We are a Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania law office, concentrating in the areas of consumer bankruptcy (chapters 7 and 13), consumer protection law, credit card and consumer debt defense, as well as other aspects general legal practice. As one the few Delaware County (southeastern Pennsylvania) law offices which regularly takes on credit card companies, Payday loan companies, and "zombie debt" buyers, we regularly defend and prevail against abusive debt collectors. While bankruptcy is always an option for the besieged consumer, defending and winning debt collection cases should also be an option. With 42 years of experience in the practice of consumer law, this can be a good option. This site is intended to give the reader a basic the legal principles involved in our practice. This information herein should only be used as a starting point, and is not a substitute for competent legal advice in your jurisdiction. The laws in your area will probably differ, so please consult a local attorney.We handle cases under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the FDCPA). The FDCPA allows consumers to recover damages against abusive or harassing debt collectors. See our extended site on the subject. We have had significant experience in recovering lost funds in failed and bogus debt settlement company scams. We also handle Robo-call cases (autodialed to cell phones) under the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991).
Our office handled a game-changing consumer debt appellate decision, which has been described as "the first time an appellate court in Pennsylvania has put all the law together in one place at one time and talked about the kind of evidence a debt buyer needs to prove an alleged debt. The Superior Court of Pennsylvania, decided in Commonwealth Financial v. Smith, 2011 Pa.Super. 30, a case it described as one of "first impression," that debt buyers indeed have their limits, and cannot dictate to the courts or the public that they have the right to an easy judgment because, "that's the way it's done in the industry." The case is continually referenced in Pennsylvania consumer law, being cited 70 times and referenced 510 times in other references of authority. The Smith case has struck a significant blow for consumers against disreputable debt buyers. For more on the topic, go here.
Recognized as a "Best Lawyer" in Delaware County by the readers of the Delaware County Daily Times in the six years in a row, 2015 - 2021, in the First , Second and now Third Annual Best Lawyers Readers Choice section for consumer bankruptcy, being the sole bankruptcy attorney mentioned as best in 2016 through 2021.
... and on-air: Lawrence Rubin appeared on the Consumer Defense Line radio show, hosted by Attorney Michael Forbes on WCHE to discuss the above case (Commonwealth Financial Systems v. Larry Smith). The show can be heard here and is available in podcast. The background and legal reasoning of the decision is discussed in a manner understandable by non-lawyers. If you find yourself in legal difficulty caused by a debt buyer or creditor, you will certainly benefit from listening. The main discussion of the case begins at about the half-way point of the show.
...and reappearing most recently on WCHE once again on March 9, 2019 for further consumer and consumer bankruptcy issues.
If you need a consumer or bankruptcy attorney and do not reside in PA or NJ, we suggest you try NACA.NET. or NACBA.org (National Assn. of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Lawrence S. Rubin has in excess of 43 years of legal experience in consumer bankruptcy (Chapters 13 and 7), debt collection defense, and consumer protection law (including debt collector and creditor harassment). We also offer other legal services including: personal injury matters (auto accidents, slip and fall, serious injuries, medical malpractice, etc.), contract litigation, general commercial matters, wills, estates, family law (sample of successful support appeal where we reversed the trial court and reinstated our client's support that had been terminated by the court) and other general matters. Lawrence S. Rubin is licensed to practice only in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York (presently inactive in NY), is a member of the Delaware County Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Advocates, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference.
Need quick answers? Lawrence S. Rubin has been rated 10 out of 10, or "Superb" by Avvo, an online legal blog and rating system for professionals, and also regularly contributes online answers to your bankruptcy, debt collection and consumer law questions on the Avvo.com.
Online reviews: 143 positive consisting of:
Avvo: 118 positive reviews, 72 client reviews and 46 attorney endorsements from legal colleagues.
Superpages: 25 positive client reviews as well as,
LinkedIn: more than 200 endorsements.*All posted reviews are from actual clients and colleague counsel. Reviews posted are the actual words of the reviewer.
Federal law requires us the following disclosure: We may be considered a "debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code." Even though we may be considered a "debt relief agency" this does not change our status as a licensed attorney admitted to practice in all state courts of PA and NJ, as well in the federal Districts of New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as well as in their respective Bankruptcy Courts.
Directions to the office. For injury cases, on our staff is a physician-attorney, who is able to review medical charts for injury cases, as well as evaluate medical employment contracts for residents, house staff and most types of physician - hospital or physician - medical care provider contractual matters. Respecting personal injury matters, there is no fee until we recover money for you.
Legal fees are always reasonable and competitive, but based upon the complexity of the case and the experience brought to bear. We accept all major credit cards, as well as PayPal (no credit cards permitted in bankruptcy cases pursuant to federal law, however, a debit card is permissible).
Harassed by creditors? We routinely handle litigation under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This federal statute helps individuals protect themselves from unfair collection practices. Please see the Debtor's Rights Primer page for information about your rights and also several samples of harassing collection phone calls and what is illegal about them. [top]
Honorable mentions: The 6 Worst Credit Cards.
This website began in August, 1996 and is older than Google
