Julian B. Modesti

Appellate Practice

4.1 (9 reviews)

Syracuse, New York

30+ years experience

Harris Beach Murtha

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

315-423-7100

https://www.harrisbeachmurtha.com/people/modesti-julian-b/

333 West Washington Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13202

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Bio

Julian Modesti is Co-Leader of the Business Litigation practice group at Harris Beach Murtha, based in Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of experience, Julian has a substantial background in both state and federal court matters related to commercial litigation. These include handling disputes among shareholders, partners, and members, addressing business separations, lease and land-use issues, contract disputes, and safeguarding trade secrets as well as dealing with unfair competition and business torts.In addition to commercial litigation, Julian is actively involved in handling litigation matters concerning trusts and estates in Surrogate’s courts. He has also represented clients in numerous appeals in both state and federal courts across a diverse array of civil law topics. A significant part of Julian's work is dedicated to mediation, where he has successfully conducted over 100 mediations. These mediations span various areas including commercial conflicts, personal injury, property damage, aviation claims, construction disputes, professional malpractice, and employment issues.Furthermore, Julian provides representation for New York attorneys in disciplinary matters before the New York State Attorney Grievance Committee. Through his extensive practice in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, and Mediation, Julian has developed a comprehensive understanding of these areas, offering reliable legal counsel to his clients. Julian Modesti is Co-Leader of the Business Litigation practice group at Harris Beach Murtha, based in Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of experience, Julian has a substantial background in both state and federal court matters related to commercial litigation. These include handling disputes among shareholders, partners, and members, addressing business separations, lease and land-use issues, contract disputes, and safeguarding trade secrets as well as dealing with unfair competition and business torts.In addition to commercial litigation, Julian is actively involved in handling litigation matters concerning trusts and estates in Surrogate’s courts. He has also represented clients in numerous appeals in both state and federal courts across a diverse array of civil law topics. A significant part of Julian's work is dedicated to mediation, where he has successfully conducted over 100 mediations. These mediations span various areas including commercial conflicts, personal injury, property damage, aviation claims, construction disputes, professional malpractice, and employment issues.Furthermore, Julian provides representation for New York attorneys in disciplinary matters before the New York State Attorney Grievance Committee. Through his extensive practice in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, and Mediation, Julian has developed a comprehensive understanding of these areas, offering reliable legal counsel to his clients. Julian Modesti is Co-Leader of the Business Litigation practice group at Harris Beach Murtha, based in Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of experience, Julian has a substantial background in both state and federal court matters related to commercial litigation. These include handling disputes among shareholders, partners, and members, addressing business separations, lease and land-use issues, contract disputes, and safeguarding trade secrets as well as dealing with unfair competition and business torts. In addition to commercial litigation, Julian is actively involved in handling litigation matters concerning trusts and estates in Surrogate’s courts. He has also represented clients in numerous appeals in both state and federal courts across a diverse array of civil law topics. A significant part of Julian's work is dedicated to mediation, where he has successfully conducted over 100 mediations. These mediations span various areas including commercial conflicts, personal injury, property damage, aviation claims, construction disputes, professional malpractice, and employment issues. Furthermore, Julian provides representation for New York attorneys in disciplinary matters before the New York State Attorney Grievance Committee. Through his extensive practice in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, and Mediation, Julian has developed a comprehensive understanding of these areas, offering reliable legal counsel to his clients.

Practice Areas

Appellate Practice

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Appellate Practice
Recognized: Commercial Litigation
Recognized: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Recognized: Mediation

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021

Education

Vermont Law School, J.D., graduated 1995

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Reviews

Gary Walker

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Counsel in Complex Litigation

Julian Modesti is a true legal strategist. As Co-Leader of the Business Litigation practice at Harris Beach Murtha, his 30 years of experience were evident when he handled our commercial dispute. His deep expertise in appellate practice and trusts & estates litigation ensured our case was meticulously prepared. Julian’s recognition in these areas is well-deserved—his ability to navigate complex legal arguments and secure favorable outcomes is outstanding. Throughout the process, he maintained clear communication, explaining intricate details in a way that was both professional and accessible. His dedication to achieving the best possible result for his clients is unmatched. Whether it’s high-stakes commercial litigation or trust disputes, Julian Modesti is an attorney you can trust to deliver exceptional service.

Robert Cook

3 weeks ago

Incredible Litigation Expert with Depth

I had the privilege of working with Julian Modesti on a complex commercial litigation matter that involved significant trust and estate concerns. His 30 years of experience in business litigation was evident from the outset—he navigated the case with precision, leveraging his recognized expertise in appellate practice to strengthen our position. Julian's deep understanding of commercial disputes and his strategic approach to litigation were invaluable. He has a knack for distilling complex legal issues into clear, actionable insights, which made the process much more manageable. While his communication was thorough and professional, I would have appreciated slightly quicker responses to initial inquiries, as timelines were tight. The outcome was highly favorable, and I have no doubt that Julian's recognition in trusts and estates litigation played a key role. If you need a seasoned litigator, he’s an excellent choice—just plan for some lead time in communications.

