Partner
Christopher Holbrook is a partner at Schwartzapfel® Lawyers P.C., where his practice concentrates on trial work involving negligence cases with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Chris routinely secures multi-million-dollar recoveries through jury verdicts, arbitration, mediation, and settlements. His results include numerous seven- and eight-figure verdicts and judgments.
Recently, Chris represented one of the eight wrongful death victims in the multidistrict federal litigation involving the Amtrak Train Wreck in Philadelphia, resulting in a historic $265 million global recovery.
Mr. Holbrook has earned a reputation for excellence and superior results among colleagues, judges, and clients, with a proven track record of success in even the most challenging cases.
Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts & Settlements
Mr. Holbrook's outstanding results were recognized in the 2011–2020 editions of the New York Law Journal in its Top Verdicts and Top Settlements sections. His achievements include:
These accomplishments earned him membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Additionally, ALM Verdict Search has published numerous noteworthy verdicts and settlements obtained by Mr. Holbrook throughout all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Trial Advocacy & Professional Leadership
The National Trial Lawyers named Mr. Holbrook to its Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Lawyers. He has also been recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys.
He serves on the Board of Directors for the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, where he also serves as a Dean focusing on Continuing Legal Education Trial Skills programs. He was also selected to serve on the Judicial Screening Committee for New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals.
Because of his extensive trial experience, Mr. Holbrook is a sought-after lecturer on topics including:
He has also served as:
Under his instruction, students won the American Bar Association National Trial Advocacy Competition held annually in Chicago.
Prior Experience
Before entering private practice, Mr. Holbrook served as a homicide prosecutor in the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, where he tried numerous jury trials to verdict with an exceptional success rate. He prosecuted several high-profile murder cases that received significant media attention.
Mr. Holbrook has appeared in numerous media outlets, including:
Community Involvement
Mr. Holbrook is committed to giving back through charitable organizations and community service, including:
He also coaches youth baseball and basketball in his local community.
Practice Areas
Bar Admissions
Education
Awards, Achievements & Recognitions
