Atty. Stephen R. Coffey
Steve is the founding partner and chair of the Personal Injury and Criminal Defense practices at O’Connell and Aronowitz. Under his leadership, our firm has become one of the most active personal injury and criminal defense law firms in upstate New York.
Profile Summary
About Stephen R. Coffey at a glance
Stephen R. Coffey is a dui/dwi, personal injury, criminal defense, and white collar attorney based in Latham, New York, practicing at O'Connell & Aronowitz. Admitted to practice in New York, New York State Bar. Educated at Albany Law School of Union University (—, 1970) and Siena College (—). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense (2026). Serands clients in Latham, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Steve is the founding partner and chair of the Personal Injury and Criminal Defense practices at O’Connell and Aronowitz
- Under his leadership, our firm has become one of the most active personal injury and criminal defense law firms in upstate New York
- Few lawyers in the area have excelled in both the personal injury and criminal defense fields
- With over thirty five years of experience at the state and federal levels, Steve is considered one of the most successful trial lawyers in these two diverse practice areas
- As one of the Capital District’s premiere criminal defense trial lawyers, he has been recognized by his peers for his record setting verdicts and settlements
- Steve has justly earned that reputation through his representation of thousands of clients in both street crime cases and highly complex white collar cases
- In 1975, Steve became fully committed to champion the cause of those unjustly accused after seeing the unfettered power of the government relentlessly pursue innocent people
- His desire to reject the abuse of government has led him to represent the most honest and sincere people, who have remained his friends long after their acquittal
- Former jurors have even called Steve over the years to represent them and their loved ones
- Known for his fearless approach when confronted with injustice, Steve has enjoyed powerful courtroom victories and has consistently garnered million dollar verdicts for his clients in cases that are often highly complex and high profile
- Most recently, Steve obtained a $43 million dollar verdict for a brain-injured woman whose case had been turned down by several attorneys
- His second largest brain injury verdict came after representing a child in a highly complex product liability case against a corporate giant
- The verdict exceeded $20 million dollars
- Steve has obtained verdicts in excess of $1M in ten cases and has obtained countless settlements that have exceeded $1M dollars
- Steve’s knowledge, insight and analytical skill have translated easily from the courtroom to the media
- Local television and radio stations have looked to him as a regular commentator for highly publicized local and national criminal cases
- A former Assistant District Attorney for Albany County and Chief Felony Prosecutor, Steve was the youngest Felony Bureau Chief to serve in Albany County
- He also served as Special Prosecutor in Fulton and Albany Counties
- Steve has complimented his civil and criminal trial skill with an extensive appellate practice
- He has lectured and written extensively on civil and criminal trial practice
- Steve is also an active participant of local and national charitable organizations involving disabled individuals, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Living Resources and The Miracle League
Practice Areas Explained
Stephen R. Coffey's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen R. Coffey handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.
Stephen R. Coffey is one of 29,976 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in New York →
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.
Stephen R. Coffey is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in New York →
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Stephen R. Coffey is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in New York →
Stephen R. Coffey is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar 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 Latham 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 Latham or all attorneys in New York.
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