Thorough, knowledgeable and detailed in his approach, David Steerman has been long regarded as one of the “go-to” lawyers specializing in divorce and family law matters in Pennsylvania. What's more, Steerman – today chair of the Family Law Practice Group at Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg – brings attributes of compassion, empathy and sensitivity to his work, all down-to-earth qualities not often found in high-profile professionals of his stature and experience.

His expertise – in divorce and equitable distribution, and in custody and support matters – is universally recognized, by peers and competitors alike. And he is a seasoned, respected litigator who stands out for his depth and breadth of his experience.

Steerman is a strong advocate for his clients inside and outside the courtroom, peers say. He believes that preservation of the family unit is important and strives to prevent estrangement for the sake of both children and families. He's diligent about helping clients and their children get to the other side of a difficult time intact, both emotionally and financially.

Colleagues say Steerman has always been motivated by challenging issues and high-conflict, complicated cases. He finds them interesting to resolve and welcomes the rigorous thinking and creative solutions they demand. He is perceptive of others, and is an articulate and skilled litigator respected by adversaries, judges and other court personnel before whom he regularly appears. Peers say Steerman is prepared and organized, with steadiness, confidence and presence.

His scope of representation includes individuals and families of every background ranging from working families to high-net-worth individuals including individuals in the business, medical, legal, accounting and educational communities, as well as high-profile athletes, celebrities and politicians. His clients include too dependent spouses and/or individuals with limited to no work experience.

Steerman is every bit a Philly-area product - he grew up in Gladwyne and attended Episcopal Academy and Harriton High School before going on to University of Pennsylvania and later the Temple University Beasley School of Law. To some extent he was steeped in the law from an early age. His late father, William Steerman, built a successful independent Personal Injury practice and, into his later years, remained well-known and respected in the region.

In his second year of law school David took a Family Law course that “really sparked my interest.” With an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a penchant for family law courses, and a fascination with the family unit up close, he says he found his calling at the intersection of these disciplines. “Family Law just felt right.”

After law school Steerman accepted a clerkship with William Witten Vogel, President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown, and later joined respected matrimonial lawyer Arlan Mintz Kardon. Steerman also spent eight years as a partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, LLP before departing to lead the Family Law Group at Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg, LLP.

Steerman says his approach to his family law practice has evolved over the years, but his basic tenets have remained constant: “Know the law, practice with passion and compassion, and honor, and give and receive respect to and from all those involved.” Steerman says he remains true to these values, whether it’s in the courtroom, or outside of it. As he says,“It’s about advocating for my clients and always being mindful that the decisions they are making are personal, some of the toughest they will ever have to make and decisions that may have the longest lasting consequences.” Steerman’s current firm, with its strong Real Estate, Tax, Bankruptcy & Restructuring and Commercial Litigation practices, affords his clients “an unusually holistic approach” in family law matters.

David writes and speaks frequently on divorce and other family law-related topics. He is a Fellow of the esteemed American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). He has assumed leadership positions in the Philadelphia Divorce Bar, including chair of the Bar Association’s Family Law Section and has served as a council member of The Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Family Law Section. David has been a featured speaker and course planner on family law topics for AAML, both locally and at the national level, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, The Family Law Sections of the Pennsylvania, Montgomery and Philadelphia County Bar Associations, the National Business Institute, Widener University Paralegal Institute, Temple University L.L.M. Program, Pennsylvania Psychological Association, and the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA), among others.

An active member of the community, David donates his time and energy to various local charities and non-profit organizations such as Philadelphia VIP, Homeless Advocacy Project and The Support Center for Child Advocates, and he serves as an attorney mentor in Family Law.

David lives with his wife of over 35 years on Philly's Main Line. David and Rachel Steerman take great pride in their two daughters, son-in-law and adorable grandchildren. He says “I recharge” as a weekend runner and avid gardener.