Wingate Kearney & Cullen

In a city as dynamic and historically rich as New York, choosing a law firm that combines deep-rooted experience with modern legal expertise is paramount. For New Yorkers seeking trusted legal counsel across a broad spectrum of practice areas, Wingate Kearney & Cullen stands as a firm with an unparalleled legacy of excellence and ethical advocacy. Dating back to 1864, this esteemed firm has not only witnessed the evolution of New York's legal landscape but has actively shaped it. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Wingate Kearney & Cullen, exploring their extensive services, convenient location, and the compelling reasons why they continue to be a go-to choice for individuals, businesses, and institutions throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Wingate Kearney & Cullen, LLP was originally formed as Wingate & Cullen in 1864 by Civil War General George Wingate. With such a profound historical foundation, including serving as general counsel to iconic institutions like the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Long Island Railroad, the firm has consistently upheld a tradition of legal excellence and ethical practice. In 1996, a merger with Hurley, Kearny & Lane (founded in 1892) solidified their comprehensive capabilities, resulting in the firm known today. This rich history translates into deep institutional knowledge and a nuanced understanding of New York's legal fabric.

The firm delivers highly personalized legal solutions, combining meticulous preparation with strategic foresight to secure successful outcomes. They are consistently mindful of client priorities and the distinct nuances of each matter, fostering close attorney-client relationships anchored in trust, transparency, and consistent communication. Wingate Kearney & Cullen is recognized for representing notable organizations such as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Heartshare Human Services and its affiliates, and several of New York's largest cemeteries, as well as major financial institutions like Citibank, N.A. Their seasoned team includes former Surrogates of Kings and Nassau Counties, reinforcing their deep judicial insight and leadership in areas like estate and trust litigation. This blend of historical prestige, modern proficiency, and a client-first approach makes Wingate Kearney & Cullen a formidable legal partner for New Yorkers.

Wingate Kearney & Cullen maintains a primary office in a highly accessible location in the heart of Lower Manhattan, making it convenient for clients throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Their office is located at 111 John St #1040, New York, NY 10038, USA. This address places the firm within the bustling Financial District, a central hub for legal and business activity, ensuring excellent connectivity and professional surroundings.

The office at 111 John Street benefits from superb connectivity via New York City's extensive public transportation network. Numerous subway lines, including the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, and Z trains, have stations within a very short walking distance, providing direct and easy access from virtually any part of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. This makes it effortless for clients to travel to and from appointments without the typical stress of navigating city traffic. Additionally, a multitude of bus routes operate in the vicinity, further enhancing its reach for clients who rely on public transit.

While street parking in Lower Manhattan is generally limited, there are often commercial parking garages available in the immediate area for those who prefer to drive. However, given the superior public transportation options, utilizing the subway or bus system is typically the most efficient and recommended method for reaching the firm's office. Wingate Kearney & Cullen also maintains another full-service office in Melville, Long Island, ensuring accessible representation across the broader New York metropolitan area.

Wingate Kearney & Cullen, LLP delivers highly personalized legal solutions across a broad spectrum of practice areas, demonstrating their versatility and deep expertise. Their comprehensive services include:

• Trusts and Estates:
  • Estate Planning: Crafting wills, living wills, healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and various trusts (e.g., Insurance Trusts, Housing Trusts, QTIP Trusts, Generation Skipping Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Supplemental Needs Trusts, Living Trusts both revocable and irrevocable).
  • Probate, Estate & Trust Administration: Guiding executors, administrators, and trustees through the complex process of settling estates and managing trusts.
  • Estate and Trust Litigation: Representing clients in disputes over wills, trusts, and estate administration.
  • Guardianship: Assisting with legal proceedings to appoint guardians for minors or incapacitated adults.
• Religious, Charitable, and Educational Law: Providing specialized legal counsel to non-profit organizations, including religious institutions, charities, and educational entities, addressing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and unique operational needs.
• Corporate Law:
  • Incorporation of Entities: Assisting with the formation of corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Guiding businesses through the complex process of buying or selling companies.
  • Business Sales: Providing legal support for the sale of businesses.
  • General Corporate Governance and Compliance.
• Banking: Representing major financial institutions in various legal matters, including commercial and residential lending, refinancing mortgages, second mortgages, and restructuring of mortgage debt.
• Litigation: Representing clients in a wide array of civil disputes, including:
  • General Civil Litigation.
  • Commercial Litigation.
  • Estate and Trust Litigation.
  • Property & Equity Disputes.
• Real Estate:
  • Residential Real Estate: Handling transactions for co-ops, condominiums, single-family homes, and multiple-family dwellings.
  • Commercial Real Estate: Assisting with the purchase, sale, and leasing of commercial properties.
  • Landlord and Tenant Matters.
  • Refinancing and Mortgage Issues.
• Cemetery Law and Disinterments: A highly specialized area where the firm provides expert legal guidance on matters pertaining to cemeteries and disinterment procedures.

