Licensed for 47 years

State NY

Acquired 1976

Status
Currently Registered No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Steven Warren Smollens

Landlord or tenant Attorney at New York, NY

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A Client's Review

Mr. Smollens is an excellent lawyer. I hired him to represent me in a legal issue with my NYC rent-stabilized apt. He is razor sharp with his area of law and was a fighter for my interests. He was generous with his time and counsel as well. He also broke everything down so I could understand it. In the end, he protected my interests extremely well and I was very happy with the results. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wanted a tenant rights attorney with New York City creds who will fight to the finish for you.

Very generous and helpful

About Steven

Learn Steven’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Landlord or tenant

80%

All aspects of housing law including trials and appeals in New York State Courts, including defense of the home in all holdover grounds for rent regulated and not regulated tenants, including cooperatives. Specialist in bedbugs, mold and warranty of habitability.
... Read more
48 years
Litigation

10%

NYC and NYS Mitchell-Lama, Rent Stabilization, Bed Bugs, Pets, Tenancy Surrender (Buy Outs)

48 years
Real estate

10%

Representation of tenant associations, cooperative board, residential cooperative closings. Mitchell-Lama, HDFC,

48 years

TENANT REPRESENTATION, ADVOCATE, AND ATTORNEY SINCE 1976.

Awards

Top Contributor

2023 2022 2021 + 9 ...

Client's Choice

2019 2017 2016 + 1 ...

Photos and videos

Contact Steven

Law Office of Steven W. Smollens

(844) 310-9915 Office

25 Waterside Plaza

New York, NY, 10010

SmollensLaw.com/

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Reviews

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4.7 / 5.0

71 customer reviews

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2023

A Client's Review

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Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2023

Very generous and helpful

Mr. Smollens spent a lot of time answering the questions I had about my case. He was informative and gave me a better understanding of the process.

Posted by Ahmet | February 10, 2023

Steven is an outstanding lawyer

For anyone seeking a great lawyer regarding landlord and tenant matters, I would definitely recommend Steven. I am a tenant in a co op and recently received a notice to cure. Due to the complex nature of the situation, I had to reach out to a few top rated lawyers. Steven was the first to respond. He provided me with a great assessment. I had a follow-up question and he responded that even with more details. Despite the complex nature of my situation, he provided me with a few paths the co op board (landlord) can take and if I have a chance to recover in different scenarios. He is definitely the master of his practice while acting very friendly and helpful. Definitely on top of my list, for tenant landlord issues.

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Posted by anonymous | December 23, 2022

Steven Saved the Day

When I went into a panic over COVID rent arrears collections Steven was there to guide me exactly how to deal with my landlord. He is kind, knowledgeable "salt of the earth" attorney that is so rare to find these days. Thanks a million.

Posted by Emmanuel | June 19, 2022

Very detailed explanations

Seems very knowledgeable and detailed when answering a response. Very clear and precise response.

Posted by Ryan | May 16, 2022

Extremly knowlegable and caring Lawyer

Mr Smollens, is an A class Lawyer. Every question and legal matter he gave me input on has always been 100 percent accurate. He is responsible for me retaining my apartment and being able to sleep at night. He is amazing!!!!!!! I consulted with him on a number of occasions many years ago and he has always been consistent in the quality of information as well as his responsiveness in dealing with legal matters at hand. I also love the fact that he is the type of Lawyer that does not trick you into hiring him for a legal matter that he knows can be easily handled by the client. He will always be first on my list to represent me in any legal matter should the situation arise.

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Posted by Jenny | May 12, 2022

Responsive and great advice

Steven is an amazing attorney that is always so quick to respond to all of my questions. I truly appreciate all his time and advice. Thanks so much for your support to this community!

Posted by anonymous | April 7, 2021

Goes the extra mile

Mr. Smollens gave me info I didn't want to hear, but I appreciated his brute honesty and navigation thru a complex tenant situation. I was frustrated with my professional tenant, but he gave it to me straight. Only thing I wish was if he'd at least let me buy him a gift card or cup of coffee for the sobering consultation. I'd hire him if the situation warranted. As for now, I'll have to rely on cash-for-keys for a holdover tenant with no lease.

