I have been practicing law for over 25 years, representing individuals and small business owners in New York City and Long Island, with the legal issues that arise in their everyday business or personal life. For business owners, I act as a general business advisor, help form new businesses, review and negotiate contracts, including operating agreements, vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, and commercial leases. I also teach clients how to avoid disputes by showing them what to do to ensure that they get paid at the end of a deal, how to protect themselves against liability and how to operate their businesses efficiently. In the event a dispute does arise, I work with business partners to assist them in resolving disputes among themselves or with companies they do business with, including representing companies in litigation against customers for unpaid bills or breached agreements. In addition, I have experience with other types of litigation, including construction and real estate contract litigation. I started my firm, the Law Office of Michael A. Kofsky, PLLC, in November 2008, after having worked at law firms both large and small in New York City. At Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom, LLP, I gained experience working with businesses, reviewing and analyzing business and real estate contracts and operating agreements to identify potential liabilities and compliance issues, and help manage risk. I also examined organizational structures and operating revenues and worked on joint ventures and other transactions. After leaving Skadden, I worked at several small boutique law firms at which I gained experience interacting with clients on a personal level in order to fully understand their needs and accomplish their goals. Thereafter, I took the best parts of my Manhattan experience and created my own firm to be closer to my family and to give back to the Long Island community. I am a lifelong New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan and now living on Long Island. I graduated with honors from Brooklyn Law School and Boston University. I am an avid sports fan and am devoted to my family, including my two young daughters.

Ian Chaikin is the founding member of Chaikin Trial Group and a licensed attorney in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. He began his legal career at a prominent New York City personal injury firm, where he quickly distinguished himself as a formidable advocate. His rapid rise in the personal injury legal community reflects both his skill and his deep commitment to the clients he serves. As Ian often says: “You come in as a client, but you leave as a friend.” Dedicated to delivering exceptional results, Ian has secured numerous Million-Dollar and Multi-Million-Dollar recoveries for his clients. His relentless work ethic and unwavering dedication have earned him recognition as one of New York’s Super Lawyers in personal injury law. He is also a distinguished member of the Million-Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been featured in New York Magazine’s “Personal Injury Leaders.” Chaikin Trial Group has been praised as “one of New York’s preeminent boutique personal injury trial firms.” Ian’s success is built on a foundation of hard work, strategic thinking, and personal attention to every case. For over 20 years, he has fought tirelessly for the rights of innocent victims, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Ian earned his degree in Banking and Finance from Hofstra University in 2001 and his law degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2004, with a concentration in civil litigation. While in law school, he won the school’s oral argument competition and earned a place in Hofstra’s prestigious Labor Law Journal. A proud Long Island resident, Ian is deeply involved in his family life and enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and weightlifting. He is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, allowing him to effectively serve a diverse clientele, including the Hispanic community, by ensuring clear communication and a strong attorney-client relationship.