WD

William D Zabel, Education Attorney in New York

Over 65 years of legal practice · focused on Education, Estate Planning, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratSchulte Roth & Zabel LLP

New, NY

Practicing education in New York since 1961.

65+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

Are you William D Zabel?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

William D Zabel is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Education, Estate Planning, and Family Law. William has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 65 years
Known for
Education · Estate Planning · Family Law
  • Handles Education, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 65 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About William D Zabel: William D Zabel is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Education, Estate Planning, and Family Law. William has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by William D Zabel

William concentrates on education, estate planning, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Education cases in New York

William takes education 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 William agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in New York

William takes estate planning 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 William agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in New York

William takes family law 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 William agrees to represent you.

General cases in New York

William 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 William agrees to represent you.

Biography

About William D Zabel — Over 65 years of New York education experience

William D Zabel is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Education, Estate Planning, and Family Law. William has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

William D Zabel is a lawyer practicing estate planning, family, individual client services and 2 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from Princeton University in 1958, and has been licensed for 65 years. William practices at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in New York, NY.

How William handles education matters

William D Zabel is a lawyer practicing estate planning, family, individual client services and 2 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from Princeton University in 1958, and has been licensed for 65 years. William practices at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in New York, NY.

The kind of cases William takes

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for education, estate planning, and family law matters across New York.

Credentials

William D Zabel's legal education and bar admissions

  • Harvard Law School

    J.D. · 1961

  • Princeton University

    B.A. · 1958

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1974 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1966 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1961 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Princeton University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of William D Zabel

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

William's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Brandeis University, 1987—. American Editor of English legal periodical, The Lawyer, 1963-1966. Author: The Rich Die Richer and You Can Too (Morrow 1995). Member, New York State Advisory Committee of U.S. Civil Rights Commission, 1969-1973. Director, Esta

    bar_fellowship

  • amfAR, 2000—

    bar_fellowship

  • Doctors of the World, 1994—

    bar_fellowship

  • Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 2002—

    bar_fellowship

  • International Longevity Center-USA, 2002—

    bar_fellowship

  • Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, 1990-1996

    bar_fellowship

  • Member, Editorial Advisory Board, Trusts and Estates Magazine, 1983-1997. Chairman, Princeton University Planned Giving Committee, 1991—. Trustee: New York University, 2000

    bar_fellowship

  • New School University, 1994—

    bar_fellowship

  • Lincoln Center Theater, 1996—

    bar_fellowship

  • Population Action International, 1996-2004

    bar_fellowship

  • World Policy Institute, 1997—

    bar_fellowship

  • The Academy of American Poets, 1997—. Member: New York City and American Bar Associations

    bar_fellowship

  • The Florida Bar

    bar_fellowship

  • American Law Institute

    bar_fellowship

  • Council on Foreign Relations. Fellow: American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

    bar_fellowship

  • International Academy of Estate and Trust Law

    bar_fellowship

  • American Bar Foundation

    bar_fellowship

Locations

William D Zabel's office in New York

William's primary office is at 919 Third Ave. (between 55th & 56th), New York, NY, 10022. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP

919 Third Ave. (between 55th & 56th)

New York, NY 10022

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of William D Zabel — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William D Zabel claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire William D Zabel — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a education attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many education 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 William

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every education 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William D Zabel

  • How much does it cost to hire William for a education case?

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

  • Does William offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do education cases in New York typically take?

    Simple education 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    William 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 — William 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 William?

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

  • Is William accepting new education clients right now?

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

Areas served

Education attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

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

More counsel

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