Mr. Emery’s national standing as a litigator is underscored by his extensive experience trying cases across diverse jurisdictions, including New York, Washington, D.C., California, and Washington state. Early in his career, while at Lankenau Kovner & Bickford, Richard Emery achieved a landmark victory before the U.S. Supreme Court. In a case that resonated deeply with principles of democratic representation, he successfully argued against the structure of the New York City Board of Estimate. His advocacy led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision that invalidated the Board on constitutional grounds, based on the one-person, one-vote doctrine.
Before entering private practice, Richard Emery lawyer career included impactful public service roles. He served as a staff attorney at the New York Civil Liberties Union, championing civil liberties through legal action. Further demonstrating his dedication to public interest law, he directed the Institutional Legal Services Project in Washington state. In this role, he represented individuals within juvenile, prison, and mental health facilities, advocating for their rights and ensuring legal representation for vulnerable populations. His early career was further shaped by a clerkship for the Honorable Gus J. Solomon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, providing him with invaluable insights into the judicial process. Mr. Emery has also contributed to legal education, having taught as an adjunct professor at both the New York University and University of Washington schools of law, sharing his practical experience and legal knowledge with future generations of lawyers.
Richard Emery’s commitment to public service extends beyond his early career. He held the significant position of Chair of New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board from July 2014 to April 2016, overseeing the investigation of complaints against the NYPD. His dedication to governmental integrity is further evidenced by his membership on Governor Mario Cuomo’s Commission on Integrity in Government and Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Transition Committee for Government Reform Issues. Subsequently, Governor Paterson appointed Richard Emery to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, and he further served on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct from 2004 to 2017, demonstrating a sustained commitment to ethical governance and public accountability.
Beyond his legal practice and public service, Richard Emery is deeply involved in civic and preservation efforts. As a member of the City Club, he actively engages with New York City’s preservation issues. His passion for preservation is further exemplified by his role as a founder and president of the West End Preservation Society. Under his leadership, the society successfully achieved landmark status for the West End-Riverside Historic District, protecting a significant part of New York City’s architectural heritage.
Richard Emery lawyer achievements have been recognized through numerous prestigious honors. These include City & State NY’s 2016 Responsible 100 Award, Landmark West’s 2013 Unsung Heroes Award for his preservation work, and the 2008 Children’s Rights Champion Award for his civil rights advocacy. He received the Common Cause/NY “I Love an Ethical New York” Award in 2000 for his successful challenges to restrictive ballot access laws and his broader efforts to promote democratic participation. His early recognition includes the Park River Democrats Public Service Award in 1989 and the David S. Michaels Memorial Award in 1987 from the New York State Bar Association for his courageous efforts in promoting integrity within the criminal justice system. Richard Emery has consistently been recognized by his peers as a “Super Lawyer” since 2006 and was named to Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers” list in 2023, solidifying his reputation as a leading attorney in his fields.
Richard Emery’s practice at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP encompasses a broad spectrum of complex litigation. He is sought after for his expertise in:
- Commercial Litigation: Representing businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes, contract litigation, and business torts.
- Civil Rights Litigation: Advocating for individuals and groups whose civil rights have been violated, including cases involving discrimination, freedom of speech, and police misconduct.
- Election Law and Litigation: Handling complex election law matters, ensuring fair and equitable access to the democratic process.
- Challenges to Governmental Actions: Litigating cases challenging unlawful or unconstitutional actions by government entities at all levels.
Richard Emery lawyer stands as a testament to a career dedicated to legal excellence, public service, and civic engagement. His extensive experience, landmark legal victories, and commitment to justice make him a highly respected and sought-after attorney.
