Eric Porter is a highly respected commercial litigator with experience representing clients through all stages of litigation in state and federal courts. Equally at home in a courtroom and a settlement negotiation, Eric approaches each matter he handles with the goal of achieving the outcome best suited to his client’s individual needs and objectives.
Eric advocates for clients across a diverse array of practice areas, handling matters ranging from intellectual property actions, contract disputes, insurance fraud investigations and product labeling claims to the recognition of foreign arbitration awards, corporate ownership disputes and construction litigation.
Eric delivers a relentless focus on powerful oral and written advocacy, combined with a pragmatic, creative approach to resolving disputes and furthering his client’s interests.
Prior to his time as a commercial litigator, Eric served as senior counsel for the New York City Law Department, where he represented New York City in high-profile cases involving civil rights issues, education law, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and class action defense.
Featured Representative Matters
Secured the dismissal of all charges brought against two mutual fund independent trustees by the SEC in the first enforcement action brought pursuant to Rule 22e-4 (the Liquidity Rule) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, a critical win for the asset management industry.
Obtained a preliminary injunction on behalf of a consumer packaged goods client prohibiting a competitor from using an infringing mark in selling its competing product.
Defeated a motion for summary judgment seeking to enforce the client’s personal guaranty on a commercial lease.
Negotiated a favorable settlement resolving a contentious business divorce.
Obtained a preliminary injunction for an entertainment client enjoining a competing performer’s use of the client’s protected intellectual property.
Negotiated a favorable settlement for a general contractor client resolving a long-running dispute with the property owner.
Community Impact
As a volunteer for the Immigration Justice Campaign, Eric obtained asylum for a Nigerian refugee fleeing religious persecution and death threats in his home country. Eric secured the client’s freedom after the client spent eight months in an immigration detention facility, and Eric was able to additionally obtain asylum for the client’s spouse and children, reuniting them in the United States after a year apart. (2018-19)
Recognitions
The Legal 500 US Elite (New York: Intellectual Property) (2026)
Legal Lions of the Week, Law360 (2025)
New York City Department of Homeless Services’ Legal Excellence Award (2010)
