Overview

EXPERIENCE. RESPONSIVENESS. RESULTS. The benchmark of Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP’s defense strategy is evident in the fact that the firm has more partners selected by its peers as “Best Lawyers in America®,” New York area, than any other firm in its field. The firm’s roots date to 1912 and it has the distinction of being one of the oldest and largest boutique litigation and appellate firms emphasizing all areas of professional liability, medical and healthcare related litigation.

What truly sets MCB apart from its competition, besides tenure in the field, is the stability and experience of its highly specialized group of trial lawyers. As a result of its commitment to excellence, MCB has grown steadily over the years, from a dozen lawyers with three partners in the mid-1970s to nearly 100 attorneys, including 34 partners. The firm offers risk management and prevention services, but predominantly handles trials and appeals of issues relating to all areas of professional liability, product and pharmaceutical liability, professional credentials and discipline, insurance coverage, and employment law. Further, MC&B serves as lead defense counsel in multiple national mass tort/pharmaceutical litigations. The firm’s employment and labor practice group is headed by a prominent employment partner,who was formerly the lead partner of the NY-NJ employment practice of a national law firm.

MCB’S results-oriented approach and uncompromising quality are the reasons many of its clients have continued to rely on the firm’s legal talent for decades. The firm publishes a quarterly newsletter, and frequently hosts client education seminars, including CLE programs and risk management lectures for various groups. MCB’s continued dynamic growth is evident by the opening of an office in Stamford, Connecticut, the firm’s sixth office. The firm is headquartered in Manhattan, with offices in East Meadow, White Plains, Newark, NJ, Rochester, NY and Stamford, CT.

To best serve its clients and be most efficient in the delivery of legal services, MCB has made sound investments in advanced technology and communications equipment that assure efficient document management and secure access from wherever the firm’s lawyers require technical support. These systems are complemented by billing, research, litigation support
and practice-specific applications.
Founded:
1912
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
8
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
12

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Health Care Law

Regional

New York City

Tier
1
New York City
Health Care Law
Tier
1
New York City
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
1
New York City
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

White Plains

Tier
2
White Plains
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
The quality of the representation by Martin Clearwater & Bell has always been a standard for others to strive for.
 
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Very pleased with MCB's interaction with defendants. They are skilled and possess a strong work ethic that is beneficial to the defense of medical negligence cases.
Chip Reardon
General Claims Representative – CRICO
Health Care Law
Over many years of working closely with Martin Clearwater & Bell, I have always found the firm and its attorneys to be of the highest quality, both from a skills perspective as advocates and as true professionals. They are tireless advocates who are passionate in their representation of clients and unyielding in their pursuit of the best possible outcome.
 
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Martin Clearwater & Bell is regarded, and deservingly so, as one of the finest firms defending health care professionals and institutions.
 
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Martin Clearwater & Bell's staff are consummate professionals and outstanding trial partners. They employ a proactive defense approach and are well-managed and cost-effective.
Nancy Margro
Vice-President, Legal Affairs and Claims – Combined Coordinating Council

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Health Care Law

Regional

New York City

Tier
1
New York City
Health Care Law
Tier
1
New York City
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
1
New York City
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

White Plains

Tier
2
White Plains
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

Practice Areas

Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 3 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Appellate Practice
  • Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Health Care Law
  • Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP proudly has 12 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Awards

Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Best Law Firm

Offices & Contacts

New York, NY
The News Building, 13th Floor
220 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
United States
East Meadow, NY
Rochester, NY
The Powers Building
16 West Main Street
Rochester, NY 14614
United States

Significant Matters

Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP, which has the distinction of being the oldest and largest medical defense firm in New York, has expanded over recent decades to specialize in all areas of professional liability, medical and healthcare litigation. Our defense practices include medical malpractice, healthcare litigation, employment and labor, toxic tort and product liability, professional liability and appellate matters. Recognized by both the bench and bar as a leader in the medical defense and professional liability areas, MCB has served the professional community for over one hundred years. What truly sets MCB apart from its competition is its depth of talent and stability. All of the Firm's senior partners have over 20 years of experience or more with the Firm. As a result of our commitment to excellence, MCB has grown steadily over the years from a dozen attorneys, including three partners, in the mid-1970’s to more than 75 attorneys today. MCB has been honored by The American Lawyer as a Top 100 New York Law Firm and has three senior partners who are Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers. In addition, a number of Firm partners are selected by their peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America as well as Super Lawyers. Most of the Firm’s partners are AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, their highest rating.
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