Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of New York for 2022. This state is home to many well-established law firms and lawyers, both which are fundamental to the inner workings of the state. This year’s awardees serve in various fields including corporate, litigation, business, digital assets, real estate, trust and estate management, and more. Coming from a variety of firms, these individuals implement the highest quality of legal and client service, along with showcasing experience ranging from individuals to startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Among this year’s awardees is Kimberly Petillo-Decossard, Partner of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, who advises her clients on complex business law matters, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions; and Cheryl Vollweiler, Partner of Skarzynski Marick & Black, who is an accomplished insurance coverage and defense attorney providing her clients with candid and accessible counsel; and Fernando Bohorquez, Partner of Baker & Hostetler, who counsels clients in complex commercial litigation, data privacy, and data security matters.
The dedication and commitment of this year’s awardees has not gone unnoticed year after year. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Attorneys of New York for 2022.
1. Jessica Chen
Partner of White & Case
Jessica Chen is a Partner of White & Case, a global law firm with longstanding offices in the markets that matter today. She first joined the company in 2010. White and Case’s on-the-ground experience, cross-border integration and depth of local, US and English-qualified lawyers help their clients work with confidence in any one market or across many. They guide their clients through difficult issues, bringing their insight and judgment to each situation. Their innovative approaches create original solutions to their clients’ most complex domestic and multijurisdictional deals and disputes.
Chen earned a JD from Cardozo School of Law and an undergraduate degree in English and French from Cornell University.
2. Jessica Falk
Partner of Weil Gotshal & Manges
Jessica Falk is a Partner of Weil Gotshal & Manges. Falk has over 21 years in the law practice industry and began her career in 2001. Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has been a preeminent provider of legal services for the past 90 years. With approximately 1,100 lawyers in offices on three continents, the firm has been a pioneer in establishing a geographic footprint that has allowed them to partner with clients wherever they do business. The firm’s four departments including corporate, litigation, restructuring & tax, executive compensation & benefits, along with the two dozen (and more) practice groups are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective fields.
Before joining Weil Gotshal & Manges, Falk was a legal intern at Gartner + Bloom, P.C. Falk graduated from Boston University School of Law with a JD and from Boston University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science.
3. Geoffrey Peck
Partner of Morrison & Foerster
Geoffrey Peck is a Partner of Morrison & Foerster. He began his professional career over 24 years ago. Morrison & Foerster transforms complexity into advantage with their collective intelligence by shaping powerful, legal strategies that move businesses forward while living their shared values. They solve the most critical multidimensional challenges in a way that provides clarity around risk and gives their clients confidence in their chosen path. They pair diversity of perspective with a strategic consultative approach to craft the tailored strategies needed and foster trusted partnerships that are defined by winning for when it matters most. Their clients include some of the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies.
Peck first got his start in 1998 as an Associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP. From there, he went on to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as an SVP. Peck graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School with a JD and from Boston University with an undergraduate degree in Communications and Political Science.
4. Fernando Bohorquez
Partner of Baker & Hostetler
Fernando Bohorquez is a Partner of Baker & Hostetler. He first joined the company in 2002. Recognized as one of the top firms for client service and quality of legal services, Baker & Hostetler is a leading law firm that helps clients around the world address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. With six core practice groups – business, digital assets and data management, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, and tax – the firm has lawyers in offices across the United States and in more than 100 countries. The firm was founded in 1916 by Newton D. Baker, Joseph C. Hostetler and Thomas L. Sidlo. Today, they have more than 1,000 attorneys contributing to the success of their clients.
Previously, Bohorquez was a law clerk at United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. Bohorquez earned JD from New York Law School, a master’s in law from Georgetown University Law Center, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware.
View the complete list of awardees.
7. Kimberly Petillo-Decossard
Partner of Cahill Gordon & Reindel
Kimberly Petillo-Decossard is a Partner of Cahill Gordon & Reindel and joined the company in 2004. Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP was founded in 1919 and quickly built a national reputation for excellence in the financial and corporate areas. During the mid to late 1930's, the firm earned status as a “Securities Act” firm. During and even after the Second World War, under the leadership of John T. Cahill, the legendary former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the firm grew dramatically. Maintaining its innovative corporate law practice, Cahill is also among the leading litigation firms in the nation.
Previously, Petillo-Decossard was an HR, Recruiting and Staffing Manager at GE Power. Petillo-Decossard earned a JD from Albany Law School and an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government from Furman University.
