Profile
Rick resolves toxic situations, whether they be interpersonal or environmental. Trust and estate conflicts, rocky transitions in family businesses, injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals, breaches of contractual relationships and creditor debt recovery are all examples of the complex situations that Rick guides clients through on a regular basis.
As a co-chair of the firm's toxic tort and environmental litigation practice, Rick represents clients facing potential liability for discharges or releases of toxic substances, such as discharges of petroleum products and exposure to industrial chemicals, and for the failure to abate or remediate such substances. By guiding his clients expediently through their options to determine how they can resolve an issue before trial, Rick reduces stress and works to achieve prompt resolution that reduces litigation costs.
A trial attorney, Rick regularly addresses toxic relationships in areas such as commercial disputes, will contests, estate accountings, libel law and premises liability (including defense of lead paint exposure and Labor Law § 240 “Scaffold Law” claims.) Rick has extensive experience in securing pre- and post-judgment remedies for clients, including temporary restraining orders, specific enforcement of contract remedies (including non-compete and non-solicitation clauses) and disclosure of judgment debtor assets. Rick has also advised and defended organizations that face lawsuits concerning alleged child sexual abuse by individual organization members, employees or volunteers, including claims that are “revived” under the recent New York State Child Victims Act.
