Michael D. Abneri – Top Attorney

Michael Abneri: From Courtroom Veteran to Expert Mediator.

Decades of intense courtroom battles forge a unique kind of wisdom. It’s an understanding of risk, an eye for detail, and an instinct for the human element that drives every legal dispute. After more than thirty years on the front lines of litigation and trying nearly 150 jury cases to verdict, Michael D. Abneri is channeling this hard-won expertise into a new role: an exclusive mediator for SSAM ADR. His transition from one of the New York metropolitan area’s most seasoned trial attorneys to a sought-after neutral offers litigants a powerful advantage in resolving their most challenging cases.

 Michael’s deep background, balanced perspective, and pragmatic approach make him an exceptionally effective mediator.  His extensive trial experience across diverse and complex practice areas, his unique ability to assess damages from both a medical and economic standpoint, the value of his experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, and lastly his proven method for guiding parties toward efficient and lasting resolutions.

Experience is not just about the number of years in a profession; it’s about the depth and intensity of that time. Michael D. Abneri’s career is a testament to this, marked by an impressive record of trying nearly 150 jury cases to verdict. This level of courtroom experience is rare, giving him a profound understanding of how juries perceive evidence, evaluate witnesses, and ultimately decide outcomes. He has navigated the intricacies of litigation in personal injury, property damage, labor law, product liability, and professional malpractice cases.

This vast trial background means Michael doesn’t just theorize about what might happen at trial—he knows. He has seen firsthand how a case can pivot on a single piece of testimony or how a seemingly minor detail can influence a multi-million dollar verdict. This insight is invaluable in a mediation setting, where he can help both sides realistically assess their risks and the potential rewards of continuing to litigate versus settling.

A significant hurdle in many disputes is the valuation of damages. Michael’s experience equips him to tackle this challenge with a level of detail that few neutrals can match. He possesses a nuanced understanding of complex medical issues, from traumatic brain injuries and spinal fusions to catastrophic fractures and wrongful death claims. This allows him to look beyond the surface of a medical report and grasp the long-term implications of an injury, making him highly effective at evaluating personal injury claims.

His proficiency extends equally to the economic side of the equation. Michael is well-versed in assessing complex economic damages, including: lost earnings and diminished future earning capacity, future medical expenses and life care plans, complications arising from liens and subrogation claims.

This dual fluency in both medical and economic damages allows him to guide discussions with credibility. He can help parties move past inflated demands or unrealistic offers and focus on a fair valuation grounded in the realities of the case.

One of the most significant assets Michael brings to the mediation table is his experience working on both sides of the courtroom. Throughout his career, he has served with prominent defense firms, acted as in-house counsel for a major insurance carrier, and dedicated significant time to representing plaintiffs. This dual perspective is a game-changer in mediation.

He understands the internal pressures facing defense counsel and insurance carriers, such as reporting requirements, authority levels, and reserve-setting. At the same time, he empathizes with the personal and financial toll litigation takes on plaintiffs and their families. This balanced viewpoint enables him to build trust and rapport with all parties. He can speak the language of both sides, translating positions and motivations in a way that fosters understanding rather than animosity. This ability is key to bridging the gap between seemingly entrenched opponents.

Michael is known for his ability to cut through the noise and identify the core issues of a dispute early on. He understands that successful mediation requires more than just shuttling offers back and forth. It requires a strategic approach focused on uncovering the true barriers to settlement. Having participated in over 200 mediations and even designed a mediation program for a major carrier, he knows the dynamics that drive resolution.

He recognizes that timing, trust, and persistence are critical. Michael approaches each mediation with pragmatism and insight, understanding that some cases will settle quickly while others may require more time, additional information, or even a second session to close the gap. His reputation is built on his ability to see the path to resolution, even when the parties themselves believe they are too far apart. He skillfully structures the process to create momentum and guide litigants toward a solution that offers certainty, efficiency, and cost control.

In an unpredictable legal system, mediation offers a valuable alternative. It empowers parties to control their own destiny, avoid the risks of trial, and contain costs. With a mediator like Michael D. Abneri, litigants gain the benefit of a highly experienced, balanced, and insightful neutral. His career has been dedicated to navigating the pressures, personalities, and pathways of litigation. Now, he uses that extensive knowledge to help others find a better way to resolve their disputes, bringing clarity and finality to even the most complex cases.