Randi L. Karmel

PRO

Randi L. Karmel

4.7
32 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 34 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at New York, NY
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family

780 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY

About Randi

Biography

Trustworthy, knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. Call today.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 90%

90%
Family 10%

Equitable Distribution Maintenance Children Child Abuse and Neglect Child Advocacy Child Protection Children's Rights Fathers Rights Grandparents Custody Grandparents Visitation Rights International Child Custody Uncontested Divorce Parental Rights Parenting Time Third Party Custody Visitation Rights Family Law Litigation

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019
Gold Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 33 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 34 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1992

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 33 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1993

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Randi L. Karmel, PLLC

780 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY, 10017

randikarmel.com/

Randi L. Karmel's Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 16 reviews | Divorce & Separation

Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

The best of the best!

I can’t say enough about Randi. Here are just a few reasons why. I started the process of divorce with another attorney. I hired her to review a separation agreement that my ex-wife and I had negotiated through a mediator. Since my attorney was reducing her case load temporarily to spend more... time with her family it was the perfect case for her to take on - quick and easy, separation agreement in hand. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out to be as easy as we thought. Once the separation agreement was done the process stalled, badly. Given her personal obligations my attorney suggested that I transition my case to a lawyer who could dedicate the time to get the job DONE. There was no doubt in her mind that there would now be many challenges ahead. We had a great relationship at that point and so she only wanted me to have the best of the best given the situation. The lawyer she introduced me to was Randi Karmel. From the moment I retained Randi she was all over the process. She listened intently to what I wanted to accomplish and some of the challenges I foresaw. She counseled me on the pitfalls we might encounter that I might not have anticipated and she mapped out a guideline of tasks we had to accomplish and set realistic expectations for getting them done. Because this process had gone on for so long Randi and I set a hard and fast deadline to have the divorce completed. I won’t go into all the details but suffice it to say I had been separated for a few years with no divorce in sight and enough was enough. Once the plan was in place she immediately got the process restarted and was very successful in setting concrete steps with opposing counsel. While there was some heated negotiation throughout, Randi was able to create an extremely amicable relationship with my ex’s attorney, one based on mutual respect and common sense compromise (kudos to him too for being so professional). She always had my interests prioritized appropriately and refused to present them antagonistically for the sake of appearing tough. Don’t get me wrong, she is tough and people know it, but not because she comes out with showy and unproductive gimmicks or tactics. They know it because she is very intelligent, does her homework, works relentlessly toward her clients goals, surrounds herself with great associates and ALWAYS inserts thoughtfulness and empathy into the process. It illustrates how much she cares about what she is doing and who she is doing it for. Needless to say, once the new separation agreement was drafted, negotiated, modified, agreed to and signed, we were only partially done. We still needed to file the divorce and hit our deadline. Once filed we had two months. It was going to be extremely tight, maybe impossible to hit it. At that point there was a great deal of activity after filing and this is where I saw Randi’s associates shine right along with her. Since there was nothing I could personally do to move anything forward at this point it was all about communication from them about where we were at, and it was stellar. Randi was very responsive and informative throughout but if a “billable” conversation only required a yes or no, that is exactly what she gave me. She works very efficiently. Long story short, we made the deadline. I am absolutely convinced that I could never have done it without Randi and her dedicated team. Just like my former attorney promised, she got the job DONE. Bottom line: Hire her. Looking back, you will discover as I did that it was one of the best decisions you ever made.

Posted by Peter Vavasis | January 08, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

TRUSTWORTHY, PROFESSIONAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE, EXPERIENCED = Randi L. Karmel

If you are lucky enough to retain Randi L Karmel as your attorney, you now have the best of the best working for you. Starting in April of 2006, I went thru an extremely difficult and nasty divorce- orders of protection, supervised visitation with my own children, false imprisonment and even allegati...ons of child abuse just to mention a few of the horrors. Yet, because of the incredible work done by Ms. Karmel I went from NO CUSTODY of my two sons to JOINT CUSTODY and then finally FULL CUSTODY AND MY EX-WIFE PAYS ME CHILD SUPPORT!!! Ms. Karmel truly cared about my case. Every singe call or message I sent (and there were hundreds) was answered or replied to the same day- some were even while she was away at a conference and even a few while on vacation. I will always remember how hard she fought in court for me. I deeply respect Ms. Karmel's professionalism and I trust her with my life and my children's as well. My name is Peter Vavasis. I am an extremely happy client and I am proud to say I know Randi L Karmel.

