Leonard F. Lesser

Top rated Business Litigation attorney in New York, New York

Simon•Lesser PC
Leonard F. Lesser
Simon•Lesser PC

Practice Areas: Business Litigation, General Litigation

Licensed in New York since: 1992

Education: American University Washington College of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2008 - 2024
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Simon•Lesser PC

100 Park Ave
16th Floor
New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-599-5455 Email: Leonard F. Lesser Visit website

Details

Len Lesser prosecutes and defends business litigation in federal and state courts around the country, and arbitration tribunals administered by JAMS, AAA, ICDR, FINRA, and other ADR providers. He focuses on business torts; copyright, trademark, trade secret and unfair competition claims; partnership, joint venture, shareholder, and LLC member disputes; corporate transaction, post-closing, and busted deal disputes; contract and UCC disputes; financial services litigation; securities litigation; insurance disputes; real estate disputes; and employment litigation. He also prosecutes and defends toxic tort, product liability, premises liability, medical liability, professional liability and personal injury claims. 

Recent jury trial verdicts include a $11.3 million jury verdict in Manhattan in July, 2023 against an assailant who raped and sexually assaulted the Firm's client.  Len also obtained a million dollar jury verdict in a medical malpractice case tried in Nassau County Supreme Court involving claims of emotional damages suffered by an intellectually disabled young woman who was endangered by sexually inappropriate conduct committed by her primary care physician as a result of his own neurological disability.  This verdict is believed to be one of the highest medical malpractice verdicts in Nassau County involving non-physical injuries. See Jane Doe v. Mohan Sharma, M.D., et al., 62 Misc.3d 627, 89 N.Y.S.3d 548 (N.Y. Sup. 2018).

Recent bench trial verdicts include a $7 million verdict after a federal court bench trial in the EDNY against the principal of an investment firm, piercing the corporate veil of that firm and finding him liable as the alter ego of the investment firm on its Judgments in favor of Len's client, an S&P 100 multinational corporation, and for $2.2 million in intentional fraudulent conveyances.  Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 16-cv-1390, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 131016, 2023 WL 4850528 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2023).  In the underlying actions, Len successfully represented the client's subsidiary in its sale of telecommunication businesses in defense of post-closing claims asserted by the buyer, including claims that seller misrepresented the value of inventory as part of the sale.  After defeating the buyer's claim for fraud based rescission of the entire transaction, as well as the agreement's arbitration provision (Asset Mgmt. Assocs. v. Emerson Telcom. Prods. LLC, 08-CV-2506, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9434 [E.D.N.Y., Jan. 25, 2011]), the dispute was arbitrated in 2013.  The Arbitrator ultimately rejected the buyer's claims which included $100 million in alleged punitive damages, and found in favor of Len's client on its claims for a post-closing adjustment.  In 2014, the Court entered Judgment against the buyer for $1.9 million. Asset Mgmt. Assoc. of N.Y., Inc. v. Emerson Telecom. Prods. LLC, 2014 NY Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 5 (E.D.N.Y., Jan. 9, 2014).  Then, in 2015, following a separate federal court trial in a related breach of contract action involving the buyer's use of a Mexican assembly plant, Len obtained another Judgment and attorney fee award of $1.9 million against the buyer. Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 08-cv-1489, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98401 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2015). 

In another complex series of multistate litigations, Len obtained a multimillion-dollar judgment against an oil and gas tycoon in a complex joint venture dispute, and subsequent contempt judgment against the judgment debtor for violation of an antisuit injunction, affirmed on appeal with appellate attorneys' fees and costs awarded. L&R Exploration v. Grynberg, 927 N.Y.S.2d 816 (Sup. 2011), aff'd,90 A.D.3d 538, 934 N.Y.S.2d 707 (1st Dep't 2011); see also Grynberg v. L&R Exploration Venture, 261 P.3d 731 (Wyo. 2011).  Following the New York judgments entered against the tycoon, Len successfully tried an alter-ego and fraudulent conveyance case in Colorado against the tycoon’s businesses, resulting in another multimillion dollar judgment and attorney fee award, affirmed on appeal.  L&R Exploration v. CCG, LLC, et al., 351 P.3d 569 (Colo. App. 2015).  