Paul Scott

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but communication was uneven

I worked with Julian B. Modesti on a complex commercial litigation case and found his legal expertise to be impressive, particularly given his 30 years of experience in the field. His deep understanding of appellate practice and trust litigation was evident in how he handled our case. However, I was often frustrated by the slow response times to emails and calls, which made it difficult to stay on top of developments. While he clearly knows his way around a courtroom and has been recognized in his practice areas, I expected more proactive communication from someone with his credentials. The case resolved favorably, but the process felt unnecessarily drawn out at times. I'd recommend him for his legal skill, but prospective clients should be prepared for occasional delays in communication.

Mark Reyes

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Litigation Expert with a Minor Drawback

Julian Modesti of Harris Beach Murtha is an outstanding attorney with a deep understanding of business litigation and commercial disputes. His 30 years of experience and recognition in appellate and trusts & estates litigation were evident in how he handled my complex contract dispute. Julian's strategic approach and thorough preparation gave me confidence throughout the process. However, his billing structure was a bit higher than expected, which was the only downside. The final outcome was favorable, and I would recommend him for serious legal matters, particularly in commercial and trust litigation.

Stephanie Jones

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Litigation Expertise and Client Care

I had the privilege of working with Julian B. Modesti on a complex commercial litigation matter that required both strategic insight and meticulous legal precision. Julian's 30 years of experience was evident from the start, as he navigated intricate appellate and estate litigation with exceptional skill. His deep understanding of commercial disputes, coupled with his recognition in these practice areas, provided me with confidence in his capabilities. What truly set Julian apart was his ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear, accessible manner, ensuring I fully understood every step of the process. His professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome were outstanding. The case resolved favorably, thanks in no small part to Julian's expertise and unwavering advocacy. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone facing similar legal challenges.

Susan Nelson

3 weeks ago

Incredibly Strategic and Knowledgeable

Julian Modesti’s expertise in commercial litigation and business law was instrumental in resolving a complex dispute for our company. With over 30 years of experience, his deep understanding of both litigious and transactional matters provided us with a strategic advantage. His recognition in appellate and trusts and estates litigation further solidified our confidence in his abilities. Julian’s professional yet approachable demeanor made navigating a high-stakes case far less daunting. The outcome not only met but exceeded our expectations, demonstrating his exceptional legal acumen. Harris Beach Murtha is fortunate to have such a seasoned attorney like Julian leading their Business Litigation practice.

Brenda Carter

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Litigation Expertise

Julian Modesti is an outstanding attorney with deep expertise in business litigation and commercial disputes. His 30 years of experience at Harris Beach Murtha clearly shows—he handled my complex contract dispute with precision, leveraging his recognized skills in appellate and commercial litigation. What impressed me most was his ability to break down legal complexities into clear, actionable strategies. Julian’s professionalism and dedication ensured a favorable outcome, and his reputation for excellence in trusts and estates litigation further confirmed his versatility. I highly recommend him for any serious legal matter requiring both skill and strategic insight.

Dorothy Cooper

3 weeks ago

Capable but could improve communication

Attorney Modesti handled a complex business litigation matter for our company, and while his legal expertise was evident—especially given his recognition in commercial litigation—we found the communication during the process to be inconsistent. His 30 years of experience clearly showed in his courtroom strategy, particularly when navigating the intricacies of trusts and estates litigation. However, responses to client inquiries sometimes took longer than expected, and follow-up meetings were not always as prompt as we’d hoped. While the outcome was favorable, we would have appreciated more proactive updates. For those seeking a seasoned litigator, he’s certainly qualified, but clarity on communication expectations upfront would have made the experience smoother.

Katherine Bailey

3 weeks ago

Experienced but missed expectations

Julian B. Modesti’s decades in business litigation and appellate practice are evident in his thorough approach. I sought his counsel for a complex commercial dispute involving contracts and trust litigation, areas where his recognized expertise shined. The initial case assessment was thorough, and his familiarity with New York’s legal nuances provided a solid foundation. However, communication became inconsistent—follow-ups often took longer than expected, and clarifications required multiple reminders. While his strategic advice was sound and leveraged his deep experience, the process felt less personalized than I’d hoped. His reputation in trusts and estates litigation is well-earned, but I wish the client experience had matched the caliber of his credentials. Adequate, but not exceptional.