Nicholas W. Lobenthal

Spear’s Review

Nicholas W. Lobenthal has been at Teitler & Teitler for more than 25 years, focusing on large and complex family law cases for HNWs.

The partner is a skilled matrimonial litigator, but at the same time believes in settling cases before reaching court where possible. He also emphasises the importance of involving and supporting clients at every stage throughout a case.

He tells Spear’s: ‘Clients really appreciate our judgement call and our input. It’s good to keep them informed throughout, as opposed to just having somebody come in and say: “This is what I think you should do.” You may get to the same place, but it’s a very, very different process to painstakingly educate them and then give your judgment.’

Adviser Profile

The HNWs that attorney Nicholas W. Lobenthal advises often have difficult-to-value assets (business enterprises which are often illiquid and closely held, restricted equity, contingent interests, art collections, real estate, beneficial trusts interests, etc.), often with mixed provenance (the funds to acquire and maintain them may derive from multiple streams, each potentially affecting the character of the property).

They are subject to potentially competing and even contradictory laws of multiple jurisdictions which create cross-border complications especially with respect to nuptial agreements. Sometimes there are custody or other issues having nothing to do with finances.

The goal of the practice is to spot issues, solve problems and minimise court involvement; and if it is not possible to do so, to provide zealous advocacy.

After a background in commercial litigation, Lobenthal has spent 25 years focusing on family law, including as both trial and appellate counsel in United States and New York State courts. A Columbia University Law School honors graduate (he served as editor of the Journal of Law and Social Problems), he has been awarded the highest possible Martindale-Hubbell rating (AV Preeminent with input from members of the judiciary) with ‘Very High’ ethical standards.

He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, has lectured on hedge fund valuation and on evolving civil rights issues, and jointly contributed to the international family law treatise Family Law: A Global Guide (Thomson Reuters 6th ed. 2024/Westlaw). He has repeatedly been recognised by his peers as a ‘Superlawyer’.

He represents a mix of domestic and international financial institutions, business organisations and individual clients in family law prenuptial negotiations and litigations and commercial litigation.