Neil Steven Ruskin

PRO

Neil Steven Ruskin

5.0
1430 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 52 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Brooklyn, NY
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Sex Crime ... +2 more

188 Montague St, Suite 900, Brooklyn, NY

Free Consultation

About Neil

Biography

Top Rated Highly Reviewed Criminal Defense Attorney

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 20%

20%
DUI and DWI 20%

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

20%
Drug Crime 20%

20%
Sex Crime 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Silver Client Champion
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 9

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 52 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1973

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Neil S Ruskin

188 Montague St, Suite 900, Brooklyn, NY, 11201

neilruskinlawfirm.com/

Neil Steven Ruskin's Reviews

Posted by Jennifer | January 23, 2026 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Very knowledgeable in criminal law

Mr Neil Ruskin navigated me through a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever grateful. Very knowledgeable and criminal law and the steps he suggested I take were incredibly helpful. I highly recommend that you choose Mr Ruskin for any future attorney criminal needs he will not let you d...own.

Posted by Curtis | January 22, 2026 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

The best attorney I've ever encountered. Not what email address email address

Mr Ruskin is a top notch attorney. He will answer all of your questions without hesitation. Very friendly and courteous and get straight to the point in order to find the best result and outcome for anyone's situation. It was a pleasure consulting with him and highly recommend that you or anyone hire... him for any future criminal needs highly recommended thank you Mr Ruskin for all that you do.

Posted by Daniel | January 21, 2026 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Top notch lawyer and advocate

Mr Ruskin was such a pleasure to speak to. He is very knowledgeable and was extremely helpful. Guided me through the steps to take and offered his continuous support in my matter. I would highly recommend anyone in need of legal services to hire mr. Ruskin. Highly skilled professional with a wealth o...f expertise in the law that will aggressively fight for you and your rights

Posted by M | January 15, 2026 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Wonderful friendly attorney

I had a free consultation with attorney neil ruskin neil was very kind and sincere. Neil explained the law to me. I understand what my rights are now neil is excellent friendly and very kind neil gave me great advice.

Posted by JR | January 15, 2026 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Excellent Compassionate Attorney

Today I went to see Neil Ruskin for a free consultation, Neil sat with me for over 2 hours and explained the law and what is involved in a trial. Neil explained what a ACD means and if I should take it. Neil is a very what strong knowledgeable attorney. Neil has a lot of experience and I’m confident ...that he is giving me the best advice. I plan to get back to Neil with possibility of hiring him. Neil is excellent and his experience shows it

See All Client Reviews

Neil Steven Ruskin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Neil
Adam Benjamin Feder headshot
Adam Feder

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I know him professionally for almost 30 years. He is one of the smartest and most tenacious criminal defense attorneys in Brooklyn. I highly recommend him as he also is a man of his word!"

Afia Sengupta headshot
Afia Sengupta

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Neil is a wonderful human being and an excellent mentor. I am only grateful that he has always guided me. I have known Neil for almost 8 years now and he zealously fights for his clients and goes above & beyond."

Jacob Uriel headshot
Jacob Uriel

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When I was a prosecutor, I went up against Mr. Ruskin on a few cases. One of the cases we had against each other was a complex vehicular manslaughter. There, I saw what an excellent lawyer Mr. Ruskin was. He knew the case inside and out, advocated zealously for his client, and was always a gentleman."

Tony Mirvis headshot
Tony Mirvis

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Ruskin is a great attorney. I have seen him work on an almost daily basis and can say he exhibits many traits that one should look for in an attorney. He is fair and honest with his clients. And when the going gets tough, Neil is ready for anything and everything the prosecution throws at him. I have worked with him in the past and it was a pleasure."

Matthew J. Galluzzo headshot
Matthew Galluzzo

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Neil is an excellent lawyer with a wide range of experience. He is a professional and genuinely cares about his clients. He is also a very likable gentleman with a great sense of humor. I endorse him wholeheartedly."

Kevin M. James headshot
Kevin James

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Mr. Ruskin for over 10 years as a criminal defense lawyer. I worked as a prosecutor at the Brooklyn District Attorney's office during that period. I found Mr. Ruskin to be a formidable attorney who knows the law and fights hard for his clients. I highly recommend Neil to anyone needing a criminal defense lawyer."

Mahmoud R Rabah headshot
Mahmoud Rabah

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Of the handful of attorneys in New York City who actually know how to manage, try, and win a criminal case, Neil Ruskin stands tall. He is a tremendously successful and experienced attorney. And, most of all, he knows how to win. I can't even imagine the sheer number of cases he has handled, and, I'm positive, obtained excellent results. I fully respect him as a fellow litigant and wholeheartedly endorse him for any criminal matter."

Yan Katsnelson headshot
Yan Katsnelson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Neil is an excellent attorney. Niel and I have worked together on a couple of matters and his knowledge of the law, professionalism and presence in the court room is excellent. I highly endorse and recommend Neil."

Todd Douglas Greenberg headshot
Todd Greenberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Neil. Neil Ruskin has been a friend and co-counsel for many years. Very few attorneys match the time and preparation that he puts into each and every case. This hard work leads to many victories in his Criminal cases. Neil cares about his clients and is always willing to go the extra mile on their behalf."

Darran Winslow headshot
Darran Winslow

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is familiar with the court house, knows the law, and has a proven track record of success."

Henry A Martuscello headshot
Henry Martuscello

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse Neil Ruskin. I have known Neil for over 40 years. He is an experienced, diligent and highly skilled criminal defense attorney whose reputation in the legal community is stellar and beyond reproach. Most importantly, he cares about his clients and the fair administration of justice for all."

