Steven Schwartzapfel's lawsuit record includes a high success rate in getting justice for the injured through his Firm.  In cases involving wrongdoing and fraud, Steven Schwartzapfel & his Firm fight for the rights of the individual.  They know that our legal system can bring these people to justice.


That's why Steven Schwartzapfel, the founding Member of Schwartzapfel Lawyers, is committed to our civil justice system and has built his practice on its principles since 1983.  He has built Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C. into one of the most prominent and well-respected Plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in the greater New York City area.

Steven attended the State University of New York at Buffalo where he earned his B.A. degree with honors in 1977 and went on to graduate with Pace University School of Law’s second class in 1980.

Steven has been a member, director, and officer and Past President-elect of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and currently serves as a Director Emeritus. He served as the first President of the Alliance for Consumer Rights, and is also a founding member, Director and First Vice-President Officer of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has served on the Judicial Screening Committees for the Supreme Court, Appellate Division and New York Court of Appeals, in addition to serving on the Committee on Professional Discipline.

Steven has also served as chairperson and faculty lecturing to attorneys within and outside the country on many topics including trying cases, negotiation, strategies and tactics, decisions and statutes, insurance issues, law office management, client relations and ethics.

Steven has been awarded the prestigious AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell, repeatedly named to The New York Super Lawyers List and selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association.

He actively supports Law Education by sponsoring the Steven Schwartzapfel Fellowship at the Tour College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Steve is proud to be recognized by Super Lawyers for 6 consecutive years, most recently for 2012 and 2013.

Steven Schwartzapfel


About Steven Schwartzapfel


With decades of experience, Steven Schwartzapfel has a long-standing history of securing victories for his clients. After founding his own practice, he has progressed to become one of New York's most famous personal injury attorneys. Thanks to a passion that stems from his father's history of multiple sclerosis, Steven Schartzapfel recovers millions of dollars for his clients.

Steven Schwartzapfel and his dedication to justice



As he moved through childhood, Steven Schwartzapfel witnessed the struggles that many of his clients face after a wrongful injury. With a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Steven Schwartzapfel's father would often struggle to wash, dress, and feed himself. Witnessing this journey, he chose to pursue a career in law, so he could help others facing similar struggles resulting from accidents.

Thanks to his childhood experiences, Steven Schwartzapfel knows how emotionally and physically draining recovering from an injury is, especially when it's not the victim's fault. Thanks to his unparalleled degree of empathy, he understands that a loss of function or death doesn't just affect the victim. The effects extend to their family too. As such, Steven Schwartzapfel regularly receives awards for his empathetic approach.

From the moment they step into his office, Steven Schwartzapfel's clients feel like a member of the family. His broader legal team maintain regular contact, providing updates on the client's case. As a result, each person enjoys a calmer experience on the road to justice.

Steven Schwartzapfel comes with a high success rate



Few lawyers can boast the same success rate as Steven Schwartzapfel. Securing a settlement or win in over 99% of his cases, he takes on both big and small insurance companies and corporations. With a strong sense of determination, Steven Schwartzapfel doesn't rest until he finds a solution that benefits his clients. At the same time, he remains honest enough to refuse some cases. As such, when he does take one on, his clients know they're looking at a strong chance of winning.

By taking a meticulously zealous approach to tackling insurance companies, Steven Schwartzapfel will also follow a case through to the appeal stage. While discussing each step with his clients, he will always tell them when it's better to accept a settlement rather than facing a jury. Because of Steven Schwartzapfel's loyalty to remaining honest, victims of wrongful injury know they're in safe hands.

While directing his clients, Steven Schwartzapfel will approach them as though they are relatives. In doing so, he strengthens his bond with having an ethical ethos.

Steven Schwartzapfel's efforts to aid the community



Amongst many of his successes, Steven Schwartzapfel can boast being a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. For his clients, this means they're benefiting from the competence of an attorney who secures high-paying settlements and victories.

For Steven Schwartzapfel, attaining such successes means he should give back to the community. As an attorney who is familiar with the financial struggles that accompany finding a lawyer, he oversees a scheme where talented law students defend those with limited access to financial recourse.

