Steven J. Schwartzapfel

A Passion for Justice

Schwartzapfel® Lawyers treats clients like family. Steve’s passion for helping those in need stems from his childhood. His father suffered from multiple sclerosis and Steve experienced firsthand the devastating impact it has on the individual as well as the entire family. Steve understands the stress and frustration of not being able to do the simple things most people take for granted, such as getting out of bed, dressing, working and paying bills. He can relate to the losses the entire family suffers when a loved one is injured, maimed, disabled or killed as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing.

Highly Recognized Trial Lawyer and Strategic Negotiator

Insurance companies and defense lawyers know that Steve and his team of trial attorneys have the experience, skills, reputation and resources to successfully litigate and take every case to verdict, regardless of how powerful or big the defendant or insurance company may be. Steve refuses to be out lawyered or outspent.

Steve doesn’t accept every case, but when he does the insurance companies and defense counsel know the case has merit and that it will be litigated aggressively and zealously. The insurance companies know that Schwartzapfel® Lawyers P.C. will take a case to verdict and see it all the way through appeal. As such, most insurance companies settle and pay Steve’s clients more money than lawyers without his reputation, resources, track record of litigating, and 99% client satisfaction rate on all personal injury cases.

Sometimes resolving a case sooner and with certainty rather than gambling on what a jury might decide is the preferable path. When counseling a client on whether to proceed to verdict or accept a settlement, Steve provides open and honest advice, as if he were speaking to a family member.

Dedicated to the Community and Legal Justice

Steve is a certified member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a prestigious group of U.S. trial lawyers who have won multi-million dollar verdicts and/or settlements. He is also involved in several advocacy organizations that protect the rights of injured clients. Steve has lectured at legal seminars both in and out of the country to lawyers and judges alike. He has lectured on such topics as maximizing damages and case value, negotiation, strategies and tactics, statutes, insurance issues, law office management, client relations and ethics.

The American Bar Foundation named Steve a Life Fellow in recognition of his service to the community. Steve supports a long list of charities, including establishing scholarships at Pace University Law School and Touro Law School.

In addition, Steve has established the Schwartzapfel® Lawyers Humanitarian Scholarship for high school graduates who plan on focusing their studies to enter public service fields such as teachers, social workers, doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, attorneys, etc.

Steve has seen the devastating and often deadly effects of young people texting, drinking and driving. Steve volunteers his time and serves on New York State’s MADD executive advisory board, co-chairing the legislative committee.