Wingate Kearney & Cullen, LLP distinguishes itself through several compelling features and highlights that are particularly beneficial for their New York clients:

• Historic Legacy & Deep Roots: Founded in 1864 by a Civil War General, the firm boasts a unique and respected history in New York's legal landscape, providing a foundation of stability and profound institutional knowledge.
• Broad Spectrum of Expertise: Their comprehensive practice areas, from complex Trusts and Estates to Corporate, Banking, and specialized Cemetery Law, demonstrate a versatile and robust legal capability.
• Distinguished Clientele: Representing iconic organizations like the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Heartshare Human Services, various major cemeteries, and financial giants like Citibank, N.A., underscores their capacity to handle high-stakes and complex matters.
• Judicial Insight & Leadership: The firm has produced three former Surrogates (two in Kings County and one in Nassau County), providing unparalleled insight into estate and trust litigation and judicial processes.
• Personalized Solutions with Large-Firm Capabilities: Clients benefit from the individualized attention and affordability often associated with smaller firms, combined with the comprehensive resources and expertise typically found in larger practices.
• Ethical Advocacy & Professionalism: Upholding a tradition of high standards of ethical and professional practice, the firm builds strong attorney-client relationships anchored in trust and transparency.
• Meticulous Preparation and Strategic Foresight: The firm is known for its detailed approach to every case, ensuring all aspects are thoroughly prepared and strategic plans are well-executed.
• Accessible Locations: With full-service offices in both Manhattan (111 John Street) and Melville, Long Island, the firm ensures convenient access for clients across the greater New York metropolitan area.

As a highly established and respected law firm with a long-standing history of professional service, Wingate Kearney & Cullen, LLP does not typically offer conventional retail-style "promotions" or discounts on their legal services. Their focus is on delivering high-quality, expert legal counsel. However, like many reputable legal practices, they understand the importance of initial client engagement.

Prospective clients in New York can typically expect to engage in an initial consultation. While the specific terms (e.g., whether it is offered free of charge or for a nominal fee) for these consultations may vary depending on the complexity and nature of the legal inquiry, it is a standard practice for the firm to provide an opportunity for potential clients to discuss their situation. This allows individuals and businesses to receive preliminary advice, understand their legal options, and assess how Wingate Kearney & Cullen can assist them, all without a significant upfront financial commitment. It is always advisable to inquire about the terms of the initial consultation when you contact the office to schedule an appointment.

For certain types of legal matters, particularly in some litigation contexts, fee structures like contingency fees (where legal fees are only collected if a successful recovery is made) might be discussed, but their primary practice areas (Trusts & Estates, Corporate, Real Estate, Banking) typically involve hourly rates or fixed fees. The firm is committed to cost-effective services, striving to provide high-quality representation with affordable fees, which is a key benefit for clients.

If you are a New Yorker seeking expert legal counsel with a rich history of excellence in areas such as trusts and estates, corporate law, real estate, banking, or litigation, Wingate Kearney & Cullen is ready to assist. You can reach their conveniently located New York City office at:

• Address: 111 John St #1040, New York, NY 10038, USA
• Phone: (718) 852-5900
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-852-5900

Their professional team is prepared to answer your questions and guide you through your legal needs.

For New Yorkers seeking legal representation that embodies both a storied history and contemporary expertise, Wingate Kearney & Cullen stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly distinguished choice. Their strategic location at 111 John Street in the Financial District ensures easy accessibility from all corners of the city via extensive public transportation, making it convenient for even the busiest residents to engage with their legal team. More profoundly, the firm's legacy, tracing back to 1864 and intertwined with the very fabric of New York, speaks to a depth of institutional knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the city's legal and economic landscape that few others can match. Their comprehensive range of practice areas, from complex trusts and estates to corporate, banking, and specialized real estate matters, means they are equipped to handle a diverse array of legal challenges for individuals, businesses, and venerable institutions alike. The added distinction of having former Surrogates within their ranks further solidifies their authority in crucial areas like probate. For any New Yorker seeking professional, ethical, and highly effective legal counsel with a proven track record, Wingate Kearney & Cullen offers an unparalleled blend of experience, insight, and dedication.