James E. Foerstner
Attorney
Jim Foerstner joined Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway in 2024. With over thirty years of legal experience, Jim brings a well-rounded and deeply informed perspective to the practice of law. His extensive courtroom experience spans roles as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and plaintiff’s attorney—giving him a unique ability to analyze cases from every angle. This multifaceted insight has proven invaluable to the clients he serves.
Jim adheres to the philosophy that “a skilled lawyer should be able to successfully argue a case from both sides; without this thought process, there is no rational analysis.” His background as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and years spent defending medical malpractice cases have sharpened his advocacy for plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice matters.
Jim’s practice is devoted to representing individuals who have suffered serious harm due to medical malpractice or the negligence of others—including injuries stemming from auto accidents, defective products, and premises liability. Recognizing how overwhelming the legal system can be—particularly for those already struggling with life-altering injuries—he approaches each case with compassion, determination, and a commitment to restoring his clients’ sense of normalcy. He limits his caseload intentionally to ensure every case receives the personal attention it deserves, emphasizing “quality over quantity.”
Throughout his career, Jim has consistently achieved outstanding results, whether at trial or through settlement. He has secured multiple verdicts exceeding one million dollars, including two that ranked among the top 50 in Pennsylvania between 2004 and 2008. In 2007 and 2009, he won two of the highest medical malpractice verdicts in Delaware. In 2018, he obtained one of the top malpractice verdicts in Pennsylvania. In addition to these public wins, he has also negotiated numerous confidential multimillion-dollar settlements prior to trial.
Colleagues and clients alike describe Jim as a tenacious, relentless advocate. His years of experience and strong relationships with top medical and industry experts allow him to anticipate his clients’ future medical and financial needs—and to assess the true value of each case. His meticulous preparation often results in favorable settlements that spare clients the emotional toll of trial. Yet when defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, Jim does not hesitate to bring a case to the courtroom. Several of his courtroom victories have come after little or no settlement was offered—ultimately leading to landmark verdicts in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Beyond litigation, Jim shares his knowledge through lectures on topics such as trial strategy, medical malpractice mediation, evidence preservation, and emerging trends in personal injury law.
Outside the courtroom, he enjoys a rich personal life. He has a passion for designing and building reproduction 18th-century furniture, and he actively participates in competitive shooting sports, scuba diving, and fly fishing.
Education
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, Juris Doctor, 1989
Saint Francis University, Bachelor of Arts, 1981
Admissions to Practice
Pennsylvania (1997)
Ohio (1989)
United States District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania (1999)
Professional Associations
Judge Pro Tem, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court
American Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
Super Lawyers, 2013-2020
Martindale-Hubbel AV rated