Steven Warren Smollens' Reviews

Steve has steered us in the right direction for over 8 years now. He has never promised something he couldn't deliver and remains quietly confident. Having him on your team truly makes you breathe easier — he has a way of putting your mind at ease in a theatrical, compassionate way that I now look forward to.

I would absolutely recommend Steve to anyone seeking legal advice.

An outstanding Landlord/Tenant attorney, Steve knows the ins and outs of every court and agency dealing with residential and commercial properties in and around New York City. He has represented me in longstanding litigation against my landlord and successfully mapped a strategy on day one that we have followed without major hiccup or deviation.

Steve has the ability to seamlessly interweave the facts and circumstances of the case before him with statute and case law. His writing style is both succinct and conversational, as such, his papers read as common sense supported by the law.

In oral arguments, Steve is equally formidable. Steve can effectively use an economy of words to allow the other side to box themselves in, or, when called for, Steve can be forward leaning and vocifierous.

It is not enough for an attorney to just know the law. That said, years of experience have given Steve enormous insight into the machine of the court system. This particular talent could be described uncharitably as "gamesmanship." Steve has an uncanny ability to read a judge, to see the strengths and weaknesses of the other side, to set the proper pace for a case, and he knows when to extend an olive branch, when to be jocular, and when to steamroll opposing counsel.

WIth respect to communication, Steve has always been responsive and has kept me in the loop with respect to the arguments he wants to employ. In addition to keeping me informed as to what he has done, or intends to do on my behalf, Steve has also been able to manage my expectations. I would consider myself a fairly demanding client, so this is no easy feat.

In the final analysis, I do not believe any other attorney could have represented me as well as Steve has done. My endorsement in unequivocal.