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Steven Warren Smollens

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Avvo Rating10
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed for 44 years
  • Free consultation
Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
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About Steven

Tenant representation, advocate, and attorney since 1976.

Practice areas

LitigationReal estateLandlord or tenant
  1. 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.

    45 years

  2. Real estate: 10%

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

    45 years

  3. Litigation: 10%

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

    45 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

821136 1244054107

821136 1567204152

821136 1567204183

Contact

25 Waterside Plaza
address map

Law Office of Steven W. Smollens

25 Waterside Plaza
New York, NY, 10010

Office (212) 619-7787

Website

http://www.SmollensLaw.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NYDue to reregister within 30 days of birthday 197606/01/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers19367
Legal guides3
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
DistinguishedMartindale-Hubbell2020
DistinguishedMartindale-Hubbell2019
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2019
Top Contributer Landlord & TenantAVVO2016
Client's Choice Landlord & TenantAvvo2016
Top Attorney Landlord and Tenant AVVO Rating SuperbAVVO2016
Landlord and Tenant Top ContributerAVVO2014
Clients' Choice Landlord & TenantAVVO Award2013
Top Attorney Landlord & TenantAVVO2013
Top Contributor Landlord & TenantAVVO2013
Association's Continuing Legal Education ProgramNew York State Bar Association1992
Civil Court Practice SectionNew York County Lawyers' AssociationN/A
Superb Top Attorney Landlord & Tenant LawAVVON/A
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Office of Steven W. Smollens2000 - Present
PartnerSmollens Guralnick & Frazer1990 - 2000
PartnerSmollens & Guralnick1984 - 1990
AttorneySteven W. Smollens1982 - 1984
Staff AttorneyLegal Aid Society New York City1976 - 1982
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
New York 74th Assembly District , Part CDistrict Leader2000 - 2015
Waterside Tenants AssociationPast President1993 - 2001
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Jack Newton Lerner Lecture Series, NYCLANonpayment Proceedings, Bed Bugs, Warranty of Habitability2007
Advanced Issues in Cooperative and Condominium Law,New York County Lawyers' Association CLENonpayment Proceedings, Warranty of Habitability, Objectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise2004
New York County Lawyers' Association, CLE, Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesObjectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise Nonpayment Proceedings, Warranty of Habitability2004
New York County Lawyers' Association, CLE, Landlord and Tenant Practice: The Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesNon-Payment Proceedings and the Warranty of Habitability2003
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Brooklyn Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1975
City College, CCNYBA - Bachelor of Arts1973
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
2007 CLE entitled Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesBed Bugs, Warranty of Habitability2007
2005 Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesWarranty of Habitability and Non Payment Proceedings2005
2004 Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesObjectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise2004
2004 CLEAdvanced Issues in Coop & Condo Law2004
Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesTechniques in Defending and Prosecuting a Non Payment Proceeding2003
World Trade Center Owner and Tenant Forum in January 2002Commercial Tenant Issues2002
2002 Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesTraverse Hearings and Non Payment Summary Proceedings2002
“Bridge the Gap” Continuing Legal Education for the Newly Admitted AttorneyIntroduction to Landlord and Tenant Law1999
Jack Newton Lerner Lecture SeriesLandlord and Tenant Practice Update, Faculty Chair and SpeakerN/A
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
EKATERINA DERDERIAN v. DEBRA LEHMANN and VADIM HOFFMAN;Tenant defeated the owner's use eviction petition:

Reviews

(59)
5 Star
86%
4 Star
5%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
3%
Review Steven Smollens

Great Advice

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

GReat and informative and prompt

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Great help

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Helpful and detailed!

Posted by

I shared my issue with Steven and Steven was able to ask important questions before going any further. That was helpful.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Thank you!

Posted by

Very helpful....I have been desperately trying to find the answer to this question. I highly recommend Mr. Smollens.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Steven Smollens' response: Thank you.

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

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Steven Smollens' response: Thank you.

Steven Warren Smollens

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Knowledge about Jury Service responsibilities.

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Steven Smollens' response: Thank you.

Ethical, Smart and Detailed Responses

Posted by

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.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

VERY HELPFUL

Posted by

Steven gave me legal advice on a very specific matter, that was imperative to my situation. I'm truly grateful for his help.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(111)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Victor Feraru, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 14, 2020
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, Education Attorney on Aug 17, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Mathew Paulose, Litigation Attorney on Nov 27, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Willie Graves, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 16, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Mar 20, 2018
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 on Feb 15, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Channika Desilva, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Mar 7, 2017
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, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Feb 4, 2017
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, Litigation Attorney on Jan 16, 2017
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, Foreclosure Attorney on Dec 13, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Jon Probstein, Litigation Attorney on Nov 30, 2016
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, Litigation Attorney on Oct 4, 2016
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.

Steven Kaiser, Business Attorney on Jun 23, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

100% the best tenant attorney in NYC!

Derek Soltis, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on May 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.His knowledge of landlord & tenant matters is truley outstanding.

Noah Peterson, Employment and labor Attorney on May 6, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Smollens brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to any matter he is involved with. I endorse this lawyer.

Anthony Nozzolillo, Real estate Attorney on Apr 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. His responses on the AVVO forum are indicative of his mastery of land-lord tenant matters; same responses being thorough, concise, and rooted in legal fundamentals that achieve the intended goal of providing insightful assistance.

Benjamin Goldman, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Mar 22, 2016
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Smollens is clearly the guru in all landlord tenant related matters.

Jordi Fernandez, Commercial real estate Attorney on Mar 15, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Joshua Bannister, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 13, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer for his extensive knowledge, experience & contribution to the Avvo community.

Brandon Robinson, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Jan 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Steven Smollens is an authoritative, seminal resource for New York citizens on real property and landlord-tenant matters in that state. His deep experience and legal erudition set a gold standard for his colleagues, and his career has been to the benefit of countless New Yorkers. I gladly endorse him.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$150-$500/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs15 minutes
OTHER BILLING TYPES
  • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.10%-24%
  • Pro-bono Many lawyers provide free legal help to low-income clients. The percent listed indicates how much of a lawyer's practice is pro bono work.15%
PAYMENT METHODS

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Legal guides written by Steven Smollens