Robert Parrinelli

Robert T. Parrinelli III, Esq., widely known as Robert Parrinelli, is a New York trial attorney and the managing partner of Appell & Parrinelli. For more than two decades, he has concentrated his legal work on personal injury, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. Over the course of his career, he has represented thousands of clients and helped secure numerous multi-million-dollar settlements through consistent preparation and dedicated advocacy. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting individuals and families facing serious injuries and life-altering events.

Early Life and Education

Robert Parrinelli was raised in the greater New York metropolitan area, where his early experiences shaped his interest in becoming a trial attorney. He began his higher education at Hofstra University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Management in 2000. While studying there, he was also an active member of the Men’s Division I Lacrosse Team. During his senior year, he served as the team captain, demonstrating leadership and steady commitment. That same year, he earned selection to the U.S.I.L.A. North-South All-Star Game, an honor offered only to top collegiate lacrosse players nationwide.

After completing his undergraduate studies, he chose to continue his education at Hofstra University School of Law. There, he earned his Juris Doctor in 2003. His time in law school strengthened his interest in litigation and prepared him for the responsibilities associated with representing clients in complex legal matters.

Entering the Legal Profession

After being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2004, he began his legal career in New York City as a trial associate. He worked under the guidance of an experienced mentor who introduced him to the daily tasks involved in litigation, including trial preparation, client communication, and courtroom work. These early years provided him with valuable experience and allowed him to develop skills that would support his long-term career as a trial lawyer.

As time passed, his professional relationship with his mentor expanded into a partnership. This development eventually led to the founding of Appell & Parrinelli, where he took on the responsibilities of both a named partner and the managing partner. Establishing the firm was an important milestone in his professional journey and allowed him to build a practice focused on representing individuals who had suffered significant injuries or losses.

Founding Appell & Parrinelli

As the managing partner of Appell & Parrinelli, headquartered in New York, he oversees a firm dedicated to representing people affected by serious harm. The practice handles a wide range of matters, including motor vehicle accidents, construction and worksite injuries, premises liability, product defects, wrongful death, commercial property and casualty disputes, and medical malpractice.

Robert takes a selective approach when accepting cases, choosing only those that allow him to provide focused effort and detailed preparation. By carefully managing his caseload, he ensures that each matter receives the time and resources necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. This approach helps support clients who often face complex and stressful circumstances.

Notable Case Results and Legal Achievements

Appell & Parrinelli has represented thousands of clients and recovered millions of dollars in verdicts, settlements, and arbitration awards. Among the firm’s significant accomplishments is a $6.5 million settlement achieved on behalf of a child who suffered severe facial injuries caused by a defective radiator in a premises accident.

His experience also includes work in product liability and commercial litigation. In one such matter, the firm secured a $6.3 million verdict arising from a defective food product that caused contamination and significant business losses.

The firm has also achieved substantial results in construction accident cases, including $3.3 million in one matter and $3.1 million in another. In the field of medical malpractice, the firm secured $2.7 million in a case involving medical professionals' failure to diagnose a cardiac arrest condition. Additional accomplishments include a $3.1 million settlement in a premises accident and a $2.3 million settlement in a motor vehicle accident.

Areas of Practice

During more than twenty years in practice, Robert has handled a wide range of personal injury and civil litigation matters. His experience includes motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, and buses. In construction accident cases, he has handled cases involving scaffolds, ladders, trenches, and other worksite hazards.

His premises liability work includes matters involving unsafe property maintenance, structural failures, and accidents caused by snow and ice. In medical malpractice, he has represented clients affected by surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, birth injuries, and nursing home negligence. His experience also includes products liability, commercial property disputes, toxic exposure, lead poisoning, labor discrimination, sexual harassment, and defamation.

Professional Memberships and Admissions

Robert T. Parrinelli III, Esq. is admitted to practice in all New York State Courts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He is also an active member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. These memberships support engagement with the legal community and ongoing professional development.

Mentorship and Leadership

Mentorship is an integral part of his professional life. He often provides guidance to young attorneys entering the field, encouraging them to maintain strong ethics, preparation, and empathy in their work. His leadership extends into his local community as well. As a lifelong athlete, he continues to coach youth lacrosse and other sports, and he serves on the Board of Directors for a Youth Lacrosse Program in his hometown. His involvement in youth sports reflects a commitment to supporting young people and fostering community engagement.

Running, Philanthropy, and Community Engagement

Outside his legal practice, he is active in running and charitable work. He completed the New York City Marathon on behalf of the Travis Roy Foundation, which provides support to individuals living with spinal cord injuries. He also contributes to Hofstra University and supports programs in local schools and community organizations. These efforts highlight his dedication to supporting causes that hold personal meaning for him.

Personal Life and Character

The professional achievements of Robert Parrinelli are closely connected to his personal values and commitment to family. As a father of four, he works to balance the demands of a busy legal practice with his responsibilities at home. Running and fitness remain part of his daily routine, reflecting the discipline and perseverance that guide his work, decisions, and approach to life.