Steven H. Klein

I retained Steven H. Klein in a matter involving escrow/IOLA funds and to seek dismissal (with prejudice) of a case filed against me by attorneys Heather M. Abissi and Stephen M. Santoro. I provided him with documentary evidence and regulatory findings related to service, billing, and evidentiary iss...ues in that action. However, the requested dismissal motion was not filed. In Department of State v. Clemens W. Pantaleo (File No. 2019-0764), based on a complaint I submitted, the NYS Division of Licensing Services issued a Consent Order dated September 30, 2024. The Order reflects that Mr. Pantaleo surrendered his notary license with prejudice (recorded as a revocation). The Department’s written findings reference notarial irregularities connected to the Abissi/Santoro matter and note that the Division does not have authority to discipline attorneys. These records are publicly available through the NYS Department of State. Mr. Klein also held over $120,000 of my funds in escrow. Despite repeated written requests, I did not receive what I understood to be a complete escrow accounting consistent with 22 NYCRR 1200 Rule 1.15. Specifically, I did not receive: • Bank identification • Account statements • A contemporaneous ledger reflecting deposits and withdrawals • Cancelled checks • Reconciliation records • An accounting of interest over approximately three years. Additionally, although I was informed that a Notice of Pendency (lis pendens) had been filed pursuant to our retainer agreement, I later confirmed with the Orange County Clerk’s Office that no such filing appeared of record and ultimately prepared and filed it myself. During the representation, retainers were depleted quickly, additional funds were requested with no substantive work per the retainer agreement and motions to be relieved as counsel were filed if you refuse to pay more. Before retaining any attorney in matters involving escrow or significant retainers, I recommend reviewing public disciplinary histories and prior firm affiliations. Mr. Klein previously served as managing lead partner of: • Klein, Varble & Greco, P.C. • Klein & Varble, P.C. • Klein & Sanchez, P.C. Public appellate decisions include: • Matter of Kevin R. Greco (2016 NY Slip Op 01846) – resignation while under investigation; disbarment. • Matter of Michael R. Varble (2019 NY Slip Op 01422) – resignation while charges pending; disbarment; admitted failure to return unearned fees. • Matter of Cindy L. Sanchez (2024 NY Slip Op 06201) – six-month suspension. In Mid-Hudson Properties, Inc. v. Klein Varble & Greco, P.C., 167 A.D.3d 862 (2d Dept 2018) (Dutchess County Index No. 2015-50818), the Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s determination regarding a commercial rent dispute involving Mr. Klein individually. These matters are publicly searchable on nycourts.gov and through the NYS Department of State. In addition to Klein Law, P.C., Mr. Klein serves as an elected Town of Poughkeepsie Justice (since 2023). Individuals seeking to file written complaints may contact: • New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (for judicial conduct matters) in Albany, NY • Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District (for attorney matters) White Plains, NY • Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department – Attorney Matters, Brooklyn, NY Based on my personal experience with escrow handling, motion practice decisions, and the information available in public records, I would have never retain Mr. Klein. Do your own research.

Being in the legal field and knowing many attorneys, I chose to look at AVVO to search for another attorney who did not know me. Thank God I found him. He represented me for an early emancipation of my son followed by a Contempt Motion against me by my ex. I will never forget what he said to me on... my 1st consultation, I will do everything I can for you within the law. For a year and a half, we were up against an attorney who was relentless and played dirty. Steve held his ground and even when I got crazy, said to me, let me do my job. And I did. He always remained calm and was compassionate knowing my specific situation. Glad I let him do his thing, as it resulted in my favor. Better than I expected. He knows the law and didn't need to be a bully or paper pushing attorney to win his case. Sometimes it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for. I would definitely recommend him. His staff was always very nice and professional as well. I will definitely refer you and your office. Thank you again.

I am so glad I found this lawyer. Steve is fierce, he is not afraid to stand up for his client. He is reassuring, he listens to everything you say and works from his heart. I was a nervous wreck before court as soon as I saw him, I felt much better. He always has time to get back to you with any ques...tions and speaks thoroughly with with you so you understand what is going on. His office staff is wonderful and caring as well. I will never, ever go to another lawyer. I also like that he prefers to email his client, not only is it documented but you can look back on what he says to remind yourself. He took a nightmare and turned it into something excellent.

The Law office of Steven H. Klein treats you like an adult with dignity and respect from the first day you sign onto their services. Steven properly prepares your case to stay within the guidelines of the law in order to increase the chances of the desired outcome. In my case the apposing attorney us...ed dirty tactics to gain the home field advantage and force the court to decide "temporarily" in favor of his client. ( in other words the apposing attorney encouraged his client to stretch the truth) Steven stays true to his principals and beliefs and defends his clients with honor and nobility, not the dirty tactics that often backfire. This was true in my case and will be true in yours. It sucks when you have to hold onto the short end of the stick because the apposing counsel is using dirty tactics, but if you stay the course with Steven, he will lead you through the fog to a better outcome then the dirty tactic lawyer can ever hope to achieve. Plus I bet he sleeps a lot better at night knowing he follows the law, not skirts it.

Having used Steve Klein and his firm has made my life a lot easier and I do a lot less worrying. It has made a tough situation as easy as it can be. I have always left more than satisfied knowing he understood my situation and has always done an excellent job getting me through the legal system. He ...made sure I understood everything that was going on and anything that might happen in the future. All telephone calls are answered promptly. His staff is kind courteous and very respectful. They give you ample time to get ready for court dates and explain the process step by step. Truthfully I let Steve Klein handle all my legal issues. I let him do the worrying for me. I always leave knowing that he has my best interest at heart.