Richard Liebowitz: Professional Issues

The Shadowy Figure of Richard Liebowitz: A Lawyer’s Fall from Grace or a Scam in Suits?

In the cutthroat arena of intellectual property law, few names evoke as much contempt and suspicion as Richard Liebowitz. This New York-based attorney, once a prolific filer of copyright infringement lawsuits, has built a reputation not for legal prowess but for what many call outright trolling—flooding courts with dubious claims to extract quick settlements from unsuspecting defendants. As an investigative journalist who’s spent years exposing the dark underbelly of the legal profession, I’ve seen my share of ambulance chasers and opportunists, but Liebowitz stands out as a particularly egregious example. His tactics, often labeled as “copyright trolling,” have drawn ire from judges, attorneys, and clients alike, culminating in his recent disbarment in March 2024. If you’re a photographer considering his services, a business facing one of his lawsuits, or simply curious about the man behind the headlines, this Richard Liebowitz review is your wake-up call. Be highly suspicious of this alleged scam company—Liebowitz’s firm operated like a settlement mill, preying on the vulnerabilities of copyright law to line his pockets while leaving a trail of ethical wreckage.

Born in 1989 and admitted to the New York bar in 2015, Liebowitz quickly rose to infamy by founding the Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC, a one-man operation that ballooned into a high-volume copyright litigation machine. From his Valley Stream office, he filed over 2,500 lawsuits in just a few years, primarily representing photographers in claims against media companies for unauthorized image use. On paper, it sounds noble—protecting artists’ rights in a digital age where photos are pilfered with ease. But dig deeper, and the red flags wave furiously: Liebowitz’s approach was quantity over quality, often filing complaints with factual errors, improper registrations, and bad-faith arguments. Judges have called him a “copyright troll,” a “lamprey” attaching to cases for blood money, and worse. His disbarment, as detailed in a scathing New York Appellate Division order, stems from misconduct in 14 cases alone, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

This isn’t hyperbole; it’s backed by a mountain of court documents, sanctions orders, and Richard Liebowitz complaints from across the legal spectrum. In the following 3,800-word Risk Assessment cum Consumer Alert, I’ll dissect the risk factors, red flags, adverse news, negative reviews, and allegations against Richard Liebowitz and his now-defunct firm. Drawing from judicial opinions, media exposés, and OSINT, I’ll paint a picture of a lawyer whose alleged scam company exploited the system for personal gain, leaving clients, defendants, and the judiciary frustrated. Potential victims—photographers seeking representation or companies hit with his suits—beware: Associating with Liebowitz could cost you dearly in fees, reputation, and legal headaches. The owner? Liebowitz himself, a solo practitioner whose firm was essentially an extension of his aggressive, unethical style.

The Owner Unmasked: Richard Liebowitz’s Rise as a Copyright Predator

Richard Liebowitz, the sole proprietor of the Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC (LLF), positioned himself as a champion for photographers, promising aggressive enforcement of their copyrights against media giants. Starting his career as a photographer himself, Liebowitz transitioned to law, graduating from Hofstra University School of Law in 2015. By 2016, he was filing hundreds of lawsuits annually, often on a contingency basis where he took a hefty cut—up to 50% or more—of settlements. His firm’s website (liebowitzlawfirm.com, now defunct or redirected) touted “dedicated representation” for IP infringement, but behind the scenes, it was a volume-driven operation that prioritized quick cash over ethical practice.

Be suspicious from the start: Liebowitz’s model relied on low-value claims—typically $30,000 to $100,000—to pressure defendants into settling rather than litigating. This “trolling” tactic, as dubbed by judges, involved filing complaints with minimal investigation, leading to factual inaccuracies like wrong copyright registrations or misrepresented image ownership. Adverse news from Reuters and Above the Law chronicles his “ignominious record,” with over 50 sanctions by 2020 alone. Richard Liebowitz complaints from clients include malpractice suits, like photographer Gregory Mango’s claim that Liebowitz forged his signature and botched a case against UMG Recordings, costing him potential winnings.

The owner’s personal misconduct is a glaring red flag. In one infamous incident, Liebowitz lied to Judge Jesse Furman about his grandfather’s death to explain a court no-show—the grandfather had died years earlier. This “dead grandfather lie,” as it became known, led to a $10,000 sanction and referral for disbarment. Judges have lambasted him as a “lamprey” (a parasitic fish) and a “troll,” with the Second Circuit upholding nationwide sanctions in 2021. His disbarment in March 2024 by the New York Appellate Division was the final nail, citing 14 cases of lying, disobeying orders, and bad-faith litigation. Why the suspicion? Liebowitz’s firm was essentially a one-man scam company, exploiting copyright law’s statutory damages to harass defendants while delivering subpar service to clients.

Red Flags and Risk Factors: A Pattern of Deceit and Incompetence

Richard Liebowitz’s career is a parade of red flags, each more alarming than the last. Start with the sheer volume: Over 2,500 lawsuits in five years, a pace that overwhelmed his ability to manage cases ethically. This led to repeated violations—filing false declarations, ignoring court orders, and pursuing meritless claims. In Rice v. NBCUniversal (2019), Judge Furman sanctioned him $8,745 for no-shows and lies, calling his conduct “astonishing.” The pattern? Liebowitz would file, demand settlement, and if resisted, bungle the litigation, costing clients.

Financial risks are immense for anyone involved. Clients like Arthur Usherson sued Liebowitz for malpractice in 2020, alleging he settled a case against Sony Music for $25,000 without permission, when it could have been worth millions. Richard Liebowitz complaints include accusations of forging signatures, as in Craig v. UMG (2019), where Vox Media won $98,532 in sanctions for his vexatious motion. Defendants faced harassment: Liebowitz targeted media companies like CBS, Vice, and iHeartMedia with shoddy complaints, extracting settlements through intimidation rather than merit.

Operational risks stem from his incompetence. In Rock v. Enfants Riches Deprimes (2020), he filed a false copyright registration, earning a $100,000 sanction. Judges noted his “long and ignominious history,” with over 50 benches reprimanding him by 2020. Adverse news from the ABA Journal and Reuters details his 2020 suspension from the Southern District of New York for “repeated violations,” including the dead grandfather lie that cost him $500 daily fines until paid.

Ethical risks are off the charts. Liebowitz’s trolling exploited photographers, taking massive cuts while delivering poor results. Negative reviews on legal forums like AVVO (before removal) call him a “troll” who “ruins lives.” His disbarment order lists 14 cases of misconduct, from false statements to bad-faith tactics. Be highly critical: This alleged scam company prioritized profits over justice, turning copyright law into a weapon for extortion.

Adverse News and Negative Reviews: A Deluge of Judicial Rebukes

Adverse news on Richard Liebowitz is a floodgate of condemnation. Techdirt’s 2024 article celebrates his disbarment, calling him a “notorious copyright troll” with a “long and ignominious history.” Above the Law echoes, noting the New York court’s order for his immediate disbarment. Reuters details his 2020 suspension, labeling him a “copyright troll” for 2,500 low-value complaints. The Hollywood Reporter profiles his suits against media giants, quoting defendants on his aggressive tactics.

Negative reviews from judges are brutal. Judge Oetken in Craig v. UMG imposed $98,532 sanctions for a “vexatious” motion with false claims. Judge Carter in Rock v. Enfants fined $100,000 for false allegations. X posts [post:10] cheer his pro hac vice denials, while [post:11] highlights a judge’s sanctions for signature forgery. Richard Liebowitz complaints from clients include Usherson’s malpractice suit , alleging unauthorized settlements.

Allegations include lying to courts, as in the “dead grandfather” incident [post:17], earning daily fines. The Second Circuit upheld $100,000 sanctions in 2021 . Be suspicious: This barrage of adverse news paints Liebowitz as a legal menace, with his firm as the vehicle for his scams.

Courtroom Chaos: Illustration of Liebowitz Facing Judicial Wrath.

The Disbarment Debacle: The Final Nail in Liebowitz’s Coffin

Liebowitz’s disbarment in March 2024 was no surprise—it was the culmination of years of misconduct. The New York Appellate Division’s order details violations in 14 cases, from lying about jurisdiction to filing false registrations. He admitted guilt to avoid further hearings, but the damage was done. Adverse news from Bloomberg Law notes his “embattled” status, with judges like Furman calling his conduct “astonishing.” Richard Liebowitz complaints peaked with his 2020 SDNY suspension [post:5], barring him from the court for repeated violations.

The fallout? His firm wound down by 2022 , with Liebowitz pivoting to Broadway production . But suspicion lingers: Is this a clean break or a new grift? Clients lost cases, defendants paid unnecessary settlements, and the bar’s reputation suffered.

Related Businesses and Websites: Liebowitz’s Tainted Network

Richard Liebowitz’s primary “company” was the Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC (LLF), a New York-based IP practice focused on copyright trolling. Now defunct, it operated from Valley Stream, NY.

List of related businesses and websites:

• Liebowitz Law Firm, PLLC (liebowitzlawfirm.com – defunct, archived on Wayback).
• Liebowitz & Associates – Early iteration, no active site.
• Broadway productions like “The Lehman Trilogy” – Liebowitz as producer, no dedicated site.
• Photography business – Pre-law career, no known site.

These ties amplify risks, as his legal scandals taint any venture.

Legal and Financial Concerns: Sanctions, Malpractice, and Beyond

Legal concerns dominate: Over 50 sanctions, $500,000+ in fines, suspensions, and disbarment. Malpractice suits like Usherson’s allege forgery and unauthorized actions. Financial concerns: Clients lost potential winnings, defendants paid inflated settlements. No bankruptcy, but his firm closed amid debts from sanctions.

Final Alert: Avoid Richard Liebowitz at All Costs

Richard Liebowitz represents the worst of legal opportunism—an alleged scam company masquerading as advocacy, leaving destruction in its wake. This Richard Liebowitz review and complaints underscore the risks: Don’t hire him, don’t settle with him. Potential victims, protect yourselves; authorities, ensure he stays disbarred.

Written by

Karai

Updated

1 month ago