Rich Schoenstein is a partner, Vice Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Practice, and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee.
Rich is a trial lawyer, litigator, and legal advisor. He has handled civil disputes for more than three decades, taking cases to trial in state and federal courts, and in arbitration, in New York and across the country. In addition, Rich counsels clients on business strategy, transactions, corporate governance, staffing and employment practices, dispute avoidance, and dispute resolution. He also handles internal investigations of sensitive matters requiring independent legal counsel. Rich handles contentious matters from initial dispute through trial and appeal; he is also often called upon to offer independent advice on trial strategy and preparation, or to take over matters heading into trial.
Rich is a sought-after legal analyst, appearing frequently on outlets including the Law & Crime Network, Court TV, CBS New York, Fox, and News Nation. He has hosted the Firm’s Law Brief® Podcast and currently hosts So, Sue Me® on his YouTube channel, following civil litigation and other high-profile legal matters. Rich has been interviewed on legal issues by numerous outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The New York Law Journal, and The Hollywood Reporter.
Rich is also an active member of the legal community. He is regularly recognized by Super Lawyers and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell®. In 2022, Rich was inducted into the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University’s inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2025, Rich was recognized in Crain’s New York Business’s Notable Litigators and Trial Lawyers.
- The Ohio State University (B.A.)
- Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University (J.D.)
- Managing Editor of the Hofstra Law Review
- New York
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- New York County Lawyer’s Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Federal Bar Council
- Alumni Hall of Fame, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
- New York Super Lawyers, 2014-2025
- AV® Preeminet™ by Martindale Hubbell®
- Crain's Notable Litigator & Trial Attorney
- Former President of the Hofstra University School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors
- “The Workforce Mobility Act: The Wrong Solution for Non-Compete Litigation,” The New York Law Journal (July 16, 2018)
- “Restrictive Covenants: Looking Beyond the Criticism,” Law360 (June 13, 2017)
- “Report on Proposed Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” Co-Authored with other members of the New York County Lawyer’s Association (February 19, 2014)
- “Defection at the Top: Lateral Partner Moves at the Executive or Director Level,” New York Law Journal (October 15, 2013)
- “Restrictive Covenants in Employment Contracts Reviewed,” Society for Human Resource Management (September 15, 2010)
- “Non-Authority for Non-Recruitment Covenants Under New York Law,” New York Law Journal (October 6, 2010)
- “Director Independence and the Demand Requirement,” New York Law Journal (December 19, 2005)
- “Is Rule 10(b)(5)’s Private Right of Action a ‘Super-Precedent’?,” New York Law Journal (December 5, 2005)
- “Investigations of Mutual Fund Industry Still Gathering Steam,” New York Law Journal (March 8, 2004)
- Host, “Law Brief" Podcast (2019-Present)
- Presenter, “Recovering Damages for Breach of Covenants Not to Compete or Solicit, Confidentiality and Fiduciary Duty." Strafford Webinars (October 2, 2019)
- Instructor, Northeast Regional Basic Trial Skills, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (August 8-10, 2019)
- Presenter, “Protecting Confidentiality and Trade Secrets and the Perils of Using Social Media," National Law Institute CLE Program (July 18, 2019)
- Presenter, “Recovering Damages for Breach of Covenants Not to Compete or Solicit, Confidentiality and Fiduciary Duty." Strafford Webinars (October 4, 2018)
- Presenter, “Securities Litigation: What You Need To Know About a Rising Tide and An Active Bench.” Lawline (October 14, 2017)
- Presenter, “Proving Damages for Breach of Covenants Not to Compete or Solicit, Confidentiality and Fiduciary Duty.” Strafford Webinars (October 4, 2017)
- Presenter, "Non-Compete Agreement Litigation Strategies," Strafford Webinars (August 15, 2017)
- Presenter, “Restrictive Covenants and Non-Compete Agreements: Trends, Updates and Developments Explored,” The Knowledge Group (August 10, 2017)
- Moderator, "Employee Mobility CLE," Hofstra University School of Law (October 22, 2014)
- Presenter, "Negotiating Non-Compete Agreements," Institute for Strategic Negotiations (September 2013)