Posted by Treiki212 | December 11, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Amazing, Competent, Caring

Randi Karmel is a great lawyer. She is beyond wonderful, as far as lawyers go. She came into a messy situation, where my ex and I had been fighting post settlement now for 6 years. After brutalizing me financially, my ex had started with DV. I finally stood up to him when he went after our 9 year old.... Ex is a big law name partner, previous 5 lawyers were afraid of him, and his counsel. Randi was never intimidated by them. She is thorough and decisive. Within 15 minutes of meeting me she grasped the intricate details of years of fighting, and zeroed in on key points to start with. Randi gives you her full attention. I had heard she likes children, this is so true. When I needed to meet with her and didnt have child care, Randi saw my child in the waiting lounge and made my child feel comfortablet. She developed a rapport in no time, and gave my child time, respect and consideration. I respect her, when caught up in the fight she recenters me to focus on our daughter, and her best interests. Randi has a fun personality and knows many people, an added bonus (i.e., mediators, court therapists etc). My ex, who delights in breaching our stipulations, tries to take all things away from our kid. Randi is always there, fielding calls about refusals to pay for x-rays, camp, school activities, tuition etc. Randi is fiesty, she is willing to use her passion to go to the mat for her clients. Once waiting in the hallway while all the lawyers were in the back with the Judge, I could hear Randi's voice roaring to match the Judge. When we had applied for a new private school last spring, Randi called me no less than 10 times the day (not billable and only out of concern) we were to hear from the admissions office, she really cared about whether our kid was admitted. I like that Randi has an unusual trait for NYC lawyers, she is honest. She always tells me her opinion of when I don't have a chance, she does not blow smoke. Over a year ago I was facing eviction ( pulled all my rent money to pay to pursue a TOP, then defend an OSC and TRO to quash my TOP). I had paid a previous attorney an extraordinary amount of money. I was lucky enough to hire Randi. After knowing me only 3 months, she gave me a post dated check back so I could use it to pay back rent; my ex had offered me a "loan"with terms I couldn't possibly repay. Randi saved my daughter and me from being homeless, deferring her payment unprompted. Shhhhh, Randi Karmel is not only a fighter, but she is kind and caring. You want this woman to represent you, trust me. She is a hidden gem in a nasty field of greed and cottage corruption aka nyc matrimony and divorce law. We always have ongoing conflicts, so this will always say I hired her under one month ago. We are going on two years, only 12 more until my daughter is 21! PS - how I got Randi's name. When I was forced to file for my TOP, I called my ex's old law partner from his firm. I had dealt with that woman when my ex's attorney was on vacation maybe 4 years ago (pro se at the time). I requested attorney names, the woman was very kind and almost apologetic for my ex's actions. Her secretary called with a list of names. I wrote them down, and as an after thought, added "Please tell her this isn't [ex's name] economically screwing me per usual, he went after our kid, this is for DV and a TOP." The partner's secretary called back in 5 minutes and said " call these names, in this order..." Randi was the top name. Unfortunately she was on trial, but I was lucky enough to retain her a couple months later.

Posted by anonymous | February 08, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Excellent Attorney. Terrific Experience

Finding the right attorney in New York is very difficult. There are thousands to chose from. I researched and interviewed quite a few. Randi Karmel was the attorney I worked with and I remain thrilled with my choice. She is not a part of a huge law firm so when you call, you actually get her on the p...hone, When you email, you get a response within the day. And most important of all, she is very smart and very savvy. She went up against attorneys I was very intimidated by and didn't blink an eye. She fought for me and won a very favorable settlement. I can not say enough about her. I recommend her highly for anyone going through divorce/ separation/custody settlements.

