Michael A. Kofsky
Attorney at Law

I have been practicing law for over 25 years, representing individuals and small business owners in New York City and Long Island, with the legal issues that arise in their everyday business or personal life.

For business owners, I act as a general business advisor, help form new businesses, review and negotiate contracts, including operating agreements, vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, and commercial leases. I also teach clients how to avoid disputes by showing them what to do to ensure that they get paid at the end of a deal, how to protect themselves against liability and how to operate their businesses efficiently.

In the event a dispute does arise, I work with business partners to assist them in resolving disputes among themselves or with companies they do business with, including representing companies in litigation against customers for unpaid bills or breached agreements. In addition, I have experience with other types of litigation, including construction and real estate contract litigation.

I started my firm, the Law Office of Michael A. Kofsky, PLLC, in November 2008, after having worked at law firms both large and small in New York City. At Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom, LLP, I gained experience working with businesses, reviewing and analyzing business and real estate contracts and operating agreements to identify potential liabilities and compliance issues, and help manage risk. I also examined organizational structures and operating revenues and worked on joint ventures and other transactions.

After leaving Skadden, I worked at several small boutique law firms at which I gained experience interacting with clients on a personal level in order to fully understand their needs and accomplish their goals. Thereafter, I took the best parts of my Manhattan experience and created my own firm to be closer to my family and to give back to the Long Island community.

I am a lifelong New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan and now living on Long Island. I graduated with honors from Brooklyn Law School and Boston University. I am an avid sports fan and am devoted to my family, including my two young daughters.

"Whatever goals you have,
I’ll work hard to find the
best possible solution for you."

Bar Admissions

• Licensed in New York State and Eastern District of New York.

Education

• Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, NY

  • J.D., June 1996

  • Class Rank: Top 10%

  • Honors: Member, Brooklyn Law Review; Member, Moot Court Honor Society

• Boston University, Boston, MA

  • B.A. in International Relations, Minor: Business Administration, cum laude, 1993

  • Honors: Dean’s List, 1988–1990; Golden Key National Honor Society

  • Member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

Professional Memberships

• New York State Bar Association

• Suffolk County Bar Association

Legal Experience

• Conducted and defended trials, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and appeals to Appellate Division.

• Drafted motions to dismiss both for an in opposition, appellate briefs, post-trial memoranda, motions for summary judgment both for and in opposition, motions for default, discovery requests and responses, motions to compel, summons, and complaints, and pleadings.

• Appeared in court for motion hearings, preliminary conferences, compliance conferences, pre-trial conferences, status conferences, and certification conferences.

• Reviewed and analyzed business contracts, commercial leases, commercial real estate contracts, and operating agreements to determine potential client liability.

• Formed new business entities for clients including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures.

• Drafted shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, and operating agreements.

• Advised and counseled clients with regard to legal issues, risk management, and compliance.

• Examined clients’ organizational structures, lines of business, and operating revenues.

• Reviewed and analyzed mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, joint ventures, and other transactions to evaluate the necessity of pre-merger notification filings.

• Represented and counseled clients regarding compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and Federal Trade Commission’s pre-merger notification rules.

• Represented clients in complex matters focusing on construction, real estate, and commercial law