THE FIRM

We are a business-focused firm practicing complex commercial litigation, appeals, and alternative dispute resolution in the New York state and federal courts, and in private mediations and arbitrations.

We also advise new entrepreneurs and existing closely-held businesses in formation matters and the management of legal risks that go hand-in-hand with operating a business.

Barbara L. Seniawski founded The Seniawski Law Firm (formerly, The Indigo Law Firm) in 2012. Prior to founding the firm, Ms. Seniawski spent over a decade with the internationally respected law firms of Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Shearman & Sterling LLP, and DLA Piper LLP. In addition, she received a federal appellate court clerkship with the Honorable Frank M. Hull on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Through these experiences, she gained practical perspective and experience from both sides of the bench. She honed her ability to litigate, or resolve by other means, challenging legal cases against well-prepared adversaries. She also honed her ability to draft plain-language business agreements that focus on accomplishing her clients' business goals, while minimizing the kinds of problems that can lead to costly, disruptive disputes, and litigation in the future.

PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY

Barbara L. Seniawski received her bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1995, magna cum laude with high honors and was awarded a U.S. Fulbright Grant to study Arabic in Amman, Jordan. She received her juris doctor degree from Columbia Law School in 2001, where she was named a Kent Scholar and was editor-in-chief of the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law.

Admissions

All New York State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Publications and Presentations

Panelist, "Congratulations, You're A Startup; Now What? Tips for Surviving the First Year" (Jul. 10, 2013)

Panelist, "Choosing Entrepreneurship: Top Challenges to Consider and How to Plan to Succeed" (Jun. 23, 2013)

Co-author, "Circuit Split Widens: Corporate Liability Under the Alien Tort Statute," For the Defense, 78 (Defense Research Institute Nov. 2011)

Co-author, DLA Piper Litigation Alert, "Circuit split widens: DC Circuit attacks Kiobel, rules corporations liable under Alien Tort Statute; Seventh Circuit rules same." (Jul. 28, 2011)

Co-author, DLA Piper Litigation Alert, "Supreme Court next? Courts of appeals rule corporations not liable under alien tort, torture victim statutes." (Oct. 26, 2010)

Panelist, "Claims of Insurer Bad Faith: A Practical Overview from a Claims-Handling Perspective" (DLA Piper LLP Jun. 7, 2010)

Author, Note, "Riba Today: Social Equity, the Economy, and Doing Business Under Islamic Law," 39 Columbia J. of Transnat'l L.701 (2001)

Memberships

Association of the Bar of the City of New York (Litigation Committee, 2013-2016; Commercial Law and Uniform State Laws Committee, Secretary, 2006-2009)

New York County Lawyers' Association

New York State Bar Association

New York Women's Bar Association

FEES

We discuss our fee policies before we begin representation of a new client. This allows us to take into account the particular matter in question. We set forth the fee arrangement, including a specific retainer or partial payment, in an engagement letter for the new client's review and signature and include the New York Statements of Client's Rights and Client's Responsibilities. This process fulfills related ethical obligations and helps avoid misunderstandings.