Domingo R. Gallardo

Domingo R. Gallardo is a founding partner of Gallardo Levin Reiter & Rogers, LLP and a trial and appellate attorney with more than three decades of courtroom experience. He has tried well over 50 cases to verdict and has handled dozens of appeals and appellate matters before New York’s appellate courts.

His practice encompasses insurance defense, medical malpractice, professional liability, employment litigation, the defense of nursing homes and medical institutions, and New York State construction litigation, including claims under the New York Labor Law. He brings both trial and appellate experience to matters involving substantial exposure, disputed liability, and complex factual and legal issues.

From Prosecutor to Civil Trial Attorney

Mr. Gallardo began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, where his responsibilities included indicting homicide matters before grand juries and trying narcotics prosecutions, including undercover operations. That experience provided a foundation in courtroom advocacy, witness preparation, examination of witnesses, and the presentation of evidence.

After entering private practice, Mr. Gallardo developed an extensive civil trial practice. Over the ensuing decades, he has tried well over 50 cases to verdict, frequently defending matters involving substantial claimed damages and complex medical, scientific, engineering, and liability issues.

His experience informs his work from the outset of a case: identifying the issues likely to matter at trial, assessing the available evidence, and developing a defense strategy suited to the particular facts and risks.

Medical Malpractice and Healthcare Defense

Mr. Gallardo’s practice includes defending medical malpractice actions and representing nursing homes and other medical institutions. These matters require careful analysis of medical records, applicable standards of care, causation, and damages, together with effective preparation of witnesses and coordination with medical experts. He emphasizes understanding both the clinical issues and the circumstances in which care was provided, developing a defense that addresses the specific allegations and the supporting medical evidence.

Employment Litigation

Mr. Gallardo has defended employers in employment and discrimination matters in court and before the New York State Division of Human Rights (SDHR) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). His experience encompasses both litigation and administrative proceedings, with attention to the employment relationship, the documentary record, and the practical consequences for the client.

Professional Liability

Professional liability has been an important component of Mr. Gallardo’s practice throughout his career. He has represented attorneys in legal-malpractice actions and defended other professionals in professional-liability litigation in state and federal courts. He recognizes that these claims can affect a client’s professional reputation, business relationships, and finances. His approach combines careful examination of the underlying record with a practical assessment of the allegations and available defenses.

New York Construction Litigation

Mr. Gallardo’s practice includes New York State construction litigation, including construction-accident claims under the New York Labor Law. His approach emphasizes early examination of the circumstances of the accident, the responsibilities of the parties, relevant contracts, and the evidence bearing on liability and damages. He brings his trial and appellate experience to the legal and factual issues that shape these cases, with attention to opportunities for motion practice and preparation for trial.

Appellate Practice

Mr. Gallardo has handled dozens of appeals and appellate matters before New York’s appellate courts. His appellate work complements his trial practice, bringing attention to the legal issues that shape a case and the record necessary to present those issues on review. He approaches trial and appellate preparation as connected disciplines. Effective advocacy requires both a persuasive presentation of the facts and careful attention to the governing law, evidentiary rulings, and preservation of issues.

Approach to Representation

Mr. Gallardo emphasizes thorough preparation, candid evaluation, and clear communication with clients and insurers. His approach includes developing a defense plan early, identifying the records and witnesses needed to evaluate the allegations, and assessing expert needs before they become urgent.

He places particular importance on communicating meaningful assessments of liability, damages, and potential exposure, and updating those assessments as the evidence develops. Whether a matter proceeds toward trial, motion practice, appeal, or a negotiated resolution, his focus is on helping clients make informed decisions grounded in the facts and the law.

As a founding partner, he also takes an active role in mentoring attorneys and developing the firm’s standards for case preparation, reporting, and courtroom readiness.

Personal Background

Born in Santiago, Chile, Mr. Gallardo immigrated to the United States at the age of six. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and is fluent in Spanish. His background as a Marine, prosecutor, trial attorney, and appellate advocate forms the discipline, preparation, and sense of responsibility he brings to his practice.