Steven E. North is a renowned American trial attorney known for his expertise in supporting those who have suffered injuries due to medical malpractice. North has been a fierce advocate in the courtroom throughout his illustrious career while still being a respected lecturer and author. His dedication to providing justice and his influence in the legal domain have earned him recognition among the top lawyers in New York State and nationwide.
Born on October 16, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, North was raised in a legal environment, with his father, Irving J. North, practicing as an attorney. It seemed destined that North would follow in his father’s footsteps. During his youth, North excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. He attended Stuyvesant High School, where he was known for his leadership and intelligence. A significant achievement in his early life came when he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 1956, an accolade that would instill a strong sense of duty and service within him.
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North’s academic journey was marked by outstanding accomplishments. After high school, he attended the City College of New York, where he demonstrated leadership as President of the Inter-Fraternity Council and Honorary Leadership Society, as well as serving on the Student Council. His time in college helped solidify his natural leadership abilities, later recognized by the Student Government Major Award for Outstanding Leadership. North earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and an LL.M. from New York University School of Law, further building the foundation for his legal career.
Early in his professional journey, North served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He handled high-profile cases, including the 1968 Columbia University student protests prosecution. His tenure in the Homicide Bureau was also noteworthy, especially his involvement in the investigation of the 1970 Greenwich Village townhouse explosion caused by the Weather Underground. North’s work in these cases showcased his legal prowess and determination to uphold justice.
North’s career took a turn when he transitioned from defense to plaintiff representation, particularly in medical malpractice cases. In 1986, he established his own law firm on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, focusing on representing individuals who had experienced catastrophic injuries due to medical negligence. His firm became known for handling complex medical malpractice cases, and North’s dedication to seeking justice for his clients earned him numerous accolades. He was recognized as “Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year” and inducted into the New York Law Journal’s “Medical Malpractice Hall of Fame.” North’s reputation as one of the top tort lawyers in New York State and across the country was solidified by these honors.
In addition to his courtroom achievements, North contributed to legal education. He held various teaching positions, including at New York University School of Law, where he served as an appellate argument judge and Alumni Advisor. His roles at other prestigious institutions, such as Cardozo Law School, Fordham Law School, and Brooklyn Law School, allowed him to share his knowledge with future legal professionals. His involvement in continuing legal education (CLE) programs further demonstrated his commitment to enhancing the skills of practicing attorneys. He frequently chaired workshops on trial mechanics, deposition skills, and managing multimillion-dollar cases, offering practical insights from his vast experience.
North’s influence extended beyond legal education into the medical field. He was known for his lectures at medical schools and hospitals, such as Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and Jacobi Hospital, where he bridged the gap between law and medicine. His efforts to foster understanding and collaboration between these professions were widely recognized and appreciated.
Despite his demanding career, North has remained committed to community service and pro bono work. He worked as a referee for the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct and a mediator for the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
He was also appointed to the Governor’s Judicial Screening Committee, where he helped ensure the selection of qualified judicial candidates. His work in these roles underscored his dedication to upholding the integrity of the legal profession.
On a personal level, North enjoys a rich and fulfilling life. He is married to Sue J. Buznitsky, and together, they have two daughters, Jennifer Amy North Smulewitz and Samantha Gillian North Schmell, and four grandchildren. Outside his legal work, North is an avid motorcycle rider and enjoys hobbies such as scuba diving, woodcarving, target shooting, and swimming.
The career of Steven E. North stands as an example to all legal practitioners. His unwavering dedication to justice, exceptional legal acumen, and commitment to education and community service should be what all lawyers aim for. His contributions to the legal field have left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to inspire his peers and the next generation of legal professionals. Through his work, North has not only achieved remarkable success but has also significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals by helping them through trying times, solidifying his place as a true champion for the injured and a defender of justice.
