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.
4.9 /5.0
23 Client Reviews
PRO
also known as Richard A. Portale
Virtual Consultation Available
Mr. Portale is known as a pit bull in the courtroom and at the negotiting table and he has the results to prove it.
While attending the University of Buffalo Mr. Portale majored in Interdisciplinary Studies, Classics and Philosophy of Law, and graduated with Honors. Throughout undergraduate studies, Mr. Portale played football, basketball and rugby. After receiving his Juris Doctor,, Mr. Portale moved to Westchester County, New York where he studied for the New York Bar Exam while he co-managed the re-election campaign of then Westchester County Attorney Jeanine Pirro. That year, Ms. Pirro received a greater percentage of votes than any candidate in Westchester County history.
In January 1998, Mr. Portale was hired as an Assistant District Attorney at The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. During his almost five year tenure he was promoted through the ranks as follows: starting in the Motions and Appeals Unit, the Grand Jury Bureau, the Investigations Division and finally the Gangs Unit of the Investigations Bureau. Mr. Portale Left the DA’s Office and joined one of the most successful Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice Firms in the nation – Duffy, Duffy & Burdo where he further honed his trial and litigation skills.
In addition to being appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Richard had also received the 2019 Litigator of the Year award from the American Institute of Trial Lawyers. Longing to return to his true passion criminal law, Mr. Portale pursued his dream and established his own practice in Westchester County, with a concentration in criminal matters. In May of 2009, Mr. Portale joined the firm of Pappalardo & Pappalardo as a partner. In January, 2012, Richard was named Senior Criminal Defense at the law firm of Gaines, Novick, Ponzini, Cossu & Venditti, LLP. In May, 2014, Mr. Portale resurrected the Law Offices of Richard A. Portale, and has become one of the busiest criminal practices in the tri-state area. Mr. Portale has tried over a hundred cases to verdict - with a success rate that is second to none. He is admitted to the Bar of New York State, the United States Federal District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Professional & Bar Association Memberships:
New York State Bar Association (Criminal Law Section)
Westchester County Bar Association
NYS Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
NY State Trial Lawyers Association
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Columbian Lawyers Association
Other Interests: Following a 10 year career playing International Rugby League for the Unites States - Mr. Portale now and has for the past 5 years, served as Legal Counsel to the American National Rugby League. In addition, Mr. Portale and his business partner Danny Bull founded the Connecticut Wildcats - their very own Rugby Tteam (). The Wildcats have won 3 National Championships in their short five years of existence. Mr. Portale is also an avid Snowboarder - he enjoys dropping off cliffs and other risky maneuvers and is just learning to play the guitar. Please like him on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, and read his Blog: The Hanover County Courthouse.
7
Practice Areas
12 years | 20 cases
12 years | 5,000 cases
12 years | 1,000 cases
12 years | 20 cases
$ 400-450 per hour
State: New York
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Richard online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 reviews
Posted by Daniel | July 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Great attorney!
Richard is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney. From the moment I first spoke to him I felt assured and protected. He is a caring and compassionate man that utilizes all of his skills to represent his clients successfully.
Posted by Kim Meier, Port Washington, NY | January 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Above and Beyond!!
Mr. Portale and his staff were truly there for me every step of the way through a very tough process. They were always very quick to respond to all my needs and questions and walked me through everything step by step. Their price was fair and they really pulled out all the stops for me and went the...
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family
Best of the best!
I had met richard 16 years ago while he was visiting another client never realizing that one day I would have to actually put his number to use and have to hire him for my children he has worked with my family and I on 5 separate occasions once for my son and 4 different times for my daughter It is b...
Posted by anonymous | January 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Client
When your family, future, occupation and reputation could be decimated you want a legal team that will put forth the upmost dedication to defending your livelihood. One has arrived at this page reading testimonials and in need of help. At the moment you read this you may feel terrible, depressed ...
Posted by Marissa | December 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney
AWESOME!!!!
If you are looking for a highly qualified, intelligent and compassionate attorney, then Richard Portale is the way to go! He treats you with respect and courtesy. I made one of my best lifetime decisions retaining him for a close relative of mine. I couldn’t have made a better decision. Thank GOD for...
"Can't emphasize the word excellent enough when it comes to Rich's criminal defense work. One of the best."
Criminal defense lawyer
Probate lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
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
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Memeber, National College for DUI Defense
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2005
National Leadership Award, National Republican Congressional Committee
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2004 - Present
Principal, Law Offices of Richard A. Portale, P.C.
1900 - Present
Partner, Portale Randazzo LLP
2012 - 2014
Senior Criminal Trial Attorney, Gaines, Novick, Ponzini, et al
2009 - 2012
Partner, Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP
2003 - 2004
Associate, Duffy, Duffy & Burdo, LLP
1998 - 2003
Assistant District Attorney, Westchester County District Attorney's Office
1990 - 1990
Clerk, Honorable Peter Broderick, Niagara County Court Judge
2015 - Present
Arch Angel BlueBoard Member
2013 - Present
Federal Defenders
1998 - Present
New York State Bar Association (Criminal Law Section)
1998 - Present
Westchester County Bar Association
Acquitted
Acquitted of all Felonies
Acquitted of all Felonies
Acquittal on Manslaughter Charges
Hung Jury
Hung Jury
1997
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
JD
1994
BS
1994
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2002
English
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