Len's jury trial defense verdicts include Marchetti v. Branson Ultrasonics Corp., Case No. 126010929 (CT Sup. Ct., Danbury), where Len obtained a defense verdict after jury trial on behalf of a global developer, manufacturer, and distributor of plastic joining, industrial cleaning, and ultrasonics processing equipment.  The plaintiff claimed she suffered traumatic brain injuries and other damages resulting from an accident on the defendant's property.  After the close of evidence, the Court granted a directed verdict to the defense on 3 of 5 counts, and the jury then rendered a defense verdict on the two remaining counts. See Marchetti v. Branson Ultrasonics Corp., 2014 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 13821 (Sup. Danbury, May 13, 2014); Jury Rejects Security Guard’s Claim After Deer Cause Accident, CT Law Tribune (Dec. 3, 2014).

Recent notable settlements include a $14 million settlement in 2022 Len obtained for the Firm's client in complex Manhattan commercial lease dispute; a $3.2 million settlement Len obtained for his client in 2023 during jury selection in Nassau County Supreme Court involving a cervical fracture his client suffered after attempting a racing start from a pool starting block; a $2.5 million settlement obtained during a three week jury trial in a medical malpractice and wrongful death case in Nassau County Supreme Court where the decedent died from pulmonary embolism; and a $2.35 million settlement in a premises security case in New York County Supreme Court where the plaintiff was brutally raped in her apartment by an intruder (2018 Nat. Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 18).

Recent significant appellate reversals include MAK Technology Holdings Inc. v. Anyvision Interactive Technologies, Ltd., 2024 Slip Op. 03376, 2024 N.Y. LEXIS 893 (N.Y., June 20, 2024), wherein Len obtained a reversal from the Court of Appeals (New York's highest court) of the decisions of the Appellate Division, First Department and the New York State Supreme Court Commercial Division, which denied Len's dismissal motion of claims brought against the Firm's client based on alleged ambiguities in the parties' international business agreement applying New York law and selecting New York City as the forum for the parties' dispute. 

Additional appellate reversals include Jane Doe v. Turnmill, LLC, et al., 2021 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2611 (1st Dep't 2021)(reversing summary judgment awarded to the operator and owner of a premises on tort claims asserted against them by a female patron who was horrifically raped in the women's basement bathroom in the premises); Gray v. Denny's Corp., 535 Fed. Appx. 14 (2d Cir. 2014)(reversing summary judgment awarded to Denny's restaurants on tort claims asserted by a patron who was criminally assaulted by a group of other patrons); Flores v. Velez, 111 A.D.3d 599, 974 N.Y.S.2d 134 (2d Dep't 2013)(reversing preclusion order in a case claiming negligent supervision of a church volunteer who allegedly committed sexual misconduct); Lisbey v. Pel Park Realty, 99 A.D.3d 637, 952 N.Y.S.2d 882 (1st Dep't 2012)(reversing summary judgment awarded to a building owner in connection with claims asserted by a tenant who was injured by a ceiling collapse); Spielman v. Grace Gospel Church of Suffolk, Inc., 77 A.D.3d 816, 910 N.Y.S.2d 105 (2d Dep't 2010), leave denied, 17 N.Y.3d 703, 929 N.Y.S.2d 94 (2011)(reversing denial of motion to dismiss claims asserted against a Church in connection with alleged adult sexual misconduct by a pastor); and Yeshiva Ohr Torah Community School, Inc. v Zurich Am. Ins. Co., 78 A.D.3d 686, 910 N.Y.S.2d 517 (2d Dep’t 2010)(reversing summary judgment awarded to an indemnitor in connection with the claims of indemnitee and its subrogee for reimbursement of defense costs).

