How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?

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

Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

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

How long do business cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

Simple business 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?

Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?

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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?

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

Stephen C. Baker, Business Attorney in Philadelphia

Quick answer

Stephen C. Baker is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. Stephen has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Philadelphia, PA
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Business · Insurance · Litigation

Handles Business, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Philadelphia, PA.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Stephen C. Baker

Stephen concentrates on business, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stephen takes business 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stephen takes insurance 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stephen takes litigation 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Stephen C. Baker — Over 46 years of Pennsylvania business experience

Stephen C. Baker is a partner based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. Stephen has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Stephen C. Baker is a nationally known litigator and a partner and a leader of the firm's Life Insurance & Annuities Practice Group. He represents major insurance company groups in business litigation, regulatory, coverage and claims matters. He serves both property and casualty and life, health and accident insurers. For several life carriers and a BGA, he is national counsel for secondary market issues. In his secondary market work, Steve advises insurers on exposures stemming from viaticals, life settlements, non-recourse premium financing and stranger-originated life insurance (STOLI) transactions. His practice assists clients in resolving complex legal issues in marketing, underwriting and administering high face value life insurance policies.

Steve is an experienced trial lawyer. In his 32-year career, he has spent an aggregate of more than a year on trial. His insurance practice is widely known for client-driven, innovative service. Service initiatives developed by Steve include a fixed-fee second opinion for serious cases, money-back guarantees on certain results and creating a client profit center for a carrier out of a complex of environmental claims.

His insurance industry practice includes insurance, reinsurance, broker and agency issues, and direct commercial litigation.

In addition to his national profile as an insurance litigator, Steve has substantial experience litigating and trying other types of complex commercial litigation. His commercial trial experience includes products liability, securities, unfair competition, occupational injury and other mass tort cases. For instance, Steve tried an occupational injury mass tort case in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County that was the longest trial in Pennsylvania's history. Steve's client was the only party to leave the courtroom without owing money to the plaintiff.

Steve also serves as general outside counsel to a wide range of entities, including a nationally prominent telecommunications company and a school for blind and handicapped children.

In General. Steve is a member of the American Bar Association and the Philadelphia Bar Association. In addition, he is a director at the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind and has served as the trial team coach at The Episcopal Academy.

Representative Matters

· National Representation of Life Insurers - Provides counsel, analyzes claims, and defends litigation nationally for several life insurers.

· Defeated Constitutional Challenge to Statute - Represented group of insurers in defending a New Jersey action raising a constitutional challenge to an insurance-related statute. The case was dismissed.

· Unbroken String of Defense Verdicts - As regional liability defense counsel, responsible for an unbroken three-year string of defense verdicts.

· Making the Law on Forum Non Conveniens - Prepared successful petition for certiorari and brief on merits in landmark U.S. Supreme Court case.

Publication

09/10/2013
Client Alert
Texas Court Departs From Previous Decisions: Investments in Life Settlements are Securities

08/29/2013
EIUL Alert
CDA v. Global One

08/21/2013
Client Alert
Life Settlement Investors Sue Auditor

12/19/2012
Life Insurance & Annuities Client Alert
Pension Factoring Alert

10/09/2012
Life Insurance & Annuities Client Alert
Financial Fraud Alert

10/03/2012
Life Insurance & Annuities Client Alert
Financial Fraud Alert

09/20/2012
Life Insurance & Annuities Client Alert
Financial Fraud Alert

08/14/2012
Life Insurance & Annuities Client Alert
Financial Fraud Alert

08/02/2012
Life Insurance & Annuities Client Alert
Financial Fraud Alert

05/17/2012
Client Alert
Suit Filed Against Auditor of Investment Fund for Deficient Auditing of Madoff-Managed Assets

10/18/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
US Attorney Files Superseding Indictment Against Costa Rican Company, Its President And Its Auditer for Alleged $670 million Fraudulent Scheme

9/2/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
SEC Files Suit Against Alleged Orchestrator of Oil and Gas Investment Ponzi Scheme

