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Eric Turkewitz
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4.5
Avvo rating
8 Reviews
Top review highlights
AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and experienced in civil procedure and litigation tactics
“His knowledge of civil procedure (which, contrary to what we see on television, is as important or even more important than trial advocacy skills) is endless. He knows the rules like the back of his hand.”
2
Calm and empathetic demeanor that puts clients at ease
“Even in stressful situations you are left with the impression that he has everything under control.”
3
Excellent communication and responsiveness with clients
“I've hired lawyers all over the country for business litigation matters for nearly 20 years now, and Eric is right up there with the best I've worked with when it comes to professionalism, diligence and responsiveness.”
4
Tireless dedication and devotion to client's cause
“His attention to the needs of the case and of his clients never once flagged.”
Cons
1
Potential conflict of interest in taking a 1/3 share of the compensation before deducting expenses
“Taking your 1/3 first is an unfair distribution of the compensation. He did not first deduct the expenses and he took his 1/3 after first.”
2
Lack of transparency in expert fees charged
“An inflated amount ($ 8,000) of an expert fee. He found us a doctor and he paid the doctor we believe, again, this is an inflated amount.”
All reviews
12 Nov, 2018 by Murat
About Eric:
From the time we signed the agreement until the end of the trial, I did not have any concerns about him. But, just after the trial, I started to think and research the trial process. Actually, we (my wife and me) had not researched about the car accident trial process in the USA when we met with him. We were thinking that this was the expertise of our lawyer and it was not necessary to double check the details via the Internet.
But, after the end of the trial, I started to research and I reached out to several lawyers and friends, who live in the USA, to ask my questions. Now, I want to summarize what I think.
1. In the agreement, he offered us to take first 1/3 of the compensation. At that time, we did not think about it. But right now, we see he took advantage of the fact that we did not know the law system in the USA. He did it in bad faith. (It is possible he could be sued for this unethical behavior.) Taking your 1/3 first is an unfair distribution of the compensation. He did not first deduct the expenses and he took his 1/3 after first.
2. Another point: An inflated amount ($ 8,000) of an expert fee. He found us a doctor and he paid the doctor we believe, again, this is an inflated amount. We agreed that he would pay the expenses first and he will deduct them from the compensation at the end of the trial. BUT, it does not mean that he can decide to make such a large payment without any notice. He never informed us it was such a high amount. He was there to protect our rights, not Doctor’s rights. This was his first responsibility. Ethically, this is a must for him. He signed the agreement with us. In this case, he might have paid –let’s say- $ 15,000 to Dr. X for his services. What would be the result? Will we pay him after the trial?
Agreeing to pay the expenses does not give a lawyer unlimited freedom. Charging $ 8,000 for a single-day appearance in court on behalf of a PLAINTIFF is exorbitant even for New York. By taking his third first, he is not affected by unreasonable expenses which he deducts from client compensation.
Besides this, due to the dispute we have right now, I will complain about him to the NY Bar.
21 Jun, 2013 by Erik
Eric Turkewitz impressed me most with his willingness to help above and beyond any request I could make of him. He is patient with those he represents, especially in reviewing the finer points of New York law (and its occasional eccentricities.)
Eric was masterful at knowing and executing on the details that make up a successful case, instead of just the broad points that make someone believe "my cause is just." Simultaneously, he was downright generous with his time on our case; he answered queries and provided comment at all hours, far beyond the call of reasonable need.
Eric is a consummate professional who cares about what he does, will fight for someone, and who gets things done. I would never hesitate to hire or recommend his services to anyone.
29 May, 2013 by Antonin i. pribetic
Eric Turkewitz represented me in the Rakofsky v. The Internet litigation. His litigation strategy and procedural tactics demonstrated a superior knowledge of New York local practice and American defamation law, including First Amendment principles. His collaborative approach, along with pro hac vice counsel, Marc Randazza, kept my co-defendants and I fully informed and ultimately vindicated our collective substantive defences and jurisdictional arguments. I would recommend Eric to any of my clients without reservation.
29 May, 2013 by George
A few years back, there was a prominent and successful thoroughbred race horse named "Masterful Advocate." Eric Turkewitz, who represented me - successfully - in the defense of an elaborate speech and defamation case, is a thoroughbred and a masterful advocate: attentive, prepared, highly capable, entirely ethical, unstinting in his devotion to his clients' cause. As an attorney myself, I view Eric Turkewitz as a shining example, a model of what an attorney should do and should be.
29 May, 2013 by Josh
Eric really knows his stuff - which is critical in the chaos that is civil litigation in New York. He represented me and my business in a defamation matter; I was out-of-state and needed local counsel. He did a great job navigating the litigation and keeping me informed throughout.
That may seem like a little thing, but many, many lawyers are really bad when it comes to proactively communicating with clients. I've hired lawyers all over the country for business litigation matters for nearly 20 years now, and Eric is right up there with the best I've worked with when it comes to professionalism, diligence and responsiveness. Highly recommend.
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