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.

I paid Steven Klein tens of thousands of dollars to represent me in my divorce proceedings. After Klein started out strongly at the start, he then did virtually nothing at the end of two years. I then hired Kelly Brady, Esq. to help me, and she was able to settle my divorce settlement, unlike Steven... Klein.

If you are going through a divorce and care about yourself and your kids, DO NOT use Steven H. Klein. Unfortunately, it was too late for me and my children and I will have to spend more time and money fixing all the damage that he and his law firm did. After being in an abusive relationship, I met wi...th Steve and he put on a great show about him being able to handle the situation at hand. After all, he had experience with these cases. After receiving payment after payment over the years, there was never any actions that matched that initial conversation. Emails went unanswered, concerns were not taken seriously, and he actually made comments to me that it was my fault that the proceedings were taking so long. He allowed the courts and my ex to continually abuse me and my children through the system and provided no guidance in the case. I begged to go to a trial, yet there was no follow through. It came down to the judge saying settle on one court appearance to settle or the trial will be that exact day, with no prep. How did he even allow this to happen?? While we were the plaintiff, he let the defendant's lawyer take the lead on everything and simply sat back doing nothing, even after I kept voicing that there would be issues with this. There were many billing errors that never got corrected, and the kicker piece was the the final documents were mailed to my ex-husband. This is not a professional law firm that will have you or your children as their best interest.

I hate writing reviews; I mean, I REALLY HATE writing them. When you find a professional that stands out from the crowd, however, it's only appropriate to give praise as deserved. Steve has been extremely patient throughout my legal journey and continues to provide sound advise and creative solut...ions for a difficult situation. What's most impressive, however, is his ability to think quickly on his feet, using his wit, skills (the man is absurdly smart and could write a book based on his in-depth knowledge and experience), and appropriately-timed sarcasm to deliver the message in a compelling and easily-understandable way. If you're looking for someone who will sugar-coat things, Steve isn't your guy, though. We've had a lot of tough conversations and haven't always seen the case the same way. He's objective, taking the emotions out of the legal issues, yet still somehow seems to be more empathetic than most. Why do I mention this? If you want good representation, you can't work with someone who always tells you what you want to hear. Instead, you need someone in your camp who will help you through the emotions of the situation but more than that, keep you in the game; Steve is that person.

Steven Klein came highly recommended to me by numerous people when I found myself in a child custody matter with my ex husband. I contacted him right away as my court appearance was in the very near future and he was accomodating and eager to take on my case. Obviously anything involving court and fa...mily matters is a very stressful and emotional time. But using Steve and knowing that I was going to be represented by such a confidant and determined attorney eased my stress and worry. He and his firm responded to every email/call or text promptly. I was very happy with the results and I am now using him again for a separate matter. I would highly recommend him to anyone. When you find yourself in any legal situation and you want the best representation, he’s the guy for the job.