Michael Dreishpoon headshot
Michael Dreishpoon

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Neil is an excellent attorney with tons of experience. He pays attention to details, gets great plea deals for his clients and isn't afraid to try a case. I highly recommend him."

Jacob Zev Weinstein headshot
Jacob Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I know Neil from my time as a Prosecutor. Neil is an outstanding advocate for each client. It was always a pleasure to work with him."

Rachel L. Kugel headshot
Rachel Kugel

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Ruskin, he is one of those lawyers that walks the walk and fights the good fight everyday. He is always in court fighting for his clients and eager to share a story or strategy with a peer. He is the real deal."

Ezra C. Levy headshot
Ezra Levy

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Other

"Neil Ruskin is a gentleman and and a zealous advocate for his clients. He also has a great reputation among the defense bar and is well accepted by judges and prosecutors."

Jay S. Duskin headshot
Jay Duskin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.I have known Neil Ruskin for over 30 years.He is an excellent Criminal Lawyer who is concerned with his clients and the outcome of the case no matter how big or small the case may be. He takes every case personally as if it were a Family member."

Robert E. Brown headshot
Robert Brown

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Neil has decades of experience, but somehow maintains the enthusiasm of a new lawyer. He is well know and well respected throughout the city and always does a great job for his clients."

Jay K Goldberg headshot
Jay Goldberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I know Neil for over 20 years. He is an excellent lawyer and well respected in the legal community. Neil knows the system and knows how to get the best possible results for his clients."

Lonnie Hart Jr headshot
Lonnie Hart

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Neil is a very knowledgable and dedicated criminal lawyer who goes the extra mile for his clients. I highly recommend his services to anyone needing a criminal attorney."

Izabel Olszowa Garcia headshot
Izabel Garcia

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Ruskin. He is a dedicated and talented criminal attorney who is well respected in the legal community. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Afia Sengupta headshot
Afia Sengupta

Criminal defense lawyer

Jacob Uriel headshot
Jacob Uriel

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth Panzer headshot
Kenneth Panzer

Immigration lawyer

Tony Mirvis headshot
Tony Mirvis

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew J. Galluzzo headshot
Matthew Galluzzo

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin M. James headshot
Kevin James

Criminal defense lawyer

Mahmoud R Rabah headshot
Mahmoud Rabah

Criminal defense lawyer

Yan Katsnelson headshot
Yan Katsnelson

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Nelson Fleischman headshot
Michael Fleischman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Todd Douglas Greenberg headshot
Todd Greenberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Nestor H. Diaz headshot
Nestor Diaz

Criminal defense lawyer

Darran Winslow headshot
Darran Winslow

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc Harris Ruskin headshot
Marc Ruskin

Criminal defense lawyer

Henry A Martuscello headshot
Henry Martuscello

Criminal defense lawyer

Jacob Zev Weinstein headshot
Jacob Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Dreishpoon headshot
Michael Dreishpoon

Criminal defense lawyer

Rachel L. Kugel headshot
Rachel Kugel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Ezra C. Levy headshot
Ezra Levy

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert E. Brown headshot
Robert Brown

Criminal defense lawyer

Jay S. Duskin headshot
Jay Duskin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Client's Choice, Avvo

2019

Client's Choice, Avvo

2018

Client's Choice, Avvo

2017

10 Best, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top Attorneys in America, Who's Who Legal

2017

Client's Choice, Avvo

2016

Client's Choice, Avvo

2015

A+ Accredited Business, Better Business Bureau

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Who's Who Legal, Who's Who Legal

2015

Top 100 Trial Attorneys, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2015

Client's Choice, Avvo

2006

Who's Who Legal, Who's Who Legal

2003

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

2002

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Of Counsel, BRUS CHAMBERS International Law Firm

2013 - Present

Mentor, New York City College of Technology, Paralegal Intern Program

1972 - 1975

Public Defender, Legal Aid Society New York City

1970 - 1970

Social Worker/Case Worker, New York City Department of Social Services

1968 - 1970

Teacher, New York City Board of Education

Associations

2015 - Present

BRUS CHAMBERS International Law Firm

Lawyer / Associate

1990 - Present

Jewish Community Center of Bensonhurst Alumni Association

Member

1990 - Present

Temple Israel Kavod/Honor Society

Member

1990 - Present

World Jewish Congress/American Section

Member

1990 - Present

Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island

Board Member, Congregant, Brotherhood Member

1979 - Present

U.S Supreme Court

Admitted to Practice

1975 - Present

New England School of Law Century Club

Member

1975 - Present

Long Island University Alumni Association

Member

1975 - Present

U.S. Federal Court - Southern District of New York

Admitted to Practice

1975 - Present

U.S. Federal Court - Eastern District of New York

Admitted to Practice

1975 - Present

Kings County Criminal Bar Association

Member

1972 - Present

New England School of Law Alumni Association

Member

1970 - Present

Lafayette High School Alumni Association

Member

1995 - 2000

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1990 - 1996

Southern Poverty Law Center, Clan Watch

1985 - 1990

American Bar Association

Lawyer / Member

1985 - 1990

New York State Bar Association

Lawyer / Member

1985 - 1990

Kings County 18B Homicide Panel

Lawyer / Member

1985 - 1990

New York Urban League

Member

1985 - 1990

New York Civil Liberties Union

Member

1985 - 1990

American Civil Liberties Union

Member

1980 - 1985

Southern Poverty Law Center

Member

1975 - 1990

Kings County 18B Panel

Lawyer/ Member

Education

1972

New England School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1968

Long Island University

MA - Masters

1967

Parsons College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution