Schanker & Hochberg PC

- 350 5th Ave #3130, New York, NY 10001

Navigating the complex world of estate law in New York City is a critical task for anyone looking to secure their legacy and protect their loved ones. From drafting a simple will to handling intricate tax planning and probate proceedings, the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney is essential. Schanker & Hochberg PC is a law firm based in Manhattan that specializes in estate planning, elder law, and related legal services. The firm's public information highlights a focus on assisting clients with a wide range of needs, including trust administration, Medicaid applications, and business succession planning. For New Yorkers, the firm presents itself as a resource for professional and comprehensive legal assistance to ensure their affairs are in order.

In the realm of legal services, a firm's reputation and its relationship with clients are paramount. When choosing an attorney for personal and family matters, trust and clear communication are key. The following article provides a factual overview of Schanker & Hochberg PC, combining information on their location and services with important insights from public reviews. This helps to provide a complete picture for local users in New York who are looking to make an informed decision about their legal representation.

Schanker & Hochberg PC is centrally located in one of New York City's most iconic buildings, making it highly accessible to clients. The office is at 350 5th Ave #3130, New York, NY 10001, USA, placing it inside the famous Empire State Building. This prestigious address is a major advantage for clients, as it is a central hub for multiple subway lines and bus routes, ensuring easy travel from all five boroughs.

The firm and its location prioritize accessibility. The building provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all clients can enter without difficulty. Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible restroom and a general restroom are available, which adds to client convenience. For scheduling, the firm operates on an appointments recommended basis. This approach ensures that a dedicated time slot is reserved for each client, allowing for a focused and private discussion of sensitive legal matters without interruptions.

Schanker & Hochberg PC specializes in estate planning and related legal fields. Their services are designed to help individuals and families protect their assets and plan for the future.

Services include:

• Estate Planning Law:
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Decedent Estate Administration and Probate
  • Estate and Gift Tax Planning
  • Trust Administration and Planning
  • Document Drafting
• Elder Law:
  • Medicaid Applications
  • Special Needs Planning
• Other Legal Services:
  • Federal Tax Returns
  • Real Estate

This list demonstrates the firm's comprehensive expertise in matters that are vital for long-term financial and family security. They handle everything from the initial drafting of legal documents to the more complex processes of estate administration and tax planning, providing a broad spectrum of services under one roof.

Based on the firm's stated information, its key highlights revolve around its specialization and professional offerings.

• Estate Planning Specialization: The firm's exclusive focus on estate planning, elder law, and related areas allows them to develop a deep level of expertise. This specialization is a major advantage for clients with specific needs in these fields.
• Prestigious Location: Being situated in the Empire State Building not only provides a convenient and accessible location but also lends a sense of professionalism and credibility to the practice.
• Comprehensive Service: Schanker & Hochberg PC handles a wide range of services within their practice areas, from simple will planning to complex estate and gift tax strategies. This allows for a holistic approach to a client's legal needs.
• Accessibility: The firm is located in a building that features both a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, which shows a commitment to accommodating all clients.

For those in the New York metropolitan area seeking legal assistance with estate planning or related matters, Schanker & Hochberg PC can be reached at:

• Address: 350 5th Ave #3130, New York, NY 10001, USA
• Phone: (212) 564-3307

It is recommended that potential clients call the provided number to schedule an appointment to discuss their specific needs.

Choosing a law firm for personal matters like estate planning is a decision that relies heavily on trust, communication, and professional conduct. While Schanker & Hochberg PC presents a professional image and a comprehensive list of services, it is important to consider all publicly available information, including direct client feedback, to make an informed choice.

The provided reviews from a former client present a significant contrast to the firm's professional appearance. The reviews allege a severe lack of communication, stating that an attorney, Mark Hochberg, "doesn't answer calls or emails." This is a major concern, as consistent communication is a foundational element of the attorney-client relationship. The client also alleges an "outrageous" fee of almost $7,000 for a minor change to a will, which they claim to have had done for a "fraction of that." Such claims raise questions about the firm's billing practices and value proposition.

The most serious allegations, however, involve the firm's response to the initial negative review. The client claims the firm "threatened" them and then "dropped" their mother as a client because of the unfavorable review, despite the mother having spent "many thousands of dollars" with the firm and her issue being unrelated to the client’s. This alleged behavior is deeply concerning, as it could be interpreted as retaliatory and unprofessional. For a New Yorker, this suggests a firm that may not be client-focused and that could potentially mishandle disputes.

Given these serious allegations, prospective clients must proceed with extreme caution. The decision of what is "worth choosing" hinges on a full assessment of all available information. The negative reviews, which the client claims to be able to "well documented," indicate a potential breakdown in trust and professional conduct that could put a client's legal and financial interests at risk. While the firm may have the location and stated expertise, the client testimonials point to significant issues in client care and professional ethics. It would be highly advisable for anyone considering this firm to conduct extensive due diligence, seek out additional reviews from multiple sources, and potentially consult with other attorneys before making a commitment. This is a case where the client experience, as shared publicly, provides a vital, though concerning, perspective that must be weighed heavily in the decision-making process.

Schanker & Hochberg PC

350 5th Ave #3130, New York, NY 10001, USA