Richard D. Emery

Richard D. Emery is a founding partner of Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, where his legal practice spans commercial litigation, civil rights, election law, and challenges to governmental action. Renowned nationwide, he has argued and litigated cases at every level of the U.S. legal system, including the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple federal courts of appeal, and numerous state courts. One of his most notable achievements was successfully challenging the structure of the New York City Board of Estimate at the Supreme Court, leading to its unanimous invalidation on constitutional grounds.

Richard earned his B.A. from Brown University in 1967 and his J.D., cum laude, from Columbia Law School in 1970. He was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar during law school, reflecting his academic excellence.

Early in his career, Richard worked at the New York Civil Liberties Union and led the Institutional Legal Services Project in Washington state, representing individuals in juvenile, prison, and mental health facilities. He also clerked for the Honorable Gus J. Solomon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. His vast experience includes teaching as an adjunct professor at NYU and the University of Washington law schools.

Beyond his prominent civil rights and plaintiff-side practice, Richard D. Emery has built a distinguished record of public service and leadership. He has chaired New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board, served on key commissions focused on government integrity and judicial conduct, and remained deeply involved in historic preservation efforts across the city. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including City & State NY’s Responsible 100 Award, Landmark West’s Unsung Heroes Award, and the Children’s Rights Champion Award. Recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2006 and named to Lawdragon’s 2023 list of the 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, Richard continues to drive meaningful change in civil rights, government accountability, and public policy through his impactful legal advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP
• Member, National Trial Lawyer
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• New York
• Washington

Education

• Columbia Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Brown University
  BA with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges