Warshaw Burstein, LLP notes, with great sadness, the passing of our partner and longtime colleague and friend, Martin R. Lee, who died on May 6, 2025.

Martin joined the firm in 1976, by which time he was already an experienced and highly skilled attorney. He represented numerous public and private entities and individuals in trials and appeals in state and federal courts and in arbitrations, in virtually all areas of commercial and employment litigation.

A graduate of Syracuse University School of Law and New York University School of Law (LLM), Martin took great pleasure in zealously representing his clients. His insights and legal analyses were an inspiration to his many colleagues, clients, and admirers. He also had a wonderful sense of humor that would always leave us smiling. He was proud to have served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Navy.

Martin leaves behind a legacy marked by an unfailing energy, a creative approach to legal problems, and a unique ability to engage with all types of people.

Because of his open and gregarious nature, Martin would pick up clients wherever he was, whether it involved striking up conversations with total strangers on Metro North, or meeting people on social occasions. His everlasting British accent, which he could have lost decades ago had he chosen, didn’t hurt. He was a charming individual, always surrounding himself and others with laughter.

Martin was thoughtful. If you were a history buff, he would remember it and send you a history book that he liked, thinking it might interest you as well. When he felt that anyone was in need, he quickly reached out to offer pro bono legal services or any other assistance he could provide.

Martin had an unwavering commitment to his clients, earning him the deep trust of those he represented. He was a generous colleague, always willing to spend time with anyone who asked for his assistance. He never failed to treat everyone in the Firm with the greatest respect.

Martin is survived by his wife, