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OUR ATTORNEYS

Weitz & Luxenberg has continued to build on this tradition of success, growing as a firm both in size and resources. W&L today has over 100 attorneys working in world-class facilities located in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Cherry Hill, N.J., outside of Philadelphia.

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Adam Raffo

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Focus: Personal Injury and Malpractice, Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Phone: (212) 558-5500
Fax: (212) 344-5461

NEW YORK OFFICE
700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Get in touch

“Obtaining justice from defendants in an asbestos injury case parallels to an extent what transpires in a criminal case. In both you have an accused wrongdoer, a victim, a harm — and an opportunity to make things right.”

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Overview

Adam Raffo is a trial attorney who handles negligence matters as well as mesothelioma cases for the firm.  He joined Weitz & Luxenberg in 2011 after serving as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, New York, where he prosecuted and regularly tried cases ranging from misdemeanors to violent felonies. 

Prior to serving as an assistant district attorney, Mr. Raffo showed himself to be an ambitious student during his pursuit of a juris doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law. Mr. Raffo was named to the dean’s list, was awarded the Judge Edward J. Hart Memorial Scholarship for Trial Advocacy, and had emerged as a New York State regional champion in the Texas Young Lawyers Assn.’s National Trial Competition.

He is admitted to practice law in New York and currently is a member of the Nassau County Bar Assn. and the New York State Trial Lawyers Assn.

EDUCATION

  • J.D., Hofstra University School of Law

ASSOCIATIONS AND LICENSES

  • Nassau County Bar Assn.
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Assn.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • New York

LOOKING FOR LEGAL HELP?

We would feel privileged to assist you.
For a free case review, please contact us today.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

“Obtaining justice from defendants in an asbestos injury case parallels to an extent what transpires in a criminal case. In both you have an accused wrongdoer, a victim, a harm — and an opportunity to make things right.”

Personal Injury Mesothelioma Asbestos

Request a Free Legal Consultation

In addition to being a pioneer in asbestos litigation, our firm is in the forefront of asbestos legislation, championing laws that protect the rights of current and future asbestos victims.

By providing your cell number you acknowledge and consent to receive and exchange communications via text messaging (SMS) and receive automated text messages. Messaging and data rates may apply. Text “stop” to opt-out at any time. No purchase necessary.

Arthur Luxenberg

CO-FOUNDING MEMBER

CO-FOUNDING MEMBER

“When Perry Weitz and I founded this firm in 1986, we took the position that every client’s case would be treated as if it were the most important because we believe every client deserves his or her lawyer’s diligent attention, compassion, and excellence. We had but one goal: providing exemplary, custom-tailored legal service. Nothing has changed since the beginning, except that we’re now the largest mass-tort and personal injury litigation law firm in New York City and a powerhouse of legal innovation on the national scene as a result of holding fast to our founding principles.

We find ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity of practicing law at its highest level for America’s most vulnerable citizens as well as furthering ambitious philanthropic and social initiatives.”

Mesothelioma Asbestos Drugs&Devices Personal Injury Environmental Consumer

Focus: Mesothelioma and Asbestos, Defective Drugs and Devices, Personal Injury and Malpractice, Environmental Pollution, Consumer Protection

Phone: (212) 558-5500
Fax: (212) 344-5461

NEW YORK OFFICE
700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

“When Perry Weitz and I founded this firm in 1986, we took the position that every client’s case would be treated as if it were the most important because we believe every client deserves his or her lawyer’s diligent attention, compassion, and excellence. We had but one goal: providing exemplary, custom-tailored legal service. Nothing has changed since the beginning, except that we’re now the largest mass-tort and personal injury litigation law firm in New York City and a powerhouse of legal innovation on the national scene as a result of holding fast to our founding principles.

We find ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity of practicing law at its highest level for America’s most vulnerable citizens as well as furthering ambitious philanthropic and social initiatives.”

Biography

A nationally-dominant plaintiff’s/trial law firm has many parts. The part the public sees is usually in the courtroom, and then there’s the part that operates in a different sort of limelight, but one that’s as equally dynamic and integral to the firm’s success.

Since the firm’s inception in the late 1980’s, Arthur M. Luxenberg has directed this vast part of Weitz & Luxenberg’s operations, guiding the painstakingly exhaustive behind-the-scenes work that takes place long before any of the firm’s cases makes their way to the courtroom or a settlement negotiation. He oversees the health of the entire W&L ecosystem: adroitly administering the domains of public and governmental affairs, supervising and managing the large-scale settlements, and all of the firm’s operations. He has been a visionary in the areas of firm branding, multi-media marketing, and the sophisticated automation of the firm’s full range of activities.

