Battle-Tested Trial Attorneys
Ward & Rafter's attorneys are trial lawyers. With over 30 years of combined courtroom experience, we've handled complex civil litigation across every level of New York's court system. From Housing Court to Supreme Court Appellate Division to federal courts, we bring the skill, preparation, and tenacity required for high-stakes litigation.
We've achieved multiple published decisions in the New York Law Journal, a testament to our commitment to advancing the law and achieving precedent-setting results for our clients. When the stakes are high, experience matters.
Our Litigation Experience
Ward & Rafter's attorneys are trial lawyers with over 30 years of combined courtroom experience spanning every level of New York's court system. While our practice is rooted in Richmond County, our experience extends well beyond Staten Island's borders.
Richmond County Courts
Our attorneys are regular practitioners in Staten Island's courts, including Richmond County Housing Court, Civil Court, and Supreme Court. This deep familiarity with local procedures, judges, and court culture gives our clients a meaningful advantage in Richmond County matters.
Appellate Practice
We regularly handle appeals in the Supreme Court Appellate Division, Second Department, whether defending a favorable trial court decision or challenging an adverse ruling, we provide strategic appellate advocacy and comprehensive briefing.
Federal Courts
Our attorneys are admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. We handle federal civil litigation including federal contract disputes and removal from state court.
Beyond Richmond County
We have also represented clients in courts throughout New York City and New York State, including New York County, Kings County, and Bronx County courts, as well as administrative agencies including DHCR, HPD, the New York City Housing Authority, and the New York City Department of Buildings.
Practice Areas
We handle complex civil litigation across multiple practice areas:
Real Estate Litigation: Boundary disputes, easement and title issues, breach of contract, specific performance, partition actions, and landlord-tenant litigation.
Commercial Litigation: Business disputes, breach of contract, partnership and LLC disputes, fraud claims, and commercial lease disputes.
Construction Litigation: Construction defect claims, contractor disputes, mechanics' liens, delay claims, and payment disputes.
Condominium & HOA Litigation: Enforcement actions, collection proceedings, construction defects, and governance disputes.
Employment Litigation: Discrimination claims, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and employment contract litigation.
Environmental & Land Use Litigation: Zoning challenges, regulatory disputes, environmental compliance, and takings claims.
Our Litigation Approach
Prepare for Trial: We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we're ready for any outcome.
Strategic Thinking: Litigation isn't just about filing papers and appearing in court. It requires strategic thinking at every stage: from initial case evaluation to discovery to motion practice to trial strategy.
Client Involvement: You're not just a bystander in your own case. We involve our clients in key decisions, explain options clearly, and ensure you understand the risks and benefits of different strategic choices.
Aggressive Advocacy: In the courtroom, we're aggressive advocates for our clients. We don't back down from a fight, and we don't leave opportunities on the table.
Results-Focused: Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, whether through early settlement, summary judgment, or trial verdict. Every decision is made with that goal in mind.
From Pleading to Appeal
Complex litigation involves multiple stages, and we have experience at each:
Complaint & Answer: Proper pleading is the foundation of a case. We draft complaints that state strong claims and answers that preserve all defenses.
Discovery: Effective discovery requires knowing what information matters and how to get it. We conduct thorough discovery while managing costs.
Motion Practice: Well-crafted motions can narrow issues, eliminate weak claims, or win the case entirely. We're experienced motion practitioners.
Settlement Negotiations: Most cases settle before trial. We're skilled negotiators who know when to settle and when to proceed to trial.
Trial: When trial is necessary, we're ready. Our attorneys have substantial trial experience and know what it takes to persuade judges and juries.
Appeals: If the case doesn't end at trial, we handle appeals with the same strategic thinking and thorough preparation we bring to trial court litigation.
Published Decisions
Both partners have achieved multiple published decisions in the New York Law Journal, a mark of distinction in the legal community. These published decisions demonstrate our commitment to advancing the law and our ability to handle matters of first impression and legal significance.
Why Choose Ward & Rafter for Litigation
Extensive Trial Experience: Over 30 years of combined courtroom experience across all levels of New York's court system.
Richmond County Expertise: Regular practitioners in Staten Island's courts with deep knowledge of local rules and procedures.
Strategic Approach: We think several moves ahead and position cases for the best possible outcomes.
Client-Centered: You're involved in key decisions, informed at every stage, and treated as a partner in your own case.
Proven Results: Multiple published decisions, successful trial verdicts, and favorable settlements demonstrate our track record.
Ready to Fight for You
If you're facing complex civil litigation, whether you're bringing a claim or defending against one, Ward & Rafter can help. Our experienced trial attorneys are ready to fight for your interests.