Atty. Bernard E. Clair
Bernard Clair is widely recognized as one of a handful of elite New York divorce lawyers. While he is skilled at all facets of client advocacy and representation, his skill as a trial lawyer and his command of the courtroom are what sets him apart.
Family Law & More Attorney · Serving New York, NY · 49+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Bernard E. Clair at a Glance
Bernard E. Clair is a Co-Chair Emeritus based in New York, New York, practicing at Cohen Clair Lans Greifer & Simpson LLP. They have 49+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1977. Their practice focuses on family law, prenup, and litigation. Admitted to practice in New York (1977). Educated at St. John's University (J.D., 1976) and Adelphi University B.A. (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Serves clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Bernard E. Clair
- Bernard Clair is widely recognized as one of a handful of elite New York divorce lawyers
- While he is skilled at all facets of client advocacy and representation, his skill as a trial lawyer and his command of the courtroom are what sets him apart
- Mr. Clair has a unique ability to communicate and effectively advocate on behalf of his clients in both financial and custodial matters
- On account of his courtroom experience, he is a successful negotiator and many of his cases result in favorable settlements without full blown litigation
- Mr. Clair is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- He served for more than a decade as chairman of the editorial board of the New York Family Law Monthly—published by American Lawyers Media—and has regularly lectured and published to the legal community
- In 2018, Mr. Clair was selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America for his work in family law, an honor he has received for the last 14 years
- He has also co-authored three books for the lay public involving important matrimonial law issues
- Mr. Clair receives Martindale-Hubbell’s highest ratings for both legal ability and ethical standards and has been recognized as one of the leading divorce lawyers in New York by numerous publications over the years
- He has been consistently selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers Magazine and as one of New York’s “Best Lawyers” by New York Magazine
- In 2017, Mr. Clair was acknowledged by the New York Post as “the top divorce lawyer in the world.” In 2018, he was named as one of “the top 20 lawyers for divorces” by the Hollywood Reporter in its annual “Trouble Shooters” list
- And in the 2021 Chambers Review, Mr. Clair was, among other things, acknowledged to be "exceedingly skilled
- In establishing Cohen Clair Lans Greifer Thorpe & Rottenstreich LLP, Mr. Clair brings his years of experience in every facet of family law to a setting where the focus remains on efficient, responsive and creative representation, whether it be within the context of complex litigation or sensitive, private negotiations
- Mr. Clair graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 1976 and attended Adelphi University as an undergraduate where he became an All American in lacrosse
- He was selected as Adelphi University’s “Alumnus of the Year” in 2014
- He received the prestigious Belson Medal Award for being an outstanding alumnus of St. John’s Law School in 2019
- Mr. Clair lives with his wife in New York City
Practice Areas Explained
Bernard E. Clair's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bernard E. Clair handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in New York.
Family Law in New York
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Bernard E. Clair is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in New York →
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements in New York
Bernard E. Clair is one of 8,810 prenup attorneys indexed nationally. Browse prenup attorneys in New York →
Civil Litigation in New York
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Bernard E. Clair is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in New York →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in New York
Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New York are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
New York Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a New York-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in New York Choose Bernard E. Clair
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Bernard E. Clair's practice in the field of family law, prenup, and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Bernard E. Clair brings 49+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering family law, prenup, and litigation, Bernard E. Clair can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in New York
A New York-based practice means Bernard E. Clair attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Bernard E. Clair Handles in New York
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Bernard E. Clair has experience with under New York law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Bernard E. Clair directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Bernard E. Clair's Practice Areas & Specializations
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