Named as the Best Lawyers 2013 mass tort litigation Lawyer of the Year in New York City, Mr. Luxenberg has earned the esteem of his colleagues and adversaries for his abilities as a proven troubleshooter, a talent he acquired early in his career by developing and implementing winning strategies for appellate cases. Perhaps his most famous appellate case was that of Hymowitz v. Eli Lilly & Co., which led to the upholding of a 1986 New York law allowing asbestos and DES victims to bring suit after the statute of limitations had run (Mr. Luxenberg’s key achievement in that matter had the effect of making New York a viable jurisdiction for mass-tort litigation).

It is no surprise that Mr. Luxenberg has been rated as a New York “Super Lawyer” every year since 2006 and a “Best Lawyer” annually since 2008.

In addition to his track record as administrator of a legal enterprise comprising 100 talented attorneys, 400 paralegals and specialists and thousands of active cases, Mr. Luxenberg has enjoyed significant accomplishments with specific legal actions, such as when he represented passengers seeking damages from owners of the cruise ship Achille Lauro following its hijacking by terrorists off the coast of Egypt, when he served as liaison counsel for the asbestos and silicone breast implant litigations, and was a member of the DES Steering Committee for the State of New York. He has held numerous leadership positions in trial law advocacy organizations such as the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (including serving as First Vice President) and the New York City Bar Association, where he sat on the influential Committee on Professional and Judicial Ethics. He is also the co-author of a Practicing Law Institute course book.

Philanthropy is essential to Mr. Luxenberg’s life outside the firm. For example, Mr. Luxenberg has long toiled to help eliminate hunger for the underprivileged: he serves as chairman of United Soup Kitchens, a nonprofit organization established to standardize the operations of approximately 20 independent charity-meal centers across Israel and the former Soviet Union. He has been influential in the support of Jewish education through his service as past president and current chairman of the 1,000-student North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, NY and led the Jewish Lawyers Guild’s dramatic efforts to restore honor and professional standing to the thousands of German Jewish attorneys and judges who were disbarred after the Nazis swept into power in the 1930’s.

On January 14, 2014, Mr. Luxenberg was named one of the two Alumni of the Year from Cardozo Law.

Reported Cases: AMICUS CURIAE brief in Environmental Encapsulating Corp. vs. City of New York, 87-2604; Morsellino vs. Frankel, 161 A.D.2d 748, 556 N.Y.S.2d 103 (N.Y.A.D. 2 Dept., May 29, 1990) (NO. 3589E); Rodriguez vs. Margaret Tietz Center for Nursing Care, Inc., 161 A.D.2d 692, 555 N.Y.S.2d 828 (N.Y.A.D. 2 Dept., May 21, 1990) (NO. 3743E); Allen vs. Abbott Laboratories, 160 A.D.2d 238, 553 N.Y.S.2d 352 (N.Y.A.D. 1 Dept., Apr 05, 1990) (NO. 38811); Hymowitz vs. Eli Lilli and Co., 73 N.Y.2d 437, 541 N.Y.S.2d 941, 589 N.E.2d 1069, 57 U.S.L.W. 2589, Prod.Liab.Rep. (CCH) 12,182 (N.Y., Apr 04, 1989) (NO. 56, 57, 58, 59); Matthews vs. CTI Container Transport Intern. Inc., 871 F.2d 270, 1989 A.M.C. 1232, 8 UCC Rep.Serv.2d 1 (2nd Cir. (N.Y.), Mar 23, 1989) (NO. 88-7571, 88-7573, 88-7659, 88-7689, 460, 462, 463); Matthews vs. CTI Container Transport Intern. Inc., 689 F.Supp. 348 (S.D.N.Y, Jul 21, 1988) (NO. 86 CIV 1420 (MGC)); Crawford by Crawford vs. Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 647 F.Supp. 843 (S.D.N.Y., Nov 12, 1986) (NO. 86CIV 8318 (MP), 86 CIV 7639 (MP)); Klinghoffer vs. S.N.C. Achille Lauro Ed Altri-Gestione Motonave Achille Lauro in Amministrazione Straordinaria, (37 F.2d 44, 1991 A.M.C. 2751, 19 Fed.R.Serv.3d 1277 (2nd Cir. (N.Y.), Jun 21, 1991) (NO. 1371, 90-9060)

Publications

  • Co-Author, Practicing Law Institute Course Book, 1988. Moot Court Judge, Fordham University, New York City, 1987-8.

