How much does it cost to hire Donna for a elder law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Donna offer a free consultation?

Donna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donna's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Donna's current terms during booking.

How long do elder law cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Donna take my case if I'm outside King Of Prussia?

Donna is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Donna?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Donna accepting new elder law clients right now?

Donna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Donna M. Modestine, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Donna M. Modestine is a director based in King Of Prussia, PA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, General, and Health Care. Donna has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: King Of Prussia, PA
Experience: over 29 years
Known for: Elder Law · General · Health Care

Handles Elder Law, General, and Health Care matters from King Of Prussia, PA.
Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Donna takes on

Donna concentrates on elder law, general, health care, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donna handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Donna takes elder law matters in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.

General cases in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Donna takes general matters in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Donna takes health care matters in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Donna takes medical malpractice matters in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donna agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Donna M. Modestine — elder law lawyer in King Of Prussia

Donna M. Modestine is a director based in King Of Prussia, PA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, General, and Health Care. Donna has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

As Assistant Director of the Health Care Department, Donna assists in the administration and oversight of the firm's health care attorneys. Donna is also an active litigator in the area of medical malpractice. She has represented a large number of hospitals in Southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as physicians, physician groups, allied health professionals and long-term care facilities. Donna is also experienced in representing health care providers in professional licensing matters.

An experienced attorney, Donna is involved in her cases from beginning to end, including all aspects of discovery phase, expert retention and trial preparation. By ensuring that any medical experts, economists or vocational experts are well prepared, Donna has achieved greatly reduced settlements or sharply reduced awards from the jury at the time of trial.

Donna places a high value on communication and client relationships. By working closely with her clients from case inception to completion, Donna delivers personalized attention and strives to achieve an optimal result tailored specifically for each client.

Donna is a graduate of Penn State University. She attended Widener University School of Law, where she received her juris doctor, cum laude in 1997. While at Widener University, she was a staff member of the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law and received honors for academic achievement in legal writing and analysis.

As an active member of the community, Donna serves as an adjunct professor at Montgomery County Community College, teaching Medical, Legal Ethics. She also partnered with her local high school in the development of its Career Pathways program which assists students in developing future education and vocational goals.

Honors & Awards

•Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2019-2022)
•Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Rising Star (2005-2007)

Classes/Seminars Taught

•What is Your Case Worth When Analyzed and Compared Over the Last Several Years?, Delaware County Bar Association, December 11, 2019
•Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act (50 P. S. 7112) - 302 Commitments, The Chester County Hospital Grand Rounds, April 9, 2019
•What is Your Case Worth?, Delaware County Bar Association, December 2018
•What is Your Case Worth?, Delaware County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, June 2017
•Highlights in Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Law, Philadelphia Area Society of Healthcare Risk Management, January 28, 2016
•Let's Agree to Agree; Mediation in Civil Litigation, Delaware County Bench Bar Conference, June 5, 2014
•Mock Deposition and Trial Presentation, Lancaster Health System, July 9, 2008
•The Amazing Race: The Emerging Trends In Hospital Liability, 2008 PLUS MPL Conference, Chicago, Illinois, March 11-12, 2008
•Clinical Support Systems; E-Discovery and Privacy Liability: How They All Come Together, AIG Domestic Claims, Inc., New York, New York, December 19, 2007
•Who's Been Reading My Chart? Do Clinical Support Systems REALLY Protect Patient Privacy?, 2007 PLUS International Conference, Washington, DC, November 9, 2007
•Computer-Based Clinical Decision Support Systems (DSS), Lancaster General Hospital, Women and Babies Hospital, January 2007
•Electronic Medical Records and Computer-Based Clinical Decision Support Systems (DSS), Chester County Hospital Medical Staff, February 24, 2006
•Disclosure of Serious Events, Chester County Hospital Medical Staff, March 4, 2005
•Practical Strategies for Reducing Liability, VHA Physician Risk Management Education Program, March 8, 2005
•The Deposition Process, Alleviating Your Fears, Lancaster General Hospital Education Counsel, June 8, 2005
•The Deposition Process, Alleviating Your Fears, Lancaster General Hospital Education Counsel: Women and Babies Hospital, December 28, 2005
•Managing and Disclosing Medical Errors, Medical Staff and Nursing Staff at Brandywine Hospital, June 11, 2004
•Tort Reform and Your New Responsibilities, Holy Redeemer Hospital Medical Staff, December 1, 2004

