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Robert L. Schonfeld

Senior Counsel
T: (516) 873-2000 Ext. 270
F: (516) 873-2010
E: rschonfeld@moritthock.com

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Robert L. Schonfeld focuses his practice in anti-discrimination litigation in the State and Federal Courts to enforce the right of persons with disabilities to live and access services in the community.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Schonfeld was a partner at Stein & Schonfeld LLP. Prior to his private practice, Mr. Schonfeld served as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of New York where he specialized in representing OMH, OMRDD, and other state agencies in litigation involving the development and operation of OMH and OMRDD licensed facilities.

During his career, Mr. Schonfeld secured a landmark decision from the New York State Court of Appeals in the case of Jennings v. New York State Office of Mental Health that restricted the ability of localities to object to the establishment of group homes under New York State Selection Law (Mental Hygiene Law Section 41.34), as well as a landmark Federal Fair Housing Act decision in the United States District Court in Oxford House v. Suffolk County . In addition, Mr. Schonfeld has successfully litigated over 100 cases under the site selection law and Federal anti-discrimination statutes.

Education

Fordham University School of Law, J.D. 1977
Cornell University, B.S. 1974

Fellowship: World Rehabilitation Fund
Conducted study on responses to opposition to community residences for people with disabilities in Australia.

Admissions

Mr. Schonfeld is admitted to practice in the State of New York, the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts.

Affiliations

Mr. Schonfeld is a member of the New York State Bar Association and a life member of the Circumnavigators’ Club. In addition, he also lectures on not-for-profit topics before various groups including the American Association on Mental Retardation, Long Island Housing Services and the New York State Bar Association.

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