Practice areas: Family Law, Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation; view more
Licensed in New York since: 2000
Education: The City University of New York School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2026 Call today:
347-305-5194
Free Consultation The Charrington Firm PC
11 BroadwaySuite 615
New York, NY 10004 Visit website
As the managing attorney of The Charrington Firm PC, located in New York City, New York, Karen H. Charrington offers dedicated legal representation to individuals and families facing complex and sensitive legal matters. With a client-centered and results-oriented approach, she focuses her practice on criminal defense, DUI matters, federal criminal cases, divorce, family law, child custody disputes, drug-related offenses, sex offenses and civil litigation.
Ms. Charrington represents clients accused of serious criminal offenses in both state and federal courts, guiding them through every stage of the legal process with strategic advocacy and careful attention to detail. She handles matters involving DUI charges, drug offenses and sex-related crimes, working to protect her clients’ constitutional rights while pursuing the most favorable outcomes possible. In her family law practice, she assists individuals navigating divorce and custody disputes, offering practical counsel and strong representation during emotionally challenging circumstances.
Known for her thorough preparation and commitment to client communication, Ms. Charrington takes the time to understand each client’s unique situation and legal goals. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating contested matters in court, she remains focused on delivering effective representation tailored to the needs of each case.
Ms. Charrington earned her Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College of the City University of New York in 1996. She later received her Juris Doctor from The City University of New York School of Law in 1999. She was admitted to practice law in New York in 2000 and is also admitted before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Active in the legal community, Ms. Charrington maintains memberships with several professional organizations, including the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Practice areas
Family Law, Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation: Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Criminal Law - Federal, Custody & Visitation, DUI/DWI, Divorce, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Sex Offenses
- 10% Family Law
- 60% Criminal Defense
- 10% Civil Litigation: Defense
- 10% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 10% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 2000, New York
Professional Webpage: https://www.charringtonlawfirm.com/about-us/karen-h-charring...
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York State, 2000
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- New York State Bar - Second Department, 2000
- Queens County Bar Association, 2024
- New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), 2024
- New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- American Bar Association
- Elite Lawyers of America, 2022
- Nassau County Bar Association (NCBA), 2025
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Not Guilty Homicide - Self Defense, Queens Supreme Criminal term, 2018
- I was successful in arguing a case before the First Department where the Court agreed with my argument that a contingency agreement could not be converted into a billable retainer (Appellate Division, First Department), 2019
- Summary judgment win dismissing a trip-and-fall complaint in Bronx County Supreme Court. I represented the Defendant., 2019
- Criminal Indictment dismissed Firearm possession. Queens Supreme Criminal Term, 2021
- Represented a client charged with Hobbs Act Robbery in the Southern District of New York, where one of the participants was killed. Through comprehensive mitigation advocacy and Forensic evaluations and investigations, I secured a sentence substantially below the applicable federal Sentencing Guidelines., 2022
- Conducted a civil jury trial in Queens County Supreme Court resulting in a defense verdict finding no liability for the plaintiff’s alleged injuries. The verdict eliminated exposure to a potential seven-figure judgment and resolved a high-stakes personal injury action in the client’s favor., 2016
- I drafted a successful motion to dismiss all charges including stalking of a high profile individual then I settled the case against obtaining a six figure settlement against that New York State County, 2019
- Dismissal of a criminal complaint due to Prosecutor non-compliance with Discovery laws., 2025
- Class A felony homicide + narcotics One hundred and eleven (111) page indictment reduced to misdemeanor plea. Bronx Supreme Criminal Term, 2019
- Represented a client charged with federal fraud offenses in the Eastern District of New York. Through comprehensive mitigation advocacy and a well-developed sentencing strategy, secured a sentence substantially below the applicable federal Sentencing Guidelines. The presiding judge expressly commended the quality and effectiveness of counsel’s sentencing memorandum on the record. The outcome significantly reduced the client’s custodial exposure and long-term collateral consequences, reflecting effective advocacy at the federal sentencing phase., 2024
- Handled a high-stakes federal civil action in the Southern District of New York in which the client faced substantial professional, financial, and reputational exposure. Through strategic case assessment and negotiation, achieved a favorable settlement that avoided adverse findings, preserved the client’s professional standing, and eliminated the risk of additional penalties, fines, or costs., 2025
- Successful Summary Judgment motion where Plaintiff's case was dismissed for lack of subject matter and personal jurisdiction. Kings Supreme court, 2021
- Not guilty on a vehicular Homicide case, Queens County, 2025
Videos
- Videos from my appearances, Legal analyst, Legal, 2023
Representative Clients
- Represented a high Profile Doctor in several complex matters, 2025
- I have been appointed as Counsel to the Queens County Clerk Audrey I. Pheffer and the Clerk's office. I represent the office in a myriad of legal matters, 2025
- Throughout my career I have represented more than 50 churches and their clergy in litigation throughout New York state, 2023
- Represented a high profile music artist in a Gun possession case, 2023
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certified Divorce Mediator, 2023
- New York State Education Department (NYSED) Certified Impartial Hearing Officer / Administrative Law Judge, 2020
- Certified Civil Mediator, 2020
Pro bono / Community Service
- Pro bono attorney with The Safe Center LI and Nassau County Matrimonial Safe Center (2018–2022), representing survivors of domestic violence and indigent litigants in family and matrimonial matters. Recipient of Pro Bono Service Award (2018) and Access to Justice recognition (2020), 2022
- Nassau County 18B panel which represents indigent clients in criminal matters., 2023
- Bridging the gap. I set up a meeting with young lawyers and more seasoned attorneys in order to provide support and mentor opportunities for young lawyers., 2025
- Volunteer Mock trial coach for the Hewlett High School, 2017-2023.
Educational Background
- Hunter College of the City University of New York, Bachelor of Arts, 1996
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Adjunct Professor, Monroe College, Students, 2015
- From 2021 to 2025, I have written hundreds of decisions from the hearings and trials I have presided over for NYC OATH and NYSED, Hearing Officer / ALJ, Hearing Officer, New York Special Education And NYC OATH, 2025
- I wrote answers to legal questions submitted by members in their church newsletter, The Legal Lane, 2020
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Served as a television legal contributor and legal analyst for Television networks such as CNN, Fox News, Court TV and other networks from 2013-2023
- Appointed as an Impartial Hearing Officer / Administrative Law Judge for NYSED, 2020
- Appointed as Counsel to the County Clerk's office in Queens Supreme Court., 2025
Honors
- One of the Top 40 Trial Attorneys Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, 2026
- Nominated and awarded as a Queens women in power for SCHNEPS MEDIA, QUEENS POWER WOMEN LIST 2026, Schneps Media, 2025
- Pro bono service award from 2018 to 2022, Pro bono service, The Safe Center, 2022
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2026
