Who we are.
A Leader Among Law Firms.
Whether we're defending the rights of a biomedical manufacturer in a critical product liability case, representing a multinational corporation in a complex contract dispute or managing a securities class action, Leader & Berkon is the go-to law firm with the talent and technology to achieve the best possible results for our clients. Our experienced trial attorneys have handled virtually every type of litigation, from defending product cases to complex commercial and employment matters and significant mass tort claims. Our legal know-how is coupled with expert knowledge in a wide range of industries, from aviation to financial services, insurance and manufacturing.
A New Breed of Law Firm.
Leader & Berkon is a new breed of law firm; neither a trendy boutique nor a traditional "bigger-is-better" legal behemoth. We run a smart, agile, cost-contained operation ready to take on today's most complex cases. We cut to the chase, and quickly develop an early case analysis to formulate strategies to move forward to resolution - whether it be trial, arbitration, mediation and/or settlement. We use state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality legal services while supporting the practical business imperatives of our clients: to bring every matter to a swift, affordable and positive conclusion.
Our trial experience has taken us from Manhattan to the entire Tri-State New York area, across the country and around the globe. We have built a strong reputation for litigating both jury and non-jury trials, arbitration and mediation in New York as well as numerous other states. Through such appearances, our firm has gained deep expertise in federal and state procedures, evidentiary rules, background on local judges and "courthouse politics around the country." Based on the strength of this record, Leader & Berkon has been retained by global corporations, insurers and out-of-state law firms to act as special litigation counsel. These retentions have proven enormously successful in terms of case management and substantive results.
In litigation, there are Leaders and there are followers. We are proud that we have achieved our goal to lead the litigation process by implementing innovative approaches, building long-standing relationships with our clients and earning the respect of our peers.
What we do.
Leader & Berkon is nationally recognized for having won many complex, high stakes litigations, class action lawsuits and appeals. We have extensive experience in the specialized areas of commercial, toxic/mass tort, product liability, employment and aviation actions, and have successfully handled complex business litigation, including contract, business tort, securities, trade secret, intellectual property rights, patent, construction, antitrust, and trademark actions.
Leader & Berkon attorneys are adept at devising and designing appropriate defense strategies for a variety of materials and subjects, including asbestos, paints, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, turbines, pumps, tires, power tools, business machines, appliances, solvents, lead-paint and construction projects. Our in-depth involvement with cases concerning a myriad of the most serious personal injuries has given us a strong capacity for dealing with a range of experts, including those in the fields of accident reconstruction, causation, medicine, rehabilitation and economics.
Regardless of the matter, we are problem solvers at heart, genuinely curious about, interested in, and energized by the cases that our clients trust us to handle. We bring a fresh perspective to every stage of the litigation process. If, at any stage, the facts warrant a settlement, our attorneys are also skilled in negotiations and alternative dispute resolutions. And having spent thousands of hours in the courtroom, we have the character and will to demonstrate that we are prepared to fight - and fight hard - when necessary. That character is obvious and known to our adversaries, facilitating successful conclusions.
Why we're different.
At Leader & Berkon, we embrace the philosophy that only through an in-depth understanding of the client's business and the ability to interpret its needs in the correct legal context, can we deliver an outcome that achieves the client's goals. We've been told by our clients "You're not like other law firms" and that our approach to litigation is ground-breaking, and sometimes unconventional. We have a passion for the law and a love of learning; whether we are reliving a one billion dollar commercial agreement, touring a manufacturing plant in North Carolina or exploring what happened in a cockpit.
Our peers and adversaries are often surprised at the different way we assess cases and follow through on our resolution strategies. Our analyses are from traditional and non-traditional perspectives; we take a proactive rather than reactive role in litigation and always consider the most cost-effective way to represent our clients. We routinely use exhaustive investigative techniques, databases, transcript search programs, computer-based graphics, precedent retrieval systems and other programs in ways that most other firms have not even considered.
Client communication is of paramount importance to all of us at Leader & Berkon. We strongly encourage a client's informed participation in budget, strategy and decision making throughout the litigation process. We never lose sight of the fact that it's the client's case, and that it is the client's reputation and the client's brand which is on the line. Our ardent attention to detail and unfaltering commitment to service allow us to provide a level of legal representation that far exceeds our client's expectations.
We believe that our clients are best served when we work together to marshal the right resources at the right time for the right reasons. Every case is placed under the careful direction of a senior partner who ensures that each task is staffed at the appropriate level. We are confident that every one in the firm, from our senior associates to our support staff, uses their time to its full advantage. While some law firms pride themselves on "leaving no stone unturned," our lawyers are experts in knowing just what stones need turning to bring about swift and desirable results.