8. Mark Reich
Partner of Levi & Korsinsky
Mark Reich is a Partner of Levi & Korsinsky. Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a leading plaintiffs’ law firm that has recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors in global securities litigation. The firm is exclusively dedicated to fighting for aggrieved shareholders and consumers, and obtaining redress from those who have harmed them. The firm has a successful track record of protecting shareholder rights while setting ground-breaking precedent by tackling cases that require substantial resources, time, and tenacity, thus resulting in greater investor recoveries. Reich has over 19 years in the law practice industry and began his career in 2003.
Prior to joining Levi & Korsinsky, Reich was a Partner and Of Counsel at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with Nixon Peabody LLP as an Associate. Reich graduated from Brooklyn Law School with a JD and from Queens College with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Journalism.
10. Charles McKeen
Partner of Leech Tishman Robinson Brog
Charles McKeen is a Partner of Leech Tishman Robinson Brog and joined the company in 2022. Leech Tishman Robinson Brog is a full-service law firm dedicated to assisting individuals, businesses, and institutions. The firm offers legal services in business restructuring & insolvency, corporate matters, employment & labor, estates & trusts, intellectual property, litigation & alternative dispute resolution, and real estate. In addition, the firm offers a wide range of legal services to clients in the aviation & aerospace, cannabis, construction, emerging cyber technologies, energy & natural resources, healthcare, and hospitality industries. The firm has locations in nine cities across the states.
Previously, McKeen was a Partner at Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck P.C. and before that, a Principal Attorney at Charles E. McKeen, Attorney at Law. Earlier in his career he worked with Leeds Morelli & Brown, P.C. as an Associate. McKeen earned a JD from Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, an MA, and an undergraduate degree from Ball State University.
12. Thomas Slome
Partner of Cullen and Dykman
Thomas Slome began his professional career over 37 years ago. Today, he is a Partner of Cullen and Dykman, a full-service law firm that clients trust to deliver top-tier, cost-effective legal services. The firm began serving clients in 1850 out of a single law office in Brooklyn. Since then, they have grown into a dynamic, multi-faceted law firm with over 180 attorneys in seven locations throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic regions. They embrace opportunities for growth and are fully prepared to meet a company’s or institution’s legal needs, currently and in the future, with proactive, forward-thinking, and results-oriented legal solutions.
Slome started his career in 1985 as an Associate at Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance). From there, he went on to Moses & Singer LLP, before eventually rising to Partner at
Rosen Slome Marder LLP. Slome graduated from Rutgers Law School with a JD and from Stony Brook University with an undergraduate degree in Economics.
13. Lissa Gipson
Partner of Tarter Krinsky & Drogin
Lissa Gipson is a Partner of Tarter Krinsky & Drogin and joined the company in 2018. Tarter Krinsky & Drogin is an NYC-based, mid-sized, full-service entrepreneurial law firm focused on effectively and efficiently representing a broad variety of middle-market businesses, as well as companies of all sizes. Their full-service practice includes real estate, construction, corporate & securities, corporate investigations, litigation, labor & employment, intellectual property, trusts & estates, tax, retail, bankruptcy & corporate restructuring, commercial finance, compliance and administrative law, COVID-19, reputation management, immigration, co-op & condominium law, not-for-profit & education and thriving international practice with a focus on Italy and China, among other areas.
Previously, Gipson was a Partner at Flemming Zulack Williamson Zauderer LLP. Gipson earned a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College.
16. Peter Twombly
Partner of Fox Horan & Camerini
Peter Twombly is a Partner of Fox Horan & Camerini and joined the company in 2017. Fox Horan & Camerini LLP is located in New York City and develops close ties with its clients by guiding them with discretion and insight through complex, often multinational legal matters. The firm represents public and private companies and high-net-worth individuals on legal matters in the United States and abroad. Their clients include closely held multinational and state-owned enterprises, international entrepreneurs and a broad spectrum of manufacturing, financial and service businesses. The firm also represents families that control global businesses and assets, in both their corporate and personal interests. Many of their clients are based outside of the United States and have come to trust their ability to act on their behalf on a worldwide, general counsel basis, which is what makes the firm unique. The firm’s lawyers are both U.S. and internationally trained in a variety of disciplines.
Previously, Twombly was a Partner at McCarter & English, LLP. Twombly earned a JD from Seton Hall University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in French Studies from Middlebury College.
