Renée Simon Lesser

Partner
rlesser@simonlesser.com

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Renee Simon Lesser, a partner in the firm, specializes in complex personal injury claims, insurance defense and coverage litigation, and commercial litigation.

Ms. Lesser has first-chaired jury and bench trials in state and federal court and has argued appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the Appellate Division, First and Second Departments.

Work for Clients
Ms. Lesser's work for clients includes defense work where she is retained by insurance carriers to represent insureds such as churches, synagogues, schools, nursing homes, non-profit entities, as well as large and small businesses and individuals throughout New York State. Most of these cases involve allegations of personal injury, property damage or economic loss resulting from premises defects, including, but not limited to, wrongful death, sports related injuries, labor law related claims, assaults, negligent supervision, and building design and maintenance claims. For example, in Ehrens v. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 385 F.3d 232 (2d Cir. 2004), she obtained summary judgment, affirmed on appeal, on behalf of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church-Atlantic District on claims pertaining to an alleged sexual assault committed by a former pastor.

Ms. Lesser also litigates large and complex cases involving allegations of personal injury and property damage or economic loss resulting from product defect or exposure to toxic substances. For example, she serves as lead New York defense counsel for a global technology and engineering company in lawsuits based on exposure to asbestos and other silicates.

In addition, Ms. Lesser represents plaintiffs in their personal injury lawsuits which involve assaults, construction accidents, premises liability, and other types of negligence. For example, she obtained a $6 million judgment after trial in connection with claims against a property owner resulting from the sexual assault of a tenant. In a related bankruptcy proceeding, 698 Flushing Realty Corp., 355 B.R. 17 (Bnkr. E.D.N.Y. 2005), Ms. Lesser successfully moved for dismissal of the bankruptcy petition and was awarded sanctions against the debtor's counsel.

Ms. Lesser also handles insurance coverage disputes, representing the interests of her insurance company clients in complex coverage disputes and providing coverage opinions on diverse issues, such as late notice of claim, failure to cooperate, misrepresentations by the insured, and claims that fall outside the coverage afforded by the policy.

Ms. Lesser's practice also involves representing clients in commercial matters, such as contract disputes and real estate controversies.

Professional Activities
Ms. Lesser has served as an Arbitrator in New York City Civil Court since 1999. She is a member of the New York City Bar, the Women's Bar Association of New York City, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Bar and Court Admissions
Ms. Lesser is admitted to the bars of New York State, the State of Connecticut, and the District of Columbia. She is also admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Education
J.D., American University Washington College of Law, 1992
B.A., State University of New York at Albany, 1989 (magna cum laude)

Languages
Fluent in Hebrew

Interests
Ms. Lesser is an avid surfer, and is a member of the ASL, Association of Surfing Lawyers. [ view photos ]