Atty. Michael A. Sonkin

Atty. Michael A. Sonkin

'The vast majority of my practice is devoted to defending medical professionals from allegations of malpractice. I truly believe that practicing medicine is one of the noblest professions in our society.

New York New York 33 yrs experience 33 year
Call (212) 916-0946 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Michael A. Sonkin at a glance

Michael A. Sonkin is a Partner based in New York, New York, practicing at Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP. They have 33+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1993. Their practice focuses on medical malpractice and health care. Admitted to practice in New Jersey (1993) and New York United States District Courts for the Eastern, Southern and Northern Districts of New York (1994). Educated at Syracuse University's College of Law (J.D., 1993) and Stony Brook University (B.A., 1990). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Memberships New York State Bar Association New York City Bar Association Westchester County Bar Association Defense Research Institute Association for Healthcare Risk Management of New York. Serands clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 'The vast majority of my practice is devoted to defending medical professionals from allegations of malpractice
  • I truly believe that practicing medicine is one of the noblest professions in our society
  • Short of being a physician myself, I can think of no greater service that I can render then to defend health care providers, and to do so with passion, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the very best results possible for them.' The primary reason Senior Trial Partner 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 32+ 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 2020 for Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, and he has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, their highest rating*, since 2008
  • Michael has also been selected to the New York Super Lawyers list, a distinction awarded to only five percent of attorneys annually in each state
  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

Michael A. Sonkin's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael A. Sonkin handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Medical Malpractice

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 49,086 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in New York →

Health Care Law

Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.

Michael A. Sonkin is one of 66,735 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care 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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New York or all attorneys in New York.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael A. Sonkin

Where is Michael A. Sonkin's law office located?
Michael A. Sonkin's law practice is located in New York, New York. The firm is Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael A. Sonkin handle?
Michael A. Sonkin focuses on medical malpractice, health care. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New York.
How long has Michael A. Sonkin practiced law?
Michael A. Sonkin has 33+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1993.
Where did Michael A. Sonkin go to law school?
Michael A. Sonkin earned their education at (J.D., 1993); (B.A., 1990).
How can I contact Michael A. Sonkin for a consultation?
You can contact Michael A. Sonkin directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael A. Sonkin received?
Michael A. Sonkin's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Syracuse University's College of Law
- 1993
B.A.
Stony Brook University
- 1990

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
Admitted: 1993
New York United States District Courts for the Eastern, Southern and Northern Districts of New York
Admitted: 1994

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