17. Ava Maynard
Partner of Gallo Vitucci Klar
Ava Maynard is a Partner of Gallo Vitucci Klar. Gallo Vitucci Klar LLP is a full-service litigation firm consisting of more than 70 attorneys and having an extensive practice dedicated to providing experienced and innovative legal services to both long-term and new clients. From the beginning, they have placed a premium on legal expertise, experience, and strong client commitment. Their firm consists of experienced trial and appellate attorneys that offer the highest quality legal representation in defending and counseling corporations and insurance companies in New York and New Jersey. Dedicated to providing experienced and cost-effective client representation, their lawyers also participate in a variety of local, national and international legal organizations that set the standards for the profession and enhance their knowledge of their specialty. Maynard has over 24 years in the law practice industry and began her career in 1998.
Before joining Gallo Vitucci Klar, Maynard was an Attorney at Sabatini & Associates. Maynard graduated from Cardozo School of Law with a JD and from Queens College with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government.
View the complete list of awardees.
19. Lydia Gobena
Partner of Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu P.C.
Lydia Gobena is a Partner of Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu P.C. She first joined the company in 2000. The firm was founded in 1969 by Peter Weiss, Heinz Dawid, Alvin Fross and Ron Lehrman, who had been colleagues for more than a decade at what was then the leading international trademark firm. The firm is consistently recognized by clients and peers as one of the top IP law firms in the world. Many of their partners have been recognized year after year as the top lawyers in the field. Their extensive, worldwide experience of counseling and leading companies in their IP acquisitions, licenses, and disputes allows its clients a competitive advantage for global IP management.
Gobena earned an MLL from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and History from the University of Toronto.
21. Lauren Ormsbee
Partner of Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann
Lauren Ormsbee began her professional career over 22 years ago. Today, she is a Partner of Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann (BLB&G). BLB&G is a leading law firm advising institutional investors on issues related to corporate governance, shareholder rights, and securities litigation. The firm has recovered over $37 billion for investors since its founding in 1983. In addition to obtaining many of the largest securities fraud recoveries in history, the firm has prosecuted seminal cases in which it has achieved precedent-setting corporate governance reforms on behalf of its clients.
Ormsbee got her start in 2000 as an Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. From there, she went on to U.S. District Court Judge Colleen McMahon, S.D.N.Y. as a Law Clerk, before transitioning to an Associate at Heller Ehrman LLP. Ormsbee graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School with a JD and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in History.
23. Edward Baer
Partner of Belkin Burden Wenig & Goldman
Edward Baer is a Partner of Belkin Burden Wenig & Goldman (BBG). Since 1989, BBG has been the real estate industry’s most reliable advocate. Real estate in New York—often referred to as a “contact sport”–requires a discrete set of skills that they have proudly honed for three decades, making them the industry’s “go to” law firm. They are a team of transactional, regulatory, administrative and litigation attorneys dedicated to providing the highest level of real estate advocacy and counseling. Whether it’s negotiating and executing complex transactions, providing counsel for intricate development plans, or navigating the “impenetrable thicket” of New York’s byzantine rent regulatory scheme, they offer each of their clients a steady hand, with smart, productive, and creative solutions.
Baer has over 21 years in the law practice industry and began his career in 2001. Baer graduated from Cardozo School of Law with a JD.
24. Dan Dornfeld
Partner of Forchelli Deegan Terrana
Dan Dornfeld began his professional career over 23 years ago. Today, he is a Partner of Forchelli Deegan Terrana. Founded in 1976, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is one of Long Island's most acclaimed and distinguished full-service law firms. Headquartered in Uniondale, NY, the firm is conveniently located for clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The firm employs over 60 attorneys who counsel a broad range of clients, including national, regional and local businesses, major real estate developers and organizations, banks, insurance companies, municipalities, educational institutions, contractors, architects, engineers and individuals. As leaders in their profession, their attorneys have been trained at the finest learning institutions nationwide and have established a reputation for using inventive strategies to offer practical legal counsel.
Dornfeld first got his start in 1999 as a Counsel and VP of Lease Administration at New Plan Excel Realty Trust. From there, he went on to Dornfeld & Nasis, LLP as a Partner. Dornfeld graduated from Boston University School of Law with a JD, from Questrom School of Business, Boston University with an MBA, and from Colgate University with an undergraduate degree.
