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51 years
51 years
51 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 15 minutes
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Chat withState: New York
Acquired: 1976
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25 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY, 10010
72 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 17 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | December 07, 2016
Helped During a Difficult Roommate Situation
Mr. Smollens was courteous, concise, and quick to respond. I had a cotenant with multiple lease violations that directly impacted me and my girlfriend. She refused to correct her violations after multiple discussions and formal requests. Mr. Smollens was able to clarify the situation so I could ge...
Posted by Colette | September 09, 2016
Excellent advice
He provided me with excellent advice in regards to my situation and how to proceed with it. He put my mind at ease helping me to realize this unfortunate event was not my fault and that I was deceived in this entire process. After explaining to the landlord the excellent information I received, he un...
Thank you.
Posted by Nick | June 18, 2015
Saved from Eviction
I was about to be evicted from my apartment owing to non payment of maintenance by my landlord. Steven advised me to get an order to show cause and by following his adverse I was able to avert disaster. Without speaking to him I wouldn't have had a clue what to do and would have been homeless by now
Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2015
Thank you for your amazing advice
Mr Smollen truly helped me yesterday when I was in a mental rut not knowing what to do about an attorney retainer agreement situation that got a bit complicated with my current attorney. Out of all the attornies on here he demonstrated concern, was very responsive and directed me without prejudice on...
Thank you for your kind words. Best of luck to you.
Posted by David | February 24, 2015
TALKED MORE ABOUT MONEY
ALL ABOUT MONEY Absolutely ridiculous. I called this lawyer today to discuss my case and to determine whether I would hire him. This lawyer did not even know what the facts of my case were before he started dishing out large dollar amounts. Then he foolishly used the word "toxic case" which contr...
I have also flagged this review. Mr. Smollens should not be punished for giving an opinion regarding the merits of the case or an estimate as to how much it will cost, simply because he disagreed with the potential client. Mr. Smollens is a highly knowledgable attorney, especially in the field of landlord tenant law, so if Mr. Smollens told me, during a free consultation mind you, that my case was not very strong, I would be thanking him for his opinion, not going after him and retaliating against him.
"I endorse Steven because he is super active in the community and never hesitates to give out some of his knowledge and help people in legal trouble."
"I endorse this lawyer for his esteemed reputation as a landlord-tenant attorney in NYC and approach to resolving disputes."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"I endorse this lawyer. This attorney provides sound legal advice throughout the AVVO legal 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."
"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."
"Mr. Smollens is thoughtful, conscientious, and may be the most experienced attorney practicing landlord/tenant law on Avvo and in his geographic practice area."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Smollens is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"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."
"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."
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
2020
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Top Contributer Landlord & Tenant, AVVO
2016
Client's Choice Landlord & Tenant, Avvo
2016
Top Attorney Landlord and Tenant AVVO Rating Superb, AVVO
2014
Landlord and Tenant Top Contributer, AVVO
2013
Clients' Choice Landlord & Tenant, AVVO Award
2013
Top Attorney Landlord & Tenant, AVVO
2013
Top Contributor Landlord & Tenant, AVVO
1992
Association's Continuing Legal Education Program, New York State Bar Association
N/A
Civil Court Practice Section, New York County Lawyers' Association
N/A
Superb Top Attorney Landlord & Tenant Law, AVVO
2000 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Steven W. Smollens
1990 - 2000
Partner, Smollens Guralnick & Frazer
1984 - 1990
Partner, Smollens & Guralnick
1982 - 1984
Attorney, Steven W. Smollens
1976 - 1982
Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society New York City
2000 - 2015
New York 74th Assembly District , Part CDistrict Leader
1993 - 2001
Waterside Tenants AssociationPast President
Tenant defeated the owner's use eviction petition:
1975
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2007
Bed Bugs, Warranty of Habitability
2005
Warranty of Habitability and Non Payment Proceedings
2004
Objectionable Conduct, Nuisance, Pets and Noise
2004
Advanced Issues in Coop & Condo Law
2003
Techniques in Defending and Prosecuting a Non Payment Proceeding
2002
Commercial Tenant Issues
2002
Traverse Hearings and Non Payment Summary Proceedings
1999
Introduction to Landlord and Tenant Law
N/A
Landlord and Tenant Practice Update, Faculty Chair and Speaker
2007
2004
2004
2003
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
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27 Aug 2026
I’m disabled and about to get evicted and I have no where to go
25 Aug 2026
Non-Payment / Holdover Proceeding in NYC - Non-Resident Tenant & Stipulation Motion Schedule
25 Aug 2026