Posted by Bob | May 06, 2011 | Divorce & Separation

Verry Good Divorce Lawyer in NYC

We called for some advice on where to even begin with a separation arrangement that would be amicable for both of us. The first consultation was free and when we finally got to it the divorce was seamless and painless. Great experience.

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Randi L. Karmel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Randi
Peri B Edelman headshot
Peri Edelman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Randi was competent, easy to deal with, and has excellent negotiating skills."

Robert Gary Smith headshot
Robert Smith

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Block headshot
Michael Block

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Randi."

Evan Scott Seckular headshot
Evan Seckular

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nataliya I. Gavlin headshot
Nataliya Gavlin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney with a great level of professionalism and experience."

Bernard Rothman headshot
Bernard Rothman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Randi for many years; she has represented my clients in many matrimonial/divorce matters and am currently her Counsel. Randi is a highly skilled and ethical family law attorney with extensive trial experience who forcefully articulates and champions her clients needs and welfare. She also has broad experience in child custody and domestic violence matters . Her communiication skills with clients and opposing counsel is top notch. She well respected for her skills and tenacity by fellow practicioners. She is supportive of clients emotional needs and sensitive to the impact that family dissolution will have on the children. Randi,will not over litigate, but consistent with the clients best interests, will seek to resolve a case at the earliest opportunity . I have never had a client express any reservation about Randi's representation . If a relative needed divorce counsel I would, without question, suggest Randi."

Keith Scott Orenstein headshot
Keith Orenstein

Family lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Randi is one of the finest attorneys I have had the pleasure to know. Her knowledge of all facets of family law, her work ethic, her devotion to her clients' interests, as well as her professionalism are outstanding. Without the slightest hesitation, I would recommend Randi to anyone in need to top flight legal counsel."

Deborah G. Fiss headshot
Deborah Fiss

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Randi is hardworking and has the client's best interest at heart. She is generous with her time and sincere in her efforts on the client's behalf."

Elysa Anne Krasow Greenblatt headshot
Elysa Greenblatt

Marriage and prenuptials lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Randi is dedicated and hard working. She advocates strongly for her clients to achieve positive results."

Manuel Portela Jr. headshot
Manuel Portela

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Randi Karmel for 20+ years from law school and working together as prosecutors at the Kings County District Attorney's Office. She is consciencious, committed to her clients and gets proven results. Any client who retains Ms. Karmel has superb representation."

Steven Jay Mandel headshot
Steven Mandel

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Randi and I were involved in a hotly contested, emotionally charged, high net worth matter that never would have been resolved without her knowledge and expertise. Thanks Randi!"

View All Endorsements
Keith Scott Orenstein headshot
Keith Orenstein

Family lawyer

Deborah G. Fiss headshot
Deborah Fiss

Divorce and separation lawyer

Steven Jay Mandel headshot
Steven Mandel

Family lawyer

Paul Stephen Gruvman headshot
Paul Gruvman

Personal injury lawyer

Elysa Anne Krasow Greenblatt headshot
Elysa Greenblatt

Family lawyer

Wendy J. Parmet headshot
Wendy Parmet

Family lawyer

Elliot Green headshot
Elliot Green

Family lawyer

Manuel Portela Jr. headshot
Manuel Portela

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

N/A

Clients Choice Award, AVVO

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Owner, Randi L. Karmel, PLLC

1996 - 1997

Special Counsel, New York City Department Of Investigation

1991 - 1996

Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office

Associations

Women's Bar Association of the State of New York

Member

Women's Bar Association of Kings County

Member

New York State Bar Association

Member

Brooklyn Bar Association

Member

Brooklyn Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Past Vice Chair

Education

1991

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

University of Maryland

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Divorce 101

Divorce

Publications

2013

New York Law Journal Reported Case: Jin C., Plaintiff v. Juliana L., Defendant

2012

New York Law Journal Mother Is Barred From Citing Destroyed Diary in Custody Case

2009

New York Law Journal Reported Case: LR v. AZ

2008

Brooklyn Barrister Keeping Privileged Medical Records Confidential

Languages

English

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Avvo Rating Levels
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