Dante W. Apuzzo brings years of experience in New York’s appellate and trial courts.
Dante joins Pillsbury from the Appellate Division, First Department, of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, where he supervised the law department in all areas of New York law. There, he focused on complex commercial disputes and was often confronted with matters involving complicated procedural issues. He also served as principal court attorney to several New York State judges. Before working at the courts, he specialized in state and federal trial and appellate matters at a New York litigation firm. Recently, Dante was an adjunct professor for St. John’s University School of Law, teaching Appellate Advocacy.
Representative Experience
- Represented the New York State Bar Association as amicus curiae at the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in support of an appeal from a decision creating a qualified public right of access to New York attorney grievance committee dispositions.
- Represented spouse in successful appeal at the Appellate division, First Department of the trial court’s award of $29.6 million as an advance on equitable distribution.
- Represented investors in reargument of a decision at the Appellate Division, First Department which reinstated claims of tortious interference with contract and unjust enrichment.
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- Advised trial counsel in an appeal at the Appellate Division, First Department from a $1.6 billion Judgment for damages for breach of contract, fraud, and veil-piercing claims.
- Represented health insurers in successfully defeating an Article 78 Petition challenging an ongoing procurement for health benefit services with the City of New York.
- Represented public works contractor in appeals at the Appellate Division, First Department from orders and Judgment finding the contractor liable for Labor Law prevailing wage damages.
- Represented purchaser of newspaper business in breach of contract action in Supreme Court, Suffolk County.
- Represented publishing company in an application to the Appellate Division, First Department for the publication of legal notices.
- Represented New York building owners and managers in premises liability action in Supreme Court, New York County.
- Represented plaintiffs in execution and turnover proceedings for $700 million in unsatisfied Judgments in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Advised trial counsel in an appeal at the Appellate Division, First Department from orders directing hearings in a matrimonial action.
- Represented corporate defendants in an action in Supreme Court, New York County asserting breach of fiduciary duty claims and related claims under New York and Delaware law.
- Represented private equity investor in an appeal at the Appellate Division, First Department from order dismissing breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing claims.
- As supervising court attorney at the Appellate Division, First Department, oversaw appeals concerning complex commercial transactions, contract disputes, real estate matters, torts and procedural issues.
- Advised New York Supreme Court Justices regarding matters of law and procedure before the Court.
Professional Highlights
- Served as Adjunct Professor for St. John’s University School of Law.
- Received Distinguished Service Award in 2017 from the Law Secretaries and Law Assistants’ Collegium.
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- Publications
- “Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Appellate Counsel,” New York Law Journal, October 26, 2023.
- “Appellate Review; Significant Holdings in No-Fault Benefits Law,” New York Law Journal, Outside Counsel Column, August 30, 2006.
- “No-Fault Trial Practice Perspectives,” New York Law Journal, Outside Counsel Column, August 20, 2006.
- Speaking Engagements
- Making the Most of Appellate Counsel at Trial: Tips for Appellate and Trial Practitioners, ABA Litigation Section Roundtable, Feb. 5, 2025
- Appellate Counsel at Trial Table, ABA Sound Advice Podcast, Jan. 24, 2025
Education
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J.D., St. John's University School of Law, 2004
B.A., Hunter College, The City University of New York, 2000
Courts
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Supervising and Principal Appellate Court Attorney, Appellate Division, First Department, of the Supreme Court of the State of New York (September 2007 - November 2023)
Senior Court Attorney, Manhattan and Brooklyn New York City Civil Court (January 2005 - September 2007)
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Languages
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Italian