Table of contents:
Top Law Firms in New York
New York City is home to some of the world’s most prestigious law firms. These firms offer a wide range of legal services, from corporate law to criminal defense.
The following is a list of the top law firms in New York City, organized by practice area:
| Firm Name | Address | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP | 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10019 | (212) 474-3000 | www.cravath.com |
| Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP | 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017 | (212) 450-4000 | www.davispolk.com |
| Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP | 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036 | (212) 735-3000 | www.skadden.com |
| Sullivan & Cromwell LLP | 125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004 | (212) 558-4000 | www.sullcrom.com |
Notable Attorneys in New York
New York City is a hub for legal professionals, and home to some of the most renowned attorneys in the world. These individuals have made significant contributions to their fields and are known for their exceptional expertise, experience, and accomplishments.
Here is a list of notable attorneys in New York City, along with their areas of expertise and accomplishments:
Criminal Defense
| Name | Expertise | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| Harvey Silvergate | Criminal Defense | – Defended high-profile clients in complex criminal cases – Recognized as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in New York – Received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Trial Lawyer of the Year Award |
| Paul Manafort | Criminal Defense | – Served as campaign chairman for Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign – Convicted of financial crimes and pardoned by President Trump – Known for his aggressive defense tactics and ability to handle high-stakes cases |
| Edward Greenspan | Criminal Defense | – Represented high-profile clients in Canada and the United States – Known for his courtroom presence and ability to connect with juries – Received the Order of Canada for his contributions to the legal profession |
Legal Specialties in New York
New York City is home to a vast array of legal specialties, catering to the diverse needs of its residents and businesses. From corporate law to criminal defense and family law, the city’s attorneys possess expertise in a wide range of practice areas.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers assist businesses with a variety of legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and compliance with regulatory requirements. They represent corporations, partnerships, and other business entities in complex transactions and disputes.
- Negotiating and drafting contracts
- Advising on corporate governance and compliance
- Representing clients in mergers and acquisitions
Criminal Defense
Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals accused of crimes, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. They provide legal counsel, negotiate with prosecutors, and defend clients in court. Criminal defense attorneys may specialize in specific areas, such as drug offenses, white-collar crimes, or juvenile law.
- Representing clients in criminal investigations and prosecutions
- Negotiating plea agreements
- Defending clients at trial
Family Law
Family lawyers handle legal matters related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and support. They assist clients with prenuptial agreements, divorce proceedings, and other family law issues. Family lawyers may also specialize in areas such as adoption, child protection, and domestic violence.
- Negotiating and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Representing clients in divorce proceedings
- Handling child custody and support matters
Legal Resources in New York
New York City offers a range of legal resources to assist individuals and families with legal matters. These resources include legal aid societies, pro bono programs, and online legal databases. The following list provides contact information, eligibility requirements, and a brief description of services offered by each resource:
Legal Aid Societies
- Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300; Provides free legal services to low-income New Yorkers in civil matters such as housing, family law, and consumer protection.
- Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A: (718) 722-3100; Offers free legal assistance to low-income Brooklyn residents in areas such as housing, immigration, and family law.
- Queens Legal Services: (718) 291-4700; Provides free legal services to low-income Queens residents in areas such as housing, family law, and consumer protection.
Pro Bono Programs
- New York City Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project: (212) 626-7383; Connects low-income New Yorkers with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal services in civil matters.
- Legal Services NYC Pro Se Project: (212) 331-1800; Provides free legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers who are representing themselves in court.
Online Legal Databases
- New York State Unified Court System Self-Help Center: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/selfhelp/; Provides access to legal forms, instructions, and other resources for self-represented litigants.
- Legal Aid Society of New York Legal Information Line: 1-800-352-0772; Provides free legal information and referrals to low-income New Yorkers.
Legal Trends in New York
New York City is a hub for legal innovation, and several emerging legal trends are shaping the practice of law in the city.
Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Field
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the legal landscape. AI-powered tools are being used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Document review and analysis
- Legal research
- Predictive analytics
- Chatbots for legal advice
For example, the law firm Baker McKenzie has developed an AI tool called ROSS, which can analyze legal documents and provide legal advice. ROSS is used by lawyers at Baker McKenzie and other law firms around the world.
Changes in Employment Law
New York City has also seen several changes in employment law in recent years. These changes include:
- The expansion of overtime pay eligibility
- The legalization of recreational marijuana
- The enactment of new paid family leave laws
These changes have had a significant impact on employers in New York City. For example, the expansion of overtime pay eligibility has led to increased costs for employers. The legalization of recreational marijuana has raised questions about how employers should handle employees who use marijuana. And the enactment of new paid family leave laws has given employees more time off to care for their families.
