Neil ODonnell, Business Attorney in New York
New, NY
Trusted business attorney serving New York.
Practices in
Are you Neil ODonnell?
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Quick answer
Neil ODonnell is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business. Currently practicing at Legal Scale LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business
- Handles Business matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026).
About Neil ODonnell: Neil ODonnell is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business. Currently practicing at Legal Scale LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Neil takes on
Neil concentrates on business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Neil handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in New York
Neil 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 Neil agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Neil ODonnell — business lawyer in New York
Neil ODonnell is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business. Currently practicing at Legal Scale LLP.
Neil ODonnell is a founding partner at Legal Scale. His practice primarily focuses on private equity transactions and fund formation. Neil represents investors and emerging-growth companies with early-stage financings, including issuances of SAFEs, warrants, convertible debt and other equity securities. He also provides advice on compliance and corporate governance for his clients.
Prior to founding Legal Scale, Neil spent several years raising and deploying debt and equity capital to purchase cell tower ground leases in South America – a project that Neil decided to spearhead to bring accretive land acquisition strategies to Latin America. Neil also previously worked in the Restructuring Group and Equity Derivatives Group at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, which sharpened his ability to operate at the intersection of business and law. Before completing law school, Neil worked at Merrill Lynch, Jacobi Capital and Synaptic Capital Management, experiences that gave him insight into the inner workings of funds and other financial institutions.
Neil received his J.D. and M.B.A. from Cornell University and his B.S. and M.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Neil is a chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA). He is admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arizona, Washington D.C., Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington. Neil is based out of New York City, NY.
Neil's approach to business cases
Neil ODonnell is a founding partner at Legal Scale. His practice primarily focuses on private equity transactions and fund formation. Neil represents investors and emerging-growth companies with early-stage financings, including issuances of SAFEs, warrants, convertible debt and other equity securities. He also provides advice on compliance and corporate governance for his clients. Prior to…
The kind of cases Neil takes
Neil reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business matters across New York.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cornell University
J.D. · 1997
Neil studied at J.D. in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Neil completed J.D. in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Neil runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Neil has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law (2026).
Locations
Neil ODonnell's office in New York
Neil's primary office is at 2 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York, 10016. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Neil ODonnell
Neil has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Neil ODonnell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Neil usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Neil charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Neil'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; Neil will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Neil
Neil discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Neil confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Neil's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Neil ODonnell
How much does it cost to hire Neil for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Neil walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Neil offer a free consultation?
Neil charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Neil's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Neil's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in New York typically take?
Simple business 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. Neil gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Neil take my case if I'm outside New York?
Neil 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 — Neil 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 Neil?
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. Neil will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Neil accepting new business clients right now?
Neil's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Neil handles business matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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