A prominent first-chair litigator for 30 years, Howard Cotton seamlessly combines consummate litigation strategy and courtroom skill with a comprehensive understanding of his clients’ business objectives. In so doing, Howard affords his substantial client roster a full menu of services, from regularly leading high-stakes commercial litigations to forging practical solutions pre- and post- litigation.
In his unique role as advisor, counsel and tactician, Howard has maintained longstanding relationships with a broad-based group of clients, both domestic and international, spanning numerous industries. Those clients include real estate developers, management and hospitality companies, financial institutions, hedge funds, real estate funds, family offices, public and private companies and their senior officers, high net worth investors and entrepreneurs, and foreign governments.
Recognized as a New York Metro Super Lawyer in Business Litigation for many years, Howard’s diverse practice encompasses a wide spectrum of business disputes, including breach of contract, business torts, Uniform Commercial Code, partnership and corporate shareholder derivative disputes, real estate, securities and common law fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. His success in a variety of forums – from state and federal courts, to numerous arbitration and mediation proceedings – has led to numerous leadership roles at prominent law firms. Howard is especially recognized for his considerable experience with complex real estate litigation, representing real estate funds, developers, management companies, hospitality companies, lenders and borrowers.