Other federal and state court appellate affirmances, summary judgment awards and other reported decisions and verdicts include: Jiang v. Ridge Tool Co., 764 Fed. Appx. (2d Cir. 2019); NML Capital, Ltd. v. Republic of Argentina, 727 F.3d 230 (2d Cir. 2013); Stein v. KPMG, LLP, 486 F.3d 753 (2d Cir. 2007); Freedom Card, Inc. v. JP Morgan Chase & Co., 432 F.3d 463 (3d Cir. 2005); Ehrens v. Lutheran Church, 385 F.3d 232 (2d Cir. 2004); Berkovitz v. Home Box Office, 89 F.3d 24 (1st Cir. 1996); Beale v. Redbubble, Inc., 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 191231 (W.D.N.Y. 2022); Crowley v. Jones, 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 110702 (S.D.N.Y. 2022); Policy Admin. Solutions, Inc. v. QBE Holdings, Inc., 15-CV-2473, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 148632 (S.D.N.Y. 2019); Brumfield v. Trader Joe's Co., 17-cv-3239, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 148397 (S.D.N.Y. 2018); Jiang v. Ridge Tool Co., 15-cv-4124, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51442 (E.D.N.Y. 2018); Harleysville Worechester Ins. Co. v. Sharma, 230 F.Supp.3d 109 (E.D.N.Y. 2017); Wilson, et al. v. Austin, 11-cv-4594, 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 104210 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2014); Floyd v. Liechtung, Fed. Sec. L. Rep. (CCH) P97,343 (S.D.N.Y. 2013); In Touch Concepts v. Cellco P'ship, 949 F. Supp.2d 447 (S.D.N.Y. 2013); Wilson v. Austin, 11-cv-4594, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 89191 (E.D.N.Y. 2013); Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 08-cv-1489, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 39442 (E.D.N.Y. 2012); First Roumanian American Congregation v. GuideOne Mutual Ins. Co., 862 F. Supp. 2d 293 (S.D.N.Y. 2012); Wilson v. Austin, 11-cv-4594, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123067 (E.D.N.Y. 2012); WNET, et al. v. Aereo, Inc., 871 F. Supp. 2d 281 (S.D.N.Y. 2012); Asset Mgmt. Assocs. v. Emerson Telecom. Products, LLC, 08-cv-2506, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9434 (E.D.N.Y. 2011); Gary Friedrich Enterprises v. Marvel Enterprises Inc., 08 Civ. 1533, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30685 (S.D.N.Y. 2011); Leibowitz v. Aternity, Inc., 10-cv-2289, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 70844 (E.D.N.Y. 2010); Kruse v. Wells Fargo Home Mortg., Inc., 02-cv-3089, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26092 (E.D.N.Y. 2006); United States v. Stein, 452 F. Supp. 2d 281 (S.D.N.Y. 2006); Pitts v. Allied Interstate, Inc., 04-cv-3151, 2004 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 22646 (S.D.N.Y. 2004): Freedom Card, Inc. v. JP Morgan Chase & Co., 333 F. Supp. 2d 239 (D. Del. 2004); Axcelis Technologies, Inc. v. Applied Materials, Inc., 01-10029, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9908 (D. Mass. 2003); Baxter Diagnostics, Inc. v. Novatek Med., Inc., 94-cv-5220, 1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 