Eli Fuchsberg

Tell us a little bit about your practice and what makes it unique.

• We seek justice for those who have been hurt, and the strength of our clients motivates me every day. We represent a wide range of clients: parents, children, lawyers, doctors, artists, prisoners, and some of the most vulnerable members of our society. These are individuals that have been harmed, often by large and powerful corporations and government entities. Not only do we make sure that individuals’ rights are protected, we also use the legal system to hold wrongdoers accountable and deter future misconduct. I believe we are unique in taking on incredibly complex cases, often involving complicated fact patterns and specialized medicine.

What common questions are you asked by clients, and what are your answers?

• Clients often ask if their case will be successful. Every case is different, but we take on strong cases, and then work hard to put them in the most advantageous possible position. The vast majority of our cases resolve favorably through settlement.
  

Describe one of your most interesting or memorable cases in the past year.

• We represented a third-grade public school teacher who had thyroid cancer that went undiagnosed for years despite her repeated complaints of throat pain to her doctor. As a result, the cancer advanced and her vocal cords were terribly damaged. She still teaches but now has to use a megaphone in her class. After working on her case for many months, and filing successful motions in court, we achieved a very favorable settlement on her behalf. As a thank you, she painted our law firm a picture which now hangs in our office. It is a daily reminder of the deserving individuals we are fighting for every day.

What is most challenging about your area(s) of expertise?

• A large part of our practice involves medical malpractice. In order to properly analyze a case, conduct depositions of doctors, and effectively litigate in court, it is important to understand the medicine at the heart of the claims. And they don’t teach you that in law school! Learning and understanding different areas of medicine, and harnessing that knowledge for our practice, has been both challenging and rewarding. Our medical experts often comment on our understanding of the medicine, and we take pride in that.

Were there any particular inspirations (people or events) that spurred your interest in your practice area(s)?

• I come from a family of civil rights lawyers. My father is a great trial lawyer, as his father was before him. I have learned that it takes more than skill and experience – it also requires compassion and heart. My early memories include visiting clients in need and attending protests to help promote systemic change. These memories, and the example set by my family, inspired me and led me to where I am today.

What other interests do you have?

• Most of my energy is devoted to practicing law. I live in Gowanus, Brooklyn, with my fiancé (a criminal defense attorney) and our cat. I also enjoy sailing on summer evenings.

Anything else you’d like to share?

• During these uncertain times, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made from protests in New York City and around the country. I hope that change will be embraced by the courts as well.