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Jack Richard Lebowitz
About Jack
Biography
Jack is a solo practitioner whose legal practice is based in Glens Falls, New York. His practice is concentrated in matters concerning child custody, defending clients against criminal charges including DWIs, and real estate transactions and zoning/planning applications. He serves clients primarily in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties in upstate New York.
Further details about Jack’s legal services are found in his profile here and on his website at .
Jack is a past recipient of the Paul J. Curran award for solo and small law firms for pro bono services awarded by Prisoner's Legal Services of New York.
His biography appears in Marquis' "Who's Who in American Law", "Who's Who in American Philanthrophy" and "Who's Who in the World".
Jack is a founder, Director and Associate Counsel of The Mockingbird Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501-c-3 charity formed by fans of the rock band Phish which has raised and distributed over $1.2 Million dollars for music education programs for underserved kids since its founding in 1997. The Mockingbird Foundation also publishes "The Phish Companion" book series and operates the fan website .
Jack lives in Queensbury, New York with his wife Kathleen Griffin and is father of two adult children. Jack is an avid cyclist and live music fan.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Pro bono
10 %
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 50 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1976
No misconduct found
Location
Lebowitz Legal Services, PLLC
175 Broad St., Ste 414, PO Box 4244, Glens Falls, NY, 12804-0244
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Jack Richard Lebowitz's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
25 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (25)
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Practice Areas
Child Custody (3)
Divorce & Separation (3)
Family (3)
Residential (3)
Criminal Defense (2)
Lawsuits & Disputes (2)
Banking (1)
Business (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
DUI & DWI (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Land Use & Zoning (1)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) (1)
Military Law (1)
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect (1)
Real Estate (1)
Trademark Application (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Nina G | December 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Simply amazing
We first hired Jack because he seemed very competent to represent us in Court. It was a difficult case and we were feeling very vulnerable. As time went on, we were even happier that we chose him because not only he will be your lawyer, he will HONESTLY do what's best for you. He will give you many ...
Posted by anonymous | March 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Huge help!
Last year I found myself in trouble with the police for what could only be called a lack of judgement on my part. Jack was my first call, and I'm glad I did. The police charged me with the weightiest charge that fit with very little evidence based solely on the word of the other offender. Jack was at...
Posted by Dave | September 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
So glad I hired Jack!
My teenage daughter was relocated out of state against her wishes and without my consent.All I had was visitation. After months of family court, it takes a long time,Jack got her home and now I share custody and she lives with me.Jack is very professional,honest,knowledgable and intelligent. He knows...
Posted by C.C. Morton | July 31, 2015 | Residential
House sale, Well done
When we were looking for an attorney for the sale of our home, we called several in the phone boook. Mr. Lebowitz was the first to call us back, gave information over the phone and then emailed me some information. His price was stated up front, and was reasonable. We choose him and are very pleased ...
Posted by anonymous | July 30, 2015 | Child Custody
Unprofessional
Hired jack several months ago to handle a simple custody case. He responded to my initial call for consultation very promptly. At the consultation he assured me he would be able to meet my needs as a client and I gave him a check. I never heard from him again. Three weeks later. I called and emailed ...
