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LaurenWachtler

Partner

"I use my passion for understanding and helping others to solve even the most complex problems for my clients."

Overview

Biography

Lauren primarily concentrates her practice on commercial and business litigation, representing retailers, manufacturers, real estate developers, and designers in a wide range of jury and non-jury trials in state and federal courts––including bankruptcy court and surrogate’s court––involving the fashion industry, finance, business torts, labor and employment, ADA website compliance issues, and trusts and estates.

Lauren also advises individuals and companies on insurance coverage issues related to errors and omissions and general liability insurance policies. She has additionally negotiated commercial leases for fashion companies, advised individuals on protecting intellectual property, and negotiated book publication and television deals.

Lauren has argued motions and appeals in state and federal courts in New York and New Jersey. She is certified and trained as a mediator for NYS Supreme Court Commercial Division cases, and she is qualified to act as receiver for commercial and residential properties in New York State. She has extensive experience in both roles. Lauren is also certified by the Commercial Theater Institute of the Theater Development Fund and the Broadway League in New York, which trains individuals to understand and craft agreements related to theater production and development.

Bar Associations

  • New York State Bar Association, Commercial and Federal Litigation Section Member and Former Chair; Former Executive Committee Member and House of Delegates Member

Selected Memberships & Affiliations

  • Barclay Damon Women’s Forum
  • New York Bar Foundation, Board Member and Vice Chair of the Fellows of the New York Bar Foundation
  • Trial Lawyers Academy, Faculty Member
Experience

Representative Experience

  • Successfully represented a large winery in connection with shareholder buy-out.
  • Successfully represented a beer distributor in connection with a significant property loss sustained during Super Storm Sandy.
  • Successfully defended a partner in a case involving breach of fiduciary duty and undue influence claims.
  • Incorporated an international fashion jewelry company, trademarked designs, prepared licensing agreements, and assisted with distribution agreements, including the online sale of merchandise.
  • Successfully represented a large bi-coastal shipping and warehousing company in matters involving shipments, warehousing agreements, lost goods, and other issues.
  • Successfully resolved several matters arising from modeling contracts and photographer shoots.
  • Successfully resolved matters involving the sale of jewelry and precious gems.
  • Represented a leading sportswear company regarding a significant employment issue.
  • Represented a luxury jewelry retailer in case involving issues relating to ADA compliance for international website.
  • Successfully defended numerous general contractors, construction managers, and owners of large commercial properties in jury trials involving premises liability and NY Labor Law claims.
  • Successfully represented a large private investment lender in a multi-million breach of fiduciary duty and lender liability lawsuit.
  • Successfully represented an executor of an estate in a case to set aside a will based on claims of undue influence in Surrogates Court.
  • Successfully represented beneficiaries of a multi-million marital trust in Surrogates Court.
  • Successfully represented an individual in connection with a noncompetition clause in an employment contract.
  • Represented an accounting company in an adversary proceeding in Bankruptcy Court involving a Broadway theatrical production.

Prior Experience

  • Phillips Nizer LLP, Partner, Co-Chair Litigation Department

Selected Community Activities

  • Same Sky, Attorney
  • Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA), Board Member and Nominating Committee Member
  • Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government Women’s Leadership Board Member
  • Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Executive Council Member
  • RiverSpring Health, Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Board Member, Corporate Governance and Quality Control Committee Member, and “Pets by Your Side” Pet Therapy Program Founder

Selected Honors

  • Selected to Super Lawyers New York Metro Top Five Percent of Lawyers in New York: Business Litigation, 2006–2020; Super Lawyers New York Metro Top Women Lawyers: Business Litigation, 2006–2020; and Super Lawyers New York Metro: Business Litigation, 2021–2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America©: Commercial Litigation, 2018–2023
  • NYS Bar Association Commercial & Federal Litigation Section, Hon. Shira A. Scheindlin Award for Excellence in the Courtroom, 2021
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated for Very High to Preeminent Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Knowledge

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • New York State Bar Association Commercial and Federal Litigation Section Spring Meeting, “Working With Men to Advance Women in the Profession,” Moderator
  • New York State Bar Association, “Taking the Lead: Winning Strategies and Techniques for Cases” CLE, Program Chair
  • New York State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Trial Academy, “Evidence, Foundations, and Objections”

Selected Media

  • New York State Bar Association Commercial and Federal Litigation Section, “The Time is Now: Achieving Equality for Women Attorneys in the Courtroom and in ADR.
  • New York State Bar Association House of Delegates, “If Not Now, When? Achieving Equality for Women Attorneys in the Courtroom and in ADR”
  • New York State Bar Association Journal, “Where Are the Women Litigators?”
  • New York State Bar Association Commercial and Federal Litigation Section Newsletter, “The Message Was Empowerment”
  • Depositions, Practice, and Procedures in New York State Courts Review

Featured Media

Alerts

Second Circuit Upholds New York State's Ivory Law, but Holds Display Restriction Unconstitutional

Alerts

$175 Million of Federal Funds Available for Electric Vehicle Chargers in New York State

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USFWS Issues Final Guidance on Northern Long-Eared Bat and Tricolored Bat

Alerts

IRS Guidance Excludes VA Service-Connected Disability Benefits From Certain Income Determinations for Qualified Residential Rental Projects

Alerts

Second Department: Objective Evidence Required to Establish Trivial Defect Defense

Alerts

NYS Department of Health Issues Consumer Protection Guidance on Payments for Health Care Services

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