Attorneys
For over 100 years, O’Dwyer & Bernstien has been one of New York’s pre-eminent litigation firms. Meet our elite legal team.
Our attorneys provide quality representation in the fields of personal injury, labor relations, employee benefits and administrative/government law.
We bring significant experience to our areas of expertise and maintain a high-quality “boutique” practice while carrying on the beliefs of Paul O’Dwyer and the traditions of our other founders, William O’Dwyer — a former mayor of the city of New York — and Oscar Bernstien.
Our firm has had its share of publicly renowned cases, including a number of pro bono cases undertaken in the interest of justice. Today, our lawyers and support staff carry on the tradition of our founders, championing the causes and ideals of the underdogs, battling against social injustice, protecting the liberty of the common man, and fighting for civil and human rights.
Our firm is located in the vicinity of City Hall, the federal and state courts, and other governmental offices. The street on which our office is located was designated Paul O’Dwyer Way by the New York City Council and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in recognition of the years of service that Paul O’Dwyer gave to the people of the city of New York.
judgment
Judgment
Labor & Employment
Working with Union organizers, persuaded the NLRB to reject the employer’s attempt to flood the proposed bargaining unit of 35 permanent workers with 230 seasonal employees on the grounds that the two groups did not share a community of interest. In re USTA National Tennis Center.
judgment
Judgment
Labor & Employment
Obtained judgment against the principal of a contracting company who was personally involved in a scheme to defraud the funds by paying workers off the books from a concealed bank account. Carpenters Benefit Funds v. Quantum Construction and Noel Griffin, 2008 WL 5159777 (S.D.N.Y. December 9, 2008).
judgment
Judgment
Labor & Employment
Successfully defeated a contractor’s attempt to set aside an arbitration award on the grounds that it was subjected to economic duress and fraud in the inducement when it entered in inducement to enter into the collective bargaining agreement. Benefit Funds v. Tadco Construction Co., 08 WL 540078 (S.D.N.Y., February 28, 2008).
Settlement
$735,000
Construction Accident
for a 55-year-old carpenter who tore ligaments in his shoulder when he fell from a scaffold at a job site
Settlement
$850,000
Construction Accident
for a 34-year-old carpenter who suffered a herniated lumbar disc and post-traumatic stress when he fell 12 feet into an open shaft
Settlement
$850,000
Construction Accident
to a 26-year-old laborer who sustained an eye injury when he was struck by a projectile while using a nail gun
Settlement
$825,000
Construction Accident
for a 40-year-old carpenter who fractured his knee requiring surgery as a result of a fall from a temporary ramp at a work site
Settlement
$750,000
Construction Accident
for a 32-year-old laborer who suffered back injuries requiring surgery and a fractured toe as a result of a concrete slab that tipped over and knocked him to the ground at a job site
We have helped New Yorkers recover over $500,000,000 in verdicts and settlements
What Our Clients Say
When I was hurt on the job I had nowhere to turn for help. I had been working as an electrician’s helper, but my boss was not insured and he had no license to do electrical work. I had just had a new baby girl and Con Ed was going to shut off my lights. A friend told me to call O’Dwyer & Bernstien. They took action right away and got great money for my case. ODB helped me get my life back on track. I will always be grateful.”
LC
Brooklyn, NY
I retained O’Dwyer & Bernstien on the recommendation of a friend. I was immediately impressed by the firm’s experience and reputation in personal injury law. From the start, my ODB attorney walked me through the process, answered all my questions, explained everything clearly, kept me updated regularly and always promptly returned my telephone calls and emails. My attorney was knowledgeable, professional, courteous and diligent. My case moved through the court system quickly. As trial neared, the insurance company saw that my attorney was experienced and thoroughly prepared to try my case to verdict. As a result, the insurance company caved and settled my case for the full limits of the insurance policy. I love my ODB attorney!”
MD
New York, NY
When I got hurt in a traffic accident while riding my bike in New York City, my friend suggested I speak to O’Dwyer & Bernstien. Upon my initial phone conversation with a lawyer from the firm I was impressed by his courtesy, quick return phone calls and concise explanation of the legal tactics available to me. After meeting face to face with him, I decided immediately to retain O’Dwyer & Bernstien to represent me in my personal injury case. I was very happy with my attorney and with the outcome of my case. I highly recommend O’Dwyer & Bernstien to anyone seeking legal representation.
DR
New York, NY
O’Dwyer & Bernstien has helped me in several different situations over the last 12 years that I’ve lived in NYC. They’re my go-to firm because they always obtain the results that I need and deserve. They’re also located in downtown Manhattan, which makes them very convenient. The office and people that work there are exactly what you’d expect from a top tier law firm in the world’s greatest city.
SM
New York, NY