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Philip D Stern
About Philip
Biography
I am experienced in handling consumer matters, particularly those involving debt collection--both defending debt collection lawsuits and bringing claims against debt collectors who violate federal laws regulating how debts can be collected.
Personally, I believe that each us should do what we can to help those less fortunate and that we can more effective by joining with others who feel the same. I call this cooperative altruism. Lions Clubs gives me the outlet to pursue these beliefs. Therefore, I am an active volunteer with other Lions. I encourage everyone to participate in a service organization. As one of Lions' founders, Melvin Jones, said, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else."
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Class Action
80%
19 years | 200 cases
Debt Collection
15%
22 years | 250 cases
Consumer Protection
5%
27 years | 25 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 36 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 40 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
No contact information is available for this lawyer
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Philip D Stern's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Daisy | July 8, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
EXCELLENT ATTORNEY!
Mr. Stern promptly responded to my inquiry. He patiently listened and explained the law to me in layman's terms. He is extremely knowledgeable and answered all my questions. He managed to ease my mind with the information he gave me and by the end of our conversation I knew he was the best attorney ...
Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Goes the extra mile
This lawyer is very knowledgeable and was very helpful. He answered my questions and lead me to a site where I could find out if I had been sued. I would hire him if I were to face a civil suit and I would recommend him if anyone I know needed that type of service. Very Grateful
Posted by John | March 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
no better attorney in the State of New Jersey
Quite Frankly, I can't think of a better attorney in the state of New Jersey than Phil Stern. He got my case dismissed against one of the biggest collection Law Firms in the business and a Judge who always seemed to side with the collectors. I thought I hadn't a bats chance in h*ll. I signed on to t...
Posted by Bruno | April 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very experienced and helpful
I was sued by a law firm regarding a very old debt, beyond the Statute of Limitations. I was able to get it dismissed. I then contacted Mr. Stern regarding violations of the FDCPA. We filed a lawsuit against that law firm, and settled before going to trial. I was very impressed with Mr. Stern's profe...
Posted by anonymous | March 6, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
star only review
He was very polite and professional. Also knowledgeable in the area of my request. I appreciate him taking the time out to respond.
Philip D Stern's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Stern is an extremely knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Phil's expertise in FDCPA matters is why I refer all clients with possible FDCPA claims to his office."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Stern is an exceptional attorney in the area of fair debt collections practice. His sharing of knowledge and advocacy have been quite helpful in my representation of clients. Thank you, Mr. Stern."
"I have known Phil for many years and have referred many clients to him to handle FDCPA cases. He is an excellent lawyer who knows the law and cares about his clients. This is truly a wonderful combination."
"I endorse this attorney. Philip Stern is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of debtors rights, debt collection defense, and fair debt collection practices. I refer clients to him without hesitation."
"Phil is not only a mentor, but a friend. His knowledge and compassion for consumer protection is second to none. I'm proud to be learning from the best. I endorse Phil Stern without hesitation."
"Phil is a dedicated consumer advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Few attorneys have the knowledge of debt collection law and practices that attorney Stern has developed over the years. He also is fully aware of how debt collection practices are uniform and very often develop into a systematic way of harassing people, which is why he also has such a high knowledge of class action law and principles too. If you have a debt collection problem and need help, and if his office is anywhere near you, I highly recommend him to you."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Stern is incredibly consciencious and caring in his work. I have referred numerous clients to him over the years, and he has always handled their cases with skill and determination."
Scott Bullock
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Howard Weinstein
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Experience
Honors
2021
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated - Since 1995, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Legal Minds, Inside New Jersey Magazine
2010
Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship, Maplewood Lions Club
2007
Melvin Jones Fellow, Maplewood Lions Club
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Senior Attorney, Foreclosure Defense Project, Legal Services Of New Jersey
2021 - 2025
Of Counsel, Kim Law Firm LLC
2015 - 2020
Partner, Stern Thomasson, LLP
2009 - 2015
Owner, Philip D. Stern Attorney at Law
2007 - 2009
Of Counsel, Wacks & Hartmann, LLC
1995 - 2007
Owner, Law Office of Philip D. Stern
1991 - 1995
Partner, Stern, Dubrow & Marcus, P.C.
1986 - 1991
Associate, Stern, Dubrow & Marcus, P.C.
1984 - 1986
Associate, Wacks, Hersh, Ramsey, Berman & Kimmel, P.C.
Associations
2012 - Present
Newark Legal Advice and Resource Clinic for ConsumersVolunteer Attorney
2011 - Present
New Jersey State Bar Association, Consumer Protection Law CommitteeMember
2009 - Present
National Association of Consumer AdvocatesMember
1995 - Present
Maplewood Lions ClubMember
1986 - Present
Essex County Bar AssociationMember
1984 - Present
New Jersey State Bar AssociationMember
National Association of Consumer Advocates
Member
American Bar Association
Member
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Newark Legal Advice and Resource Clinic for Consumers
Volunteer Attorney
2009 - 2010
Lions District 16-EDistrict Governor
2009 - 2010
International Association of Lions ClubsVolunteer
2004 - 2006
Maplewood Lions ClubPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Prospect Funding Holdings LLC v. Breen, -- F. App’x --, 2018 U.S. App. LEXIS 35199, 2018 WL 6601131 (Dec. 14, 2018)
Affirmed judgment dismissing claims against our client.
Panico v. Portfolio Recovery Assoc., 902 F.3d 274 (3rd Cir. 2018)
The Court of Appeals reversed holding that the limitations period is not tolled.
Avila v. Riexinger & Associates, 817 F.3d 72 (2nd Cir. 2016)
Court of Appeals adopted rule making collector's failure to disclose accruing interest a violation of the FDCPA.
Bock v. Pressler & Pressler LLP, 30 F.Supp.3d 283 (DNJ 2014) vac. other gnd. 658 Fed.Appx. 63 (3rd Cir. 2016)
Judgment finding that the law firm violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Levins v. Healthcare Revenue Recovery Grp. LLC, 902 F.3d 274 (3d Cir. 2018)
Reversed dismissal of our clients' claims.
Boucher v. Financial. Systems of Green Bay, Inc., 880 F.3d 362 (7th Cir. 2018)
Reversed dismissal of our client's claims.
Education
1984
Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1981
University of Pennsylvania
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
NCLC: Fair Debt Collection Training Conference
Update on Debt Buyer Litigation
2018
LSNJ CLE Training
FDCPA Panel
2017
LSNJ CLE Training
FDCPA Panel
2016
LSNJ CLE Training
FDCPA Panel
2015
LSNJ CLE Training
FDCPA Panel
2014
LSNJ CLE Training
FDCPA Panel
2013
LSNJ CLE Training (3/21/2013)
FDCPA Panel
2013
LSNJ Annual Conference (1/15/2013)
Defending Debt-Buyer Collection Cases
2012
QuickStart: An Entrepreneurial Training Program for the Unemployed
Legal Issues for Small Business
2012
NCLC: Fair Debt Collection Training Conference (2/23/2012)
Update on Debt Buyer Litigation
2012
LSNJ CLE Training (3/28/2012)
Credit Card Defense
2011
Debt Collection Practices and Consumer RIghts
Debt Collection Practices and Consumer RIghts
2011
Consumer Law Task Force Seminar (10/5/2011)
Emerging Defense Strategies in Debt Buyer Collection Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Being sued for $4500 credit card debt, what can they get if now I am only living on Social Security
20 Apr 2025
Q&A
I was served in small claims court in NJ.
26 Feb 2025
Q&A
Can I ask to vacate a default judgement based on my proof of service?
12 Feb 2025