Skip to main content

Steven Warren Smollens

Virtual Consultation
  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed for 45 years
  • Free consultation
Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
AboutContactReviewsCost

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.

    46 years

  2. Real estate: 10%

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

    46 years

  3. Litigation: 10%

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

    46 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

821136 1244054107

821136 1567204152

821136 1567204183

Contact

Law Office of Steven W. Smollens

25 Waterside Plaza
New York, NY, 10010

Website
http://www.SmollensLaw.com/ 

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      NYCurrently registered 197605/25/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers20544
      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

      (63)
      5 Star
      		87%
      4 Star
      		5%
      3 Star
      		3%
      2 Star
      		2%
      1 Star
      		3%
      Review Steven Smollens

      Goes the extra mile

      Posted by

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

      Very knowledgeable and helpful.

      Posted by

      Steven is a knowledgeable and helpful attorney. I would highly recommend. Thank you for all your help!
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      A Truly Special Attorney

      Posted by

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

      Prompt Feedback on consultation

      Posted by

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

      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.
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (112)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Aneeta Mishra

      I endorse Attorney Smollens.

      Victor Feraru

      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 on Aug 17, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Mathew Paulose, Litigation Attorney on Nov 26, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Willie Graves, Litigation 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

      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, Real estate 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, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant 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

      100% the best tenant attorney in NYC!

      Derek Soltis, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant 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, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Mar 21, 2016
      Relationship: Other

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

      Jordi Fernandez, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Mar 15, 2016
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Joshua Bannister, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Mar 12, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

      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 needs
        15 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%
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Sometimes
      • 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

      Check