Michael A. Pensabene, ADR Attorney in New York
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Construction · 4.9/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
MemberatRosenberg & Estis, P.C.
New, NY
Practicing adr in New York since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael A. Pensabene?
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Quick answer
Michael A. Pensabene is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Construction
- Handles ADR, Business, and Construction matters from New York, NY.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael A. Pensabene: Michael A. Pensabene is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in New York
Michael concentrates on adr, business, construction, estate litigation, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Construction
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Estate Litigation
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General
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Government
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HOA
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Landlord/Tenant
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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ADR cases in New York
Michael takes adr 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in New York
Michael takes business 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in New York
Michael takes construction 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in New York
Michael takes estate 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in New York
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael A. Pensabene, adr attorney serving New York
Michael A. Pensabene is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 10 client reviews. Michael works from New York and takes on adr matters across the region.
Michael A. Pensabene joined Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. in 2000 and is a Member with the firm’s Litigation Department. Prior to joining the firm, Pensabene spent seven years working for one of the largest real estate companies in New York City, while attending law school at night. That background has allowed Pensabene to be active in all aspects of the firm’s practice, including commercial litigation, landlord and tenant litigation, rent regulation, real estate development and construction, assemblages, co-op/condo law, partnership disputes, title issues, foreclosures, workouts, and bankruptcy. Pensabene is qualified, pursuant to Part 36 of the Rules of the Chief Judge, to act as Counsel to Receiver and Counsel to Guardian.
Pensabene’s experience affords him the judgment to evaluate competing property interests and the business relationship between the parties, to know how and when to assert clients’ rights to achieve their objectives. Pensabene’s achievements representing clients such as the Hyatt Corporation, Trinity Real Estate, Forest City Ratner Companies and the Durst Organization are founded on these principles and were honed in a wide variety of forums, including City, State and Federal courts. Pensabene successfully tried one of the first cases concerning novel landlord and tenant issues resulting from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack and set precedent concerning service of process. Pensabene’s expertise in connection with construction activities has ensured the timely completion of developments and the protection of neighboring property rights, including negotiating easements, work agreements, clearing development sites, and obtaining injunctive relief from the Supreme Court. He has also represented boards, shareholders, unit owners, sponsors and managing agents in a wide variety of disputes concerning complexo-op/condo issues.
Classes / Seminars
Airbnb CLE: Mock Seinfeld Trial, Speaker, October 2019
In June 2016, Warren A. Estis and Michael A. Pensabene presented seminars for the continuing legal education program at the New York State Judicial Institute, which provides statewide education and training for the judges and justices of the New York State Unified Court System.
CLE: AirBnb Under Siege- The Evolving Legal Landscape For Short-Term Rentals in New York City, City Bar Center for Continuing Legal Education, April 20, 2017
CLE: Self-Help and Relocation Agreements, New York State Bar Association Real Property Law Section, Landlord and Tenant Proceedings Committee, November 2, 2016
Honors & Awards
Moot Court Honor Society
Published Works
Defending a Co-op Against Derivative Claims: A Look Back to ‘Auerbach’
Published on August 12, 2024 in: New York Law Journal Co-op / Condo Column
Are Inclusionary Air Rights Unique? Specific Performance Revisited
Published on October 3, 2023 in: New York Law Journal Landlord Tenant Column
‘Best Efforts’ Clauses in Commercial Leases
Published on February 1, 2023 in: New York Law Journal Landlord Tenant Column
How Michael handles adr matters
Michael A. Pensabene joined Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. in 2000 and is a Member with the firm’s Litigation Department. Prior to joining the firm, Pensabene spent seven years working for one of the largest real estate companies in New York City, while attending law school at night. That background has allowed Pensabene to be active in all aspects of the firm’s practice, including commercial…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and construction matters across New York.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Brooklyn Law School
J.D. · 2000
State University of New York at Stony Brook
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
New York
2001 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
2000 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in State University of New York at Stony Brook. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
New York County Lawyers Association New York State Bar Association
membership
Locations
Michael A. Pensabene's office in New York
Michael's primary office is at 11 Grand Central East, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael A. Pensabene — 4.9/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in New York.
4.9
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael A. Pensabene claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael A. Pensabene — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael A. Pensabene
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in New York typically take?
Simple adr 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside New York?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new adr clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Michael handles adr matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
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