15093 (S.D.N.Y. 1998); State Wide Photocopy, Corp. v. Tokai Fin. Servs., 909 F. Supp. 137 (S.D.N.Y. 1995); Brown v. General Instrument Corp., 93-cv-7907, 1995 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5472 (S.D.N.Y. 1995); Braun v. Abbott Laboratories, 895 F. Supp. 530 (E.D.N.Y. 1995); In re GT Brands Holding LLC, 05-15167, 2005 Bnkr. LEXIS 2807 (Bnkr. S.D.N.Y. 2005); L&R Exploration Venture v. CCG, LLC, 351 P.3d 569 (Colo. App. 2015); Needham & Co. v. Uphealth Holding, Inc., 212 A.D.3d 561, 183 N.Y.S.3d 30 (1st Dep't 2023); A.L. v. Chaminade Mineola Society of Mary, Inc., 203 A.D.3d 1033, 166 N.Y.S.3d 186 (2d Dep't 2022); J.C. v. Jerzey Wear, LLC, 2018 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 2159 (1st Dep't 2018); Huang v. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 129 A.D.3d 1053, 12 N.Y.S.3d 232 (2d Dep't 2015); Young v. Brown, 113 A.D.3d 761, 978 N.Y.S.2d 867 (2d Dep't 2014); East Midwood Jewish Ctr. v CNA Ins. Co., 72 A.D.3d 877, 898 N.Y.S.2d 662 (2d Dep’t 2010);Desena v. Federated Dept. Stores, Inc., 65 A.D.3d 662, 884 N.Y.S.2d 765 (2d Dep’t 2009); Hernandez v. Bethel United Methodist Church of N.Y., 49 A.D.3d 25, 853 N.Y.S.2d 305 (1st Dep’t 2008); Thompson v. Steuben Realty Corp., 31 A.D.3d 746, 820 N.Y.S.2d 285 (2d Dep’t 2006); Dowd v. Alliance Mortgage Co., 32 A.D.3d 894, 822 N.Y.S.2d 558 (2d Dep't 2006); L&R Exploration Venture v. Grynberg, 804 N.Y.S.2d 286 (1st Dep’t 2005); L&R Exploration v. Grynberg, 271 P.3d 530 (Colo. App. 2011); Simon v. Mehryari, 16 A.D.3d 664, 792 N.Y.S.2d 543 (2d Dep’t 2005); Corneroli v. Borghi, 11 A.D.3d 409, 783 N.Y.S.2d 572 (1st Dep’t 2004); Robinson v. Viacom Int'l, 242 A.D.2d 481, 663 N.Y.S.2d 817 (1st Dep’t 1997); R.C. Layne Constr. v. Stratton Oakmont, 228 A.D.2d 45, 651 N.Y.S.2d 973 (1st Dep’t 1996); Amico v. Graphic Arts Leasing, 231 A.D.2d 596, 647 N.Y.S.2d 815 (2d Dep't 1996); A.L. v. Chaminade Mineola Society of Mary, Inc., Index No. 602927/2018, 2020 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 889 (N.Y. Sup., Nassau Co. Jan. 13, 2020); Atkinson v. New York City Health and Hospitals Corp., Index No. 155048/2015, 2018 N.Y. Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 264 (N.Y. Sup., Jan. 2018); CB Richard Ellis, Inc. v. Daily Racing Form, LLC, Index No. 112466/2010, 2013 NY Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 247 (N.Y. Sup. Dec. 11, 2013); Nimir v. Nassau Univ. Med. Center, Index No. 8934/2008, 2012 NY Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 157 (Nassau Sup. Jan. 20, 2012); Tierney v. Frey, 2012 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 4056 (N.Y. Sup. 2012); Priya Hospitality LLC v. Patel, 2011 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2768 (N.Y. Sup. 2011); Egar v. Congregation Talmud Torah, 23 Misc. 3d 1111A, 885 N.Y.S.2d 711 (N.Y. Sup. 2009); Christopher v. Pharmastem, Index No. 22379/2005, 2008 N.Y. Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 55484 (Westchester Sup., Mar. 14, 2008).

