Matthew Aaron Leish

Matthew Aaron Leish, Civil Rights Attorney in New York

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General · 4.9/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

Practicing civil rights in New York since 1998.

28+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
8 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Matthew Aaron Leish is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Miller Korzenik Sommers Rayman LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 28 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Entertainment · General
  • Handles Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Matthew Aaron Leish: Matthew Aaron Leish is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Miller Korzenik Sommers Rayman LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Matthew takes on

Matthew concentrates on civil rights, entertainment, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in New York

Matthew takes civil rights 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in New York

Matthew takes entertainment 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

General cases in New York

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

IP cases in New York

Matthew takes ip 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in New York

Matthew takes litigation 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Matthew Aaron Leish — civil rights lawyer in New York

Matthew Aaron Leish is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Miller Korzenik Sommers Rayman LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Columbia Law School. Head Writing and Research Editor, Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems. Author: "Actual Malice Practice Guide," Media Law Resource Center (December 2006). Co-Author: "In Defense of Public Trials" in Litigation, The Journal of the ABA Section of Litigation (Summer 2003); "Responding to the Anonymous Cyber-Griper," ACCA Docket (May 2002); "'Cyberlibel' and John Doe: The Emerging Standards For Protection Of Anonymous Speech On The Internet" in American Bar Association Tort And Insurance Practice Committee News (Winter 2001); "A Selective Survey of Current Issues Facing Book and Magazine Publishers" in Internet Publishing: The Legal and Business Issues as Traditional Publishing Moves to Electronic Media, 601PLI/IP 9 (PLI, 2000); "The Mayor Versus the First Amendment: Will The Fight Last A Full Fifteen Rounds?" Communications Lawyer (Summer 2000). Speaker, "Free Speech and the Internet," ACLU of Florida Forum at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL (August 18, 2010). Speaker, "Anonymous Speech and the Internet," Florida First Amendment Foundation Sunshine Seminar at Florida A&M Law School, Orlando, FL (September 21, 2010). Speaker and Panelist, "Florida's Sunshine Law," Florida First Amendment Foundation Sunshine Litigation Seminar, Tampa, FL (September 25, 2010). Panelist, "If I Post This, What Can They Do To Me? New Frontiers in Ethics and the First Amendment on the Internet," at the annual conference of the Entertainment, Arts & Sports Law Section of The Florida Bar (May 30, 2010). Panelist, "Protecting Anonymous Posters," at The Florida Bar Media Law Conference, Florida International University College of Law (March 26, 2010). Panelist, "The Law and the Media," at the Hillsborough County Bar Association's Leadership Institute program (May 6, 2009). Presenter, "Libel and Privacy Law," at a Newsroom Seminar for the editorial staff of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, three-hour presentation (July 31, 2008). Legal Panel of the Greater Tampa Chapter of the A.C.L.U.

How Matthew handles civil rights matters

Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, Columbia Law School. Head Writing and Research Editor, Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems. Author: "Actual Malice Practice Guide," Media Law Resource Center (December 2006). Co-Author: "In Defense of Public Trials" in Litigation, The Journal of the ABA Section of Litigation (Summer 2003); "Responding to the Anonymous Cyber-Griper," ACCA Docket (May 2002);…

Who Matthew represents

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, entertainment, and general matters across New York.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Columbia University Law School

    J.D. · 1997

  • University of Chicago

    B.A. · 1990

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

  • Florida U.S. Distric

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1998 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in Columbia University Law School and B.A. in University of Chicago.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in Columbia University Law School and B.A. in University of Chicago. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations

  • The Florida Bar

    Media & Communications Law Committee) American Bar Association New York State Bar Association (Media Law Committee, 2003-2007 · membership

Locations

Matthew Aaron Leish's office in New York

Matthew's primary office is at The Paramount Building, 1501 Broadway, Suite 2015, New York, NY, 10036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Miller Korzenik Sommers Rayman LLP

The Paramount Building, 1501 Broadway, Suite 2015

New York, NY 10036

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew Aaron Leish — 4.9/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in New York.

4.9

8 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Aaron Leish claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew Aaron Leish — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Matthew

Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Matthew Aaron Leish

  • How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a civil rights case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

    Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?

    Simple civil rights 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside New York?

    Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?

    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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Matthew accepting new civil rights clients right now?

    Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Matthew handles civil rights matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.