Top 10 Lawyers in Manhattan New York

Top 10 Lawyers in Manhattan New York

For residents and visitors in Manhattan, the economic and cultural heart of New York City, finding a qualified lawyer is essential for navigating its complex legal environment safely and effectively.

This guide by ShockTrail.com presents 10 Top-Rated Lawyers in Manhattan, NY, helping you locate specialized professionals across various fields of law. Click the names below to find their office locations and client reviews on Google Maps.

Courts & Top Lawyers in Nearby Areas

About Manhattan & Its Legal Landscape

Manhattan, one of the five boroughs of New York City and geographically the smallest, is the undisputed center of finance, business, media, art, fashion, and law in the United States. It houses the headquarters of countless corporations, major law firms, and key government institutions. The borough is home to the New York County Supreme Court, the Appellate Division, First Department, numerous federal courthouses including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Population: Approximately 1.6 million residents (U.S. Census, 2020).

Economy: Dominated by financial services, professional services, real estate, technology, media, and entertainment.

Bar Association: Lawyers in Manhattan are regulated by the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and must be admitted to the New York State Bar. Many also belong to the New York City Bar Association for additional resources and networking.

Other Courts: Beyond the State Supreme Court system, Manhattan hosts numerous Federal District Courts (Southern District), Bankruptcy Courts, and various specialized tribunals.

Law Enforcement: The borough is served by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Legal Tip

Did you know the difference between a “Motion” and a “Petition”?

Both are legal documents filed in court, but they serve different purposes. A Motion is typically filed during an ongoing case to request a specific ruling or order from the judge (e.g., Motion to Dismiss, Motion for Summary Judgment). A Petition is often the initial document filed to start a new legal action or request a specific remedy from the court (e.g., Petition for Divorce, Petition for Bankruptcy).

How to Choose the Right Lawyer for You in Manhattan

• Identify Your Need: Clearly define the area of law related to your case (Civil, Criminal, Family, Corporate, Immigration, etc.).
• Research Specialization: Verify the lawyer’s experience and track record in your specific legal issue.
• Check Reviews & Credentials: Use Google Maps, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and state bar websites to read client reviews and verify credentials.
• Consider Location & Accessibility: An office easily accessible via public transport or with convenient parking can make communication easier.
• Schedule a Consultation: Most lawyers offer an initial consultation (often free or at a reduced rate) to evaluate your case and discuss fees.

Practical Tips Before Hiring a Lawyer

• Compare Options: Don’t settle on the first lawyer you find. Research and compare several qualified candidates.
• Clarify Fees Upfront: Understand their fee structure (hourly, flat fee, contingency) before signing any agreement.
• Communication is Key: Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly, promptly, and in a way you understand.
• Verify Licensing: Confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice law in New York State through the New York State Unified Court System.

10 Top-Rated Lawyers in Manhattan, NY

1. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP – Corporate Law, Litigation, Securities, Antitrust.
2. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP – Corporate Law, Finance, Litigation, Tax.
3. Kirkland & Ellis LLP – Corporate Law, Private Equity, Litigation, Restructuring.
4. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP – Corporate Law, Litigation, Mergers & Acquisitions.
5. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP – Litigation, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, Pro Bono.
6. Latham & Watkins LLP – Corporate Law, Litigation, Finance, Intellectual Property.
7. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP – Corporate Law, Litigation, Private Equity, White Collar Defense.
8. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP – Corporate Law, Litigation, International Arbitration, Tax.
9. Reed Smith LLP – Litigation, Corporate Law, Labor & Employment, Health Care.
10. Hogan Lovells US LLP – Corporate Law, Litigation, Regulatory, Intellectual Property.

25 Types of Specialized Lawyers in Manhattan, NY

• Criminal Defense Attorney in Manhattan – Defense against misdemeanors, felonies, federal crimes.
• Personal Injury Lawyer in Manhattan – Car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice claims.
• Family Law Attorney in Manhattan – Divorce, child custody, alimony, adoption.
• Corporate Lawyer in Manhattan – Business formation, contracts, mergers, compliance.
• Immigration Lawyer in Manhattan – Visas, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense.
• Real Estate Lawyer in Manhattan – Buying/selling property, leases, zoning, title issues.
• Employment Lawyer in Manhattan – Workplace discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination.
• Bankruptcy Attorney in Manhattan – Chapter 7, Chapter 13 filings, debt relief.
• Intellectual Property Lawyer in Manhattan – Patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets.
• Tax Attorney in Manhattan – IRS disputes, audits, tax planning, offshore issues.
• Securities Lawyer in Manhattan – SEC compliance, investment fraud, IPOs.
• Entertainment Lawyer in Manhattan – Contracts for artists, copyright, media law.
• Environmental Lawyer in Manhattan – Compliance, pollution, land use, climate change.
• Health Care Lawyer in Manhattan – Regulatory compliance, fraud, patient rights.
• Construction Lawyer in Manhattan – Contract disputes, liens, safety regulations.
• Estate Planning Attorney in Manhattan – Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate.
• Contract Lawyer in Manhattan – Drafting, reviewing, negotiating all types of contracts.
• White Collar Defense Attorney in Manhattan – Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, government investigations.
• Appellate Lawyer in Manhattan – Handling appeals in state and federal courts.
• Antitrust Lawyer in Manhattan – Mergers, monopolies, price fixing, regulatory compliance.
• International Lawyer in Manhattan – Cross-border transactions, international disputes, trade law.
• Data Privacy Lawyer in Manhattan – GDPR, CCPA compliance, data breaches, cybersecurity.
• Admiralty/Maritime Lawyer in Manhattan – Shipping, cargo, Jones Act injuries, marine contracts.
• Nonprofit Lawyer in Manhattan – Formation, governance, tax exemption, compliance.
• Consumer Protection Lawyer in Manhattan – Fraud, deceptive practices, product liability.

About ShockTrail’s Recommendations

The law firms and attorneys listed in this guide are based on general reputation, public information, and common recognition. ShockTrail.com does not endorse any specific attorney or firm and is not responsible for the outcomes of hiring any professional listed. We strongly recommend conducting your own direct consultations to assess compatibility with your legal needs, confirm fee structures, and verify current standing with the bar.

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