About Us
Meet Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik
Real Bow Ties, Real Results
At Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC, we believe justice isn’t just about winning a case; it’s about helping our clients rebuild their lives with dignity and strength. At the center of that mission is Jonathan Ratchik, a trial attorney known for his unwavering dedication, deep expertise, and client-forward approach.
With over 25 years of experience devoted exclusively to personal injury law, Jonathan has recovered tens of millions of dollars for those injured through the negligence of others. His practice centers on pedestrian knockdowns and hit-and-run accidents, with a particular concentration in Manhattan and Brooklyn. His clients benefit from meticulous preparation, clear communication, and compassionate guidance throughout the entire process.
[Read Jonathan Ratchik's full bio]
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Our Founding Partners
Lenore Kramer, Founding Partner (Retired)
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Lenore Kramer, a founding partner of the firm, is now retired from the practice of law. Over her career she became one of the leading voices of New York's legal community, serving as President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, the Bronx County Bar Association, and the Metropolitan Women's Bar Association.
She served the bench and bar on numerous committees, including the New York State Judicial Screening Committee for the Second Judicial Department, the Office of Court Administration (OCA) Advisory Committee on Civil Practice, the Franklin H. Williams Commission on Minorities in the Courts, the 1st and 12th Judicial District Independent Judicial Election Qualification Committees, and the First Department Departmental Disciplinary Committee.
For many years she represented New York State at the American Association for Justice, and she served as a Board member and advocate for the SAVI (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention) program at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
A Legacy of Justice for Victims
Denise M. Dunleavy, Founding Partner (Retired)
Denise M. Dunleavy, a founding partner of the firm, is now retired from the practice of law. Named by the National Law Journal as one of the nation's top 50 women litigators, she dedicated her practice to plaintiffs in personal injury and products liability cases, with a particular passion for obtaining civil justice for victims of preventable crimes.
She won more than $20 million on behalf of crime victims in lawsuits against property owners with inadequate or defective security, becoming one of the first lawyers in New York to develop an expertise in this area. Many of these cases involved women who were sexually assaulted because of inadequate building security. Her work raised awareness of this widespread problem among victims, neighbors, visitors, property owners, and the community at large, and led to corrected and improved security in the buildings involved.
She was also a pioneer in breast implant litigation and well known for her work on women's health issues. She was the only lawyer to receive a punitive damage award in a products liability case against a breast implant manufacturer from a federal judge following a bench trial. She also tried the first breast implant case alleging and proving that breast cancer resulted from the polyurethane foam of a particular implant, winning a $4.5 million verdict for her client. Within six weeks of that verdict, the product was removed from the marketplace. She published numerous articles and spoke frequently on the subject.
Our Firm’s Philosophy
Personal Attention – You work directly with your attorney every step of the way.
Clarity & Guidance – We keep you informed and empowered through regular communication.
Relentless Advocacy – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, so you’re always in the strongest position.
We’re more than attorneys. We’re advocates. We fight tirelessly for every client, combining seasoned legal experience
with modern service and communication.
Why Clients Choose
Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik
Clients don't just choose KD&R for their results, but for how they achieve them. Our attorneys listen, educate, and empower, ensuring you fully understand your options and feel supported at every stage.
“I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan Ratchik as my attorney at KD&R, and I can’t recommend him highly enough! His expertise in personal injury law is evident, and he truly cares about helping those who have suffered due to negligence. Jonathan's dedication to his clients is inspiring, and he navigates complex legal matters with ease. What sets Jonathan apart is his ability to communicate clearly and compassionately, making the process much less daunting.”
— Tina L. FindLaw
“I had an incredibly positive experience working with Jonathan Ratchik. After being hit by a car, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. Jonathan provided exceptional service, guiding me through every step of the process with patience and care. He made sure I understood everything that was happening, always checking in to see how I was doing, not just as a client, but as a person. I trusted him completely throughout the entire process, and he truly advocated for me to ensure the best outcome. I’m grateful for his support and highly recommend him...”
— Anonymous (April 2025) FindLaw
“My successful case was like physical therapy; it was a coordinated and progressive transition from being injured to being well. Mr. Ratchik and the firm maximized my time to care for my health and minimized the hassle of dealing with bills and documents. When I had to testify, I was so thoroughly prepared that I thought the end of the proceeding was just a pause in the questioning. I learned about Mr. Ratchik through a referral. I now pass the referral onto those looking for the legal help that I received.”
— Anonymous (September 2024) FindLaw
“After I tripped on an uneven sidewalk on Manhattan’s Upper West Side… Mr. Ratchik knows his law. He is patient and thorough. He guided me well, coached me thoroughly on the procedures, and allowed me to make decisions about medical treatment and the course of our legal action… he will turn your bad fall into a good trip.”
— Rafique K. (April 2024) FindLaw
“I would highly recommend the Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik firm. They were professional, knowledgeable and experienced. They kept me informed of any updates or issues even through the COVID era. Jonathan and Joanne are very friendly and worked tirelessly. They made a difficult time easier for me and my family.”
— Anonymous (May 2024) FindLaw
FAQ's
1. How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or other incident, you may have a valid claim. We’ll review your situation in a free consultation.
2. What does it cost to hire KD&R?
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. No upfront costs, and you only pay if we win your case.
3. How long will my case take?
Every case is different. Some settle in a few months; others take longer, especially if a trial becomes necessary. We’ll provide a realistic timeline based on your unique circumstances.
4. Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. But if a trial is necessary, rest assured we’ll be fully prepared to advocate for you all the way.
5. What sets your firm apart?
It’s our blend of personalized service, transparency, and relentless advocacy. You’ll always have direct access to your attorney, clear insight into your case, and a team that fights as if every case goes to trial.
Ready to Learn More?
Every case starts with a conversation.
Tell us what happened, and we’ll listen. Your consultation is free, confidential, and you’ll speak directly with an attorney who’s here to help you.
Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC is located in New York, NY and serves clients throughout the state of New York and in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens. This website contains “attorney advertising”. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The information contained on this website is for general information purposes and is not intended to be legal advice.
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