EDUCATION

  • J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, 1984
  • B.A., highest honors, Yeshiva College, Yeshiva University, 1981

ASSOCIATIONS AND LICENSES

Professional association memberships:

  • New York State Bar Association
  • New York County Lawyers Association
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Board of Governors of the Jewish Lawyers Guild
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of the City of New York
  • Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
  • Committee on Professional and Judicial Ethics for the New York City Bar Association
  • Departmental Disciplinary Committee, Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department (Appointment)
  • Judicial Screening Committee, Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department (Appointment)

Numerous charitable and public service associations including:

  • Children’s Medical Fund (trustee)
  • Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
  • Leukemia Society of America
  • United States Holocaust Memorial (board member)
  • Dean’s Advisory Council at Cardozo School of Law (member)

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • New York, 1985
  • U.S. District Court, 1988
  • New York District Courts (Eastern & Southern)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals

LOOKING FOR LEGAL HELP?

We would feel privileged to assist you.
For a free case review, please contact us today.

Request a Free Legal Consultation

In addition to being a pioneer in asbestos litigation, our firm is in the forefront of asbestos legislation, championing laws that protect the rights of current and future asbestos victims.

By providing your cell number you acknowledge and consent to receive and exchange communications via text messaging (SMS) and receive automated text messages. Messaging and data rates may apply. Text “stop” to opt-out at any time. No purchase necessary.

Daniel C. Lipner

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Focus: Personal Injury and Malpractice

Phone: (212) 558-5500
Fax: (212) 344-5461

NEW YORK OFFICE
700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Get in touch

“Working at Weitz & Luxenberg and being united among the most talented and dedicated team of attorneys who share a common interest in doing good for others is a privilege. I am grateful to be able to handle personal injury and negligence cases at a firm where my top priority is achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.”

Get in touch

Overview

Weitz & Luxenberg is pleased to have Daniel Lipner onboard our team of experienced, knowledgeable personal injury and negligence litigators. Growing up, Mr. Lipner was introduced to this practice area by his uncle, who devoted his career to helping people injured by the actions of others.

“Being around my uncle, I learned about personal injury and negligence cases,” Mr. Lipner points out. “I was always interested in the people he was helping and the types of cases he handled.

“Whether it was an individual who was hit by a car or a person who fell down because of faulty maintenance, my uncle’s profession was one of restoring someone’s worth before their incident. It was early on that I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and share these same types of stories with my own family.”

I’ve Always Wanted to Help People

“I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to work at Weitz & Luxenberg,” Mr. Lipner reveals. “Being part of this team is an honor.”

“In my day-to-day job, I have the opportunity to help people from all walks of life. But what has always stricken me is that the majority of my clients are people just like me — regular folks who show up to work, go home to their families — but fell victim to the recklessness of others. I like being able to relate to the people I work with; it makes my work more meaningful.”

Client Relationships Come First

“One of the best parts of handling personal injury and negligence cases is the special relationships we build with our clients,” Mr. Lipner stresses. “My work never feels like I’m conducting an interview with a client, but rather having a meaningful conversation with a friend about a problem in his or her life.

“What I aim to do first and foremost is gain my potential clients’ trust. The relationships we develop with our clients are the foundation for everything that comes afterwards as we move through the legal process.”

We Spend Hours Getting to Know Our Clients

“Right from the beginning, we need to be honest and upfront. It’s essential that we help our clients feel comfortable, and encourage them to talk,” Mr. Lipner emphasizes. “We need to know them and their situation so that we can provide the best legal assistance possible.

“Early on, we prep our clients for their deposition. This preparation may take hours, sometimes even days. We need to get a full account of the accident or incident, as well as the injuries, so we can help them feel comfortable answering the questions that will come their way.”

Helping Clients Prepare for Their Deposition

“A deposition is basically an out-of-court meeting in which our clients provide sworn testimony about how they suffered their injuries. Opposing council will have the opportunity to question our clients about facts of the case,” explains Mr. Lipner.

“Part of our initial preparation with our clients involves our anticipating the questions a defense attorney might ask our clients at their depositions.

“For me, this is an exciting process,” Mr. Lipner says. “I want to do everything I can legally to help our clients receive the justice they deserve.”

Experience with the Law

Mr. Lipner joined Weitz & Luxenberg full time in September 2018. Previously, he had spent multiple summers interning at Weitz & Luxenberg while earning his J.D.

