Steven J. Harfenist

Steven Harfenist is an experienced trial and appellate attorney who leads a diverse group of attorneys in a multi-disciplinary litigation practice. His practice is unique in its breadth and allows him to bring this experience to the litigation process and also allows for early resolution of cases through mediations and direct settlement negotiations.

Mr. Harfenist has tried over 100 cases to verdict in both federal and state courts and has argued numerous appeals in state and federal court. Mr. Harfenist started his career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office and is admitted in to practice in New York, New Jersey and Georgia as well as the federal courts in New York and New Jersey.

Mr. Harfenist leads a litigation practice that is broad in scope. His practice encompasses commercial, real estate, estate and securities litigation. He leads a strong group of attorneys’ in a significant insurance related litigation practice representing insured’s interests.

Mr. Harfenist has long maintained an active municipal and civil rights litigation practice in state and federal court representing both individuals and municipalities. In 2014 he obtained a $5,000,000.00 jury verdict for a business owner falsely arrested and wrongfully prosecuted. He also has successfully obtained numerous verdicts on behalf of law enforcement officers and municipal employees charged with civil rights violations.

Mr. Harfenist is unique in that despite being an active trial attorney he maintains an equally active appellate practice. He has represented parties in a number of significant appeals in the state Appellate Divisions, New York Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In 2014 he obtained a significant decision from the United States Court of Appeals holding that New York’s anti-subrogation statute was applicable to health insurers providing coverage under ERISA plans. He then successfully defeated an attempt by the insurers to obtain review by the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Harfenist actively participates in various bar associations and is often asked to speak on various litigation related topics.