Jack Lebowitz
Replied last July 30, 2015I regret this client did not have a satisfactory experience. I try to explain on my website and in our preliminary consultations that as a solo practitioner doing work at reasonable rates, it is sometimes difficult to do work as quickly or control workflows as either I'd like or the clients would like. I explain it typically takes several months to initiate a custody case from the initial interview to the drafting and filing of the petition and the first court appearance. Whether taking three weeks to six weeks to prepare and file a petition is a long time or not is a matter of perception, although I do understand to that client it is a very important and urgent matter. I do explain that to do work at reasonable rates, I need to work for many clients and sometimes it will take me a few weeks to draft petitions and pleadings in a new matter for which I am retained. As it says on my website, however, I do respond promptly to all client status inquiries within one business day, and I believe I did so with this client. Custody cases are typically not as "simple" as the client might see them from their own perspective, because there usually turns out to be two sides to every story. When disputes between parents land in Family Court we are all at the mercy of third parties to resolve those conflicts and things sometimes don't go the way that either the lawyer or client hope. We can try to advocate and present the facts, but we don't make the facts or, more importantly, control the perceptions of the key players, such as the Judge and the Attorney for the Child. Additionally, although the reviewer chose to be anonymous, I also believe this matter involved a petition to retain primary physical custody and move out of state which I tried to explain during our initial meeting would probably be difficult to achieve given the applicable law (Matter of Tropea v. Tropea, 87 N.Y.2d 727) and the practical need for the other parent to consent to such arrangements and alternative visitation (e.g, summer/winter vacations) which he chose not to do after we proceeded with filing the petition. Thus, our options to modify custody in a significant way were limited by the law. I also believe that this client did not do herself any favors when she disregarded my advice and caution and sought an ex parte meeting with the Attorney for the Child to "lobby" him and then accused him of bias and misrepresenting the wishes of the children to the Court. In my opinion, this meeting did not positively influence the subsequent recommendations of the Attorney for the Child to my client's benefit. Still, I regret that I can't please all clients. I offered this client a fee adjustment (partial refund) in light of the results which disappointed her and would urge her to contact me to discuss.
Jack Richard Lebowitz's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Based upon Jack's sage advice that he has given many through responding to AVVO questions he is qualified."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Lebowitz is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Having spent hours answering questions in the Avvo legal community myself, I endorse Mr. Lebowitz as a consistent contributor to the Avvo community and offering sound legal advice. Sharing the same sentiment that a "custody battle" rarely has a winner and a loser. Each legal matter involving children should focus on what is best for their child(ren)."
"Hardworking and determined. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I am very impressed by Jack's knowledge and skill in responding to complex family law questions. Anyone in his area who has a family law problem should certainly contact Jack Lebowitz."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lebowitz's responses to legal questions are thoughtful and thorough, and he clearly understands the law of land-use and zoning."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Hovanes Margarian
Environmental and natural resources lawyer | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Having read through his many contributions to this site. I can say without question that he is an attorney I endorse. If I had a question in any area of law he practices is I know I would receive sound advice."
Sean Cleary
Environmental and natural resources lawyer | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone needing legal representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Thoughtful, thorough and speaking from a depth of experience, Jack is heartily endorsed."
"Mr. Lebowitz is a dedicated and skillful attorney who gives thoughtful and insightful guidance in his Avvo answers. I especially enjoy reading his thorough and well written answers to land use and zoning questions, which are always spot on. He is a valued member of the Avvo community who is generous in sharing his time and expertise. It is my pleasure to endorse him."
"I endorse Mr Lebowitz. I have reviewed his many contributions on Avvo and found them to be highly competent and professional. Potential Family Law clients in Glens Falls & vicinity will be well-served by retaining him."
"Mr. Lebowitz constantly provides excellent legal advice that not only benefit the asker of the question, but also fellow attorneys. Even though I have been an attorney for 23 years and even a judge and magistrate, I learn new aspects about the law from him every day."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Listed, Marquis Who's Who in American Philanthropy, Marquis Who's Who in American Philanthropy
2018
Listed, Marquis Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who in America
2018
Listed, Marquis Who's Who in American Law, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2017
Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo
2017
Distinguished (Peer rated), Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Distinguished (peer rated), Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Avvo Top Contrbutor - Family Law, Avvo
2015
BV Distinguished Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Avvo Top Contributor - Family Law, Avvo
2015
Avvo Top Contributor - Litigation, Avvo
2014
Avvo Clients Choice, Avvo
2014
BV Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Avvo Top Contributor - Litigation, Avvo
2013
Avvo Clients Choice, Avvo
2013
Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo
2013
The Paul J. Curran Award for Pro Bono Service - Solo/Small Firm, Prisoners' Legal Services of New York
2012
Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo
1996
Certificate of Appreciation, New York State Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney, Lebowitz Legal Services, PLLC
2007 - 2010
Of Counsel, Green & Seifter, Attorneys, PLLC
2005 - 2007
Of Counsel, Lemery Greisler LLC
1999 - 2005
Member, Lemery Greisler LLC
1989 - 1999
Principal, Lemery & Reid, PC
1987 - 1989
Member, Krolick & DeGraff, PC
1984 - 1987
Senior Counsel, ITT Communications Services, Inc.