In the summer of 2017, he served as a legal clerk in our personal injury and negligence litigation unit. During the summer of 2016, Mr. Lipner served as a legal associate in our Drug and Medical Device litigation unit.

Mr. Lipner is licensed to practice law in New York. He earned his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City and his B.A. in history from Queens College, the City University of New York, in Flushing.

On the Personal Side

Outside the office, Mr. Lipner enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially taking nature walks in his backyard with his nephew. He also likes to try new classes at the gym, organize local sports and fantasy football leagues, and read fantasy fiction novels.

EDUCATION

  • J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 2018
  • B.A., Queens College, City University of New York, 2014

ASSOCIATIONS AND LICENSES

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • New York

LOOKING FOR LEGAL HELP?

We would feel privileged to assist you.
For a free case review, please contact us today.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

“Working at Weitz & Luxenberg and being united among the most talented and dedicated team of attorneys who share a common interest in doing good for others is a privilege. I am grateful to be able to handle personal injury and negligence cases at a firm where my top priority is achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.”

Personal Injury

Request a Free Legal Consultation

In addition to being a pioneer in asbestos litigation, our firm is in the forefront of asbestos legislation, championing laws that protect the rights of current and future asbestos victims.

By providing your cell number you acknowledge and consent to receive and exchange communications via text messaging (SMS) and receive automated text messages. Messaging and data rates may apply. Text “stop” to opt-out at any time. No purchase necessary.

Gary R. Klein

PARTNER

Focus: Personal Injury and Malpractice

Phone: (212) 558-5500
Fax: (212) 344-5461

NEW YORK OFFICE
700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Get in touch

“What you find at Weitz & Luxenberg are experienced litigators who bring into your corner their far-ranging and cutting-edge knowledge of the law and procedure. That’s important because, as the saying goes, knowledge is power. And because success is our goal, you’ll find we’re dedicated to 24/7 service, committed to standing by your side from start to finish.”

Get in touch

Overview

Gary Klein serves as Weitz & Luxenberg’s managing attorney — he is responsible for all day-to-day operations and for determining which prospective negligence cases to accept based on a meticulous assessment of the injuries claimed, the time frames in which they occurred and many other considerations that shape a litigation’s chances for success (the many clients with whom he meets find his kindly demeanor and ability to empathize most reassuring during this process).

Mr. Klein is also an accomplished negotiator who actively participates in settlement discussions as they arise — his involvement is one reason why Weitz & Luxenberg has been able to consistently secure such substantial sums (often reaching seven figures) from defendants who conclude that a fight in court will end badly for them.

Mr. Klein has been associated with Weitz & Luxenberg co-founders Perry Weitz and Arthur Luxenberg since 1988, the same year he began the practice of law. Mr. Klein is admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York and before the U.S. District Court in New Jersey and in the Southern and Eastern districts of New York.

Mr. Klein studied law at Hofstra University, from which he earned a juris doctor degree in 1988. Originally from the Canadian province of Quebec, Mr. Klein is fluent in French — an invaluable ability when it comes to assisting clients for whom the Gallic tongue is their only or primary language (he also speaks Hungarian, Yiddish and limited Hebrew).

The American Association of Justice, New York State Trial Lawyers Assn., New York State Bar Assn., New York County Bar Assn., Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers, Jewish Lawyers Guild are organizations in which Mr. Klein currently maintains membership.

EDUCATION

  • J.D., Hofstra University School of Law, 1988

ASSOCIATIONS AND LICENSES

  • American Association of Justice
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Assn.
  • New York State Bar Assn.
  • New York County Bar Assn.
  • Assn. of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
  • Jewish Lawyers Guild

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court (NJ; NY Southern & Eastern)

LOOKING FOR LEGAL HELP?

We would feel privileged to assist you.
For a free case review, please contact us today.

PARTNER

“What you find at Weitz & Luxenberg are experienced litigators who bring into your corner their far-ranging and cutting-edge knowledge of the law and procedure. That’s important because, as the saying goes, knowledge is power. And because success is our goal, you’ll find we’re dedicated to 24/7 service, committed to standing by your side from start to finish.”

Personal Injury

Request a Free Legal Consultation

In addition to being a pioneer in asbestos litigation, our firm is in the forefront of asbestos legislation, championing laws that protect the rights of current and future asbestos victims.

By providing your cell number you acknowledge and consent to receive and exchange communications via text messaging (SMS) and receive automated text messages. Messaging and data rates may apply. Text “stop” to opt-out at any time. No purchase necessary.

