Rachel Abbott

Rachel Abbott is a managing partner known for her steady approach to personal injury and wrongful death matters. She has built a career handling medical negligence, product liability, auto accident claims, and serious fall cases, often guiding clients through complex litigation. Her trial work includes multiple jury verdicts and significant settlements reached through strategic negotiation.

Rachel completed her education with a B.A. from Keuka College, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2002, before earning her J.D. in 2005 from Syracuse University College of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. This strong academic foundation supports the careful analysis, preparation, and legal strategy she brings to every case and client she serves.

Rachel extends her practice beyond injury litigation by handling matrimonial and divorce matters, where she provides clear direction during challenging transitions. Her work in the broader legal community includes active involvement in the New York State Bar Association, Broome County Bar Association, American Association for Justice, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. She has also contributed to professional development by presenting at continuing legal education programs focused on litigation and personal injury issues.

Rachel Abbott has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America© since 2016 and was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in 2016 and 2022. She was listed as an Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2013–2019 and has continued as an Upstate New York Super Lawyer since 2020. Her peers in the Broome County Bar Association also honored her with the N. Theodore Sommer Advocacy Award in 2020, reflecting her dedication to advocacy. She is additionally a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America™, as well as a member of the Trial Law Institute, the Order of Veritas as a Barrister, and the Order of Certus as an Advocate.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Coughlin & Gerhart LLP
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, Broome County Bar Association
• Member, American Association of Justice
• Member, New York State Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, Trial Law Institute
• Member, Diversity Law Institute

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Syracuse University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Honors: Magna Cum Laude
• Keuka College
  Bachelor of Arts, Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges