New York City · Admitted 1979
Richard L. Derzaw,
Attorney at Law
AV Preeminent-rated counsel for commercial litigation, transactions, mergers & acquisitions, civil litigation, and matrimonial matters in New York and beyond.
- 1979
- Year of first
- 5
- Core practice disciplines
- 7+
- Federal and state
Trial-Tested Judgment
Decades of experience in federal and state courts inform every strategy, whether in litigation or at the negotiating table.
Transactional Rigor
M&A and commercial agreements are drafted with an eye toward what happens when a deal is tested under pressure.
Personal Accountability
As a solo practitioner, Richard Derzaw handles every matter directly. Clients know who is accountable for their case.
Practice Areas
Five disciplines, one standard of counsel.
Commercial Litigation
Dispute resolution for complex business conflicts, from contract breaches to partnership disputes, in state and federal courts.
Commercial Transactions
Drafting, negotiation, and closing of business agreements, vendor relationships, and operational contracts.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Buy-side and sell-side counsel for asset and stock purchases, due diligence, and closing documentation.
Civil Litigation
Representation in civil disputes across jurisdictions, from pleadings through trial and appeal.
Matrimonial Law
Discreet counsel on matrimonial and family-law matters, including asset division and negotiated settlements.
Since 1979
A career built in the courts.
From first bar admission in Florida to arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, a continuous record of advocacy and counsel.
1976
Graduated magna cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University
1979
Earned J.D. from Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law; admitted to The Florida Bar
1982
Admitted to the New York State Bar
1986
Admitted to U.S. Tax Court and the Eastern District of New York
1988
Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals
1995
Admitted to the North Carolina State Bar
Year of first bar admission
Core practice disciplines
Federal and state court admissions
AV Preeminent peer rating
Office
Midtown Manhattan.
The practice is located at 477 Madison Avenue, Floor 15, in the heart of New York City. Consultations are available in person, by phone, or by secure video conference.
Office
477 Madison Avenue, Floor 15
New York, NY 10022
Recognition & Membership
- Martindale-Hubbell · AV Preeminent 5.0/5.0
- Marquis Who's Who in American Law
- Who's Who in America
- Who's Who in Finance & Industry
- Court TV · Legal Commentator
- Federal Bar Counsel
In Client Confidence
Referenced by the professionals we serve.
Richard Derzaw brought clarity and force to a transaction that had become unmanageable. His courtroom experience shaped the negotiation strategy from day one.
He handles sensitive matters with discretion and precision. I have recommended him without hesitation for both commercial disputes and matrimonial counsel.
Retain Counsel
Discuss your matter in confidence.
Initial consultations are conducted directly by Richard L. Derzaw. All communications are protected by attorney-client privilege.