Michael David Schaff, Maritime Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Maritime and Workers Comp · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratSchaff & Young, P.C.
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing maritime in Philadelphia since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael David Schaff?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael David Schaff is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Maritime and Workers Comp. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schaff & Young, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Maritime · Workers Comp
- Handles Maritime and Workers Comp matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael David Schaff: Michael David Schaff is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Maritime and Workers Comp. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schaff & Young, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Philadelphia
Michael concentrates on maritime and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Maritime cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Michael takes maritime matters in Philadelphia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Michael takes workers comp matters in Philadelphia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael David Schaff, maritime attorney serving Philadelphia
Michael David Schaff is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Maritime and Workers Comp. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schaff & Young, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and takes on maritime matters across the region.
Michael David Schaff is a lawyer practicing workers compensation, longshore and harbor workers compensation act. Michael received a A.B. degree from Muhlenberg College in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. Michael practices at Schaff & Young, P.C. in Philadelphia, PA.
How Michael handles maritime matters
Michael David Schaff is a lawyer practicing workers compensation, longshore and harbor workers compensation act. Michael received a A.B. degree from Muhlenberg College in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. Michael practices at Schaff & Young, P.C. in Philadelphia, PA.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for maritime and workers comp matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Pittsburgh
J.D. · 1980
Muhlenberg College
A.B. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Maryland
1982 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1980 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Pittsburgh and A.B. in Muhlenberg College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Pittsburgh and A.B. in Muhlenberg College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Bar Associations
Chair, Workers' Compensation Section, 1999 · membership
Locations
Michael David Schaff's office in Philadelphia
Michael's primary office is at One South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael David Schaff — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing maritime attorneys in Philadelphia.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael David Schaff claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael David Schaff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new maritime attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a maritime attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many maritime 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in maritime practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every maritime 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many maritime practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael David Schaff
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a maritime case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some maritime attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do maritime cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple maritime 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new maritime clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Maritime attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Michael handles maritime matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified maritime attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated maritime attorneys in Pennsylvania
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these maritime attorneys in Philadelphia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





