John E. Tavss, General Attorney in New York
New, NY
Trusted general attorney serving New York.
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Are you John E. Tavss?
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Quick answer
John E. Tavss is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on General. Currently practicing at Seward & Kissel LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- General
- Handles General matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (New York City) (2021).
About John E. Tavss: John E. Tavss is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on General. Currently practicing at Seward & Kissel LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on general. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in New York
John takes general matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John E. Tavss — general lawyer in New York
John E. Tavss is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on General. Currently practicing at Seward & Kissel LLP.
John E. Tavss is Senior Counsel in Seward & Kissel’s Investment Management Group. John has practiced at the Firm since 1979, and became a partner since 1988. John advises clients on a wide variety of securities, tax and business law matters relating to the investment management business. John has significant expertise in the investment management area including the representation of “hedge funds,” other private investment vehicles (both onshore and offshore) and private equity funds. John is a frequent speaker on “hedge fund” and other private investment fund issues.
John is a member of the New York State Bar Association (Tax Section) and the International Bar Association (Private Funds Section). John is actively involved with Hedge Funds Care, a not-for-profit organization supported by the hedge fund industry dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.
John's approach to general cases
John E. Tavss is Senior Counsel in Seward & Kissel’s Investment Management Group. John has practiced at the Firm since 1979, and became a partner since 1988. John advises clients on a wide variety of securities, tax and business law matters relating to the investment management business. John has significant expertise in the investment management area including the representation of “hedge…
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general matters across New York.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Vanderbilt University
J.D. · 1980
John studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (New York City)
2021
Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (New York City) (2021). Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (2026).
Locations
Office locations for John E. Tavss in New York
John's primary office is at New York, New York, 10004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John E. Tavss
John has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire John E. Tavss — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John E. Tavss
How much does it cost to hire John for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in New York typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside New York?
John is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new general clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
John handles general matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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