John Teufel

John Teufel joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in January of 2015 and is currently Of Counsel with the firm focusing on appellate work. John received his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School, where he focused on family law. John has served as a fellow for Justice Deborah Kaplan in the Matrimonial Part of the state Supreme Court, and as an intern for the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York. While in law school, John authored several case studies published in the national journal Lesbian and Gay Law Notes, as well as a thesis studying issues unique to same-sex divorces across state lines.

John practices primarily in the field of divorce and family law appeals. When a trial court issues a wrong, biased, or problematic decision, John works with his clients to prepare the case's record for the appellate judges, and craft strong, persuasive briefs that clearly and succinctly point out all the issues with the decision, and why it must be overturned or modified. John also handles appellate defense, ensuring that clients who received a favorable decision by a lower court see that decision upheld and enforced. John is well versed in oral argument and is comfortable in the high-pressure environment of oral argument before the Appellate Division panels. His background in writing and excellent research skills make appellate practice a natural fit for him, and he takes pride in ensuring his clients receive the best, most creative representation possible in the upper courts of New York State.

John has also been retained in connection with several actions involving international issues in divorce, including issues concerning jurisdiction, and the enforcement of prenuptial agreements across state and national lines.

John is also a freelance writer whose work on family law issues has been featured in the New York Law Journal, the Gotham Gazette, and the New York Daily News. He has taught a continuing legal education seminar on special issues in divorcing wealthy clients and has testified before the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York Courts on the importance of ensuring remote court options to increase access to justice. He recently taught a continuing legal education class on motion practice in divorce cases for the New York County Lawyers Association. He has also served as a Director for the non-profit Safe Sisters Circle, which aids victims of domestic violence, and is an active member of the National Lawyers Guild. He has been named a Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for the last five years.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

EDUCATION

• New York University, B.A., magna cum laude
• Brooklyn Law School, J.D.

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE LAW

• September 2015 - New York

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• American Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)
• National Lawyers Guild
• LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York

HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS

• SuperLawyers Rising Star, 2017-2022