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In addition to being an Equity Member of the Firm, Adam Koblenz donates time to various not-for-profit organizations serving the community. In this interview, Adam talks about his practice, his community service and how he is able to manage his time among work, family and community.
What does your practice entail?
My practice encompasses commercial litigation, real estate, employment and labor law, corporate, famly law, and trusts and estates.
I have represented major corporations, municipalities, unions, small businesses, non-profits and individuals in various litigation matters. I’ve handled construction litigation cases such as mechanic’s lien foreclosures, insurance fraud actions, first-party property litigation, negligence, and complex mass toxic tort litigation. I also handle employment and labor matters regarding discrimination and Fair Labor Standards Act claims, wage and hour violations and partnership disputes. My real estate practice consists of representing buyers and sellers of commercial and residential real estate, as well as landlords and commercial tenants in the negotiation and preparation of lease agreements.
I am also a Village Prosecutor for the Village of East Hills and Special Prosecuting Attorney for the Village of Sands Point.
What areas do you see your practice and the Firm continuing to grow in?
I see our commercial litigation, construction litigation and commercial real estate practice areas as the main areas of growth. My practice is split, with 50% in New York City and the other 50% on Long Island. Together with my Partner, Dan Braff, we have developed the Firm’s New York City-based practice. I would like to continue to grow my practice in these areas, providing representation to individuals and businesses on a broad range of matters.
Last year, you were named Equity Member. Tell us what that means in your role with the Firm?
When I became an Equity Member, my role at the Firm expanded. I have taken on a managerial role. I manage and mentor the younger attorneys and I manage the Firm’s marketing efforts, including client development, emphasizing client relations, as well as community outreach at the charitable or pro bono level. I am trying to be more well-rounded in my new role.
You were recently named to the Children’s Medical Fund of New York’s Board of Trustees. How did you become involved in this organization?
I was introduced to some of the board members. It was very encouraging to see they had a vision for Cohen Children’s Hospital. From there, it took a life of its own. Obviously, the main objective is to have the hospital provide the highest quality healthcare services and support to the families of children battling serious illnesses. For me, that was the driving force to join the board.
I have been involved with the Children’s Medical Fund of New York for almost nine years. Recently, my wife and I were honored to play a role in helping opening up The Children’s Medical Fund Center for Diagnostic Studies, which is a new diagnostic wing at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center. We volunteered our time, assisting the Children’s Medical Fund in raising awareness for the project and raising money for construction of the new wing. It has two advanced 3-D magnetic resonance imaging machines specially geared to children. The room also has a mock scanner and is decorated in an outer space motif to help alleviate the children’s fears before they have to undergo the MRI. They can also wear special goggles so they can watch movies during the examination.
My involvement with the CMF also includes serving as the Tennis Co-Chair for the organization’s annual Golf and Tennis Charity Classic. In addition, I chaired the “Cycle for CMF” event at Lifetime Fitness in Syosset back in 2013.
Do you belong to any other organizations?
I am leading the Firm’s representation as pro bono counsel to the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. We are proud to represent this group because of their efforts to rescue and protect animals in the county from abuse and neglect. In addition, I mentor first-year law students at George Washington Law School. That is where I attended law school and I wanted to do something to give back to my alma mater.
How are you able to maintain that balance among your practice, family life and serving the community?
Aside from time management, I would say that it is just an intersection of all three areas that go hand-in-hand. I have a good idea of what is important in my life and do my best to fulfill my duties, whether it is to the Firm, my family or those in the community. So, the best way to answer the question is to make the people around you your top priority and knowing what is important in your life.
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