About Mark Feinman Law Offices
Mark Feinman Law Offices provides general practice Philadelphia legal services to individuals and businesses across Philadelphia County, offering accessible counsel in a city where the legal landscape spans everything from complex commercial disputes in the Court of Common Pleas to family and landlord-tenant matters in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Philadelphia’s dense population, layered court system, and high volume of legal activity make a knowledgeable local generalist a valuable resource for residents who need practical guidance without the overhead of a large firm.
A general practice firm in Philadelphia is well-positioned to serve the city’s diverse neighborhoods — from South Philly and Kensington to Chestnut Hill and Fishtown — where clients face varied legal needs and benefit from an attorney who knows the local court system, its clerks, and its procedural culture firsthand.
General Practice Philadelphia — Practice Areas & Services
Philadelphia’s court system includes the Court of Common Pleas (civil and criminal), the Philadelphia Municipal Court (civil up to $12,000, and misdemeanor criminal), the Philadelphia Family Court, the Orphans’ Court Division for probate and estate matters, and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for federal matters. General practice attorneys familiar with this layered system provide clients with a single point of contact across multiple matter types, which can be especially valuable for small business owners and families dealing with several legal issues simultaneously.
- Contract disputes and landlord-tenant matters in Philadelphia Municipal Court
- Family law including divorce and custody proceedings in Philadelphia Family Court
- Wills, estate planning, and probate in Philadelphia Orphans’ Court Division
- Small business formation and commercial agreements
What Philadelphia Clients Say
Clients at Philadelphia general practice offices frequently cite the value of consistent representation across multiple matters — knowing your attorney already understands your business structure, family situation, or prior legal history reduces intake time and produces better-tailored advice when a new legal issue arises.
Serving: Philadelphia and Philadelphia County
Practice Focus: General practice, contracts, family law, estate planning, small business
Local Courts: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia Municipal Court, Philadelphia Family Court, Orphans’ Court Division
Key Resource: Philadelphia Courts — Official Court System
Related Guide: General Practice Attorneys in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court?
Philadelphia Municipal Court handles civil claims up to $12,000 (including landlord-tenant and small claims disputes) and minor criminal matters including misdemeanors and summary offenses. The Court of Common Pleas handles civil matters above $12,000, felony criminal cases, family court proceedings, and probate/estate matters through the Orphans’ Court Division. Appeals from Municipal Court go to the Court of Common Pleas. Understanding which court your matter belongs in is the first step in any Philadelphia legal matter, and a local general practice attorney can advise you at the outset.
How does the Pennsylvania statute of limitations affect common legal claims in Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania’s general statute of limitations for most personal injury, contract, and property damage claims is two years (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524). Written contract claims carry a four-year limitations period (42 Pa. C.S. § 5525). Professional malpractice claims are also generally two years. The discovery rule can toll (delay) the statute of limitations when the plaintiff was unaware of the harm, but this requires specific legal analysis. Philadelphia attorneys advise clients to consult before deadlines approach, as late-filed claims are typically dismissed regardless of merit.
What should I look for when hiring a general practice attorney in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, look for an attorney who has hands-on familiarity with the specific court where your matter will be heard — courthouse procedures, local rules, and judicial preferences vary significantly between divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. Ask whether the attorney has handled matters like yours in Philadelphia specifically (not just statewide), whether they will personally handle your matter or assign it to an associate, and how they bill for your type of case. In a city with as many lawyers as Philadelphia, reputation within the local bar and consistent client communication are reliable indicators of a trustworthy practice.
