Shafer Partners, LLP

In the bustling legal landscape of New York City, finding a law firm that truly understands the intricate demands of insurance and corporate liability defense is crucial. Businesses and individuals alike often find themselves in situations requiring expert legal counsel to navigate complex claims, mitigate risks, and secure favorable outcomes. For those operating within the five boroughs and beyond, having a dedicated and experienced legal team is not just an advantage, but a necessity to protect their interests and reputation.

Shafer Partners, LLP, is one such firm that has carved out a significant niche in this specialized area. With a strong presence in the heart of New York City, Shafer Partners, LLP is recognized for its focused expertise in defending insurance companies, policyholders, third-party administrators, and large self-insured companies against a wide array of liability claims. Their commitment to providing robust and strategic defense, coupled with a deep understanding of New York and New Jersey legal frameworks, makes them a vital resource for entities facing litigation or seeking proactive risk management. This article will explore what makes Shafer Partners, LLP a prominent choice for those in need of their specialized legal services, covering their convenient location, the specific areas of law they practice, and the distinguishing features that set them apart in the competitive New York legal market.

Location and Accessibility

Shafer Partners, LLP boasts a highly accessible and strategic location in the heart of Lower Manhattan, making it convenient for clients throughout the New York metropolitan area. Their office is situated at 125 Maiden Ln #16A, New York, NY 10038, USA. This address places them in the vibrant Financial District, a hub of business and legal activity, and an area renowned for its excellent connectivity to public transportation.

For New Yorkers utilizing the extensive subway system, the firm’s office is within easy walking distance of several major subway stations. The Fulton Street station, a significant transit hub, provides access to the A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines. Additionally, other nearby stations offer access to the R and W lines, ensuring that clients can reach the firm from virtually any part of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx with relative ease. Numerous bus routes also service the Lower Manhattan area, offering additional transportation options. While street parking in this dense urban environment can be challenging, there are several commercial parking garages available in the vicinity for those who prefer to drive.

The firm’s presence on Maiden Lane positions them close to significant financial institutions, corporate headquarters, and courthouses, which can be advantageous for legal proceedings and client convenience. This central and well-connected location underscores Shafer Partners, LLP’s commitment to being readily available and fully integrated into New York City's dynamic business and legal community.

Services Offered

Shafer Partners, LLP specializes primarily in insurance and corporate liability defense, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of insurance companies, policyholders, and self-insured entities. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of complex legal matters, ensuring robust representation for their clients. Here are the key practice areas where Shafer Partners, LLP provides their specialized legal services:

• Appellate Practice Defense: Handling appeals from motions and trials, leveraging decades of experience in appellate advocacy to present strong arguments in higher courts.
• Commercial and Business Litigation: Representing clients in disputes arising from commercial contracts, business operations, and other corporate disagreements.
• Construction Liability: Addressing legal issues related to construction defects, personal injury, and property damage occurring on construction sites, representing building owners and managers.
• Corporate Counsel: Providing ongoing legal advice and representation to companies, ensuring compliance and managing various corporate legal needs.
• Directors & Officers Liability Defense: Defending corporate directors and officers against claims of wrongful acts committed in their capacities.
• Employment Practices Liability: Advising and defending employers against claims such as wrongful termination, discrimination (including sexual and racial harassment, disability, age, and sexual orientation), and disputes related to wages, hours, and compliance with acts like the FMLA and ADA. This includes developing preventative strategies like reviewing handbooks and drafting employment contracts.
• Environmental/Toxic Tort: Representing building owners and managers in matters concerning asbestos, mold, sick building claims, oil and chemical spills, sewage contamination, and exposure to smoke and carbon monoxide, often involving associated insurance coverage issues.
• General Liability Defense: Handling a wide variety of general liability matters, including assault and battery, landlord and management negligent security, commercial liability, advertising injuries, defamation, privacy, elevator incidents, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and first-party and third-party property damage cases.
• Insurance Coverage Litigation: Addressing disputes over insurance policy interpretation, coverage denials, and subrogation claims on behalf of both insurance companies and policyholders.
• Labor and Employment: Providing comprehensive legal support for employers on all labor-related issues, including compliance, disputes, and policy development.
• Professional Liability Defense: Defending various professionals such as attorneys, chiropractors, dentists, nursing homes, architects, engineers, accountants, and real estate brokers and agents against malpractice or negligence claims.
• Security Company Liability: Representing private security companies in lawsuits by third parties and client companies.
• Transportation Liability: Handling lawsuits, claims, and arbitrations for trucking companies, bus companies, fleet owners, rental companies, car services, and private individuals involved in motor vehicle incidents.
• Workers' Compensation Defense: Managing all aspects of workers’ compensation claims, providing defense through designated insurance or directly for employers, and advising on strategies for claim exposure reduction and management.

This extensive list demonstrates Shafer Partners, LLP’s deep specialization in defense litigation for various industries, making them a formidable advocate for their clients.

