Michael A. Gorodetsky advises and represents clients in landlord-tenant and commercial disputes and counsels them on agreements and planning matters throughout New York and New Jersey. He works with individuals, property owners, landlords, tenants, businesses, and condominium and homeowners’ association boards in matters affecting their homes, properties, businesses, contractual rights, finances, and futures. He founded Good Guy Legal to provide the kind of representation he believes clients deserve when those interests are at stake: thoughtful strategy, clear guidance, and personal attention throughout the representation.
Michael has worked on more than 300 matters and made more than 100 court appearances. His experience includes representing high-net-worth individuals and business clients in complex, high-stakes disputes. He has appeared throughout New York City’s Civil, Supreme, and Housing Courts, including in proceedings involving emergency relief, contempt, and complex motion practice. He has also supported matters in arbitration, federal court, and appellate court.
Michael takes a direct and deliberate approach to his work. He confronts difficult issues head-on—whether that means challenging an unreasonable demand, pressing for relief in court when a client is being treated unfairly, or holding firm during settlement negotiations. At the same time, he understands that being effective does not always mean being aggressive. Some matters require decisive courtroom action; others are better resolved through leverage, negotiation, careful drafting, or thoughtful planning. His responsibility is to understand the difference and pursue the course that best serves the client’s actual objective.
Clients facing a serious legal matter need more than sound legal advice. They need an attorney who prepares thoroughly, communicates candidly, and appreciates the uncertainty and pressure that accompany decisions affecting their homes, businesses, finances, or futures. What sets Michael apart is that he works with clients, not simply for them. He remains personally engaged and responsive throughout the representation, explains the available options and the reasons behind them, and seeks each client’s input before significant decisions are made about litigation, settlement, agreements, or planning. His legal judgment informs the strategy, but the client’s priorities, concerns, and desired outcome help shape it.
Clients trust Michael because he is genuinely invested in their outcomes, comes prepared, and is unafraid to challenge an adversary—or an authority—when circumstances warrant it. When he does, he acts with precision, professionalism, and tact. Admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey, Michael brings the same discipline and care to every matter, whether it concerns a single apartment, a family’s estate plan or marital agreement, a growing business, or a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio.