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Posted by anonymous | March 9, 2021

Very knowledgeable and helpful.

Steven is a knowledgeable and helpful attorney. I would highly recommend. Thank you for all your help!

Posted by Joe | November 30, 2020

A Truly Special Attorney

Simply put, Steve Smollens is the best! I was in a very tough situation and reached out to Steve for advice and guidance. He was incredibly knowledgeable, caring, patient, refreshingly honest, and definitely went above and beyond. He was a great help to me. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him.

Posted by anonymous | November 3, 2020

Prompt Feedback on consultation

I shared my issue with Steven, and while my issue was outside his locality, he still provided his time to respond. Really appreciate that and will consider using him in the future.

Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2020

Great Advice

Although I was dismayed to learn about the mistakes I made trying to handle my late-paying tenant myself, Mr. Smollens provided straightforward information. My situation is somewhat unique with details in the lease varying from NYS law. I know what I will not do next time thanks to Mr. Smollens and now admit I need an attorney even for the next lease.

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Posted by Omar | October 3, 2019

GReat and informative and prompt

I appreciate Mr. Smollens advice and how quick and prompt he was able to help me out with my issue I would highly recommend him. he is knowledgeable and efficient.

Posted by Keith | October 2, 2019

Great help

Guided me in the right direction with knowledge I did not have so I could make a case, very informative and quick with responses. Mr.Smollens was a great help.

Posted by Dave | September 22, 2019

Helpful and detailed!

I shared my issue with Steven and Steven was able to ask important questions before going any further. That was helpful.

Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2019

Thank you!

Very helpful....I have been desperately trying to find the answer to this question. I highly recommend Mr. Smollens.

Response from Steven Smollens August 25, 2019

Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2019

Thorough and willing to go the extra mile to give good answers--- FOR FREE

Provided great answers to my question and even did research to help me talk to the right people. He really went above and beyond by getting me that information. I plan to tell my friends about my experience and recommend him to anyone asking for a real estate lawyer. He puts in alot of good work.

Response from Steven Smollens August 23, 2019

Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2019

Steven Warren Smollens

After a few messaging back and forth, I feel that this Lawyer spoke honestly and listened to my Facts to give me the best answers to my dilemma. Too bad he does not live closer to me as I might have hired him to fight our battle. I thank him for his Candid answers and willingness to volunteer his services to comment on this and other legal matters. This will be a very challenging fight for any Attorney and finding the right one may not be easy. I pray that the Legal System would see the Truth in this case and admit where there has been wrong doing against us and bring back the dignity that this system should show to all.

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Posted by Michael | June 26, 2019

Knowledge about Jury Service responsibilities.

I consulted Attorney Steven Warren Smollen about Jury Service with English Second Language. Though I did not hire this Attorney, he paid a lot of attention to my case with details. The answers of the Attorney are precise. This is very valuable thing for gaining knowledge about Jury Service responsibilities.

Response from Steven Smollens June 27, 2019

Thank you.

Posted by Miguel | March 9, 2019

Ethical, Smart and Detailed Responses

Mr. Smollens always gives us detailed responses in layman's language while indicating the legal statutes and provisions, he's drawing from, in his responses. He's helped us from making many little mistakes because he gives us a framework in his answer and a few different ways we can approach it. We get a lot from reading his take on the problems we encounter, smart advice, handy tips and just good judgement in addition to the strict legal aspects. Thank you Mr. Smollens.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Law Office of Steven W. Smollens
2000 - Present

Partner
Smollens Guralnick & Frazer
1990 - 2000

Partner
Smollens & Guralnick
1984 - 1990

Attorney
Steven W. Smollens
1982 - 1984

Staff Attorney
Legal Aid Society New York City
1976 - 1982

View all work experience

Education

Brooklyn Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1975

City College, CCNY
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1973

Legal Cases

EKATERINA DERDERIAN v. DEBRA LEHMANN and VADIM HOFFMAN;
Tenant defeated the owner's use eviction petition:

