I am a family lawyer who has been serving clients in New York City for over 25 years. I have lived in New York City for most of my adult life. In 2022 I moved from Queens to Staten Island. I rent office space at 30 Broad Street, Manhattan, in the Financial District. I take cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. I am actually quite fond of each of these boros, and each has its own unique character and charm.
Manhattan: The Center of Business and Culture
Manhattan is the most densely populated borough of New York City, with over 1.6 million residents. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square. Manhattan has a rich history, dating back to the arrival of Dutch colonists in the early 17th century. If you can’t find what you are looking for in Manhattan, odds are you can’t find it anywhere.
Today, Manhattan is the center of business and culture in New York City. It is home to Wall Street, the financial capital of the world, as well as many of the city’s most prestigious law firms. The average income in Manhattan is $82,459, which is significantly higher than the national average. According to the American Bar Association, there are approximately 33,000 lawyers practicing in Manhattan.
Manhattan was hard hit by the pandemic, when the myriad office buildings and streets were eerily empty, and is still in the process of recovering. The office towers are still mostly empty, but have been slowly filling up again. The future of Manhattan remains to be seen as it will undoubtedly face financial challenges in the future unless people return to the office.
Brooklyn: A Vibrant and Diverse Borough
Brooklyn is the most populous borough of New York City, with over 2.5 million residents. It is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its diverse neighborhoods. Brooklyn has a rich history, dating back to the Dutch colonial period.
Today, Brooklyn is a thriving center of culture and innovation. It is home to many startups and creative industries, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The average income in Brooklyn is $56,657, which is slightly below the national average. According to the American Bar Association, there are approximately 14,000 lawyers practicing in Brooklyn.
Staten Island: The Suburban Alternative
Staten Island is the least populous borough of New York City, with just over 476,000 residents. It is located in the southwestern part of the city and is known for its suburban feel and natural beauty. Staten Island also has a rich history, dating back to the colonial period.
Today, Staten Island is a popular residential area for those looking for a suburban lifestyle while still having access to the amenities of New York City. I moved here because it was the last bastion of the affordable house in the New York City metropolitan area. The average income in Staten Island is $74,038, which is slightly higher than the national average. According to the American Bar Association, there are approximately 2,500 lawyers practicing in Staten Island.
The main drawback of living in Staten Island, or in working in Staten Island if you live elsewhere, is access and transportation. To get to or from Staten Island you either have to go over long and sometimes congested bridge, or take the Staten Island Ferr. The Ferry is pretty reliable, and the trip, which takes just under 30 minutes, is free, relaxed and there are no untoward delays. However, outside of rush hour, the ferry only runs every half hour.
The bridges can become extremely congested during the rush hour, and there are tolls. Staten Island has one train line, which is pretty reliable, but runs only once every 20 or so minutes. There is a robust infrastructure of busses, Some of these run pretty often and it is possible to get practically everywhere using public transportation. Parking in Staten Island is much better than it is in any of the other boros, as there are no alternate side parking rules and meters are only found quite near the ferry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each of the three boroughs I serve – Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island – has its own unique history, culture, and legal landscape. As a family lawyer, I am committed to serving the diverse needs of individuals and families in each of these communities. Whether you need help with a divorce, child custody, or other family law matter, I and my team are here to help. Contact me today to schedule a consultation.
