PRO
also known as Ira E. Garr
Virtual Consultation Available
Ira is recognized by both his colleagues and judges as one of the top matrimonial attorneys in New York. He has been listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” since 2008 and has received a Preeminent Rating for the past fifteen years for both legal ability and ethical standards (“AV”) in the Martindale Hubbell directory of attorneys. Ira has been named in the New York Times Magazine and New York Magazine “Super Lawyers” section as among the top attorneys in the New York Metropolitan Area since 2006.
Ira began his legal career as assistant counsel to the Judicial Relations Committee (the precursor of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct), investigating misconduct of Judges. Ira subsequently became employed as a law assistant to the Justices of the Appellate Division and ultimately served for two years as law secretary to the Honorable Arthur Markewich.
Ira entered private practice in 1978 initially as a commercial litigator. In 1985 Ira formed his own firm, primarily focusing on Family Law. Since that time Ira has been a frequent lecturer at the Bar Association and Continuing Legal Education programs. Ira has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. John’s Law School teaching a course in trial advocacy.
While Ira possesses experience as both a trial and appellate lawyer, his preference is that matrimonial matters should be settled by agreement. “An agreement is limited only by the parties’ and their lawyer’s creativity. A court is bound to follow the dictates of the Domestic Relations Law and cannot possibly fashion a decision with the detail and precision that fair minded attorney’s negotiating in good faith can structure.”
Nonetheless, Ira is often engaged by other matrimonial attorneys to act as trial or appellate counsel in complicated cases.
Although Ira’s clientele are generally high worth individuals and often celebrities, one of his proudest moments as an attorney was in a pro bono capacity representing the foster parents of two young children who were born to a heroin addicted birthmother who abandoned them. The birthmother’s cousin and husband cared for the children. After years of abandonment, the biological parents contested termination of their parental rights and the New York Social Service Agency (who had custody over the children) recommended return to the natural mother. In a trial that spanned over a year, Ira successfully represented the foster parents obtaining custody for them – an unprecedented result.
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Practice Areas
46 years
46 years
46 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: New York
Acquired: 1976
No misconduct found
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews
Posted by anonymous | July 08, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Ira is exceptional. The best there is.
Ira provides the needed calm in the storm of a divorce with the power that is needed to get the job done. His compassionate style and deep understanding of what it will take to get to the end game puts you at ease and breaks barriers with the other side you didn't think we're possible. Ira is the mo...
Posted by anonymous | July 08, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Outstanding Lawyer
Ira knows the law and he also understands the numbers. My divorce involved some complex valuation and tax issues. Ira was able to not only understand the finer points and the long term implications, he presented them in a way that made sense to the court and led to a fair outcome. If your tax return ...
Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Exceptional Attorney
Ira is extremely knowledgeable in his field. His sense of humor, intelligence and kind-heart helped to get me through a very difficult divorce and trial. I trust Ira entirely and always followed his sound advice with excellent results. His number one priority was my case and the welfare of my childre...
Posted by Dave | June 29, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Exceptional attorney
Ira is a unique attorney. He is a truly good guy operating in a field that is unfortunately populated with many people of more questionable character. He understood that my objective was to find a fair settlement as quickly as possible and his open and honest approach allowed us to succeed. This was ...
Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Wonderful
During the most stressful event in my life, I was glad I had Ira beside me. He was responsive, clear, strong and, thank heavens, had a terrific sense of humor. I had to go to court and was terrified; the closest I'd ever been to a court was jury duty. Ira picked me up and drove me there; he knew ever...
"Smart, focused and caring attorney. Dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ira is one of the few attorneys I would hire if I was getting divorced (again!). He is professional, knowledgeable, highly respected by judges and his peers and is an all-around decent person while being a strong advocate for his clients. Highly recommended!"
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013 - Present
Partner, Garr Silpe, PC
1900 - Present
Partner, Garr Silpe, P.C.
2010 - 2013
Partner, Garr and White, PC
1997 - 2010
Partner, Ira E. Garr, PC
1993 - 1997
Partner, Stein Garr and Rosenfeld
1985 - 1993
Partner, Stein and Garr
1983 - 1985
Partner, Barrison and Garr
1981 - 1983
Associate, Reich Rosen Barrison and Felzen
1980 - 1981
Associate, Robinson Perlman Kirschner and Lefler
1978 - 1980
Judicial Law Clerk, Judge Markewich, Appellate Division First Department
1976 - 1978
Judicial Law Clerk, Appellate Division First Department
1974 - 1976
Assistant Counsel to Judiciary Relations Committee, Appellate Division First Department
1976 - Present
New York City Bar AssociationMember
1976 - Present
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember
1976 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2009
The Family Law Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New YorkMember
1974
JD - Juris Doctor
1971
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2009
“Recent Developments in Matrimonial Law: Tips & Techniques to Stay Ahead of the Curve”
2008
“What’s It Worth In Divorce? Appraisals of Assets,”
2007
"Divorce In New York In The 21st Century…”Who Gets What & How Much?,”
2005
“Equitable Distribution 25 Years Later: Is It Necessarily Equal? Should It Be?,”
1974
English