Associations

New York 74th Assembly District , Part C
District Leader
2000 - 2015

Waterside Tenants Association
Past President
1993 - 2001

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Distinguished
Martindale-Hubbell
2020

Distinguished
Martindale-Hubbell
2019

Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2019

Top Contributer Landlord & Tenant
AVVO
2016

Client's Choice Landlord & Tenant
Avvo
2016

Top Attorney Landlord and Tenant AVVO Rating Superb
AVVO
2016

Landlord and Tenant Top Contributer
AVVO
2014

Clients' Choice Landlord & Tenant
AVVO Award
2013

Top Attorney Landlord & Tenant
AVVO
2013

Top Contributor Landlord & Tenant
AVVO
2013

Association's Continuing Legal Education Program
New York State Bar Association
1992

Superb Top Attorney Landlord & Tenant Law
AVVO
N/A

Civil Court Practice Section
New York County Lawyers' Association
N/A

View all awards

Publications

Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series, NYCLA
Nonpayment Proceedings, Bed Bugs, Warranty of Habitability
2007

Advanced Issues in Cooperative and Condominium Law,New York County Lawyers' Association CLE
Nonpayment Proceedings, Warranty of Habitability, Objectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise
2004

New York County Lawyers' Association, CLE, Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Objectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise Nonpayment Proceedings, Warranty of Habitability
2004

New York County Lawyers' Association, CLE, Landlord and Tenant Practice: The Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Non-Payment Proceedings and the Warranty of Habitability
2003

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

2007 CLE entitled Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Bed Bugs, Warranty of Habitability
2007

2005 Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Warranty of Habitability and Non Payment Proceedings
2005

2004 Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Objectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise
2004

2004 CLE
Advanced Issues in Coop & Condo Law
2004

Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Techniques in Defending and Prosecuting a Non Payment Proceeding
2003

World Trade Center Owner and Tenant Forum in January 2002
Commercial Tenant Issues
2002

2002 Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Traverse Hearings and Non Payment Summary Proceedings
2002

“Bridge the Gap” Continuing Legal Education for the Newly Admitted Attorney
Introduction to Landlord and Tenant Law
1999

Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series
Landlord and Tenant Practice Update, Faculty Chair and Speaker
N/A

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (116)

Given (5)

Endorse Steven

Steven Gordon

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer for his esteemed reputation as a landlord-tenant attorney in NYC and approach to resolving disputes."

Michael Doland

Litigation Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Not just good but some great answers. Mr. Smollens' answers are really customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. His answers embody the qualities that every client would look for when hiring a lawyer."

Matt Bryant

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Me. Smollens demonstrates daily his expertise, client commitment, and experience. If you’re looking for an attorney in any field, find one that can compare to Mr. Smollens in his attention to detail and thorough answers."

Melissa Cefalu

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is clear from Steven's education, experience and responses on AVVO that he is a knowledgeable and capable advocate who cares about his clients. I endorse this attorney."

Aneeta Mishra

Unknown Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Smollens."

Victor Feraru

Unknown Attorney | Aug 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smollens is consistently offering sage advice and meaning analysis in the Avvo community. He would be the kind of attorney I would trust with a legal issue."

Trevor Eisenman

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Aug 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mathew Paulose

Litigation Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Willie Graves

Litigation Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smollens dispenses valuable, well-reasoned and wise analysis in this forum. I endorse him."

Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

William Fitch

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. This attorney provides sound legal advice throughout the AVVO legal community."

Channika Desilva

Real estate Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Smollens is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With his extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, he is bound to invest his time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity."

Gregory Cade

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Steven is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."

Bruce Stern

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smollens is thoughtful, conscientious, and may be the most experienced attorney practicing landlord/tenant law on Avvo and in his geographic practice area."

Leonard Boyer

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Smollens is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."

Jon Probstein

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer and have meant to do this for some time now. Having read many of his contributions in Avvo, Mr. Smollens' knowledge and skills in New York landlord tenant law are quite remarkable."

Peter Schuyler

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smollens is very knowledgeable in Landlord Tenant law. If you are looking for a smart, practical and experienced lawyer, he is the one you want to want to have on your side. Hire him before your opponent does."