Atty. Michael A. Sonkin
The primary reason Michael Sonkin has pursued a career defending medical professionals is best explained in his own words: “I truly believe that practicing medicine is one of the noblest professions. I can think of no greater service I can render than to defend health care providers with passion, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the very best possible results for them.” With always meticulous preparation and expansive medical knowledge, Michael prides himself on vigorously defending his clients.
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Attorney · Serving New York, NY
Profile Summary
About Michael A. Sonkin at a Glance
Michael A. Sonkin is a medical malpractice attorney based in New York, New York, practicing at Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP. Educated at Syracuse University (JD, 1993) and Stony Brook University (BA, 1990). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2026). Serves clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael A. Sonkin
- The primary reason Michael Sonkin has pursued a career defending medical professionals is best explained in his own words: “I truly believe that practicing medicine is one of the noblest professions
- I can think of no greater service I can render than to defend health care providers with passion, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the very best possible results for them.” With always meticulous preparation and expansive medical knowledge, Michael prides himself on vigorously defending his clients
- Whether exploring medical theories of defense, pursuing key evidence, or meeting with principals and witnesses in advance of their testimony, Michael’s entire approach is based on being fully prepared, credible, and likeable in order to achieve the best possible result for his clients
- Known for going to extraordinary lengths to uncover all relevant details surrounding a case, he has obtained a high number of successful defense verdicts during his career
- His 27+ years of experience include: • Defending individual physicians and major teaching hospitals in state and federal court against medical malpractice claims involving multiple medical specialties, including: obstetrics and gynecology
- gynecologic surgery
- infectious diseases and epidemiology
- neurology
- neurosurgery
- orthopaedic surgery
- cardiology
- and cardiothoracic surgery. • Representing major hospital and teaching institutions in high profile litigations carrying significant exposure. • Trying legal malpractice and personal injury cases. • Defending physicians against sexual misconduct claims. • Representing clients in cases involving general liability as well as electronic discovery issues
- Michael has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America © since 2019 for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and he has been rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating, since 2008.As part of teaching the next generation of attorneys at Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP , as well as offering information for the professional liability defense industry as a whole, Michael is the head of the Firm’s Continuing Legal Education program, where he is also a regular presenter
- Additionally, he has been an invited faculty participant in Hofstra University Law School’s annual Trial Training program
- Education Syracuse University College of Law, J.D
- Stony Brook University, B.A
- Memberships New York City Bar Association Bar Admissions New York, New Jersey
Practice Areas Explained
Michael A. Sonkin's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael A. Sonkin handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in New York.
Medical Malpractice in New York
Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.
Michael A. Sonkin is one of 48,593 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice 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 Michael A. Sonkin
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 Michael A. Sonkin's practice in the field of medical malpractice.
Focused Medical Malpractice Practice
Concentrating on medical malpractice means Michael A. Sonkin's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in New York
A New York-based practice means Michael A. Sonkin 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 Michael A. Sonkin Handles in New York
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael A. Sonkin 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 Michael A. Sonkin directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Michael A. Sonkin's Practice Areas & Specializations
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