It started with one attorney, an empty client roster, and a launch date — April 1st — that made more than a few people think it was a joke. Jon Dorf did not have a network of clients waiting for him when he opened his doors in 1992; he had a law degree and a commitment to the work. That is where the firm’s story really begins, not with grand ambition, but with the daily work of earning trust, one case at a time. Over three decades later, that same commitment has carried the firm through every stage of its growth: new partners who brought their own experience and reputations, a larger office in Westchester, offices in New York City, California and New Jersey, and a name that has changed as the people building it have joined the story. What has not changed is the reason any of it mattered in the first place — showing up for clients and doing the work well.
On April 1, 1992, Jon A. Dorf founded The Law Office of Jon A. Dorf. He often recounts the story of unveiling his solo practice on April 1st, shortly after his law school graduation. The response from many, influenced by the unexpected timing, ranged from skepticism to viewing it as an elaborate April Fool’s Day prank.
Undeterred, Jon embarked on his legal journey with pride, initiating his practice in a modest law firm. At the outset, the firm operated without an established client base. Engaging in criminal defense work, Jon dedicated himself to the defense of individuals arraigned on criminal charges, with a primary focus on misdemeanor charges in New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, and Port Chester, New York. Building a clientele took time, but Jon’s commitment and passion for the law laid the foundation for the growth and success of his practice.
Within a few years, Jon diversified his client base by taking on a client involved in rapidly developing a real estate portfolio. Subsequently, the office underwent a strategic relocation to the Town of Mamaroneck, specifically at 740 East Boston Post Road. This marked a pivotal moment as the firm expanded its reach, hiring several associates and broadening its practice areas to include Intellectual Property.
As a result of this growth, the practice flourished at the new location, boasting a team that included multiple legal assistants, paralegals, and lawyers. The firm became an integral part of the community, solidifying its presence at 740 East Boston Post Road, now recognized as the Town Center, for over a decade. During this period, Jon’s commitment to community involvement was exemplified by his appointment as the Mamaroneck Town Prosecutor. In this role, he represented the Town of Mamaroneck, handling claims and actions related to issues affecting the Town Code. This multifaceted expansion underscored the firm’s commitment to both professional excellence and community engagement.
On January 3, 2006, the firm changes its name to The Dorf Law Firm, LLP.
Jon had the pleasure and honor of being introduced to Linda Alster Nelson, who served as an associate at the firm. Through Linda, he had the privilege of getting to know her husband, Jonathan B. Nelson, Esq.
In a significant development, Jonathan officially became a partner at the firm on January 1, 2009. Before joining the firm, Jonathan had a notable background as a former prosecutor in Brooklyn, New York, bringing a wealth of legal expertise and experience to the team. His inclusion marked a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth and development, enhancing its capabilities with a seasoned professional as an integral part of its leadership.
Jonathan B. Nelson becomes a named partner and the firm name changes to Dorf & Nelson LLP
The firm changes its location to acquire ~15,000 sq. ft. at International Corporate Center in Rye, NY at 555 Theodore Fremd Ave, Rye, NY 10580.
The firm is featured in 914 Inc. Magazine’s “The It List.”
The firm achieves Gender Fair® Certification.
Honorable Anthony Scarpino, the former Surrogate of Westchester County and former District Attorney of Westchester County, joins the firm as a partner focused on strategic planning and civil litigation.
The firm again expands with the addition of prominent trial and appellate attorney Mark C. Zauderer who joins the firm as a named partner. The firm name changes to Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP and the firm’s New York City office is established. Also joining the firm as Senior Counsel are Honorable O. Peter Sherwood, a former Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, former Solicitor General of New York State, and former Corporation Counsel for the City of New York and Daniel S. Jahnsen, a renowned New Jersey based civil litigator and his team. The firm establishes a New Jersey office.
The firm adds a dedicated matrimonial and family law team led by Partner and Department Chair Margery A. Greenberg. Together with Counsel Olga Batsedis and Sara Hiltzik, the team brings decades of experience and a compassionate approach to guiding clients through personal and complex family matters.
The firm is ranked by Chambers and Partners’ prestigious Chambers Spotlight New York 2026 guide as a leading law firm in the area of Commercial Litigation.
The firm adds renowned Entertainment attorney David Chidekel to lead the new Media, Entertainment & Technology Practice Group, a strategic step that propels DNZ into the future of an industry being reshaped by technology, IP, and digital platforms.
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