5/13/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
U.S. Attorney Indicts Three in Alleged $52.5 Million Ponzi Scheme

4/7/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
SEC Brings Suit Against Alleged Mastermind of Life Settlement

3/7/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
Bank Seeks Insurance Coverage for Losses Allegedly Stemming from Fraudulent Loans to Ponzi Schemer

3/3/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
Receiver of Failed Life Settlement Company Brings Suit Against Agents

2/17/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
Financial Fraud: Risks to Ancillary Service Providers and Other Outsiders

2/11/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
Financial Fraud: Risks to Ancillary Service Providers and Other Outsiders

1/11/2011
Financial Fraud Alert
Financial Fraud: Risks to Ancillary Service Providers and Other Outsiders

9/20/2007
Structured Settlement Update

8/2/2007
Structured Settlement Update

05/22/2007
Structured Settlement Update

5/8/2007
Structured Settlement Update

1/10/2007
Structured Settlement Update

10/3/2006
Structured Settlement Update

3/6/2006
Structured Settlement Update

02/01/2006
The LTC Insurance Link
A Newsletter of Legal Developments That Impact Long-Term Care Insurers

1/6/2006
Insurance Class Action Alert

11/16/2005
Insurance Class Action Alert

10/26/2005
The LTC Insurance Link
Senior Issues Task Force Considers Eliminating or Altering the Fraud Exception to the Incontestability Provision in Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

10/25/2005
The LTC Insurance Link
Delaware Insurance Department Launches Probe of Long-Term Care Insurance Rate Increases

01/31/2005
The LTC Insurance Link
First Long Term Care Insurance Summit Held in Chicago

8/18/2004
The LTC Insurance Link
A Quarterly Newsletter of Legal Developments that Impact Long-Term Care Insurers

10/17/2002
Insurance Class Action Alert

9/18/2002
Structured Settlement Update - September 2002

5/3/2002
Insurance Class Action Alert

Speaking Engagements

09/11/2012
2012 HighCap Sales Forum
A Few Million Here, A Few Million There, and Before Long It's Real Money

05/09/2012
STOLI: "Over the Next Hill"
ACLI Litigation Committee Meeting

01/02/2010
CLE Seminar
The Secondary Market Academy

11/19/2009
CLE Seminar
The Secondary Market Academy

11/09/2009
The Secondary Market Academy
CLE Seminar: Stranger Originated Life Insurance

11/04/2009
CLE Seminar
The Secondary Market Academy

10/19/2009
American Council for Life Insurers 2009 Annual Conference

10/08/2009
CLE Seminar
The Secondary Market Academy

08/12/2009
CLE Seminar
The Secondary Market Academy

7/22/2009
American Council for Life Insurers Compliance and Legal Sections Annual Meeting

12/11/2007
Mealey's Life Insurance in the Secondary Market Conference

02/27/2007
Intercompany Long Term Care Insurance Conference
Class Action Vaccination

Stephen's approach to business cases

Stephen C. Baker is a nationally known litigator and a partner and a leader of the firm's Life Insurance & Annuities Practice Group. He represents major insurance company groups in business litigation, regulatory, coverage and claims matters. He serves both property and casualty and life, health and accident insurers. For several life carriers and a BGA, he is national counsel for secondary…

The kind of cases Stephen takes

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, insurance, and litigation matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Stephen C. Baker's legal education and bar admissions

Villanova University School of Law
J.D. · 1980
Duke University
A.B. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1989 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania U.S. Di
1980 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in Villanova University School of Law and A.B. in Duke University.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in Villanova University School of Law and A.B. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen C. Baker

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Stephen C. Baker's office in Philadelphia

Stephen's primary office is at One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA, 19103-6996. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

One Logan Square

Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen C. Baker — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Stephen C. Baker claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen C. Baker — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Stephen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen C. Baker

How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple business 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?
Stephen'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 business attorneys like Stephen C. Baker. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

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

Stephen C. Baker, Business Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Quick answer

Practice areas handled by Stephen C. Baker

Business cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Insurance cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Litigation cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania