Dayrel S. Sewell

“We Have a One-On-One, Personal Approach That Isn’t Typical Of Many Attorney-Client Relationships.”

Dayrel S. Sewell, Esq. – Top Civil Litigation & Business Law Attorney in NYC | Trusted Government Defense Counsel

Attorney Dayrel S. Sewell, Esq. is a top civil litigation and business law attorney in New York City, earning national and local recognition for excellence. Featured on CNN as a top legal authority and awarded Litigation Lawyer of the Year in the USA, Mr. Sewell represents businesses, property owners, and individuals in state and federal court, and has served as outside counsel to the City of New York and the NYC Department of Education.

 

His achievements include:

• 9-time New York Super Lawyers honoree

• 11-time National Black Lawyers – Top 100 recipient

• Rated “Superb” by Avvo and recognized as a Top Litigation Attorney in NYC

 

This level of acclaim makes Mr. Sewell a trusted choice for clients seeking superior representation in New York civil litigation, business law, and government defense matters. His practice also includes intellectual property, patent, and trademark work.

 

Recent Litigation Victories

 

Government litigation victories in federal court:

• Seabrook v. City of New York, et al. (S.D.N.Y.): Representing the City of New York, the NYC Department of Correction, and its individual leadership, the firm obtained dismissal of all claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the City and the individual defendants. The court also rejected the plaintiff’s municipal liability claim against the City.

• M.H., et al. v. New York City Department of Education, et al. (S.D.N.Y.): Representing the City of New York and the NYC Department of Education as outside counsel, the firm secured dismissal of the systemic claims under the IDEA, Section 504, and Section 1983.

 

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

 

Comprehensive Litigation and Transactional Experience in New York

Attorney Sewell brings extensive experience in state and federal litigation, as well as high-level transactional matters. He has represented clients across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and wider New York State.

 

He is highly skilled in matters related to the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) and the United States Copyright Office.

 

Mr. Sewell represents:

 

• Corporate and private clients

• Real estate investors

• Business owners

• Startups and entrepreneurs

• Patent and trademark owners

• Copyright holders

• Food & drug companies

 

His past work at a Top 100 U.S. law firm focused heavily on litigation and intellectual property law, making him a top choice for clients seeking strong legal protection in NYC and beyond.

 

Proven Track Record in Justice Advocacy

 

As a proud alumnus of the Innocence Project at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Attorney Sewell drafted legal motions and briefs to reopen wrongful convictions using DNA evidence. His contributions directly led to the exoneration of a client, further demonstrating his commitment to justice and exceptional legal skills.

 

Real Estate Litigation Attorney Serving NYC, Brooklyn & Manhattan

 

With New York facing a growing real estate crisis, Attorney Sewell offers strategic counsel to property owners, buyers, sellers, and investors. He provides strong litigation support for clients across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and New York City in matters involving property disputes, contracts, landlord–tenant issues, and more.

 

Patent Litigation & Regulatory Experience

 

During his legal fellowship at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Mr. Sewell gained experience in patent litigation and prosecution, Federal Circuit appeals, and pharmaceutical regulatory matters. He is admitted to the United States Patent Bar and continues to advise clients on patent, trademark, and copyright matters.

 

Academic Excellence & Research Background

 

Mr. Sewell earned his Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from Columbia University, where he directed medical research studies. He also holds a B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Natural Sciences and Public Health. His scientific background further strengthens his analytical approach to complex legal issues.

 

Despite a demanding professional life, Attorney Sewell dedicates time to pro bono legal services, helping underserved communities with legal challenges. He is also proficient in Spanish, enabling him to assist a broader range of clients throughout New York City.

 

Why NYC Clients Choose Dayrel S. Sewell, Esq.

 

Clients select Mr. Sewell because he is:

 

• A top civil litigation and business law attorney in NYC

• Experienced government defense counsel in federal court

• An award-winning professional recognized nationally

• Committed to justice, precision, and client-focused representation

• Also an experienced intellectual property, patent, and trademark attorney

 

Some examples of Attorney Sewell’s work include:

 

• High-stakes litigation, settlements, and/or verdicts involving businesses, class actions, municipal liability, contracts, civil rights, real estate, patents, securities, foreclosures, trademarks, copyrights, LLCs, and torts in excess of 10 million dollars
• Negotiating/authoring business contracts
• Real estate closings, brokerage services, and transactions (i.e., conveyances, leases, title searches, deeds, assignments, etc.)
• Drafting and registering patents, trademarks, and copyrights; issuing patent and trademark opinions
• Counseling clients regarding food & drug product registration, compliance, and other regulatory matters
• Advising startup companies and creating their business entity structure

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Bar admissions

• United States Supreme Court
• New York
• District of Columbia
• United States Patent Bar
• United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Degrees

• J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
• M.P.H., Columbia University
• B.A., The Johns Hopkins University

Awards & Distinctions

• 40-for-40 Alumni Spotlight In Excellence, Oliver Scholars
• Lawyers of Distinction (2026)
• Best Mentor, Finalist, ALM New York Legal Awards (2025)
• American Trial Academy – Inductee (2020)
• Litigation – Lawyer of the Year – USA, Finance Monthly Law Awards (2017)
• Super Lawyers NYC Metro (2015-2017; 2021-2026)
• The National Black Lawyers – Top 100 (2016-2026)
• Best Litigation Attorneys in Brooklyn, Expertise (2016-2025)
• Hearing Officer, County of Rockland
• Lead Arbitrator, Richmond County Fee Arbitration Program
• Notes Editor, Cardozo Journal of Law & Gender
• Alumnus, The Innocence Project, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
• Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
• Marquis Who’s Who in American Law (2014-2016)
• NIEHS Community & Preventive Medicine Fellow, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
• Recipient, Phoenix Fellowship, Columbia University
• Alumnus, Council on Legal Education Opportunity
• Winner, Black Bar Association of Bronx County Writing Competition
• Federal Acquisition Regulations Certificate
• HIPAA Research Compliance Certificate

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Publications

• Dayrel S. Sewell, Attorney-Client Privilege: Protections and Pitfalls, The Brooklyn Barrister, Summer 2023, at 1.
• Dayrel S. Sewell & Ariel Friedman, The Increasing Intellectual Property Value of the .COM to Businesses, Colum. Sci. & Tech L. Rev. (Nov. 10, 2021), https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/stlr/blog/view/404.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Graffiti: Legal or Illegal?, The Brooklyn Barrister, Fall 2020, at 12.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Ruth Buchbinder, Demonstrative Evidence: Friend or Foe?, The Brooklyn Barrister, Spring 2017, at 1.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Lance Willoughby, Landlords and Loft Space, The Richmond County Bar Association Journal, Spring 2017, at 24.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Andrew Janof, Shrouded in Secrecy: LLCs and High-End Real Estate, The Brooklyn Barrister, September 2016, at 1.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Amulya Appalaraju, The Duality of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus Decision, American Bar Association, Securities Litigation, 2015 Fall Newsletter.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Andrew Fine, The “Redskins” Trademark: Turn-over on Downs, IPFrontline, October 2015.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Ivan Ng, Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke told they “Got To Give It Up”, IPFrontline, May 2015.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Ivan Ng, A ‘Generic’ Victory for Specific Fact-Findings, Intellectual Property Today, March 2015, at 34.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Ivan Ng, A ‘Generic’ Victory for Specific Fact-Findings, IPFrontline, February 2015.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Myriad Back in Court on Patent Subject Matter Eligibility, The Brooklyn Barrister, January/February 2015, at 9.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, The Ignominious Patent Troll, The Brooklyn Barrister, November 2013, at 5.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, The Ignominious Patent Troll, Intellectual Property Today, November 2013, at 12.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Unanimous U.S. Supreme Court and Angelina Jolie: BRCA1 & BRCA2 Patentability, Intellectual Property Today, July 2013, at 24.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Marc S. Ullman, The Regulation of Advertising for Dietary Supplements in the United States, KENKO SANGYO RYUTSU SHIMBUN (Health Trade Newspaper), April 8, 2007, at Issue 661.
• Tam T. Nguyen, Dayrel S. Sewell(Top Litigation Attorney) and Adrian S. Dobs. Oral Methyltestosterone Given to Post-menopausal Women Decreases Adipose Tissue and Increases Lean Muscle Mass with No Change in Muscle Strength. ENDO 2000 Abstracts. Category: Clinical Science: Aging. Medicine, Johns Hopkins University (2000).

Speaking Engagements

• Dayrel S. Sewell, Legal Panelist, Election Follow Up – What is with all the chaos?, November 2020.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Brooklyn Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Speaker, Intellectual Property Fundamentals: What Every Attorney Needs to Know, May 2014.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Legal Analyst (en español ), CNN “Realidades En Contexto”: Nueva Jersey Agentes Inmobiliarios haber supuestamente Relaciones repetidas Dentro de una casa en venta, March 2014.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Panelist, Managing Career Changes in a Changing Global Market, Union League Club, November 2013.
• Dayrel S. Sewell, Presenter, Professional Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Legal Department Conference, June 2009.

Other Licenses

• New York State Real Estate Broker
• New York State Notary Public

Organizations

• New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Columbia University Alumni Association
• The Johns Hopkins University Law Affinity Committee

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are Dayrel Sewell’s main areas of practice?

Civil litigation and business law, including government defense work in federal court, along with real estate litigation and intellectual property and patent matters.

 

What awards has Dayrel Sewell received?

He’s a 9-time New York Super Lawyers honoree, an 11-time National Black Lawyers Top 100 recipient, and holds an Avvo Superb 10.0 rating, among other honors.

 

What is Dayrel Sewell’s educational background?

He holds a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, an M.P.H. from Columbia University, and a B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University.

 

Is Dayrel Sewell licensed to practice patent law?

Yes, he’s admitted to the United States Patent Bar and has experience in patent litigation and prosecution.

 

Has Dayrel Sewell worked on notable cases?

Yes, including work with the Innocence Project that contributed to a client’s exoneration using DNA evidence.

 

Does Dayrel Sewell speak any languages besides English?

Yes, he is proficient in Spanish and has served as a Spanish-language legal analyst for CNN.

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