Other ways Steven Schwartzapfel gives back to the community include liaising with advocacy groups that aid personal injury victims. Additionally, he shares his knowledge through lectures worldwide, both to judges and fellow lawyers. In doing so, Steven Schwartzapfel makes it simpler for other legal professionals to take a victim-friendly approach. At his seminars, he discusses tactical approaches, insurance barriers, building relationships with clients, and morality in legal practice.

After witnessing his dedication to the community, the American Bar Association now features Steven Schwartzapfel as a lifelong member. Alongside his existing work, he sponsors Pace University Law School and Touro Law School students whose parentage includes union workers demonstrating excellence in their field. Similarly, the Schwartzapfel Lawyers Humanitarian Scholarship aids prospective students who want to enter certain public service fields, including:

  • Nurses and doctors
  • Teachers
  • Social workers


Thanks to his scholarship programmes, Steven Schwartzapfel draws exceptional talent towards the academic areas that benefit clients the most.

Throughout his time as an attorney, Steven has witnessed the devastation that drinking and driving and texting while driving can have. As such, he works with Mothers Against Drinking and Driving (MADD) to reduce the number of people who suffer from such reckless actions. As a volunteer with MADD and an executive committee member, he imparts his knowledge to reduce devastating consequences for those who suffer at the hands of drunk drivers.

A tireless commitment to personal injury services in New York



Working throughout New York, Steven Schwartzapfel delivers a tireless commitment to offering personal injury defense. From his recognition as a legal leader to features in magazines such as Forbes and the New York Times, he aims to make life easier for those who encounter accidents at work, road traffic injuries that aren't their fault, and similar areas. Such work doesn't just benefit those who suffer injuries and survive. It also extends to family members moving undertaking bereavement.

Steven Schwartzapfel awards of note



As a member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, Steven Schwartzapfel can boast many other awards. Alongside gaining recognition from eminent bodies, he also regularly attains the respect of his peers. br>
For seven years running, Steven Schwartzapfel has been named as a Super Lawyer. Super Lawyers bestows such titles to those who demonstrate remarkable personal achievements in their legal field. br>
Steven Schwartzapfel has a strong history of receiving other awards:

The Litigators Award



As a recipient of the Litigators Award, Steven Schwartzapfel can confidently state that he makes extraordinary achievements on behalf of his clients.

Steven Schwartzapfel's magazine features



Few attorneys feature in as many prominent magazines as Steven Schwartzapfel. However, some of the publications to pay homage to his practice include:

  • The Wall Street Journal
  • New York Law Journal
  • Newsday
  • American Lawyer
  • Corporate Counsel
  • National Law Journal


Additionally, Long Island Magazine features Steven Schwartzapfel as one of their Top Legal Eagles.

Recognition from the Elite Lawyers of America



After consistently securing compensation of two-million dollars and above for his clients, Steven Schwartzapfel also receives awards from the Elite Lawyers of America.

Steven Schwartzapfel has a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating



The Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating depends highly on the reviews of clients. With an outstanding rating, Steven Schwartzapfel illustrates how he always delivers high client satisfaction.

Steven Schwartzapfel won the New York State Trial Lawyers Association President's Award



As a winner of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association President's Award, Steven Schwartzapfel demonstrates that he provides excellent pro-bono services to those who need them.

A Winner of the Pace University School of Law Distinguished Services Award



As a winner of this award, Steven Schwartzapfel is now an eminent member of Pace University's School of Law alumni.

Steven Schwartzapfel is amongst the Top 100 trial lawyers in America



Not only is Steven Schwartzapfel amongst the Top 100 trial lawyers in America with The American Trial Lawyers Association, but The National Trial Lawyers Association have also given him the same accolade.

Steven Schwartzapfel is a member of the Judicial Screening Committee



Steven Schwartzapfel also acts as a member of the Judicial Screening Committee, which means he can make recommendations to New York's Governor on who should hold legal office. Such a position demonstrates the value of his skills amongst those who represent the public.

