The Enduring Legacy: 5 Key Updates And Practice Areas Of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP remains a cornerstone of the New York legal landscape, and as of December 21, 2025, the firm continues to solidify its position as a preeminent full-service law firm in Westchester County and the greater Hudson Valley. This deep-dive article explores the firm's storied history, its expansive range of practice groups, and the most recent developments that demonstrate its commitment to growth and modern legal excellence, including new office openings and key personnel additions.
For nearly a century, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt has been renowned for providing sophisticated legal counsel, blending the resources of a large firm with the personalized attention of a boutique practice. From complex commercial litigation to intricate real estate transactions and comprehensive trusts and estates planning, the firm’s attorneys are experts dedicated to serving clients from New York City through the entire Hudson Valley region.
The Foundational Profile: History, Leadership, and Locations
The lineage of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is one of the most enduring in New New York State's legal history, tracing its roots back to 1867 through a series of foundational legal partnerships and mergers. The firm itself was formally established in 1937, proudly celebrating over 85 years of service to its clients and the community.
Firm Snapshot and Key Entities
- Full Name: Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP
- Founded: 1937 (Lineage dates to 1867)
- Main Office: White Plains, Westchester County, NY
- New Office Expansion: Recently opened a new office in Rockland County, New York, expanding its regional footprint.
- Managing Partners: The firm is led by dedicated partners, including Managing Partners Robert Braumuller and Susan E. Galvão, who steer the firm's strategic direction.
- Notable Personnel: Partner Jim Glatthaar is a frequently cited source on legal matters, and the firm recently welcomed Atty K. Bruggemann as Of Counsel, adding significant experience in complex legal areas.
- Recognition: The firm boasts 16 attorneys selected to the prestigious Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists, reflecting the high caliber of its legal team.
The Breadth of Bleakley Platt's Practice Areas
One of the defining characteristics of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt is its extensive and diverse range of practice groups, which allows it to serve individuals, municipalities, and businesses—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—with comprehensive legal solutions. This topical authority is built upon decades of experience across numerous specialized fields.
Core Legal Disciplines and Specialized Groups
The firm’s expertise spans 102 distinct areas of practice, ensuring that virtually any legal challenge can be addressed in-house. Key practice groups include:
- Litigation and Appellate Practice: Handling complex civil litigation and appellate work across state and federal courts, a foundational strength of the firm.
- Trusts and Estates: Providing sophisticated planning, administration, and litigation services for estate planning, wealth preservation, and probate matters.
- Commercial Finance and Corporate Law: Advising businesses on complex financing, corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, and general business counsel.
- Real Estate Transactions: Expertise in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate, including zoning, land use, and development.
- Municipal Law: Representing New York municipalities in all their legal needs, from regulatory compliance to litigation.
- Health Care Law: A specialized practice group addressing the unique regulatory and transactional challenges faced by health care providers.
- Family Law and Matrimonial Matters: Dealing with sensitive issues such as divorce, child custody, and accusations of child abuse.
- Environmental Law: Guiding clients through complex environmental regulations and litigation.
- Criminal Defense and Investigations: Offering experienced counsel for both corporate and individual clients facing criminal or regulatory investigations.
Recent Developments and Noteworthy Successes
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt's commitment to staying at the forefront of the legal profession is evident in its recent activities and notable achievements. The firm continually adapts to the evolving legal and business environment of the greater New York area.
1. Strategic Expansion into Rockland County
In a significant move to better serve clients across the Hudson Valley, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP announced the opening of its new Rockland County Office. This expansion is a direct response to the growing legal needs in the region, allowing the firm to provide more accessible and localized service while maintaining its high standards of legal practice.
2. Key Personnel and Expert Additions
The firm recently strengthened its team by welcoming Atty K. Bruggemann as Of Counsel. Ms. Bruggemann brings a wealth of experience in complex litigation and advisory roles, further enhancing the firm's capacity to handle high-stakes matters. The continuous recruitment of top talent ensures the firm's expertise remains current and comprehensive.
3. Thought Leadership on Modern Employment Law
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt demonstrates its role as a legal thought leader by providing timely insights on emerging legal trends. The firm has recently published detailed legal blogs and advisories concerning wage transparency laws, a growing employment law trend in New York and other jurisdictions. This proactive approach helps clients navigate complex regulatory changes.
4. Professional Recognition and Industry Involvement
The excellence of the firm’s attorneys is frequently recognized by industry peers. Several Bleakley Platt & Schmidt attorneys have been named to Westchester Magazine’s list of “Westchester’s Best Lawyers,” a testament to their professional standing. Furthermore, the firm actively engages with the legal community, notably sponsoring and attending events like the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester’s Annual Gala, highlighting its deep roots in the local professional network.
5. High-Profile Case Successes
The firm has a history of securing favorable outcomes for its clients in high-profile and complex cases. A notable success includes securing a Summary Judgment for its client, Empire City Casino, in a significant 2012 case before the Bronx County Supreme Court, demonstrating its formidable litigation capabilities. The firm’s attorneys, including those like Adam Rodriguez, have a track record of working on numerous high-profile matters, reinforcing their reputation for effective advocacy.
The Future Trajectory of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt
As one of the preeminent law firms in the Hudson Valley, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP is well-positioned for continued growth. The strategic opening of the Rockland County office and the ongoing commitment to attracting top legal talent, like Atty K. Bruggemann, signals a focus on expanding its regional reach and deepening its specialized practice groups.
The firm’s enduring success is rooted in its ability to maintain a strong connection to its historical foundations while aggressively pursuing modern legal challenges across areas like corporate compliance, health care law, and environmental litigation. Clients seeking sophisticated legal representation in the New York metropolitan area and beyond can rely on the firm's comprehensive resources and deep bench of experienced legal professionals.
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