Strategic Litigators Delivering Practical, Real-World Solutions

Proven results in employment, personal injury, and business litigation
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Our Focus:

Stellar Legal Representation

We are a litigation-first law firm handling complex legal disputes for individuals and businesses.

Why Choose Us?

Powerful Advocates.
Proven Results.

Our firm is dedicated to delivering aggressive legal representation and winning high-value cases.

Learn more
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Litigation-first Firm – focused exclusively on lawsuits, trials, and settlements.
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Strategic & Aggressive Representation – We don’t back down from a fight.
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Track Record of Success – Millions recovered for clients across NJ & NY.
Relentless Advocacy –

See our Credentials.

For over 15 years, Smith + Schwartzstein LLC has fought for individuals and businesses facing complex legal disputes. Whether it's a high-stakes employment lawsuit, catastrophic injury claim, or business litigation, we bring aggressive courtroom advocacy and strategic negotiation to every case. Our results speak for themselves.

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Testimonials

See what our clients say.

We’ve had the privilege of working with Kathryn Schwartzstein for the past 5 years and we are very satisfied with her exceptional legal expertise. Kathryn has always made herself available which is invaluable during stressful times.  With her patience and understanding, Kathryn has helped us navigate some very difficult business situations with a steady hand and clear advice. 

Pat F

★★★★★

Kathryn was amazing to work with. She made everything easy to understand and kept me updated throughout the whole process. I’m so happy with how everything turned out and would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs a great lawyer. Thank you for everything!

Mike V

★★★★★

Smith+Schwartstein made sure my case was dealt with thoroughly and went by smoothly. After a painful accident, I knew that I was covered by them because they walked me through every step and made me feel a lot more comfortable with the situation I was going through. I would recommend them every time, I could not have gone through this as easily without them.

Kennedy H

★★★★★

Smith + Schwartzstein are an excellent choice for anyone who needs legal help in Summit or Chatham. Kathryn and her team are incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. She resolved my civil case quickly and effectively, and gave me helpful advice every step of the way. Kathryn is not only a competent and knowledgeable lawyer, but also a caring professional who treats her clients with integrity and respect. She is terrific and I highly recommend her and her firm.

Chris C

★★★★★

news & insights

Stay informed with us.

When to Hire a Litigation-First Law Firm—and Why It Matters

When to Hire a Litigation-First Law Firm—and Why It Matters

Why Strategy Wins Lawsuits, Not Just AggressionWhen you're facing a serious legal issue—whether it's a business dispute, an employment conflict, or a personal injury claim—your choice of legal...
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Quick Answers

Get answers to common legal questions.

  • What types of cases do you handle?

    Business & Construction Litigation


    Civil Rights & Constitutional Litigation


    Construction Law & Contractor Litigation


    Employment Law Litigation


    Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

  • What should I expect in my lawsuit?

    When you start a lawsuit, the process usually begins with a conversation about your situation to see if you have a case. If you move forward, your attorney will gather information, handle paperwork, and guide you through each step. Most lawsuits involve some back-and-forth between both sides, including sharing evidence and trying to reach a settlement. If that doesn’t happen, the case may go to trial. Throughout the process, your attorney will keep you informed and explain what’s happening so you know what to expect.

  • How does contingency-based pricing work?

    Contingency-based pricing means you don’t have to pay any legal fees up front. Instead, your lawyer only gets paid if they win money for you. Their payment comes as a percentage of the amount you receive from a settlement or court award. If you don’t win your case, you don’t owe anything for legal fees. This helps make legal services available without needing to worry about the cost right away.

  • How do I start a case with your firm?

    To start a case, all you need to do is reach out and set up a consultation. During that conversation, a lawyer will listen to your situation, ask a few questions, and let you know if it’s something they can help with. If you decide to move forward together, you’ll sign an agreement, and they’ll begin working on your case. It’s a straightforward process, and the firm will walk you through every step.