Newsweek featured Steven Schwartzapfel as a leader in law



Such are Steven Schwartzapfel's personal injury defense skills, Newsweek featured him as their leader in law.

Steven Schwartzapfel Reviews



With thousands of happy clients throughout New York, Steven Schwartzapfel regularly receives five-star reviews from those he serves. Here are some of them:

Excellent communication from Steven Schwartzapfel following an accident

When it comes to personal injury, few people want to find themselves left in the dark following an accident. One consumer can't praise Steven Schwartzapfel enough following his experience:

The hard-working individuals at this firm have done an excellent job with effective communication and guiding me in the whole case process.

Praise for Steven Schwartzapfel and his team's knowledge

Steven Schwartzapfel works as part of a broader team. According to Ally, they're all just as knowledgeable:

The caseworkers are a pleasure to work with and extremely knowledgeable.

I would absolutely recommend them without any hesitation!!!


Steven Schwartzapfel truly treats his clients like they're family

With a genuine empathy for those who suffer following a wrongful accident, Steven Schwartzapfel really does treat his clients as though they're family: Everyone is so friendly and welcoming; they even send you nice holiday cards! I would definitely recommend this firm 100%!

Steven Schwartzapfel also understands the importance of communication

So that his clients remain up-to-date with the progress of their case, Steven Schwartzapfel emphasizes excellent communication:

I was provided with monthly updates as to the progress made and any appointments scheduled or paperwork required. This team handled all communications with the utmost attention and kept me informed of the status of this case.

As a lawyer, Steven Schwartzapfel understands just how comforting good communication is for his clients.

Steven Schwartzapfel means it when he says he fights hard

From the beginning, Steven Schwartzapfel has told his clients that he and his law firm will fight hard for them. One review from Marlon J demonstrates how hard they fight:

Reliable, informative and they definitely will fight hard for their clients.

Steven Schwartzapfel will work tirelessly towards supporting those in their hour of need

When one client approached Steven Schwartzapfel after facing struggles with his disability payouts, he worked to make his life easier:

Being a union tradesman in high rise construction for 28 + years an on the job injury kept me grounded and struggling (possibly for life) with 4 young children to support; they did their best to keep my disability /comp.

It doesn't take much to see why Steven Schwartzapfel receives so many five-star reviews, to join his happy clients, reach out to a member of his team.



Multimedia: Photos & Videos

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Schwartzapfel Lawyers staff at the Academy's Installation Reception
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Steven Schwartzapfel meeting with Senator Chuck Schumer at the Academy's Installation Reception
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Steven Schwartzapfel meeting with union members at the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida
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Steven Schwartzapfel addressing union Presidents, Vice Presidents, Executive Members and Business Agents at the Building & Construction Trades Council of Great New York at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida
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Steven Schwartzapfel addressing union Presidents, Vice Presidents, Executive Members and Business Agents at the Building & Construction Trades Council of Great New York at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida
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ALM Publication Photoshoot (Standing from left to right: Ben Rabinowich, Sachin Gadh, Michael Reiner, Brian Murphy) Sitting from left to right: Nicole Kim, Steven Schwartzapfel, Chris Holbrook)
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Steven Schwartzapfel at Local One's annual picnic at Krucker's Grove in Ponoma, NY
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Steven Schwartzapfel receiving the Distinguished Service Award from Pace University School of Law
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The attorneys of Schwartzapfel Lawyers at Local 1298 meeting (from left to right: Sachin Gagh, Chris Holbrook, Michael Reiner, Ben Rabinowitz, Steven Schwartzapfel, Brian Murphy)
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The attorneys of Schwartzapfel Lawyers (from left to right: Ben Rabinowitz, Sachin Gadh, Chris Holbrook, Steven Schwartzapfel, Michael Reiner, Brian Murphy)
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The attorneys of Schwartzapfel Lawyers at Local One's annual picnic at Krucker's Grove in Ponoma, NY. From left to right (Brian Murphy, Michael Reiner, Chris Holbrook, Sachin Gadh, Steven Schwartzapfel, Paul Atkinson).
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New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Steven Schwartzapfel at the Building and Construction Trades Convention in Florida
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