Michael Abneri, Esq.

Michael Abneri brings over three decades of deep litigation experience and trial expertise to his role as an exclusive mediator for SSAM ADR. A graduate of Hofstra Law School, Michael recently retired after a noteworthy career where he tried nearly 150 jury cases to verdict across the New York metropolitan area, making him one of the most seasoned trial attorneys now working as a neutral.

Michael’s vast trial background includes personal injury, property damage, labor law, product liability, and professional malpractice cases. He has worked on both sides of the courtroom, having spent years with prominent defense firms, as in-house counsel to a major carrier, as well as significant experience representing plaintiffs. His nuanced understanding of medical issues—ranging from traumatic brain injury and spinal fusions to complex fractures and wrongful death—makes him exceptionally effective at evaluating injury claims. He is equally well-versed in assessing economic damages, such as lost earnings, future medical expenses, and lien complications.

In addition to his courtroom work, Michael has participated in over 200 mediations and organized a mediation program for a major insurance carrier. He understands the internal pressures and settlement dynamics facing both defense counsel and plaintiffs' attorneys, particularly around valuation, authority, and timing. He has a reputation for identifying the core issues early, cutting through noise on liability and damages, and helping parties see the true path to resolution, even when initial positions seem far apart.

Through SSAM ADR, Michael offers litigants the benefit of a highly experienced, balanced, and insightful neutral—one who knows the pressures, personalities, and pathways that drive settlement.

EXPERTISE

  • Automobile & Transportation
  • Premises Liability
  • Labor Law / Construction (240/241(6))
  • Property Damage (Large Loss & Subrogation)
  • Products Liability
  • Professional Malpractice
  • Brain Injury
  • Complex Medical Damages 

LOCATION

NY Metro

EDUCATION

Hofstra Law School, J.D. (1990)

University of Albany, B.A. (1984)

 

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP & TEACHING

Michael is the immediate past President (2023–2024) of the Queens County Bar Association and remains on its Board of Managers. He also serves as Co-Chair of its Supreme Court and Torts Committees and is the Dean of the QCBA Academy of Law. Additionally, he serves on the Appellate Division, Second Department’s Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, and has served as a delegate to the NYSBA House of Delegates representing the 11th Judicial District.

An educator at heart, Michael has taught trial advocacy at Hofstra Law School’s Trial Techniques Program for 29 years and has long served as a faculty member for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy’s Northeast Regional Trial Skills Program. He has also lectured extensively for the Nassau County Bar Association, the Law Secretaries Association of NYC, and at numerous CLE seminars.

 

MEDIATION PHILOSOPHY

Michael understands that mediation has become an indispensable tool in today’s litigation landscape—offering certainty, efficiency, and cost control in an unpredictable system. Drawing from his extensive litigation and insurance background, he approaches mediation with pragmatism and insight. He knows when a case is likely to settle, when more time or information is needed, and when a second session may close the gap. His experience has taught him that even cases that appear far from settlement can often resolve with the right structure, trust, and persistence.