A general practice law firm representing small and medium sized corporations as well as individual clients.

Since Gathman & Bennett opened its doors on Long Island in 1997, we have been proud to make an enduring contribution to businesses and individuals in the communities we serve. At Gathman & Bennett, clients find a true partner: one who has their collective best interests at heart, and the power, resources and expertise to drive success.

Our attorneys work collaboratively with the leaders of companies of every size and type – and with each other – providing clients throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond with seamless access to in-depth legal expertise.

Our trusted counsel has enabled hundreds of area businesses to grow intelligently, negotiate confidently, resolve disputes efficiently and meet challenges head on. We have helped numerous individuals and families to preserve their wealth and plan for appropriate transitions to the next generation.

Our firm has a strong commitment to our community. Our attorneys work closely with nonprofit organizations, providing the business guidance and support they need to deliver much-needed services. For many groups and individuals in need, we have enthusiastically provided our services pro bono.

Client Rights

• You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyers office.
• You are entitled to an attorney capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the attorney -client relationship at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
• You are entitled to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
• You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.
• You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.
• You are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.
• You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required in some matters).
• You have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
• You are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility
• You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.

J. Edward Gathman, Jr., Esq.

Ed Gathman is a graduate of CW Post School of Business (BS 1981) and Hofstra University School of Law (J.D. 1984).  Ed began his career at Gruman Aerospace where he primarily negotiated contracts and joint venture agreements relative to the Space Station and Space Shuttle.  Thereafter, he joined the 50 plus attorney firm of Furey and Furey where he worked representing clients in Federal and State Court litigated matters as well as banking and commercial transactions.

Currently, Mr. Gathman represents a variety of small and medium sized companies located on Long Island and the surrounding areas.  He currently serves as the attorney for the Planning Board for the Town of Huntington and the Village of Northport.  Mr. Gathman has assisted numerous clients in negotiated mergers, acquisitions, 1031 like kind exchanges and commercial and residential real estate matters.

John C. Bennett, Esq.

Mr. Bennett is currently serving as the Zoning Board attorney for the Town of Huntington.

St. John’s University School of Law (J.D. 1985).  Mr. Bennett has an extensive background in the insurance industry, having worked as an underwriter and claims adjuster for the Hartford Insurance Company for approximately 9 years.  Thereafter, he joined the 50 plus attorney firm of Furey and Furey where he worked representing clients in Federal and State Court litigated matters as well as representing insureds and insurers in declaratory judgment proceedings.

Currently, Mr. Bennett represents a variety of small and medium sized companies located on Long Island and the surrounding areas in litigated proceedings. Mr. Bennett has assisted numerous clients in representation of plaintffs in serious personal injury actions having achieved settlements and verdicts in excess of one million for the firms clients.  Mr. Bennett has extensive experience in auto accident litigation, Labor Law/Scaffold cases and complex civil Federal Court actions.

At Gathman & Bennett giving back to our community is a way of life.