New York Personal Injury Attorney
  • Bio
  • Bar Admissions
  • Education
  • Awards
  • Professional Associations

Steven J. Mandel

Attorney

Like many of the best and most talented litigators, Steve Mandel has a colorful, varied and exciting background. Born and raised on the tough, gritty streets of Brooklyn, Steve worked his way through college and law school as a professional musician and comedian. On stage performance was training that would later serve him well in representing clients. “Nothing fazes me in court,” Steve says with a smile. “After doing standup comedy before 3000 people at a hotel, working in front of a judge, or six people in a jury box, is nothing.”

Steve feels it’s vital to bring the “counseling” aspect back to the practice of law. In guiding people through some of the most difficult and emotional times of their lives, Steve sees each one as a unique individual. To him, clients are always people, not cases. It is for this reason Steve proudly refers to himself as a “Counselor at Law.” In fact, the very first two people Steve represented over 26 years ago are still his clients today.

Winning or negotiating the best outcome for his clients is Steve Mandel’s number one goal. He believes that balancing solid, thorough case preparation with an innovative, flexible approach brings the greatest opportunity for success. In fact, he is described as “the Picasso of the legal profession,” because his special creativity is a proven factor in overcoming obstacles to courtroom victory, and major monetary settlements. “If a lawyer only knows the law, the legislature can repeal everything he knows,” says Mandel. Steve has a proven ability to keenly assess each client’s situation, and tailor an approach best suited to a successful outcome. For this reason, he has succeeded with what other lawyers might describe as “the un-winnable case.”

Steve enjoys frequent guest appearances as an expert legal analyst on Court TV and NBC’s Celebrity Justice. He’s also appeared in national feature stories on Dateline NBC, CBS’ 48 Hours, Geraldo, and MSNBC’s On The Money. All major New York newspapers have quoted him extensively as an authoritative source on various legal matters.

Steve is actively involved in community support, volunteering his legal skills to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2005, the New York City Chapter of the MS Society presented a special award to him, in recognition of more than 20 years of dedicated service.

Hard work has always been the cornerstone of Steve Mandel’s law practice. He says, “To be a success, you only have to work half a day. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first twelve hours or the last twelve hours.”

Steve is a graduate of Adelphi University with honors, and received his law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He and his wife Ellen have two teenage daughters.

Areas of Practice

  • Family Law: Divorce, Child Custody & Support
  • Business Litigation
  • Entertainment Law
  • Personal Injury

Litigation Percentage

  • 80% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 1980
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1981
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, 1981
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1999
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1985

Education

  • Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, New York
    • J.D. – 1979
  • Adelphi University, Garden City, New York
    • Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) – 1976
    • Honors: With Honors

Representative Clients

  • Nationwide Communications
  • Professional Comedians Association
  • Terrace Gardens Plaza, Incorporated
  • Sound Factory
  • Electric Lady Studios

Honors and Awards

  • Martindale-Hubbell Awarded Highest Possible Rating for Trial Attorney
  • Spirit Award from National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City Chapter
  • Legal Services Volunteer of the Year Award, from National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City Chapter

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Member
  • New York State Bar Association, Member
  • New York County Bar Association, Member
  • American Association for Justice, Member
  • Brooklyn Bar Association, Member
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • Westchester County Bar Association

Pro Bono Activities

  • Featured Judge: Yale University Moot Court Competition
  • Featured Judge: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Moot Court Competition
  • Legal Consultant: National Multiple Sclerosis Society