Sullivan Papain’s Century of Impact

The firm has certainly made an impression on the court.

From smoking regulations to vehicle safety and even beer sales at baseball games, a Long Island law firm has been instrumental in various changes over the years. This year, they are also celebrating the achievements of 100 individuals connected with the firm.

New York Supreme Court Judge Christopher McGrath reflected on the legacy of Sullivan Papain, noting that they’ve secured settlements exceeding $2 billion in just the last decade.

McGrath recalled his own experiences in the 23-year practice, guided by the late Harry Lipsig, the firm’s founder and a significant figure in the legal world for about 50 years.

“He was unique, a genius, but also a bit quirky,” McGrath said, reminiscing about Lipsig’s high standards.

Interestingly, during one particularly memorable meeting, McGrath arrived late at Lipsig’s apartment, only to be greeted with, “Hello, afternoon.”

There was a method to Lipsig’s excellence.

He combined sheer intellect with commonsense approaches to alter how things functioned. One notable case involved a tragic incident at a baseball game that changed the way beer was sold at stadiums 80 years ago, after a fan was injured by a glass bottle.

“Their stance was that it wasn’t their fault; they couldn’t prevent every possible mishap,” recalled Bob Sullivan, a senior partner at the firm.

During the subsequent trial, Lipsig carried a mysterious paper bag with him each day, keeping it sealed on the table.

When the moment came to discuss compensation, he dramatically revealed a cup from the bag and said, “This is how you can stop it.” That approach influenced protocols at stadiums nationwide, according to Sullivan.

Innovative Legal Strategies

Lipsig was known for his creative legal maneuvers. For example, he once won a shark bite case by convincingly arguing that a hotel failed to manage its waste, attracting predators to swimmers.

Years later, in the late 1990s, New York state sought Sullivan Papain’s expertise in a lawsuit against tobacco companies.

“The brilliance was in representing non-smokers, not smokers,” Sullivan explained. “The rising costs of Medicare and Medicaid for those suffering from cancer became a focal point.”

Ironically, many on the team tackling that case were themselves smokers.

“We had breaks every hour for our lawyers to step outside and smoke,” shared Nicholas Papain, who has also worked on improving vehicle safety.

He was involved in cases where drivers accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes, leading to a significant lawsuit that required manufacturers to implement safety locks on gear shifts.

The firm has also ventured into medical malpractice and has represented the FDNY for four decades. Partner Eleni Cofinas highlighted how cancer patients often draw emotional resilience from victories in court.

Sullivan Papain is currently undertaking an estimated $40 million in pro bono work for the families of first responders impacted by the events of September 11th.

“It’s a testament to our enduring culture and philosophy. I believe that’s a key reason for the firm’s longevity,” stated managing partner TJ McManus. “He established principles that continue to guide us today.”