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Navigating the New York legal system requires more than just knowledge of the law—it demands a deep understanding of how courts, agencies, and statutes operate throughout the state. Our firm provides comprehensive legal representation to individuals, families, and businesses across New York, offering strategic counsel grounded in decades of combined experience. Whether you are facing a personal injury claim, a complex business dispute, a family law matter, or a criminal charge, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for your interests at every stage.

This page provides an overview of our core practice areas and explains how New York law applies to the issues our clients most commonly face. If you do not see your specific concern listed below, we encourage you to contact our office directly—our team handles a wide range of legal matters under New York statutes and regulations.

Personal Injury Law in New York

New York's personal injury laws provide important protections for individuals harmed by the negligence or wrongful conduct of others. Under New York's comparative negligence rule (CPLR § 1411), an injured party may recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the incident, though their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. This makes New York one of the more plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions when it comes to recovering compensation.

Common personal injury matters we handle include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents — including cases governed by New York's no-fault insurance system under Insurance Law § 5102, which requires drivers to first seek personal injury protection (PIP) benefits before pursuing a lawsuit, unless the injuries meet the "serious injury" threshold.
  • Slip, trip, and fall accidents — premises liability claims involving property owners, landlords, and businesses across New York.
  • Construction accidents — including claims under New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241, which provide strong protections for construction workers injured on the job.
  • Medical malpractice — claims involving negligent care by physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
  • Product liability — injuries caused by defective products manufactured, distributed, or sold in New York.
  • Wrongful death — claims brought under New York EPTL § 5-4.1 by personal representatives of deceased victims.

It is critical to understand New York's statute of limitations. Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the incident under CPLR § 214, while medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within two years and six months. Claims against municipalities have even shorter notice requirements—typically 90 days. Acting promptly is essential to preserving your rights.

Family Law and Matrimonial Matters

Family law disputes are among the most emotionally challenging legal matters, and New York's Domestic Relations Law and Family Court Act govern these proceedings. Our attorneys provide compassionate yet assertive representation in matters affecting your family's future.

Divorce and Separation

New York permits both fault-based and no-fault divorce. Since 2010, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months has been recognized as grounds for divorce under DRL § 170(7). Our firm guides clients through contested and uncontested divorces, addressing equitable distribution of marital property, spousal maintenance, and other key issues.

Child Custody and Visitation

New York courts decide custody matters based on the best interests of the child standard. Factors considered include the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each home, the mental and physical health of the parents, and—when age-appropriate—the child's preferences.

Child Support

Child support in New York is calculated under the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which applies a percentage of combined parental income based on the number of children. Courts have discretion to deviate from the standard calculation in appropriate cases.

Equitable Distribution

New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly—though not necessarily equally—upon divorce. Our attorneys work to ensure that all marital assets, including real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and investments, are properly valued and fairly allocated.

Estate Planning, Wills, and Trusts

A comprehensive estate plan protects your loved ones and ensures your wishes are honored. New York's Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA) govern wills, trusts, and probate proceedings throughout the state.

Our estate planning services include:

  • Last Will and Testament — drafted in compliance with EPTL § 3-2.1 to ensure validity.
  • Revocable and irrevocable trusts — for asset protection, tax planning, and probate avoidance.
  • Health care proxies and living wills — under Public Health Law Article 29-C.
  • Powers of attorney — using the statutory short form required under General Obligations Law § 5-1501.
  • Medicaid planning — strategies to preserve assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits.
  • Probate and estate administration — guiding executors and administrators through Surrogate's Court proceedings.

New York imposes its own estate tax with an exemption amount that differs from the federal threshold. Proper planning can minimize tax exposure and ensure that more of your estate passes to your intended beneficiaries.

Criminal Defense

Facing criminal charges in New York can have life-altering consequences, from incarceration and fines to a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and immigration status. Our criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive representation in matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

We defend clients accused of:

  • Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while ability impaired (DWAI) under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192
  • Drug possession and distribution offenses under Penal Law Article 220
  • Assault and violent crimes under Penal Law Article 120
  • Theft, larceny, and white-collar crimes
  • Domestic violence charges and orders of protection
  • Weapons offenses under Penal Law Article 265
  • Sex crimes and related charges

New York's criminal procedure, governed by the Criminal Procedure Law (CPL), provides numerous procedural protections that a skilled defense attorney can leverage on your behalf. From challenging the legality of a stop or search to negotiating favorable plea agreements or trying cases before a jury, our defense strategy is tailored to the specific facts of your case.

Business and Commercial Law

New York is a global hub for commerce, and businesses operating here must navigate a complex web of state statutes, regulations, and common law doctrines. Our business law practice supports entrepreneurs, established companies, and investors at every stage of the business lifecycle.

Areas of focus include:

  • Business formation — including LLCs under the New York Limited Liability Company Law and corporations under the Business Corporation Law.
  • Contract drafting and review — operating agreements, shareholder agreements, employment contracts, vendor agreements, and commercial leases.
  • Commercial litigation — breach of contract, business torts, partnership disputes, and shareholder derivative actions.
  • Mergers and acquisitions — due diligence, transaction structuring, and post-closing matters.
  • Employment law compliance — including wage and hour issues under New York Labor Law and discrimination claims under the New York State Human Rights Law.

Real Estate Law

Real estate transactions and disputes in New York involve unique procedural and substantive considerations. Whether you are buying your first home, investing in commercial property, or facing a landlord-tenant dispute, our attorneys provide knowledgeable counsel under New York Real Property Law and Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL).

Our real estate services include residential and commercial closings, contract negotiation, title issues, easement and boundary disputes, landlord-tenant litigation, cooperative and condominium matters, and zoning and land use representation.

Employment Law

New York offers some of the strongest worker protections in the country. The New York State Human Rights Law (Executive Law § 296) prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and many other protected categories. We represent employees in matters including:

  • Workplace discrimination and harassment
  • Retaliation and whistleblower claims
  • Wrongful termination
  • Wage and hour violations under New York Labor Law Article 6
  • Non-compete and severance agreement review
  • Family and medical leave disputes

Why Choose Our New York Law Firm

Selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make when facing a legal challenge. Our firm distinguishes itself through:

  • Deep New York experience — Our attorneys have practiced extensively in New York courts at every level, from local courts to the Court of Appeals.
  • Personalized attention — We treat every client as an individual, not a case number. You will work directly with experienced attorneys, not just paralegals or junior associates.
  • Strategic, results-driven advocacy — We approach each matter with a clear strategy designed to achieve your goals efficiently and effectively.
  • Transparent communication — We keep our clients informed at every stage and explain complex legal concepts in plain language.
  • Reasonable fee structures — We offer flexible fee arrangements, including contingency fees for personal injury cases and flat fees for many transactional matters.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Legal problems rarely improve with time, and New York's strict statutes of limitations make prompt action essential. If you are facing any legal issue covered by our practice areas—or if you simply need guidance on a matter not listed here—we invite you to contact our firm to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation.

Our attorneys will listen carefully to your concerns, explain your rights under New York law, and outline the options available to you. Whether your case calls for negotiation, litigation, or careful planning, we are committed to providing the strategic counsel and dedicated advocacy you deserve. Call our office today or complete our online contact form to take the first step toward resolving your legal matter.

You can contact us by phone at 212-233-1233 or by email at [email protected].

Attorney Albert Goodwin

Talk to a Bankruptcy Attorney

Albert Goodwin Esq. is a licensed New York attorney with over 18 years of courtroom experience. He guides individuals and families through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and represents business owners under Chapter 11. He can be reached at 212-233-1233 or [email protected].

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