Benjamin W. Sonnenfeldt

Benjamin Sonnenfeldt defends municipal liability claims, including civil rights actions, public officials, police officers and employment liability cases. His team handles municipal matters surrounding allegations of violations of the Civil Rights Act, high-exposure mass tort claims and matters filed under the Child Victims Act in New York, charges of police brutality, false arrest and false imprisonment, in addition to zoning and land use, claims involving tort liability, discrimination in employment, wrongful discharge, failure to provide adequate police protection, and malicious prosecution.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Ben was a prosecutor with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, and later with the Department of Homeland Security. As an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, he handled cases ranging from violent felonies to misdemeanor offenses. Ben was responsible for criminal investigations, indictments and jury trials in these matters. At the Department of Homeland Security, he litigated cases involving asylum seekers and visa applicants before the Immigration Court. 

Ben also interned with the New York State Office of the Attorney General and the Honorable Susan M. Capeci in Westchester County Criminal Court.