Overview
Helen J. Setton is a fierce litigator and zealous advocate for her clients, known for delivering powerful results in high-stakes disputes. She has built a strong track record in complex commercial litigation cases, representing individuals and businesses in partnership conflicts, breach of contract actions, fraud claims, and real estate disputes. Clients turn to Helen not only for her courtroom tenacity but also for her ability to anticipate risks and craft winning strategies. She is equally trusted as outside general counsel, advising businesses on corporate governance, entity formation, regulatory compliance, risk management, and employment-related issues.
Recognized by Super Lawyers for nine consecutive years as a Rising Star, Helen is widely regarded as a formidable advocate in defamation cases and higher education matters, including Title IX and Title VII proceedings. She represents both students and faculty in disciplinary actions involving allegations of sexual misconduct, academic integrity including the use of artificial intelligence, and other sensitive issues—defending her clients vigorously at every stage, from investigations and hearings through litigation. Helen also brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to these often deeply personal and sensitive cases, ensuring her clients feel supported as well as defended.
Helen is equally skilled in resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and private negotiations. Her approach blends sharp litigation instincts with pragmatism and empathy, ensuring that clients achieve outcomes aligned with their goals.
Clients consistently praise Helen for her relentless advocacy, strategic insight, and compassionate guidance. Whether arguing before a judge or negotiating across the table, Helen’s focus is unwavering: to protect her clients’ interests and achieve the best possible outcome.
Notable Work
Litigation Defending Professor Against Assault Allegations: Defeated Plaintiff’s Attempt to Proceed Anonymously and Achieved Extremely Favorable Settlement. Successfully opposed Plaintiff’s motion to litigate under pseudonym at both the Magistrate and District Court levels, preserving fairness and transparency for prominent professor accused of assault by a fellow professor at a private New York university. Negotiated a no-pay settlement for defendant professor.
Defense of Doctoral Candidate Facing Academic Integrity Charges: Secured Full Exoneration. Successfully defended Ph.D. student against academic integrity violations, including the use of artificial intelligence, resulting in dismissal of all charges and preservation of academic standing.
Federal Court Reversal of Sexual Assault Sanction Against Student
Obtained reversal of New York college’s wrongful expulsion sanction against undergraduate student in a Title IX matter, achieving reinstatement through federal court litigation.
Business Divorce Litigation: Negotiated Favorable Buyout for Client
Secured advantageous settlement in contentious restaurant business dissolution, achieving client’s financial and strategic goals.
Commercial Litigation Victory: Summary Judgment Against Jewelry Business and Its Principal. Obtained judgment in favor of client in New York state court, defeating opposing jewelry company and principal in expedited summary proceeding, ultimately resulting in full satisfaction of judgment for client in addition to attorneys’ fees.
Title IX Litigation in New Jersey: Favorable Settlement for Accused Professor
Negotiated favorable no-pay settlement on behalf of renowned professor and nationally recognized researcher accused of Title IX sexual misconduct violations at a public university by an employee in New Jersey state court, protecting his reputation and future career prospects and avoiding protracted litigation.
University Hearing Defense: Positive Result for Student Accused of Title IX Violations
Successfully represented college student at university hearing in New York, defeating sexual misconduct allegations and avoiding severe sanctions.
Cross-State Business Transaction: Favorable Resolution in California Dissolution
Successfully represented New York business owner in the dissolution of California-based enterprise, ensuring favorable outcome.
Business Contract Litigation: Favorable Mediation Settlement
Achieved advantageous settlement in New York business contract dispute through mediation, saving client time and litigation costs.
Arbitration Success in New Jersey: Favorable Settlement for Petitioners
Secured significant financial settlement for petitioners in New Jersey arbitration on negligence and breach of contract claims against large institutional respondent.
Defense of Business in Human Rights Division Inquiry
Successfully represented New York business in State Human Rights Division investigation, minimizing liability exposure and resolving claims efficiently.
Corporate Partnership Dispute: Favorable Termination for Real Estate Company
Negotiated termination of partnership for New York real estate client, protecting company interests and avoiding protracted litigation.
Defense in New York Partnership Dispute: Complete Dismissal with Prejudice
Successfully defended individual in contentious partnership dispute in New York State Court, resulting in full dismissal of claims with prejudice.
General Counsel Services for New York Businesses
Provide ongoing legal counsel to multiple companies across real estate, wholesale, and retail industries, helping clients mitigate risk and effectively achieve business objectives.
Education & Admissions
Education:
- Brooklyn Law School, J.D. 2013 cum laude
- New York University, B.A. 2009
Admissions:
States
- New York
- New Jersey
Courts
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
Media