Published Works

•'Grooming Your Internal Team...The Importance of Mentoring the Younger Attorneys on the Team,' January 2016
•'Who Pays. Is The Pennsylvania Property And Casualty Insurance Guarantee Association Responsible for Delay Damages?,' Defense Digest, Fall 2005
•'Risk Management By Apology: Does 'Warm And Fuzzy' Really Work?,' Millennium Risk Management News, Winter 2004-2005, Vol. 1., No. 3

Results

Defense Verdict Secured in Medical Malpractice Case

We received a defense verdict for an emergency room physician in a medical malpractice case after a six-day trial. The plaintiffs alleged the physician failed to diagnose and treat a transient ischemic attack in the emergency department and that this failure caused the plaintiff’s ischemic stroke 48 hours later. Following an hour and a half of deliberations, the jury found the emergency room physician did not violate the standard of care.

Received a Defense Verdict for an Emergency Room Physician in a Medical Malpractice Case

We received a defense verdict for an emergency room physician in a medical malpractice case after a six-day trial. The plaintiffs alleged that the physician failed to diagnose and treat a transient ischemic attack in the emergency department and that this failure caused the plaintiff’s ischemic stroke 48 hours later. The plaintiff at the time was 44 years old. Following an hour and a half of deliberations, the jury found that the emergency room physician did not violate the standard of care.

News

Marshall Dennehey Secures Four Finalist Honors in the 2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards

April 15, 2026

Liberty Mutual Insurance Names Marshall Dennehey External Law Firm Partner of the Year

October 24, 2025

Donna's approach to elder law cases

As Assistant Director of the Health Care Department, Donna assists in the administration and oversight of the firm's health care attorneys. Donna is also an active litigator in the area of medical malpractice. She has represented a large number of hospitals in Southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as physicians, physician groups, allied health professionals and long-term care facilities. Donna is…

Clients Donna works with

Donna reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, general, and health care matters in King Of Prussia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware J.D. cum laude Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware J.D. 1997 Academic Achievement Award Widener University School of
—
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
B.A. Widener · 1992

Jurisdictions

Donna's state bar admissions

Pennsylvania U.S. Di
1997 · ACTIVE

Donna studied at — in Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware J.D. cum laude Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware J.D. 1997 Academic Achievement Award Widener University School of and B.A. Widener in Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

Law school and academic background

Donna completed — in Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware J.D. cum laude Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware J.D. 1997 Academic Achievement Award Widener University School of and B.A. Widener in Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donna runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Donna has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Donna M. Modestine's office in King Of Prussia

Donna's primary office is at 620 Freedom Business Center, Suite 300, King Of Prussia, PA, 19406. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Marshall Dennehey

620 Freedom Business Center, Suite 300

King Of Prussia, PA 19406

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Donna M. Modestine — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Donna. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in King Of Prussia.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donna M. Modestine claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Donna M. Modestine — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donna usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Donna charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donna's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donna will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donna

Donna discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donna confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Donna's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Donna M. Modestine

How much does it cost to hire Donna for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donna offer a free consultation?
Donna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donna's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Donna's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donna take my case if I'm outside King Of Prussia?
Donna is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donna?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donna accepting new elder law clients right now?
Donna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Pennsylvania residents in the last few months, answered by elder law attorneys like Donna M. Modestine. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How Can I Protect My Mother’s Assets In Florida Nursing Home?
My mother just moved into a nursing home in Tampa, Florida, and we're worried about her savings being depleted for the care. She has around $100,000 in savings and owns a home. I r
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Florida
What Do I Need To Know About Advance Directives In Colorado?
I’m discussing healthcare decisions with my elderly aunt in Denver, Colorado, and I want her wishes documented through an advance directive. What do I need to know about creating o
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Colorado
How Can I Avoid Probate In Tennessee For My Parents’ Estate?
My parents passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, and I want to avoid the lengthy probate process for their estate. They had some assets but no will. What legal options do I have to
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Tennessee
What Are My Responsibilities As A Guardian In Texas?
I was recently appointed guardian for my elderly father who lives in Austin, Texas, after he developed dementia. I'm not sure about my legal obligations, especially concerning his
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Texas
What Legal Documents Do I Need For My Aging Parents In Virginia?
My parents live in Richmond, Virginia, and I want to get their legal affairs in order as they age. I know they need a will and other documents, but I’m unclear about what exactly i
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Virginia
How To Access Long-Term Care Services For Veterans In Louisiana?
My father is a veteran living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he might need long-term care. I’m trying to navigate the benefits available to him as a veteran. How do I access these
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Louisiana

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving King Of Prussia, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania

Donna handles elder law matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.