Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
13 Client Reviews
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Leonard F. Lesser
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About Leonard
Biography
Len prosecutes and defends business litigation in federal and state courts around the country, and arbitration tribunals administered by JAMS, AAA, ICDR, FINRA, and other ADR providers. He focuses on business torts; copyright, trademark, trade secret and unfair competition claims; partnership, joint venture, shareholder, and LLC member disputes; corporate transaction, post-closing, and busted deal disputes; contract and UCC disputes; financial services litigation; securities litigation; insurance disputes; real estate disputes; and employment litigation. He also prosecutes and defends toxic tort, product liability, premises liability, medical liability, professional liability and personal injury claims.
Recent jury trial verdicts include a $11.3 million jury verdict in Manhattan in July, 2023 against an assailant who raped and sexually assaulted the Firm's client. Len also obtained a million dollar jury verdict in a medical malpractice case tried in Nassau County Supreme Court involving claims of emotional damages suffered by an intellectually disabled young woman who was endangered by sexually inappropriate conduct committed by her primary care physician as a result of his own neurological disability. This verdict is believed to be one of the highest medical malpractice verdicts in Nassau County involving non-physical injuries. See Jane Doe v. Mohan Sharma, M.D., et al., 62 627, 89 N.Y.S.3d 548 (N.Y. Sup. 2018).
Recent bench trial verdicts include a $7 million verdict after a federal court bench trial in the EDNY against the principal of an investment firm, piercing the corporate veil of that firm and finding him liable as the alter ego of the investment firm on its Judgments in favor of Len's client, an S&P 100 multinational corporation, and for $2.2 million in intentional fraudulent conveyances. Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 16-cv-1390, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 131016, 2023 WL 4850528 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2023). In the underlying actions, Len successfully represented the client's subsidiary in its sale of telecommunication businesses in defense of post-closing claims asserted by the buyer, including claims that seller misrepresented the value of inventory as part of the sale. After defeating the buyer's claim for fraud based rescission of the entire transaction, as well as the agreement's arbitration provision (Asset Mgmt. Assocs. v. Emerson Telcom. Prods. LLC, 08-CV-2506, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9434 [E.D.N.Y., Jan. 25, 2011]), the dispute was arbitrated in 2013. The Arbitrator ultimately rejected the buyer's claims which included $100 million in alleged punitive damages, and found in favor of Len's client on its claims for a post-closing adjustment. In 2014, the Court entered Judgment against the buyer for $1.9 million. Asset Mgmt. Assoc. of N.Y., Inc. v. Emerson Telecom. Prods. LLC, 2014 NY Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 5 (E.D.N.Y., Jan. 9, 2014). Then, in 2015, following a separate federal court trial in a related breach of contract action involving the buyer's use of a Mexican assembly plant, Len obtained another Judgment and attorney fee award of $1.9 million against the buyer. Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 08-cv-1489, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98401 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2015).
In another complex series of multistate litigations, Len obtained a multimillion-dollar judgment against an oil and gas tycoon in a complex joint venture dispute, and subsequent contempt judgment against the judgment debtor for violation of an antisuit injunction, affirmed on appeal with appellate attorneys' fees and costs awarded. L&R Exploration v. Grynberg, 927 N.Y.S.2d 816 (Sup. 2011), aff'd,90 A.D.3d 538, 934 N.Y.S.2d 707 (1st Dep't 2011); see also Grynberg v. L&R Exploration Venture, 261 P.3d 731 (Wyo. 2011). Following the New York judgments entered against the tycoon, Len successfully tried an alter-ego and fraudulent conveyance case in Colorado against the tycoon’s businesses, resulting in another multimillion dollar judgment and attorney fee award, affirmed on appeal. L&R Exploration v. CCG, LLC, et al., 351 P.3d 569 (Colo. App. 2015).
Len's jury trial defense verdicts include Marchetti v. Branson Ultrasonics Corp., Case No. 126010929 (CT Sup. Ct., Danbury), where Len obtained a defense verdict after jury trial on behalf of a global developer, manufacturer, and distributor of plastic joining, industrial cleaning, and ultrasonics processing equipment. The plaintiff claimed she suffered traumatic brain injuries and other damages resulting from an accident on the defendant's property. After the close of evidence, the Court granted a directed verdict to the defense on 3 of 5 counts, and the jury then rendered a defense verdict on the two remaining counts. See Marchetti v. Branson Ultrasonics Corp., 2014 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 13821 (Sup. Danbury, May 13, 2014); Jury Rejects Security Guard’s Claim After Deer Cause Accident, CT Law Tribune (Dec. 3, 2014).
Recent arbitration wins include successful defense of the managing members of a New York limited liability company in a AAA arbitration where the minority members sought the expulsion and forced buy-out of the managing members and more than $5 million in damages, as well as the successful defense of a technology company in a complex JAMS commercial arbitration where the claimant sought more than $20 million in damages.