Features / Highlights

Shafer Partners, LLP distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore their prominence and effectiveness in the legal field. While the provided customer review points to an isolated negative experience regarding communication, the firm's established reputation and publicly available information highlight strong professional attributes:

• Recognized Industry Leadership: Shafer Partners, LLP is a recognized leader in the field of Insurance and Corporate Liability Defense. The firm has received Martindale-Hubbell's® highest rating of AV® Peer Review Rated, signifying excellent legal ability and ethical standards.
• Acclaimed Attorneys: Many of their attorneys, including Howard S. Shafer, are recognized as "New York Super Lawyers" and "Super Lawyers Rising Stars," designations awarded to only a small percentage of attorneys who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional accomplishment. Howard Shafer himself has been a "New York Super Lawyer" since 2006 and a finalist for the Outside Counsel of the Year award in 2020.
• Industry Recommendations: A.M. Best, a leading credit rating agency for the insurance industry, has placed Shafer Partners, LLP in its Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys, further affirming their standing within the insurance defense sector.
• Extensive Experience: The firm possesses extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, including insurance companies, policyholders, third-party administrators, captives, risk retention groups, and large self-insured companies. This breadth of experience allows them to understand the unique challenges faced by their clients.
• Esteemed Memberships: Their attorneys are active members of prestigious legal organizations such as The Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), with Howard Shafer being a Past New York State Chair. Other memberships include the New York State Bar Association (particularly the Corporate Counsel Section and Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law section) and the Professional Liability Underwriting Society.
• Speaking Engagements: Given their depth of knowledge, Shafer Partners' attorneys are frequently invited speakers for business associations, municipal hearings, and continuing legal education programs on topics relevant to their clients and insurance companies in New York (downstate) and New Jersey.
• Long-Standing Client Relationships: The firm boasts significant long-term client relationships, including representing one of the largest private security companies in the country for over 15 years, with Howard Shafer personally representing them for over 25 years. They have also been part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tort litigation panel since 2013, handling cases for sister agencies like the New York City Transit Authority.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a highly reputable and effective legal defense firm with strong ties to the New York legal and business communities.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a professional legal services firm specializing in complex areas like insurance and corporate liability defense, Shafer Partners, LLP, like most established and highly-regarded law firms, does not typically engage in "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. The provision of legal services is highly bespoke, depending on the intricacies of each case, the time and resources required, and the specific expertise of the attorneys involved. Professional ethics guidelines in the legal industry generally discourage advertising in a manner that could be perceived as commoditizing legal advice or offering discounts on a generalized basis.

However, what clients seeking legal counsel can generally expect from a firm of Shafer Partners, LLP's caliber includes:

• Initial Consultations: Many law firms offer an initial consultation. This session allows potential clients to discuss the specifics of their legal matter, understand the scope of work required, and determine if the firm’s expertise aligns with their needs. While some firms offer these for free, others may charge a nominal fee. It's best to inquire about their specific policy when scheduling an appointment.
• Transparent Fee Structures: A professional law firm will always aim for transparency in their billing. They will discuss their fee arrangements upfront, which could be based on hourly rates, a flat fee for specific services, or, in certain types of defense cases, retainer agreements.
• Commitment to Cost-Effectiveness: While not a "promotion," Shafer Partners, LLP states that they strive to "provide the best defense possible, while working within company guidelines and maintaining a cost-conscious attitude towards defense - without sacrificing quality." This indicates a commitment to efficiency and value for their clients.

For specific inquiries regarding fees or to schedule a consultation, prospective clients are encouraged to contact Shafer Partners, LLP directly using the provided contact information. This ensures clear communication about how they handle client engagements and costs.

Contact Information

For businesses, insurance companies, or individuals in New York City requiring expert legal defense, Shafer Partners, LLP can be reached using the following contact details:

Address: 125 Maiden Ln #16A, New York, NY 10038, USA

Phone: (212) 267-0011

Mobile Phone: +1 212-267-0011

Reaching out directly via phone is the most efficient way to discuss your legal needs, inquire about their specific services, or schedule an initial consultation with their team. Their staff can provide guidance on the next steps for engaging with the firm.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York City's diverse array of businesses, insurers, and self-insured entities, Shafer Partners, LLP presents a highly suitable and strategic choice for legal defense. Their specialized focus on insurance and corporate liability defense means that clients facing complex and often high-stakes litigation can rely on a firm with deep, concentrated expertise. This specialization is particularly valuable in New York, where the legal and regulatory environment for businesses and insurance claims is notoriously intricate.

The firm's convenient location in Lower Manhattan offers unparalleled accessibility, a critical advantage in a city where time and travel efficiency are paramount. Being close to major transportation hubs and key legal institutions streamlines the process for clients and for the firm's attorneys when managing cases. Moreover, their recognition as "New York Super Lawyers" and their high ratings from Martindale-Hubbell attest to their professional standing and legal prowess within the local and national legal communities.

While the provided customer review highlights a negative experience with a specific individual regarding communication, it's important to view this within the broader context of a firm that has established long-standing relationships with major corporate and public sector clients like the largest private security company and the MTA. Such long-term engagements are strong indicators of consistent professional performance and client trust, suggesting that overall, the firm operates with a high degree of effectiveness and commitment. For New Yorkers navigating the complexities of corporate litigation, insurance claims, employment disputes, or environmental liabilities, Shafer Partners, LLP offers the focused experience, strategic approach, and local insight necessary to provide robust and effective legal defense, making them a go-to partner in the city’s demanding legal landscape.