Steven November

Competent and recognized, but communication could improve

I hired Steven November at Raphaelson & Levine to handle my personal injury case after a significant car accident in Manhattan. Steven’s recognition in the field, including his listing in Best Lawyers for Personal Injury Litigation, was a primary factor in my choice. His knowledge of New York personal injury law was evident, and he leveraged his firm’s resources effectively to negotiate a settlement that was, on paper, fair. However, my experience was mixed. While the outcome was acceptable, the process felt somewhat impersonal. Communication was a consistent challenge; responses to emails or calls often took several days, and updates were infrequent unless I initiated contact. For a client navigating a stressful recovery, this lack of proactive communication added unnecessary anxiety. Steven’s legal acumen, honed over his years of practice since graduating from Hofstra, is not in question—he clearly knows what he’s doing in the courtroom and during settlement talks. Yet, the client service aspect felt just adequate. The case was resolved, but the journey there was more frustrating than it needed to be. He is a capable attorney who achieved the basic goal, but the experience lacked the attentive partnership I expected from a recognized professional in such a critical practice area.