Richard A. Klass

Practice areas

General Litigation, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Professional Liability: Plaintiff

Focus areas

Professional Malpractice – Other

Richard A. Klass embodies the archetype of a “Court Street attorney,” a description coined by The New York Times that characterizes him as a savvy, street-smart legal practitioner with dynamism, determination, and an appealing drive. His legal practice closely resembles the fast-paced, critical care approach of a medical doctor, making him the preferred choice for clients when dealing with paramount issues. His primary areas of expertise encompass commercial litigation, debt recovery, judgment enforcement, legal malpractice, and real estate litigation. Additionally, his firm offers representation in bankruptcy cases, civil appeals, and litigation in federal courts. Mr. Klass is known for his prolific lecturing and writing aimed at both fellow lawyers and industry professionals.

Mr. Klass actively contributes to the legal community by serving as a Trustee of the Brooklyn Bar Association, a Member of the Grievance Committee for the Appellate Division, Second Department, and as the former Chair of the General Practice Section of the New York State Bar Association. He also holds the position of Co-Editor for the New York State Bar Association’s General Practice Section One on One Publication and serves as an Arbitrator in the Small Claims Part of the Civil Court of the City of New York, County of Kings. Furthermore, he has represented the Statewide Special Counsel for the Supreme Court’s Commercial Division. Mr. Klass is also a Fee Arbitrator in the Part 137 Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Program and has been honored with selection for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers List.

In 1989, Mr. Klass earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University, followed by his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School in 1992, where he was recognized as the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Conflict of Laws. He holds licenses to practice in various jurisdictions, including the State of New York (1992), State of New Jersey (1993), U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (1992), U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (1992), U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (1993), U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (1999), and the U.S. Supreme Court (1997).

Richard Klass is a prominent figure in the New York legal community, recognized for the exceptional quality of his work and his extensive contributions through writings, lectures, and media appearances. He engages both legal professionals and the general public through publications such as his quarterly newsletter, “Law Currents,” and his blogs, “Law Currents” and “The Legal Malpractice Blog, New York.” He is also the author of several books, including “Killing the ‘Zombies’: Recent Changes to New York State’s Foreclosure Laws” (2017), “Attorney’s Liens and Legal Fee Enforcement” (2015), “Retention and Withdrawal of Counsel: A Guide for Attorneys” (2015), and “Successfully Defending Your Credit Card Lawsuit: What to Do If You Are Sued for a Credit Card Debt” (2013). Notably, his newsletter and blog, “Law Currents,” enjoy a substantial readership due to their engaging, story-driven content written in plain, accessible language.