 

First Admitted: 1992, New York

Professional Webpage: http://www.simonlesser.com/attorneys-leonard.html

Bar/Professional Activity:
  • New York Bar, 1992
  • Connecticut Bar, 1991
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
  • Gutierrez v. Plonski, et al., 219 A.D.3d 807 (2d Dep't 2023) Obtained dismissal of product liability claims against saw manufacturer in connection with alleged amputation injuries associated with the improper use of a miter saw.  , 2023
  • A.L. v. Chaminade Mineola Society of Mary, Inc., aka Chaminade High School, et al., Index No. 602927/2018 (NY Sup, Nassau Co.) Obtained a $3.2 million settlement during jury selection for a client who suffered a cervical fracture while a high school freshman after attempting a racing start from a pool starting block., 2023
  • Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 16-cv-1390, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 131016, 2023 WL 4850528 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2023) Obtained a federal bench trial verdict in 2023 against the principal of an investment firm, piercing the corporate veil of that firm and finding him liable as the alter ego of the investment firm on its Judgments in favor of Len's client, an S&P 100 multinational corporation, totalling with interest about $7 million, and for intentional fraudulent conveyances.  , 2022
  • Bittrolff v. Ridge Tool Company, Index No. 711759 (N.Y. Sup., Queens Co.) Obtained dismissal of product liability claims with costs against pipe threading tool manufacturer and distributor in connection with alleged amputation and de-gloving injuries., 2021
  • Obtained a $14 million settlement in 2022 in complex Manhattan commercial lease dispute litigated in the New York County Commercial Division, 2021
  • Jane Doe v. Mohan Sharma, M.D., et al., 62 Misc.3d 627, 89 N.Y.S.3d 548 (N.Y. Sup. 2018) Obtained a million dollar jury verdict in a medical malpractice case tried in Nassau County Supreme Court involving claims of emotional damages suffered by an intellectually disabled young woman who was endangered by sexually inappropriate conduct committed by her primary care physician as a result of his own neurological disability.  This verdict is believed to be one of the highest medical malpractice verdicts in Nassau County involving non-physical injuries. ., 2019
  • Greco v. Home Depot, 15-cv-4124 (U.S.D.C., E.D.N.Y.) Obtained dismissal of product liability claims against manufacturer and distributor of sewer cleaning tool in connection with alleged thumb amputation., 2019
  • Jiang v. Ridge Tool Co., 764 Fed. Appx. (2d Cir. 2019) Obtained summary judgment, affirmed on appeal, defeating failure to warn claims in connection with substantial burn injuries associated with the improper use of a wet/dry vacuum., 2019
  • Obtained $2.5 million recovery following three-week jury trial in 2017 in a medical malpractice and wrongful death case in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County where the decedent died from pulmonary embolism, 2016
  • Obtained a $2.35 million settlement in a premises security case where the plaintiff was brutally raped in her apartment by an intruder , 2016
  • Huang v. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 129 A.D.3d 1053, 12 N.Y.S.3d 232 (2d Dep't 2015). Obtained dismissal of claims against a church in Queens County in connection with alleged sexual assault committed by a pastor, 2015
  •  L&R Exploration v. CCG, LLC, et al., 351 P.3d 569 (Colo. App. 2015) Successfully tried an alter-ego and fraudulent conveyance case in Colorado against a business tycoon’s businesses that had failed to pay judgments obtained in New York, resulting in a multimillion dollar judgment and attorney fee award, affirmed on appeal. , 2015
  • Archibald v. Emerson Electric Co., Index No. 2015-0545 (N.Y. Sup., Otsego Co.) Obtained dismissal of product liability claims against freeze alarm manufacturer in connection with substantial property damage claims, 2014
  • Emerson Electric Co. v. Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc., 08-cv-1489, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98401 (E.D.N.Y., July 28, 2015) Obtained a bench trial verdict of $2 million on claims for breach of contract in connection with the defendant's use of a Mexican maquiladora following a business divestiture. , 2014
  • Asset Management Associates of New York, Inc. v. Emerson Telecommunication Products, LLC, 08-cv-2128 (U.S.D.C., E.D.N.Y.).  Successfully represented seller of businesses in defense of post-closing claims asserted by the buyer, including claims that seller misrepresented the value of inventory as part of the sale.  After defeating the buyer's claim for fraud based rescission of the entire transaction, as well as the agreement's arbitration provision (Asset Mgmt. Assocs. v. Emerson Telcom. Prods. LLC, 08-CV-2506, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9434 [E.D.N.Y., Jan. 25, 2011]), the dispute was arbitrated in 2013 before a forensic accounting examiner.  The Arbitrator ultimately rejected the buyer's claims for $3.9 million and found in favor of seller on its claims for a post-closing adjustment.  On January 9, 2014, the Court entered Judgment against the buyer for $1.9 million., 2014
