260 Christopher Lane, Staten Island, NY, 10314
 Telephone (718) 494-8800  -  Fax (718) 494-1776
 hfile@hmfesq.com

Attorneys

HOWARD FILE

The founding partner of the firm which succeeded the partnership of Lee, File, and Amtzis, Howard File is well known in the legal profession as an expert in Real Estate transactions and litigation, having been involved in many novel and precedent setting real estate, foreclosure, easement, encroachment, landlord/tenant and contract cases during his 35 years of practice.

In addition, Mr. File has wide-ranging experience and skills in Divorce and Family Law as well as all aspects of commercial litigation.

Presently, Mr. File represents over 60 condominium and cooperative boards, as well as several large commercial and residential developers and contractors.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A. 1974 and Northeastern Law School J.D. 1977, he was admitted to the New York Bar in 1978 and is also admitted in all New York Federal Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court as well as the State of Pennsylvania.  Mr. File was former Chairman of the Richmond County Civil Court Committee and is currently a member of the New York State and Staten Island Trial Lawyers Associations.

Mr. File is an active litigator in all New York Courts, predominantly in Staten Island where he has developed a reputation for hard work and a broad knowledge of the law.  While aggressive in court, he is noted among his peers as warm and friendly with clients and adversaries alike.  He has been married to his lovely wife Robin for over 30 years and has two children who are embarking on their own legal careers.

 

MARTIN RUBENSTEIN

Martin Rubenstein joined the Law Offices of Howard File in 2000 after practicing exclusively in the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice field, first with the Law firm of Kelner and Kelner and then as a solo practitioner in Manhattan.

Mr. Rubenstein, a graduate of St. John’s Law School in 1973, has over 30 years of experience practicing primarily Personal Injury and Malpractice law and has several verdicts in excess of $1,000,000. to his name.

Since joining the Law Offices of Howard File, Mr. Rubenstein has successfully handled hundreds of personal injury and malpractice matters throughout Metropolitan and upstate New York.  He is well known among his peers as a highly proficient and knowledgeable professional, who is dedicated to achieving the best results for his clients.

A graduate of Wagner College and St. John’s University Law School, Mr. Rubenstein is an active member of the New York State Bar Association and the Staten Island and New York Trial Lawyers Associations.  His two sons are both successful attorneys.

ROBERT FARRELL, JR.

Robert Farrell joined the Law Offices of Howard M. File in 1999 after serving many years as an executive officer with several banks and private companies.  His wide-ranging business background has assisted him greatly in transactional work, both real estate and business, which is his primary area of practice.

Since joining the Law Offices of Howard M. File, Mr. Farrell’s practice has expanded to corporate, real estate and landlord/tenant litigation, where he has become well-recognized as a competent and successful negotiator and deal-maker.

Mr. Farrell is likewise an active member of the New York Bar Association and Richmond County Civil Court Committee.  A graduate of City University in 1984 and St. John’s University Law School in 1989, Mr. Farrell was admitted to both the New York and New Jersey Bars in 1989, as well as the Washington D.C. Bar in 1990.  He is married and the father of five children whom he enjoys coaching when not in the office.

ANDREW A. RAFTER

Andrew Rafter joined the Law Offices of Howard M. File in October 2012 following over two years of experience in public-interest environmental litigation.

Mr. Rafter is a graduate of the University of Chicago, B.A. in 2003 and Brooklyn Law School in 2009 – where he was president of the Environmental Law Society, and a member of Brooklyn Law Students for the Public Interest. He was admitted to the New York Bar in April 2011.

Mr. Rafter resides in Brooklyn, with his wife Pamela, and enjoys fly fishing in his free time.

Important Facts

New York is now a no-fault divorce state. Our highly competent matrimonial attorneys are well-versed in proving or defending against the limited grounds for divorce in New York. We diligently use our vast business and tax backgrounds to arrange an equitable distribution of marital assets with the least tax consequences.

Preparing and reviewing contracts, business agreements, wills, trusts, partnership and shareholder agreements, and leases is a work of art on which we pride ourselves. Given our varied commercial and civil litigation experience, of over 30 years, we go to great lengths to ensure your business transactions are successfully concluded and enforceable, if necessary, in a court of law.

Under new divorce laws, non-moneyed spouses may be entitled to attorney's fees and spousal maintenance from their spouse at the beginning of a divorce action. These new laws may make bringing a divorce action far more affordable to you. Contact our experienced matrimonial attorneys to learn more.

Experienced Real Estate litigators can prevent or delay foreclosures. See how we can assist you in keeping you in your home.

Our courts are regularly consumed with family disputes over property and other assets. A large part of our practice is devoted to resolving and, if necessary, litigating intra-family financial, business and property disputes, as well as will contests.

Condominium, Coop, and Homeowners Association Boards are typically comprised of volunteer homeowners who often depend upon competent and experienced attorneys to guide and protect them in their decision making . Our firm has effectively represented over 50 such boards during the last 30 years.

Homebuyers have certain rights and protections against structural defects. Our firm has been very successful in recovering significant monetary awards on behalf of defrauded purchasers of new and resale homes. We also have successfully prosecuted many actions against unscrupulous home improvement contractors.

Birth abnormalities and deformities due to medical error are unfortunately on the rise. Experienced and well-trained medical malpractice attorneys at the Staten Island Law Offices of Howard M. File, Esq. PC can help you through these difficult times.

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