Paul F. Novak

MANAGING ATTORNEY

Focus: Environmental Pollution, Consumer Protection

Phone: (313) 800-4170
Fax: (646) 293-7992

DETROIT OFFICE
Fisher Building
3011 West Grand Blvd., 24th Floor
Detroit, MI 48202

Get in touch

“I have been fortunate enough to spend my entire legal career dedicated to the protection of the public. Whether it was through consumer advocacy on behalf of utility company ratepayers, targeting illegal price gouging in the pharmaceuticals industry, attacking corporate mismanagement and fraud on behalf of shareholders or litigating against corporate polluters who foul our land and poison our water, the underlying theme has always been the same: companies that take advantage of the public and behave irresponsibly should be taken to task and held responsibly.”

Get in touch

Overview

Paul Novak has a distinguished career of prosecuting complex civil cases against corporate wrongdoers and came to Weitz & Luxenberg to manage the firm’s Detroit office and continue his practice of fighting irresponsible corporate behavior.

In the late 1980s, as an Assistant Attorney General in Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley’s office, Mr. Novak successfully attacked an illegal $1.5 billion transaction by Michigan’s largest public utility, Consumers Power Company, and saved hundreds of millions of dollars for Michigan’s ratepayers.

Mr. Novak is a national leader in litigation against the pharmaceutical industry.  He led an $80 million case on behalf of all fifty State Attorneys General that attacked anticompetitive “pay for delay” deals that increase the price of prescription drugs and delay generic products from coming to market.  And he has participated in several additional cases and obtained several hundred million dollars in recoveries on behalf of injured consumers and third-party payers who are overcharged by pharmaceutical companies.

Mr. Novak was appointed, by several state and federal courts, as lead counsel for plaintiffs in class action cases involving antitrust violations and in shareholder class actions.  He has tried numerous antitrust and environmental enforcement cases to judgment and was awarded the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Trial Advocacy Award for his service in the Michigan Attorney General’s office.  His antitrust work has been featured in the National Law Journal on the “Plaintiff’s Hot List”.  He is routinely recognized as one of Michigan’s Super Lawyersas a Best Lawyer in DBusiness Magazine, as AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, and as one of the top plaintiff antitrust lawyers in the nation by the Global Competition Review’s Who’s Who in International Competition Law. He was the former division head of the Special Litigation Division in the Michigan Attorney General’s office with responsibility for all antitrust, securities regulation, and utility ratepayer consumer advocacy matters.   And he served as the City Attorney of Lansing.

He sits on the State Bar of Michigan’s U.S. Courts Committee.  Among dozens of legal and civic organizations, Mr. Novak served as a member of the:

  • State Bar of Michigan’s Antitrust, Franchising and Trade Regulation Section (former chair)
  • National Association of Attorneys General Midwest Antitrust Enforcement Task Force (former chair)
  • National Association of Attorneys General Prescription Drug Pricing Task Force
  • Michigan Attorney General’s Litigation Advisory Board
  • Lansing City Council
  • Lansing Economic Development Corporation

He clerked at the Federal Trade Commission Regional Office in Atlanta, Georgia, the Michigan Public Service Commission in Lansing, Michigan, and as a Lyndon Baines Johnson Congressional intern while working on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

EDUCATION

  • J.D., Emory University School of Law, 1986
  • M.A. in Economics, Michigan State University, 1983
  • B.A., Michigan State University, 1982

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Michigan

LOOKING FOR LEGAL HELP?

We would feel privileged to assist you.
For a free case review, please contact us today.

MANAGING ATTORNEY

“I have been fortunate enough to spend my entire legal career dedicated to the protection of the public. Whether it was through consumer advocacy on behalf of utility company ratepayers, targeting illegal price gouging in the pharmaceuticals industry, attacking corporate mismanagement and fraud on behalf of shareholders or litigating against corporate polluters who foul our land and poison our water, the underlying theme has always been the same: companies that take advantage of the public and behave irresponsibly should be taken to task and held responsible.”

Environmental Consumer

Request a Free Legal Consultation

In addition to being a pioneer in asbestos litigation, our firm is in the forefront of asbestos legislation, championing laws that protect the rights of current and future asbestos victims.

By providing your cell number you acknowledge and consent to receive and exchange communications via text messaging (SMS) and receive automated text messages. Messaging and data rates may apply. Text “stop” to opt-out at any time. No purchase necessary.