  • Marchetti v. Branson Ultrasonics Corp., Case No. 126010929 (CT Sup. Ct., Danbury).  Obtained defense verdict after jury trial on behalf of a global developer, manufacturer, and distributor of plastic joining, industrial cleaning, and ultrasonics processing equipment.  The plaintiff claimed she suffered traumatic brain injuries and other damages resulting from an accident on the defendant's property.  After trial, the Court granted directed verdict to the defense on 3 of 5 counts, and the jury then rendered a defense verdict on the two remaining counts.     , 2014
  • Wilson, et al. v. Patrick Austin, 11-cv-4594 (USDC, EDNY).  Successfully prosecuted an action for fraud and related claims, and obtained a $6.5 million bench trial Judgment, inclusive of $500,000 in punitive damages, against the defendant., 2014
  • Asset Mgmt. Assoc. of N.Y., Inc. v. Emerson Telecom. Prods. LLC, 2014 NY Jury Verdict Review LEXIS 5 (E.D.N.Y., Jan. 9, 2014) Obtained court confirmed arbitration award rejecting a busniess purchaser's claims for fraud in connection with the reprfesentations and warranties in connection with the acquisition and where Len's client was awarded a post-closing adjustment with interes of $1.9 million. i, 2013
  • CB Richard Ellis, Inc vs. Daily Racing Form, LLC, Index No. 112466/210 (NY Sup., NY Co.).  Successfully defended business against claims for brokerage commissions claimed by commercial real estate brokerage firm in connection with lease of commercial space in NYC.  After the close of discovery, the plaintiff agreed to discontinue the case with prejudice., 2013
  • Nimir v. Nassau Health Care, No. 8943/08 (Nassau Sup. 2012): Successfully represented the estate of a 15-year old boy who, while remanded for in-patient psychiatric treatment and evaluation at a New York hospital pediatric psychiatry ward, and on suicide observation, was left alone in the boy's shower room wearing and carrying hospital pants with drawstrings which he used to strangle himself., 2012
  • Priya Hospitality LLC v. Patel, 2011 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2768, 2011 NY Slip Op 31564U (Queens Sup. 2011): Successfully defeated application for injunction made by removed managing member of hotel development and management LLC for reinstatement as a result of documented claims that removed managing member allegedly committed fraud and embezzlement during hotel construction and initial management phases., 2011
  • Spielman v. Grace Gospel Church of Suffolk, Inc., 77 A.D.3d 816, 910 N.Y.S.2d 105 (2d Dep't 2010), leave denied, 17 N.Y.3d 703, 929 N.Y.S.2d 94 (2011): Obtained dismissal following appeal, of claims asserted against a Church in connection with alleged adult sexual misconduct by a pastor., 2011
  • Cash Money Records, Inc. v. Music Video Distributors, Inc., 08-cv-9769 (S.D.N.Y.):  Successfully defended national media distribution company against copyright infringement claims concerning sale and distribution of rap music film., 2011
  • L&R Exploration v. Grynberg, 31 Misc. 3d 1219A,927 N.Y.S.2d 816 (N.Y. Sup. 2011), aff'd, 90 A.D.3d 538, 934 N.Y.S.2d 707 (1st Dep't 2011): Successfully represented partners in defense of claims asserted against them by an oil and gas tycoon and managing partner of their joint venture for declaratory judgment and unjust enrichment, and obtained a multimillion arbitration award and judgment against the managing partner for breach of fiduciary duty in failing to properly account for partnership proceeds.  Further obtained a contempt order and judgment for attorneys’ fees after the judgment debtor, in response to subpoena for deposition in judgment enforcement proceedings, sued partners and counsel in violation of an antisuit injunction. Following the New York contempt citation against the tycoon, Len successfully tried an alter-ego and fraudulent conveyance case in Colorado against the tycoon’s businesses, resulting in another multimillion dollar judgment in 2013., 2011
  • East Midwood Jewish Ctr. v CNA Ins. Co., 72 A.D.3d 877, 898 N.Y.S.2d 662 (2d Dep’t 2010):  Obtained declaratory judgment affirmed on appeal against insurer for indemnification in connection with disposition of personal injury lawsuit, 2010
  • Christopher v. PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., 12 Misc. 3d 1186A, 824 N.Y.S.2d 761 (Westchester Sup. 2006): Succesfully prosecuted action for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and deceptive business practices against umbilical cord blood preservation company which issued communications to obstetricians around the nation threatening them with claims for patent infringement if they collected cord blood for patients who intended to preserve such cord blood with other companies., 2008
  • Zapolski/Rudd, LLC v. The Setai Group, LLC, 08 Civ. 5445 (S.D.N.Y.):  Obtained and collected substantial judgment on breach of contract claims involving financing agreement for hotel and commercial development property, 2008
  • The Shoe Factory, Inc. v. ALPI USA, Inc., No. 1996/06 (Queens Sup. 2008):  Successfully defended international freight forwarder against multimillion dollar claim for damages; obtained dismissal of affirmative claims and judgment for attorney’s fees on defendant’s counterclaims., 2006
  • Kruse v. Wells Fargo, 02-cv-3089, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26092 (E.D.N.Y. 2006):  Obtained summary judgment dismissing putative class action alleging “overcharges” and “mark ups” for mortgage settlement services in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)., 2006
  • Freedom Card, Inc. v. JP Morgan Chase & Co., 432 F.3d 463 (3d Cir. 2005): Member of team that obtained summary dismissal, affirmed on appeal, of claims for trademark infringement and unfair competition in connection with credit card product., 2005
