
Joan P. Depfer, Business Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Consumer, and Litigation · 4.8/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
ShareholderatMarshall Dennehey
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing business in Philadelphia since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 9 client reviews
- 6
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joan P. Depfer?
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Quick answer
Joan P. Depfer is a shareholder based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Litigation. Joan has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · Consumer · Litigation
- Handles Business, Consumer, and Litigation matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joan P. Depfer: Joan P. Depfer is a shareholder based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Litigation. Joan has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Joan's practice areas in Philadelphia
Joan concentrates on business, consumer, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Consumer
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Business cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Joan 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 Joan agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Joan takes consumer 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 Joan agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Joan 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 Joan agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Joan takes personal injury 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 Joan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Joan P. Depfer, business attorney serving Philadelphia
Joan P. Depfer is a shareholder based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Litigation. Joan has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 client reviews. Joan works from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and takes on business matters across the region.
With more than 25 years of litigation and trial experience, Joan concentrates her practice in asbestos litigation, representing equipment and product manufacturers in the defense of asbestos claims and suits brought against them.
Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey in 2004, Joan maintained an active casualty practice with a strong focus on personal injury litigation. Over the course of her career, she has tried dozens of personal injury and consumer credit cases to verdict, and she has additionally represented numerous clients in arbitrations and mediations in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Joan works with each client to identify and implement a litigation strategy that best suits the specifics of their case. Her vast experience allows her to counsel clients on the most cost effective course of action with evaluation of early resolution.
Joan graduated cum laude from Widener University School of Law, where she was research editor for the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law. During law school, Joan worked as a real estate and corporate paralegal at a law firm in Media, Pennsylvania. Joan's legal experience actually began when she served as a frequent court witness during her years as a caseworker with Chester County Children, Youth & Family Services. As an attorney, she has drawn on her caseworker experience in handling pro bono matters.
Honors & Awards
•AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Published Works
•“Limited Tort Litigation - Using the Plaintiff’s Perspective to Shape the Pleadings and Discovery,” Defense Digest, Vol. 25, No. 1, March 2019
How Joan handles business matters
With more than 25 years of litigation and trial experience, Joan concentrates her practice in asbestos litigation, representing equipment and product manufacturers in the defense of asbestos claims and suits brought against them. Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey in 2004, Joan maintained an active casualty practice with a strong focus on personal injury litigation. Over the course of her career,…
Who Joan represents
Joan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, consumer, and litigation matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Joan studied and practices
Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware
J.D. · 1991
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
B.A. Social · 1982
Jurisdictions
Joan's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
2008 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1992 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1991 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1991 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1991 · ACTIVE
Joan studied at J.D. in Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware and B.A. Social in Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
Joan completed J.D. in Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware and B.A. Social in Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joan runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Joan's legal honors and published work
Joan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Joan's professional memberships and bar associations
Associations & Memberships American Bar Association •Philadelphia Bar Association
membership
Locations
Joan P. Depfer's office in Philadelphia
Joan's primary office is at 2000 Market Street, Suite 2300, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joan P. Depfer — 4.8/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Philadelphia.
4.8
9 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joan P. Depfer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joan P. Depfer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joan'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; Joan 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 Joan
Joan 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. Joan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joan'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 Joan P. Depfer
How much does it cost to hire Joan for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joan offer a free consultation?
Joan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joan's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joan'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. Joan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joan take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?
Joan 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 — Joan 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 Joan?
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. Joan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joan accepting new business clients right now?
Joan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Joan handles business matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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