Firm Overview

New York City Legal Malpractice and Criminal Defense

In February of 2005, experienced attorneys Matthew F. Schwartz and John Ponterio formed Schwartz & Ponterio, PLLC. Each had been practicing law since 1992, successfully handling hundreds of cases. They were soon joined by attorney Ariane Anderson and a skilled support staff.

At Schwartz & Ponterio, PLLC, we have broad experience in all areas of civil and criminal litigation. In our work in every area, we marshal the resources of our entire firm in each case. While we have the experience to help our clients in all manner of disputes, we have devoted specific focus to legal malpractice and criminal defense.

Matthew Schwartz has been involved in legal malpractice litigation for more than 10 years, including 4 years of legal malpractice defense and more than 6 years of representing clients against their former attorneys. John Ponterio has worked in legal malpractice for the past two years. Together, they have helped people stand up to their former lawyers in cases involving issues of missed deadlines, unresponsive or incompetent attorneys, and ethical violations.

Matthew Schwartz leads our criminal defense practice. Mr. Schwartz got his start in the District Attorney's office in Manhattan immediately after graduating from law school. During his tenure as an assistant District Attorney, Mr. Schwartz gained extensive trial experience before New York City juries. Since leaving the prosecutor's office, Mr. Schwartz has defended almost every type of charge, ranging from murder and assault to DUI / DWI and domestic violence.

The lawyers at our firm are often at odds with other lawyers, particularly in our legal malpractice work. But they remain well-respected members of the New York City legal community, and get much of their business from referrals. They are members of the New York State Bar Association, the New York Trial Lawyers Association, and the New York City Bar Association.

Contact Us

Contact Schwartz & Ponterio, PLLC to set up a consultation. Call 212.714.1200 during business hours and 917.562.9581 at night to speak with an attorney.