ABOUT US
Focused on Justice.
WHO WE ARE
Fighting Back Against Government Overreach.
Wertheimer Fleder LLP is a civil rights law firm based in New York City, representing individuals and families whose rights have been violated by government agencies, law enforcement, and other state actors. We are a boutique firm, intentionally small, so every case gets the time, care, and focus it deserves.
We handle a range of civil rights matters—from police misconduct and wrongful convictions to family separation cases involving ACS or DSS. Our mission is simple: hold powerful institutions accountable and help our clients reclaim their lives.
BUILT TO FIGHT FOR YOU
What Sets Us Apart.
Elite Experience
Our attorneys have clerked for federal judges, served in the White House, and trained at the nation’s top law schools.
Direct Attorney Access
When you hire us, you work directly with Joel or Mara—you’re not passed off to paralegals or case managers.
Proven Results
We’ve successfully secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in complex civil rights and family law cases.
Unique ACS Expertise
We’re one of the few firms that consistently brings and successfully resolves cases against ACS for wrongful child removals and family separation.
OUR TEAM
Meet The Attorneys.
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Joel Wertheimer
Joel began his career at national law firms, clerked in federal court, and served in the Obama White House. He brings top-tier litigation experience and a strong commitment to justice for the wrongfully accused. He founded the firm to provide focused advocacy for people often overlooked.
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Mara Fleder
Mara spent over a decade as a public defender at the Bronx Defenders, where she led the Family Defense Practice. A Harvard Law graduate and former Skadden Fellow, she brings deep experience in ACS litigation and trauma-informed care. She joined the firm to fight for impacted families.
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Jessica Wang
Jessica joined Wertheimer Fleder LLP after graduating from NYU with a degree in Politics and minors in Economics and Business. As a former intern turned paralegal, she supports clients with detail, care, and focus. Her work reflects a strong belief in equity and accountability.
CORE VALUES
What Guides Our Work.
At Wertheimer Fleder LLP, our values shape everything we do—from the cases we take to the way we treat our clients. We’re not a volume-driven firm. We’re a purpose-driven one. These principles reflect how we practice law and why we fight for justice every day.
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We don’t take every case—we take the ones that matter. When we represent you, it’s because we believe in your story, the strength of your claim, and the importance of holding institutions accountable. Our commitment is built on trust, honesty, and doing what's right.
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Legal cases can be overwhelming, especially when your rights have been violated. We take the time to listen, understand your experience, and support you every step of the way. You’re not just a case to us—you’re a person who deserves to be heard and respected.
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We bring experience from the nation’s top law schools, federal clerkships, and high-stakes litigation. But it’s not just about credentials—it’s about the care, strategy, and focus we bring to every case. We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards because our clients deserve nothing less.
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We don’t back down when things get difficult. We prepare thoroughly, argue forcefully, and push every case forward with purpose. Whether we’re challenging ACS, the NYPD, or the state, we fight until we’ve done everything possible to get justice for our clients.
IN NYC & BEYOND
Where We Work.
We proudly represent clients from all throughout New York City and New York State, including:
📍 The five boroughs of NYC
📍 Nassau and Suffolk Counties (Long Island)
📍 Westchester County
📍 Upstate and federal jurisdictions by request
Let’s Talk About Your Case.
If your rights have been violated—or you believe something was done unfairly—we’re here to help you understand your options.