Serious cases. Direct attention.
A referral partner prepared to take responsibility for the New York case.
Referring a client is an act of trust. The receiving firm should protect that relationship through preparation, responsiveness, sound judgment, and respectful communication.
Matthew Voelpel is a partner at Valdebenito & Voelpel, P.C., representing injured people and families in consequential New York personal-injury litigation. The firm combines nearly five decades of institutional experience with direct attorney involvement in each referred matter.
Referrals can be structured as a full transfer of responsibility or, where appropriate, a co-counsel relationship. The client’s interests, the needs of the case, and the professional obligations of all participating attorneys remain central.
New York and national relationships
Counsel for attorneys inside and outside New York.
Beyond your practice area
Support for attorneys in real estate, criminal, matrimonial, trusts and estates, immigration, corporate, and other practices when a client needs personal-injury counsel.
A New York matter
Local litigation capability when an accident occurred here, a New York party is involved, or the claim belongs in a New York court.
An appropriate role
Full referrals and co-counsel relationships can be considered based on the case, the client’s wishes, and the governing professional rules.
Matters we evaluate
Focused on serious personal-injury litigation.
- Construction and Labor Law claims
- Motor-vehicle collisions
- Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
- Premises liability
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Dog-bite injuries
- Catastrophic injury matters
The firm welcomes early inquiries, including matters that require investigation before a final acceptance decision. Prompt review is especially important when a public entity, notice requirement, short limitations period, or disappearing evidence may be involved.
A clear intake process
From initial inquiry to coordinated representation.
Conflict screening
Identify the parties, incident, venue, and urgent deadlines before confidential case information is exchanged.
Case evaluation
Review liability, injuries, insurance, procedural status, available evidence, and the work required to protect the claim.
Client introduction
Coordinate a respectful transition or joint introduction, explain each attorney’s role, and document the engagement.
Litigation and updates
Move the case forward, preserve key evidence, and provide referring counsel with meaningful updates as agreed.
Professional trust
Protecting the referring attorney’s client relationship.
Direct communication
Questions and material developments receive prompt attention from an attorney familiar with the case.
Meaningful updates
Communication expectations are established at the outset and honored at significant stages of the matter.
Respect for the relationship
The existing professional connection is treated as an asset to protect, not an opportunity to displace.
Thorough preparation
Liability, damages, insurance, liens, experts, and trial readiness are developed with the seriousness the matter demands.
Ethical fee arrangements
Referral and participation fees where permitted.
Fee arrangements are addressed transparently and documented in accordance with the rules applicable to every participating attorney. The client’s informed agreement and the division of responsibility must remain clear.
Any division of fees between lawyers from different firms must satisfy the governing requirements, including proportional services or written joint responsibility, the client’s written agreement after disclosure of each lawyer’s share, and a total fee that is not excessive.