Jay Potter focuses his trial practice on the defense of all types of negligence-based lawsuits in New York state and federal courts. Jay has extensive experience with complex, high-exposure construction accident, premises liability, product liability, property damage and professional negligence claims in matters involving personal injury. His practice also encompasses contractual disputes as well as contract review on behalf of his clients.

A significant portion of Jay’s practice involves the representation of owners, contractors and design professionals in construction-site litigation. Through his experience, he is familiar with the intricacies of New York State Labor Law. Jay’s construction litigation includes the defense of clients under insurance wrap-up programs as well as more traditional scenarios in which contractors are responsible for carrying their own insurance. Jay also regularly represents property owners and commercial tenants in premises liability matters.

Jay began his practice in Boston and is an active member of the Massachusetts Bar as well as the New York Bar. Jay’s litigation approach reflects his clients’ desire for a high level of responsiveness, thorough analysis of claims and identification of opportunities for early resolution. An experienced trial attorney, Jay is adept at obtaining defense verdicts and favorable pre-trial results on behalf of his clients. He won awards at the national level in forensics and trial practice prior to becoming an attorney, including a 1996 Parliamentary debate and Lincoln-Douglas National championship.

Areas of Focus

Construction
In his construction practice, Jay represents insurers and companies in all phases of litigation, from inception through trial and appeal. He has tried construction cases on issues of both liability and damages. Jay also handles cases under insurance wrap-up programs for various construction projects, as well as more traditional scenarios in which contractors are responsible for carrying their own insurance.

Jay represents all parties involved in the design, development, construction, demolition, renovation and rehabilitation of properties as well as the service and maintenance of all aspects of commercial and residential development. He has represented numerous such parties in connection with a full range of claims, including personal injury, construction defect and breach of contract. Jay’s specialized knowledge of the development and maintenance of properties has enabled him to effectively defend his clients in all areas of potential litigation as warranted by their businesses.

    Education

    • Pepperdine University School of Law (J.D., 2000)
    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (B.A.)

    Bar Admissions

    • New York
    • Massachusetts

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts

    Awards & Honors

    Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, 2026

Jay A. Potter

Jay Potter focuses his trial practice on the defense of all types of negligence-based lawsuits in New York state and federal courts. Jay has extensive experience with complex, high-exposure construction accident, premises liability, product liability, property damage and professional negligence claims in matters involving personal injury. His practice also encompasses contractual disputes as well as contract review on behalf of his clients.

A significant portion of Jay’s practice involves the representation of owners, contractors and design professionals in construction-site litigation. Through his experience, he is familiar with the intricacies of New York State Labor Law. Jay’s construction litigation includes the defense of clients under insurance wrap-up programs as well as more traditional scenarios in which contractors are responsible for carrying their own insurance. Jay also regularly represents property owners and commercial tenants in premises liability matters.

Jay began his practice in Boston and is an active member of the Massachusetts Bar as well as the New York Bar. Jay’s litigation approach reflects his clients’ desire for a high level of responsiveness, thorough analysis of claims and identification of opportunities for early resolution. An experienced trial attorney, Jay is adept at obtaining defense verdicts and favorable pre-trial results on behalf of his clients. He won awards at the national level in forensics and trial practice prior to becoming an attorney, including a 1996 Parliamentary debate and Lincoln-Douglas National championship.

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