Professional Role and Firm Overview
Richard H. Wender serves as the Senior Partner at Wender Law Group, PLLC, a law firm established in 1995 and rebranded in 2006, with its principal office located in New York City. The firm offers comprehensive legal services primarily in business law, tax, corporate transactions, real estate, and litigation support.
Rick’s role encompasses not only client representation but also oversight and supervision of the firm's attorneys and litigation strategies, both internally and with outside counsel. His leadership and mentorship have established a consistent standard of legal excellence that permeates the firm's culture.
Legal Experience and Expertise
Rick began his legal career at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Division of Enforcement in New York, where he worked as a trial attorney and branch chief. During this tenure, he developed and prosecuted numerous cases that culminated in both criminal and civil actions. This enforcement and trial experience underpins his litigation and advisory capabilities.
Since leaving the SEC, Rick has developed a broad expertise across business law disciplines, including:
- Structuring, negotiating, and implementing mergers and acquisitions
- Drafting and advising on buy/sell agreements, shareholder and operating agreements
- Handling licensing, agency, distributorship, and manufacturing agreements
- Managing banking and private finance transactions
- Representing clients in commercial real estate transactions, including purchase, sale, and leasing of office and retail spaces
- Providing general counsel functions for a range of business clients
Taxation and Academic Credentials
- Obtained an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law (1990)
- Served as an Adjunct Tax Professor at Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business (1990–1994), teaching federal tax to Master of Science Accountancy candidates
- Offers specialized tax advice focused on domestic and international corporate transactions, tax defense, and wealth transfer mechanisms (gift, trust, bequest)
Client Relationship and Practice Philosophy
Rick adopts a holistic and personalized approach to client relationships, investing time to understand clients’ businesses along with family and personal interests. His client retention and referral rates are exceptionally strong, as many long-term clients regard him as legal counsel for life. This client-centric philosophy has been institutionalized in the firm’s junior attorneys under Rick’s mentorship.
Additional Legal Roles
- Of Counsel to the Shiboleth Law Firm for over 30 years, lending expertise in tax, estates and trusts, corporate and real estate matters
Education
- B.A. Magna Cum Laude, State University of New York at Buffalo (1973)
- J.D. Magna Cum Laude, State University of New York at Buffalo (1976)
- LL.M. in Taxation, NYU School of Law (1990)
Languages
- Fluent in English
- Conversational proficiency in Hebrew
Contact Information
- Phone: 212-244-4111 ext. 203
- Email: rickw@wenderlaw.com
This detailed profile indicates Rick Wender’s deep expertise in legal enforcement, tax law, and complex business transactions. His extensive courtroom experience, combined with strategic advisory capabilities in transactional matters and tax planning, positions him as a highly knowledgeable and trusted legal advisor for sophisticated business clients. His commitment to personalized service and mentorship further reflects his leadership qualities within Wender Law Group.
