Atty. Nicholas "Nick" Papain

Atty. Nicholas "Nick" Papain

Nicholas Papain is one of New York's most prominent personal injury and products liability trial lawyers, having won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for clients killed or seriously injured by defective products, fires, unsafe premises and negligently operated vehicles. Nick played a leading and critical role in a fee proceeding before a national arbitration panel regarding the Firm's representation of the State of New York in its action against the major tobacco companies which resulted in a record $25 billion recovery for the state.

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Profile Summary

About Nicholas "Nick" Papain at a glance

Nicholas "Nick" Papain is a personal injury and product liability attorney based in New York, New York, practicing at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo PC. Educated at American University Washington College of Law (J.D., 1978) and Adelphi University (BA, 1974). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Nicholas Papain is one of New York's most prominent personal injury and products liability trial lawyers, having won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for clients killed or seriously injured by defective products, fires, unsafe premises and negligently operated vehicles
  • Nick played a leading and critical role in a fee proceeding before a national arbitration panel regarding the Firm's representation of the State of New York in its action against the major tobacco companies which resulted in a record $25 billion recovery for the state
  • Our Firm together with two other New York and three national firms were awarded an unprecedented fee for their contribution to what authorities hailed as "the most successful legal attack on a major public health hazard in the history of recorded civilization
  • Nick is responsible for managing the Firm, overseeing more than 40 attorneys and 70 support personnel
  • He was recognized by the New York Hellenic Lawyers Association in 2007 as the "Attorney of the Year", and served as President of the 4,000 member New York State Trial Lawyers Association for the 2008-2009 term
  • Nick joined the Firm upon graduating from American University Washington College of Law in 1978 and has been a Member since 1985

Practice Areas Explained

Nicholas "Nick" Papain's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Nicholas "Nick" Papain handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Nicholas "Nick" Papain is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in New York →

Product Liability

Nicholas "Nick" Papain is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability 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 Nicholas "Nick" Papain

Where is Nicholas "Nick" Papain's law office located?
Nicholas "Nick" Papain's law practice is located in New York, New York. The firm is Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Nicholas "Nick" Papain handle?
Nicholas "Nick" Papain focuses on personal injury, product liability. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New York.
Where did Nicholas "Nick" Papain go to law school?
Nicholas "Nick" Papain earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (BA, 1974).
How can I contact Nicholas "Nick" Papain for a consultation?
You can contact Nicholas "Nick" Papain 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 Nicholas "Nick" Papain received?
Nicholas "Nick" Papain's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs; Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
American University Washington College of Law
- 1978
BA
Adelphi University
- 1974

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Attorney of the Year Award 2007 Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Named in Super Lawyers magazine as one of the top lawyers in New York
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Recipient of the highest rating (AV) from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (New York City)
- 2017

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