Local Attorney Wins Top Award

Harrison attorney Robert Rattet was just awarded Pace University's "Above the Bar Award" as the leading bankruptcy attorney in Westchester. The award was given to him at a special ceremony at the Judicial Institute at Pace Law School.

Rattet is a long time corporate resident of Harrison. His firm, Rattet, Pasternak and Gordon-Oliver has been in operation for 35 years; 21 of those years in Harrison.

Their office at 550 Mamaroneck Avenue is a sprawling, window-lined suite overlooking the greenery of Saxon Woods Park.

Rattett started as a bankruptcy attorney while still at law school. During his last two years of school, he worked for one of Atlanta's largest bankruptcy firms. He is currently celebrating his 40th year as a bankruptcy attorney.

The firm, made up of ten lawyers and five administrative staff, deals with clients from Harrison, Westchester county and the wider New York area.

"Forty percent of our clients are from Westchester, 40 percent from Manhattan and 20 percent come from other areas, " Rattet said.

Rattet  said Harrison was a clear choice for his offices.

"Harrison is geographically perfect for business. The Hutch is at our door and I - 95 is right around the corner. Parking is plentiful and free, and there is a great downtown area that provides everything we need for ourselves and our clients. Even clients from Queens and adjoining areas, prefer coming here rather than going to Manhattan," Rattet said.

Over his 21 years in town Rattet has seen many positive changes.

"The town has developed into a wonderful social venue. When you add this to its proximity to the city, you really couldn't be better situated."

The majority of the firm's clients come from the construction and real estate fields.

Rattet says the mistake most people facing bankruptcy have made, is to take on too much fixed debt and live too high in a good economy.

"When the economy becomes weak, the debt is too high to cover and they are caught," explained Rattet.

 Another mistake common to many bankruptcy clients is a client list too concentrated on a certain group.

"Instead of having a sufficient volume of customers in various fields, many of our clients have based their business on just a handful of clients in one specific industry. When those clients go under, they are immediately in trouble," Rattet said.

In addition to dealing with their clients, Rattet and his firm pride themselves on their close involvement with the local community.

"Our attorneys are all active in town, and in the wider Westchester community. We are members in community organizations and clubs, including social clubs, educational facilities and charitable organizations. We also represent the Town of Harrison in bankruptcy matters. We work hard to stay active in the community and are proud that our firm is a constructive and contributing member of the community," Rattet said.

Despite previously receiving a top lawyer award in 2007, and being honored by the  United Jewish Association  in 2009, the "Above the Bar Award" held special meaning for Rattet.

 "It is recognition of all the hard work and dedication put in over the years. It is not just recognition of me, but of the entire firm," said Rattet. "I would not have received this award unless I had the support of  outstanding partners, associates and staff. I'm proud of the people who make up this firm as a whole. For me, that's what made this award so special."