationThe Effect Of “Persistent Dangerous Schools” Under NCLB On Section 1983 Claims For Damages And Denial Of FAPE Claims Under IDEIA2005
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
American University, Washington College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1981
Allegheny CollegeBS - Bachelor of Science1978
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Lehigh University's 44th Special Education Law Conference: The Latest Legal Lessons of a Long-Lasting IDEAFAPE and Mental Health - Where Does a School District's Responsibility Begin and End?2016
2015 Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) National ConferenceSettlement Agreements and Their Enforcement2015
Exceptional Children's Conference 2012Motions Pleading in Federal Court2012
Backpacks to Book BagsSpecial Education Law2012
Section 504 vs. the IDEA in PennsylvaniaSection 5042006
Impact of the No Child Left Behind Act on Special Education in PennsylvaniaThe Effect Of “Persistent Dangerous Schools” Under NCLB On Section 1983 Claims For Damages And Denial Of FAPE Claims Under IDEIA2005
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Low Speed Car Accident, Monroe County, PA$100,000 policy limit + $95,000 (of $100,000) Underinsured Motorist coverage.
Special Needs Private Placement3 yr. private placement in Residential Treatment Facility (Approx. $500,000 value) plus $30,000 attorney fees
2 year private school, NJ2 yr. payment (Approx. $95,000) for private school, NJ.
Dog Bite Incident$130,000.00 Settlement - one of largest for Monroe County, PA.
2 year private school2 yr. payment (Approx. $80,000) for private school plus counsel fees.
Private School reimbursement, Berks County School District, PAVerdict in Parents' favor ordering reimbursement (approx. $125,000).
Bad Faith Insurance Denial of Theft Claim$47,500.00 Settlement, Lancaster County, PA
One year Private School Compensatory Education1 yr. private school of parent's choice plus attorney fees
Auto accident, Philadelphia, PA$97,000 settlement with Allstate
Fisher v. Stafford Township BOE, No. 07-1891, 3rd Circuit Court of AppealsNJ District court opinion affirmed.
4 years private school4 yr. payment (Approx. $160,000) for private school plus counsel fees
Sectionn 504/ ADA Violation, Monroe County, PA$62,500 money damages + approx. $10,000 counsel fees
Truck Accident$150,000.00
Premises Liability$1,500,000.00 Verdict limited to Intangible losses.
Slip and Fall/Premises Liability$400,000.00 settlement between USPS and Property Owner

Reviews

(12)
5 Star
67%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
8%
Review Jonathan Corchnoy

A Superb Attorney

Posted by

Mr. Corchnoy was very through with my case. He was extremely professional & offered excellent advise from beginning to the final settlement. I would highly recommend him for your accident and other legal needs.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Response

Posted by

Mr. Corchnoy provided a prompt and thorough response to my question, also took the time for prompt response to my follow up questions. I would highly recommend his services!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Very respectful and professional

Posted by

Mr. Corchnoy advised me regarding an extraordinary situation I was facing. Although I couldn't hire him because it turned out the situation I faced was out of his realm of practice; he treated me very respectfully and gave me as much information as possible to help to steer me in the right direction. I mention the previous because other attorney's did not take me seriously and had the gall to ridicule my serious situation. Whereas, Mr. Corchnoy attempted to help me the best he could despite the fact that he knew I would not be hiring him. That speaks for the level of integrity he possesses. I highly recommend him. On a side note, the issue I faced turned out to be as serious as I thought despite other attorney's telling me to the contrary. I was able to hire an attorney who practiced that particular area of law and resolve my situation.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Amazingly excellent, honest, has integrity.

Posted by

Jonathan helped us with a construction project that was a disaster. The lead contractor took our money and finished other houses with it, and did not work on ours. The house was for our brain injured brother, and he needed the house to get finished within the promised time frame. Our brother was beat up badly and hospitalized while staying in a rented house waiting for his house to be completed. Jonathan got involved and the builder stepped up to the plate finished the house. We are still in negotiations with the builder because due to the delay of the building of the house, the prices went up and the builder wanted to pass the increase onto us. The delay had nothing to do with us. The owner/builder was not aware of what her general contractor was doing, which is total mismanagement. Jonathan and us still hold her responsible since she owns the company. Jonathan had us send emails as correspondence rather than phone calls to help keep our costs down. He was amazingly familiar with building codes, the building laws, and construction in general. He got the builder to finish the house by the letters he sent which were factual and strong, but not inflammatory or bullying her. His insights, knowledge and expertise are amazing. I absolutely am impressed with Jonathan Seth Corchnoy, as a lawyer. I highly, highly recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best thing I did for my son

Posted by

I am very happy I hired Jonathan as my son has adhd and this whole 504 and IEP school thing was really getting me down because the school would have meetings and I felt like my voice was not being heard and all I got was a lot of promises and I was not getting any real help for my son in school , as soon as I hired Jonathan he explained it all to me and what they must do for my son and now we are are the road to a good education for my son and the school no longer talks around me they listen to our needs ! And I have some one in my corner making sure my son gets what he needs to learn. Thanks to Mr. Corchnoy!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Mr. Corchnoy 10/9/17

Posted by

After contacting several lawyers (with no luck) to review a potential case against the school my special needs child attended, Mr. Corchnoy took the time to go over every detail and give me his honest feedback. He is empathetic and overall a real Mensch. Thank you Mr. Corchnoy!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Removing my child from an abusive environment.

Posted by

Jon listened to the details of our case with respect and compassion. He was honest and upfront about his fee. I feel Jon helped my family when we were struggling to be heard by the School. I am so pleased with the results of his efforts on my family's behalf. Hopefully we don't have to go through this again, but if we do, I would choose Jon to be by our side.

One Good Attorney

Posted by

Jon Corchnoy is one of the most knowledgable attorneys in the area. He has been my attorney for years and I would trust him with anything.

Long drawn out process

Posted by

Mr. Corchnoy was helpful and positive. The district we were fighting was just relentless and a royal pain. This seemed like a never ending process and it really took its toll on us. We lost a lot in the end but my son is where I wanted him so he can actually get an education. I believe that Mr. Corchnoy did everything he could for us.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

My special needs child

Posted by

The public school system takes advantage of special needs children and their parents. In our discussions with the school, we saw that the school was not providing all in it's power. We were in need of legal advice. We hired Mr. Corchnoy to help our son get the proper supports that should be provided to him within the public school system. Our son is only in 1st grade, and we strongly believe if we didn't seek legal guidiance with Mr. Corchnoy, his fututre might not be as promising. Just as Mr. Corchnoy was recommended to us from another parent of a special needs child, so would we recommend his legal services as well.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(21)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Derek Jacques, Car accident Attorney on Jan 10, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Corchnoy is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help.

Arthur Braitman, Personal injury Attorney on May 4, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Charles Upton, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 25, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

William Fitch, Car accident Attorney on Feb 15, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. This attorney provides sound legal advice throughout the AVVO legal community.

Janina Botchis, Education Attorney on Jan 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Corchnoy always has a thorough and compassionate response to parents and their children. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney.

Rebecca Young, Education Attorney on Aug 29, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Jonathan is an experienced and skilled attorney. This makes him a good opponent, because he does not raise unnecessary issues for litigation. He is always respectful and prompt in his communications. I endorse this lawyer.

Lauren Darbouze, Education Attorney on Feb 9, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John Jahrmarkt, Car accident Attorney on May 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Hovanes Margarian

I endorse this lawyer.

Roger Ermola, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Corchnoy's breath of experience speaks for itself. I highly recommend Mr. Corchnoy to any potential clients looking for a proven and battle tested professional.

Sean Cleary, Car accident Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.

Marie-Jacques Ambroise

Mr. Corchnoy is generous enough to share his legal knowledge on sites like Avvo. Apart from being kind, he is also a passionate, intelligent, and skilled attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Car accident Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Brad Micklin, Car accident Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Patrick Murray, Car accident Attorney on May 4, 2014
Relationship: Other

Mr. Corchnoy is a well respected and effective litigator.

Craig Becker, Education Attorney on Sep 17, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Mr. Corchnoy is an attorney of the highest integrity. He works hard for his clients and is devoted to his practice. I have confidence in referring clients to Mr. Corchnoy as I know that he provides them with passionate and zealous representation.

Gary Heslin, Car accident Attorney on Jun 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have become familiar with Jonathan since I have become active on AVVO. I have seen his responses to questions and they are intelligent, insightful, and I can see he has a brilliant legal mind

Merry Fountain, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Jonathan Seth Corchnoy is receiving my endorsement because he has been zealously advocating for his clients for over 30 years. He is a very strong contributor to the Avvo forum and provides answers that are both thorough and knowledgeable.

Glenn Honda, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. His responses to inquiries on this forum show experience and thought.

Herbert Ellis

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.25%-40%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card