Stephen Ernst, Litigation Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 29 years of legal practice
AssociateatSegal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing litigation in Philadelphia since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Stephen Ernst?
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Quick answer
Stephen Ernst is an associate based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Litigation. Stephen has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Litigation
- Handles Litigation matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Stephen Ernst: Stephen Ernst is an associate based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Litigation. Stephen has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law.
Areas of practice
Stephen's practice areas in Philadelphia
Stephen concentrates on litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
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
Stephen Ernst, litigation attorney serving Philadelphia
Stephen Ernst is an associate based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Litigation. Stephen has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law. Stephen works from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and takes on litigation matters across the region.
Stephen Ernst is a lawyer practicing litigation. Stephen received a B.S. degree from George Washington University in 1986, and has been licensed for 29 years. Stephen practices at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law in Philadelphia, PA.
How Stephen handles litigation matters
Stephen Ernst is a lawyer practicing litigation. Stephen received a B.S. degree from George Washington University in 1986, and has been licensed for 29 years. Stephen practices at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law in Philadelphia, PA.
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for litigation matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices
Temple University
J.D. · 1996
George Washington University
B.S. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1997 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1997 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in Temple University and B.S. in George Washington University.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in Temple University and B.S. in George Washington 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.
Locations
Stephen Ernst's office in Philadelphia
Stephen's primary office is at 1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA, 19103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, Attorneys at Law
1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephen Ernst — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new litigation 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 litigation attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many litigation 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 litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every litigation 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 litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Ernst
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a litigation 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 litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do litigation cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple litigation 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 litigation clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Litigation attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Stephen handles litigation matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified litigation attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated litigation attorneys in Pennsylvania
If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these litigation attorneys in Philadelphia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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