Recent notable settlements include a $14 million settlement in 2022 Len obtained for the Firm's client in complex Manhattan commercial lease dispute; a $3.2 million settlement Len obtained for his client in 2023 during jury selection in Nassau County Supreme Court involving a cervical fracture his client suffered after attempting a racing start from a pool starting block; a $2.5 million settlement obtained during a three week jury trial in a medical malpractice and wrongful death case in Nassau County Supreme Court where the decedent died from pulmonary embolism; and a $2.35 million settlement in a premises security case in New York County Supreme Court where the plaintiff was brutally raped in her apartment by an intruder (2018 Nat. Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 18).
Recent significant appellate reversals include MAK Technology Holdings Inc. v. Anyvision Interactive Technologies, Ltd., 2024 Slip Op. 03376, 2024 N.Y. LEXIS 893 (N.Y., June 20, 2024), wherein Len obtained a reversal from the Court of Appeals (New York's highest court) of the decisions of the Appellate Division, First Department and the New York State Supreme Court Commercial Division, which denied Len's dismissal motion of claims brought against the Firm's client based on alleged ambiguities in the parties' international business agreement applying New York law and selecting New York City as the forum for the parties' dispute.
Additional appellate reversals include Jane Doe v. Turnmill, LLC, et al., 2021 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2611 (1st Dep't 2021)(reversing summary judgment awarded to the operator and owner of a premises on tort claims asserted against them by a female patron who was horrifically raped in the women's basement bathroom in the premises); Gray v. Denny's Corp., 535 Fed. Appx. 14 (2d Cir. 2014)(reversing summary judgment awarded to Denny's restaurants on tort claims asserted by a patron who was criminally assaulted by a group of other patrons); Flores v. Velez, 111 A.D.3d 599, 974 N.Y.S.2d 134 (2d Dep't 2013)(reversing preclusion order in a case claiming negligent supervision of a church volunteer who allegedly committed sexual misconduct); Lisbey v. Pel Park Realty, 99 A.D.3d 637, 952 N.Y.S.2d 882 (1st Dep't 2012)(reversing summary judgment awarded to a building owner in connection with claims asserted by a tenant who was injured by a ceiling collapse); Spielman v. Grace Gospel Church of Suffolk, Inc., 77 A.D.3d 816, 910 N.Y.S.2d 105 (2d Dep't 2010), leave denied, 17 N.Y.3d 703, 929 N.Y.S.2d 94 (2011)(reversing denial of motion to dismiss claims asserted against a Church in connection with alleged adult sexual misconduct by a pastor); and Yeshiva Ohr Torah Community School, Inc. v Zurich Am. Ins. Co., 78 A.D.3d 686, 910 N.Y.S.2d 517 (2d Dep’t 2010)(reversing summary judgment awarded to an indemnitor in connection with the claims of indemnitee and its subrogee for reimbursement of defense costs); R.C. Layne Constr. v. Stratton Oakmont, 228 A.D.2d 45, 651 N.Y.S.2d 973 (1st Dep’t 1996)(reversing denial of motion to confirm punitive damages award against a broker dealer in an interstate securities arbitration).
An experienced trial and appellate lawyer who prosecutes and defends business and civil disputes
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Business
40%
Commercial Real Estate
20%
Defective and Dangerous Products
20%
Insurance
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2014
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 33 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in Connecticut for 34 years
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Simon Lesser PC
(212) 599-5459
Fax
100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY, 10017
simonlesser.com/Leonard F. Lesser's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jeff | February 3, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional and Passionate Litigator
Len is a great corporate litigation attorney and a pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgeable, practical, and passionate. He represented us with energy and enthusiasm, and gave us sage advice the whole way through, which resulted in an excellent outcome for our company. I wouldn't turn to a...
Posted by bruce | October 3, 2014
Review by Loeb Holding Corp
I have been in business for 46 years and spent the first 26 as a lawyer in private practice Thus I am extremely seasoned in the context of understanding the complexities of the litigation practice both as a practitioner and as a client. Mr Lesser is amongst the best litigators I have worked with in m...
Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2014
Outstanding Business Representation
Len was outstanding in solidifying our recent jury trial defense verdict. His professionalism and attention to detail left the jury with no other option but to agree with the reasoning of our case. Len left no stone unturned and was even able to convince one of the plaintiff’s own witnesses to agre...
Posted by Brian | April 1, 2014
Exceptional Legal Counsel
I have worked with Len for the past 7 years on a series of litigation and arbitration disputes related to a corporate divestiture. The process has been complex and very unique due to the opposing party's irrational behavior. Through the process Len has counseled us through all the dynamics involved...
Posted by Patel | March 17, 2014
Great Attorney for Complex Business Disputes
Len Lesser was instrumental in helping us build a rock solid case in our lawsuit against a then Partner. The case was very intricate and needed to be handled very diligently as it involved serious accusations as well as millions of dollars in assets. Len Lesser's strong case against the defendant(s) ...
Leonard F. Lesser's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have teamed with Len on a variety of litigation matters for over 20 years. There is no better ally to have on your side in a contested matter than Len. I highly recommend Len and his firm."
