David F. Stern Philadelphia Workers' Compensation Lawyer

David F. Stern is the President and founding partner of Stern & Cohen, P.C. and a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney who has spent decades representing injured workers across Pennsylvania. Known for his litigation experience and strategic approach, Dave has built a reputation as one of the most respected workers’ compensation lawyers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Before representing injured workers, Dave began his career defending employers and insurance companies. That experience continues to give him a unique advantage today, allowing him to anticipate defense strategies and position his clients for stronger outcomes.

How David Stern Helps Injured Workers in Pennsylvania

Dave represents injured workers at every stage of the workers’ compensation process, including:

• Filing and litigating workers’ compensation claims
• Handling denied or disputed claims
• Preparing clients for independent medical examinations (IMEs)
• Representing clients at hearings and depositions
• Negotiating settlements and Compromise & Release agreements

His approach is hands-on and results-driven, focused on maximizing both financial recovery and long-term stability for his clients.

Early Life and Path to Advocacy

Dave was born and raised in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., where he was introduced to the legal profession at an early age. His father served as a Federal Judge, and Dave often observed courtroom proceedings firsthand. These early experiences helped shape his understanding of advocacy and dispute resolution.

Academic and Athletic Background

Division One Baseball Career

Dave excelled both academically and athletically, competing in one of the most competitive high school baseball regions in Virginia. He went on to attend the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

While at Delaware, Dave was a four-year letterman for the Division One baseball program. During his time with the team, Delaware consistently won over 40 games per season and was nationally ranked multiple times. Dave finished his collegiate career with double-digit wins as a pitcher, including an 8–3 record in his senior season.

At the same time, he maintained strong academic performance and was consistently named to the Dean’s List. Balancing a demanding athletic schedule with academic success helped build the discipline, time management, and resilience that continue to define his legal career.

Legal Education and Early Career

After graduating from the University of Delaware, Dave attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While in law school, he took a course in workers’ compensation law and earned top marks, sparking his interest in the field. He graduated in 2000 and immediately passed the Pennsylvania Bar Examination.

Dave began his legal career at a large insurance defense firm, where he represented employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation matters. This experience gave him a deep understanding of how claims are evaluated and defended.

In 2004, he transitioned to representing injured workers, quickly rising to become one of the youngest partners at his firm. His experience on both sides of the system allows him to anticipate challenges and build stronger cases for his clients.

Founding Stern & Cohen

Dave founded Stern & Cohen with the goal of creating a firm fully dedicated to protecting injured workers. Since its launch in 2020, the firm has grown rapidly, expanding its team and moving into new office space in 2023.

He has personally hired and mentored every attorney at the firm and remains actively involved in case strategy. Dave takes pride in building a team that reflects the firm’s commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and results.

Awards and Recognition

Dave has been recognized consistently throughout his career for his work in workers’ compensation law. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer nearly every year for two decades, including most recently in 2024.

He has also been named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, a distinction that is rarely awarded to claimants’ workers’ compensation attorneys. In addition, he has been included in Best Lawyers for nearly a decade and was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Best of the Bar.

Dave has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by The National Trial Lawyers.

Professional Leadership and Publications

Dave is an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association. He serves on the Board of Governors for the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers’ Association and has held leadership roles within the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.

He is also a member of the Workers Injury Law Advocacy Group (WILG), a national organization focused on protecting injured workers.

Throughout his career, Dave has authored numerous articles on workers’ compensation law and frequently lectures on the subject.

Commitment to the Community

Dave has long been committed to giving back to the community. He has handled pro bono cases through the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (Philly VIP) and has been recognized on the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Pro Bono Roll of Honor. He was also named Philly VIP Volunteer of the Month for his contributions.