26. Brian Comack
Partner of Amster Rothstein & Ebenstein
Brian Comack is a Partner of Amster Rothstein & Ebenstein. Since 1953, Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP has focused exclusively on representing clients in all facets of intellectual property law both domestically and internationally. The firm partners with clients to protect and maximize their intellectual property in a broad spectrum of industries such as financial services, fashion and retail, life sciences, medical devices, toys, entertainment, housewares, consumer electronics as well as blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Because most of their lawyers have degrees in the science and engineering field, they have strategic experience to understand and protect clients’ intellectual property interests in an aggressive, yet focused and cost-effective way. Comack has over 22 years in the law practice industry. He began his career in 2000.
Comack graduated from Brooklyn Law School with a JD and from Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York with an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.
28. Ed Robinson
Partner of Hurwitz & Fine P.C.
Ed Robinson is a Partner of Hurwitz & Fine P.C. He first joined the company in 2003. Hurwitz Fine is recognized as one of New York State's top midsize law firms, while delivering big law outcomes. Multidisciplinary, industry-specific attorney teams serve the complex business, litigation, and insurance needs of a diverse client base including startups all the way to Fortune 500 companies. With offices across New York and Connecticut, the full-service law firm provides innovative solutions and develops strong personal connections to maximize business and financial success for clients. Founded in 1977 by Sheldon Hurwitz & Robert P. Fine, the firm now has more than 50 attorneys across focused, niche, and emerging areas.
Robinson earned a JD from the University at Buffalo Law School and an undergraduate degree from Hobart College.
31. Gavin Grusd
Partner of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.
Gavin Grusd is a Partner of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C. He first joined the company in 2016. Founded in 1968, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek has emerged as the preeminent Long Island law firm. Both specialized and diverse, they have built cornerstone groups in all of the major practice areas of law while servicing a diverse and sophisticated clientele. With more than 60 attorneys, superior knowledge of the law, polished business acumen and proven credentials, the firm has earned a reputation for excellence and success.
Previously, Grusd was a Partner at Silverman Acampora LLP and before that, a Partner at
Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP. Grusd earned a JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Binghamton University.
View the complete list of awardees.
34. Cheryl Vollweiler
Partner of Skarzynski Marick & Black
Cheryl Vollweiler is a Partner of Skarzynski Marick & Black. Skarzynski Marick is a business law firm with extensive experience in insurance. They are co-centered in New York and Chicago with an office in Jersey City, New Jersey. Headquartered in these business capitals, their attorneys regularly appear in courts around the country and work closely with attorneys from other countries on international issues. Building on over a half of a century of effective legal representation, the firm’s mission is to provide creative, practical, and productive solutions to their clients’ most challenging problems. Vollweiler has over 33 years in the law practice industry. She began her career in 1989.
Before joining Skarzynski Marick & Black, Vollweiler was an Attorney and Partner at Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry LLP and before that an Attorney and Partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. Vollweiler graduated from Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University with a JD and from Brandeis University with an undergraduate degree in Politics.
35. Jim Cretella
Partner of Otterbourg P.C.
Jim Cretella is a Partner of Otterbourg P.C. Otterbourg offers clients a unique combination of legal insight and practical solutions, and is known for its integrity, stability, and business knowledge. For the past century, Otterbourg has been the firm of choice for an elite group of leading financial institutions and commercial businesses. They offer clients direct contact with experienced and senior attorneys on every matter, in-depth understanding of client's businesses to provide advice and legal services, practical analysis of available alternatives to best address the problem, and efficient use of law firm resources. Cretella has over 18 years in the law practice industry. He began his career in 2004.
Cretella graduated from Brooklyn Law School with a JD and from Villanova University with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration.
36. Louis Lombardo
Partner of Meister Seelig & Fein
Louis Lombardo began his professional career over 22 years ago. Today, he is a Partner of Meister Seelig & Fein. Meister Seelig & Fein LLP is a full-service commercial law firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Los Angeles. Over the years, they have built strong and enduring relationships with their clients through their commitment to client advocacy, along with creative and pragmatic approach to problem solving. Their clients appreciate their responsive approach to servicing their business and ability to contribute value to the achievement of their business goals. They provide an array of legal services throughout the U.S. and the world to both public and private companies across nearly every industry, including hedge funds, real estate investors, funds and real estate developers, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, entertainers, creatives, not for profits, educational and cultural institutions.