"I endorse this lawyer. Len is an experienced and capable trial and appellate lawyer, quick thinking on his feet, and has a comfortable and confident courtroom presence in front of the judge and jury. He possesses the outstanding intellect, sound grasp of civil procedure, and broad experience to expertly handle almost any matter in litigation."
"I have worked with Len for ten plus years on numerous complex matters in Connecticut. He is a highly skilled and conscientious litigator. Len knows how to aggressively litigate and to use his expertise in a manner designed to achieve the best possible results for clients. I highly recommend him."
"Len is a consummate professional, a commerical litigator of the highest calibre and a zealous, effective and practical advocate for his clients. I would recommend him any any important business issue."
"I endorse this lawyer."
David Berg
Litigation lawyer
Renee Lesser
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
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
Copyright Lawyer of the Year - New York, Corporate INTL Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Copyright Lawyer of the Year - NY, Corporate INTL Magazine
2014
Copyright Lawyer of the Year - New York, ACQ (Acquisition Finance) Magazine
2014
New York - Metro, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Copyright Lawyer of the Year, NY, USA, Global Law Experts
2013
Recognition, Super Lawyers - NY Metro
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Recognition, Super Lawyers - NY Metro
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Recognition, Super Lawyers - NY Metro
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Recognition, Super Lawyers - NY Metro
2009
Recognized, Super Lawyers - NY Metro
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Recognized, Super Lawyers - NY Metro
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Principal, Simon▪Lesser PC
2001 - 2006
Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP
1998 - 2001
Partner, Schneck Weltman & Hashmall LLP
1994 - 1998
Associate, Schneck Weltman Hashmall & Mischel LLP
1991 - 1994
Associate, Rivkin Radler Bayh Hart & Kremer
1988 - 1989
Intern, United States Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato
1986 - 1987
Intern, International Commission of Jurists
Associations
American Bar Association
Member
New York City Bar
Member
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member
Association of Surfing Lawyers
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc. v. Emerson Telecommunication Products, LLC, 08-cv-2128 (U.S.D.C., E.D.N.Y.).
$1.9 million Judgment
CB Richard Ellis, Inc vs. Daily Racing Form, LLC, Index No. 112466/210 (NY Sup., NY Co.).
Dismissal
Nimir v. Nassau Health Care, No. 8943/08 (Nassau Sup. 2012):
Settled
Spielman v. Grace Gospel Church, 910 N.Y.S.2d 105 (2d Dep't 2010), leave denied, 2011 N.Y. LEXIS 1479 (2011)
Dismissal
Priya Hospitality LLC v. Patel, 2011 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2768 (N.Y. Sup. 2011)
Injunction defeated, case settled
L&R Exploration v. Grynberg, 2011 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 1895 (N.Y. Sup. 2011)
Multimillion-dollar arbitration award and Judgment; Contempt, sanctions and attorneys fes against judgment debtor
East Midwood Jewish Ctr. v CNA Ins. Co., 72 A.D.3d 877, 898 N.Y.S.2d 662 (2d Dept 2010)
Declaratory Judgment
Cash Money Records, Inc. v. Music Video Distributors, Inc., 08 Civ. 9769 (S.D.N.Y.)
Dismissal
The Shoe Factory, Inc. v. ALPI USA, Inc., Index No. 06-1996 (N.Y. Sup., Queens Co.)
Dismissal; Judgment and attorneys fees against plaintiff on Counterclaim
Zapolski/Rudd, LLC v. The Setai Group, LLC, 08 Civ. 5445 (S.D.N.Y.)
Judgment
Christopher v. PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., 12 Misc. 3d 1186A, 824 N.Y.S.2d 761 (Westchester Sup. 2006)
Sanctions awarded; pleadings striken, case settled
Butler v. First Baptist Church Of Westbury, Index No. 14544/04 (N.Y. Sup., Nassau Co.)
Summary Judgment
Kruse v. Wells Fargo Home Mortg., Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26092 (E.D.N.Y. 2006)
Summary Judgment
Joseph Phelps Vineyards v. Castello Di Borghese, 05-cv-2855 (E.D.N.Y. 2005)
Injunction
Corneroli v. Borghi, 783 N.Y.S.2d 572 (1st Dep't 2004)
Directed Verdict
Ehrens v. Lutheran Church, 385 F.3d 232 (2d Cir. 2004)
Summary Judgment
Barnes v. Countrywide Home Loans, Index No. 27734/00 (N.Y. Sup., Suffolk Co.)
Directed Verdict
Boyd v. Loeb Partners Corp., 00 Civ. 7052 (S.D.N.Y.)
Defense Verdict
Robinson, et al. v. Viacom Intl., et al., 663 N.Y.S.2d 817 (1st Dept 1997)
summary judgment
R.C. Layne Construction, Inc. v. Stratton Oakmont, Inc., 651 N.Y.S.2d 973 (1st Dept 1996)
Judgment
Thermo Wisconsin v. Langbein & Engelbracht GmbH, Index No: 99-CV-165 (Wisconsin Circuit Court, Outagamie Co.)
Injunction
Education
1991
American University, Washington College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
George Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English