1977 - 1984
Staff Counsel, NYS Public Service Commission
1975 - 1977
Associate, Law Offices of Robert J. Kafin
Associations
2012 - Present
Warren County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Prisoners Legal Services of New York, Inc.Pro bono volunteer/Attorney Emeritus
1997 - Present
The Mockingbird Foundation, Inc.Director
New York State Bar Association
Member
1992 - 1996
New York State Bar Association, Environmental Law SectionCo-Chair, Adirondack and Catskill State Park Committee
1987 - 1996
New York State Bar Association, Environmental Law SectionExecutive Committee Member
1987 - 1992
New York State Bar Association, Environmental Law SectionCo-Chair, Committee on Legislation
Sample of Legal Cases
Aiken v. Town of Moreau Zoning Board of Appeals, Index No. 20142887, Sup. Ct. Saratoga County http://jackle.bo/1VHgY2U
Decision of the Zoning Board upheld. Lebowitz also represented intervenor neighbor in the original matter before the Town Zoning Board
Mackay v. NYS Dep't of Environmental Conservation et ano. (Sup. Ct., Albany County, Lynch, J. 2008) http://jackle.bo/Vc9MKL
The County respondents prevailed in both challenges and Court selected me as lead counsel in DEC challenge even though the state Attorney General was the primary Respondent.
Mackay v. Saratoga County, (Sup. Ct., Saratoga County, Nolan, J., 2007) http://jackle.bo/1wJLq07
Decision of Respondent County who I represented as Special Counsel upheld on SEQRA and lack of Petitioner's "standing" grounds.
Flacke v. Wood et al. (Sup. Ct., Warren County, 2006) http://jackle.bo/XrkaRv
Article 78 petition of neighbors completely dismissed, Hotel, first new lodging built in Lake George in several decades, was built and operating in 2007
Saratoga County Water Supply and Transmission System - NYS DEC Article 15 Water Supply and SEQR permitting
County approvals and DEC permits granted.
Luther Forest Tech. Campus - PDD rezoning for 1,400 acre greenfield site for semiconductor manufacturing (GlobalFoundries)
All required approvals for long range master plan, PDD regulations and permits granted, including related access road and utility infrastructure. GlobalFoundries "chip" fab Project in Malta constructed and operational in 2012.
Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park Expansion EIS
Planning Board approved EISs and conceptual approvals and community groups did not challenge permits
Peo. v. Geel, 180 Misc 2d 272 (1999) http://jackle.bo/Txyeew
Local noise ordinance held unconstitutional and struck down. Criminal complaint dismissed.
Matter of Supkis v. Planning Board, 227 AD2d 779 (Third Dept 1996) http://jackle.bo/XBluOS
Use variance and SEQR "negative declaration" upheld by mid-level State Appeals court
King v. County of Saratoga IDA, 208 AD2d 194 (Third Dept. 1995) http://jackle.bo/XBlDl8
IDA determination upheld on challenge by Town and citizens group
Environmental Defense Fund v. Flacke et ano., 96 AD2d 862 (Second Dept. 1983) http://jackle.bo/XBlWfV
PSC and DEC determination upheld on challenge by Environmental Defense Fund
1980 Winter Olympics Environmental Impact Review
EISs were approved without court challenges
Education
1975
Boston University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1971
Wesleyan University
BA - Bachelor of Arts w. Honors
Speaking Engagements
1995
Private conference
Negotiating industrial electric power tariffs
Publications
1982
Northeastern Environmental Science, vol. 1, no. 2
“Converting Oil Fired Generating Units to Coal in New York State,” with Carl Pechman, PhD 1982.
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do I relocate my family?
01 Aug 2021
Q&A
Why insert sec 13 of the lien law?
03 May 2019
Q&A
Why was I given prob for pleading guilty to felony dwi and was never told underlying sentence?
17 Mar 2019