  • Joseph Phelps Vineyards v. Castello Di Borghese, 05-cv-2855 (E.D.N.Y. 2005):  Obtained an injunction and damages on behalf of one of Napa Valley’s premier vineyards against a New York winery for trademark infringement and unfair competition., 2005
  • Joseph Simon v. Marvel Characters, Inc., 00 Civ. 1393 (S.D.N.Y.):  Part of team that successfully represented one of the creators of the Captain America superhero character in the protection of his copyrights., 2004
  • Corneroli v. Borghi, 11 A.D.3d 409, 783 N.Y.S.2d 572 (1st Dep’t 2004): Obtained a directed verdict after framed issue trial, affirmed on appeal, for prominent New York City art dealer against claims for fraud, RICO and conversion., 2004
  • Timothy Butler v. First Baptist Church Of Westbury, Index No.  14544/04 (N.Y. Sup., Nassau Co.): Obtained summary judgment for Church in Nassau County on claims in defamation and slander against a board member., 2004
  • Barnes v. Countrywide Home Loans, Index No. 27734/00 (NY Sup, Suffolk): Obtained a directed verdict after trial on behalf of a national mortgage lender on fraud and deceptive trade practices claims in connection with the sale of FHA-financed homes, 2004
  • Ehrens v. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 385 F.3d 232 (2d Cir. 2004):Obtained summary judgment, affirmed on appeal, on behalf of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church-Atlantic District on negligent hiring and supervision claims pertaining to an alleged sexual assault on a minor by a retired pastor., 2004
  • Rema Tip Top/North America Inc. v. G-Mills Development LLC, 01 CV-0930 (N.D. Ga.):  Successfully represented a global industrial products company against a former manager for self-dealing and tortious interference with contract., 2001
  • Boyd v. Loeb Partners Corp., 00 Civ. 7052 (U.S.D.C., S.D.N.Y.):Obtained a defense verdict after trial on behalf of a premier New York City investment firm on claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and unfair competition in connection with the acquisition of a British technology company, 2000
  • Thermo Wisconsin v. Langbein & Engelbracht GmbH, Index No:  99-CV-165 (Wisconsin Circuit Court, Outagamie Co.):  Obtained a TRO on behalf of Fortune 500 industrial products corporation against its former senior managers that left the company for a competitor and then raided their former employer’s senior sales staff and customer sales information., 2000
  • Robinson, et al. v. Viacom Int’l, et al., 663 N.Y.S.2d 817 (1st Dep’t 1997):Obtained summary judgment, affirmed on appeal, on behalf of Viacom and MTV Networks dismissing plaintiff’s claims for copyright infringement and alleged theft of an idea for a television sitcom., 1997
  • R.C. Layne, Inc. v. Stratton Oakmont, Inc., 651 N.Y.S.2d 973 (1st Dep’t 1996):Obtained a landmark decision from the First Department which upheld punitive damages awarded in a securities fraud arbitration on behalf of a corporate client against a New York City brokerage firm., 1996
Representative Clients:
  • Abt SRBI Inc., Adventist Risk Management, Inc., Allied Interstate, Anyvision, Arlington Capital Partners, Aternity, Inc., Aura, Baxter Diagnostics, Boston Infrastructure Investments, Inc., Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Chubb Insurance Group, CME, LLC, Complex Media, Daily Racing Form, LLC, Dean & DeLuca, Diagnosys Systems, Inc., Eastern Capital Development, Emerson Electric Co., Fleet Farm, GuideOne Insurance, IAC/InterActiveCorp, Ideal Hospitality LLC, Innova L.P., Interstate Chemical Corp., Intersections, Loeb Partners Corporation, Main Line Broadcasting, Music Video Distributors, Inc., Prism Visual Software, Priya Hospitality LLC, Redbubble, Reprise Media, Inc., SCS Eneregy, Senscience, Sequa Corporation, Sports Information Group, Syntex Corp., Vertiv Co., Whoop 
Honors/Awards:
  • Worldwide Financial Advisor Award - Complex Commercial and Tort Law Firm of the Year, Global Business Magazine, 2021
  • Leading Insurance and Liability Litigation Attorney of the Year in New York, Acquisition International, 2020
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year in New York, Corporate Intl Magazine Global Awards, 2014
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year in US (NY), ACQ5 - Acquisition Finance, 2020
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year in New York, Corporate Live Wire Global Awards, 2015
  • 2015 Litigator Award Winner™, Trial Lawyers Board of Regents, LLC™, 2016
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year - New York, Corporate Intl Magazine, 2015
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year, ACQ (Acquisition Finance) Magazine, 2015
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year (New York), ACQ5 Global Awards, 2016
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year in New York, Global Law Experts, 2013
  • Copyright Lawyer of the Year - New York, ACQ (Acquisition Finance) Magazine, 2014
  • AV-Preeminent® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®, 2016
  • Excellence in Trade Secret Litigation, Corporate LiveWire, 2016

Office location for Leonard F. Lesser

100 Park Ave
16th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Selections

17 Years Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2008 - 2024

Attorney resources for Leonard F. Lesser

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