Lombardo first got his start in 2000 as a Counsel at Kaye Scholer LLP. From there, he went on to Kadmon Holdings, Inc., before eventually rising to Partner at Lombardo Dufresne LLP. Lombardo graduated from Brooklyn Law School with a JD and from Wagner College with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Management.
39. Christopher Gorman
Partner of Duval & Stachenfeld
Christopher Gorman began his professional career over 18 years ago. Today, he is a Partner of Duval & Stachenfeld. Duval & Stachenfeld is determined to focus the firm’s practices around their core expertise in real estate. They now have roughly 50 full-time real estate lawyers, which enables them to take pride in the fact that they have one of the largest and most diverse real estate practices in New York City. Additionally, they have strong practices in litigation, tax, corporate, bankruptcy, and not-for-profit, and enhance all of these practice areas through the adjunct of the powerful Pure Play Real Estate practice. Their values and hedgehog principles are what distinguishes them from other law firms because they genuinely care about their clients, attorneys, and administrative staff. They are committed to helping their clients build and protect their businesses.
Gorman graduated from Fordham University School of Law with a JD and from Providence College with an undergraduate degree in Finance.
42. Leah Cintineo
Partner of Underberg & Kessler
Leah Cintineo began her professional career over 12 years ago. Today, she is a Partner of Underberg & Kessler. Underberg & Kessler is a different kind of law firm - the things that are sometimes in conflict at other firms are in harmony there. It is a privilege for the firm to be able to listen to their clients, and they can only do that if they answer their phones, return emails, and form a strong relationship with their clients. Their attorneys are willing to learn and understand their clients business or personal situation, and provide advice and meaningful guidance while suggesting the most cost-effective and efficient means in designing a strategy that will provide the best chance at success.
Cintineo first got her start in 2010 as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney at Fairfax County Government. Cintineo graduated from Albany Law School with a JD and from SUNY Geneseo with an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
43. Jonathan Flaxer
Partner of Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe
Jonathan Flaxer is a Partner of Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe. He first joined the company in 2000. In 1982, Jeffrey Golenbock, David Eiseman, and Nathan Assor -- who were shortly joined by Larry Bell -- left their positions at a top Manhattan law firm with a single idea: to form a new law firm focused on providing high quality legal services, staffed by attorneys trained at the best law firms, and free of the layers of professional and administrative bureaucracy that drive up legal costs in large law firms. Since then, the firm has grown to approximately 50 attorneys while adhering to the founders' original idea and focus.
Previously, Flaxer was a Law Clerk at Hon. Manuel J. Price, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, E.D.N.Y. and before that a Partner at Winick & Rich, P.C. Flaxer earned a JD from Brooklyn Law School and an undergraduate degree from New York University.
45. Richard Mandel
Partner of Cowan Liebowitz & Latman P.C.
Richard Mandel began his professional career over 34 years ago. Today, he is a Partner of Cowan Liebowitz & Latman P.C. They are a boutique full-service firm recognized worldwide in the areas of intellectual property law and litigation. They also have practices in the areas of corporate and commercial law, customs, international cargo and regulatory compliance, employment law, real estate law, trusts and estates, information technology and military law. Their firm has grown alongside successful companies and brands, as well as creative individuals and accomplished executives. They handle some of the most interesting cases and transactions, and measure their success by what they can achieve for each individual client.
Mandel graduated from New York University School of Law with a JD and from New York University with an undergraduate degree in Politics.
47. Rachel Fernbach
Partner of Moritt Hock & Hamroff
Rachel Fernbach is a Partner of Moritt Hock & Hamroff. Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP is a full-service, AV-rated commercial law firm with 21 areas of practice and 80+ attorneys. Based in New York, the firm has offices on Long Island and in New York City, as well as Florida and provides a wide range of legal services to businesses, corporations, and individuals worldwide. The firm has extensive experience in virtually every aspect and all disciplines of law, such as: bankruptcy, corporate and securities, employment, healthcare, intellectual property, litigation, not-for-profits, real estate, tax, and trusts and estates. The firm prides themselves on being large enough to properly staff complex matters while remaining committed to the history and firm culture. Fernbach has over 24 years in the law practice industry. She began her career in 1998.
Before joining Moritt Hock & Hamroff, Fernbach was an Associate at Stein & Schonfeld LLP and before that an Attorney at Greater New York Hospital Association. Fernbach graduated from The George Washington University Law School with a JD and from Tufts University with an undergraduate degree in Classics, Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
View the complete list of awardees.
