Eric W. Penzer is a trust and estate litigator representing high-net-worth individuals and families. Eric is a trusted advisor for clients involved in complex challenges related to generational wealth and asset transfer.
As an experienced trial lawyer, Eric provides strategic representation in contested probate proceedings, fiduciary accounting disputes, discovery and turnover proceedings, and other trust and estate matters. He is known for being responsive, fair, and committed to achieving favorable outcomes for clients while navigating sensitive issues with tact and professionalism.
In addition to being a well-respected counselor who resolves disputes through negotiations and settlements, Eric is also a formidable litigator who achieves his clients’ objectives at trial. With a proven track record of success, Eric serves as a credible advocate in the courtroom, skillfully navigating the complexities of trust and estate litigation to secure favorable results for his clients.
As a leading authority in the field, Eric is a frequent author and speaker on trust- and estate-related litigation topics, and also contributes regularly to Farrell Fritz’s New York Trusts & Estates Litigation blog.
Obtained multi-million-dollar settlement for client, a New York animal protection and welfare charity, in connection with contested probate proceeding involving multiple wills of decedent.
Represented decedent’s surviving domestic partner in will construction proceeding concerning dispute with decedent’s family members over stock ownership. Obtained summary judgment in Surrogate’s Court, and affirmance on appeal.
Defended family-owned real estate company in New York Supreme Court Commercial Division action involving direct and derivative claims brought by estate of deceased co-owner. Claims were grounded in alleged waste, mismanagement, and breaches of fiduciary duty. Succeeding in obtaining dismissal of complaint.
Represented daughters of decedent in action to impose constructive trust on real property passing by operation of law to decedent’s surviving spouse. Obtained favorable monetary settlement for clients.
Successfully defended attorney against challenge to his appointment as fiduciary of estate. Interested party argued that attorney was ineligible to serve because he received beneficial disposition under decedent’s last will and testament. Prevailed in Surrogate’s Court and on appeal.
Represented grandchildren of deceased land developer in multi-million-dollar claim against estate involving agreement obligating decedent to bequeath grandchildren a percentage of his estate in connection with his daughter’s divorce. Obtained summary judgment in clients’ favor leading to favorable settlement.
Community Work
The Safe Center LI, Board of Directors, Vice President and Member
Recognition
Chambers and Partners, Private Wealth Disputes, New York
Martindale Hubbell, AV Peer Review Rating
The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation, Trusts & Estates, 2016-present
Super Lawyers, New York Metro Edition, Estate & Trust Litigation, 2014-present
The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Long Island, 2018, 2023
Nassau County Bar Association, Access to Justice Award for Pro Bono, 2015
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