Trial Advocacy &
Focused Criminal Defense.
Melvin Dubinsky is a New York attorney whose practice encompasses criminal defense, civil litigation, trials, and appeals. Over five decades of courtroom advocacy, evidentiary scrutiny, trial writing, and contributions to legal education.
Over Five Decades of Courtroom Practice
Following graduation from NYU School of Law, Melvin Dubinsky was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1962. During his early years as an associate attorney with established litigation firms in New York City, he focused on civil litigation, depositions, evidentiary hearings, and jury trials.
In 1982, he established his independent law practice in Manhattan, formally expanding his scope of representation to include criminal defense and appeals.
“Effective trial advocacy does not begin in the courtroom. It begins with the systematic audit of evidence, witness statements, and constitutional regularity long before a jury is empaneled.”
— Melvin Dubinsky, Attorney-at-Law
Admission to the New York State Bar
Admitted to practice in New York State courts after completing legal studies at New York University School of Law (LL.B.). Commenced practice focused on civil litigation, legal drafting, depositions, and courtroom trials.
Founding of Independent Law Practice
Established his solo law office in Manhattan, adding criminal defense and appellate advocacy to his established trial practice. Direct attorney engagement without delegation through layers of junior associates.
Federal Court Admissions
Admitted to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Trial Authorship & Legal Education
Author of Making the Most of Graphics for Trial (published by ALI-ABA in The Practical Lawyer, 2012). Guest lecturer for the Hofstra University School of Law, New York County Lawyers' Association, and the NYC Bar Association.
Primary Focus in Criminal Defense, Supported by Civil Litigation & Appeals
Every matter requires rigorous factual analysis, statutory research, and considered courtroom presentation. Representation is delivered directly by an experienced trial counselor.
Criminal Defense Representation
When liberty, reputation, and livelihood are contested, defense requires immediate and exacting scrutiny of the prosecution's allegations. From initial arraignment through pre-trial discovery and trial, criminal defense involves identifying constitutional infringements, unlawful searches, and evidentiary vulnerabilities under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
Representation encompasses independent factual investigation, exhaustive review of witness statements and police records, aggressive pre-trial suppression motions under the New York Criminal Procedure Law, and trial advocacy before New York juries.
Arrest & Evidentiary Audit
Scrutinizing arrest documentation, warrant validity, body-worn camera footage, and prosecutorial discovery for legal defects.
Constitutional Suppression Motions
Formal pre-trial motions to suppress statements, unlawfully seized physical evidence, and suggestive identification procedures.
Arraignments & Bail Advocacy
Direct counsel at initial appearances, bail evaluations, evidentiary hearings, and judicial calendar calls in NYC courts.
Jury Selection & Summation
Exacting voir dire jury selection, opening statements, vigorous cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, and closing summation.
Civil Litigation & Appellate Advocacy
Civil Litigation & Trials
With extensive background representing clients in civil litigation and jury trials, Melvin Dubinsky emphasizes the thorough preparation of pleadings, depositions, documentary proof, and expert testimony. Drawing upon his published scholarship, he integrates demonstrative visual exhibits to clarify intricate factual narratives for juries.
Appellate Practice
Appellate advocacy requires examining trial transcripts, evidentiary records, and preserved objections to pinpoint judicial and procedural errors that affected the verdict. Admitted to the Second Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court, he drafts disciplined, thoroughly researched appellate briefs for New York and federal appellate courts.
Advancing Trial Technique Through Published Scholarship
In August 2012, The Practical Lawyer published Melvin Dubinsky's article, “Making the Most of Graphics for Trial,” which explored the evidentiary value of demonstrative visual exhibits in simplifying complex technical and factual issues for jurors.
His published work on trial graphics and courtroom advocacy led to invitations to lecture before the New York City Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers' Association, and an address to the Legal Writing faculty and students at Hofstra Law School in October 2016.
Making the Most of Graphics for Trial
Demonstrative evidence and visual presentation methodologies presented at Hofstra Law School, NYC Bar Association, and NYCLA.
Discuss Your Legal Situation
If you or a family member is facing criminal allegations, a contested civil dispute, or an impending appeal in New York courts, contact the office for an initial discussion regarding availability and the scope of representation.
Melvin Dubinsky, Attorney-at-Law
20 Vesey St, Suite 700 · New York, NY
Preliminary Inquiry Notice
Initial communications serve to evaluate attorney availability and conflicts of interest. Representation begins only upon formal execution of a written retainer agreement.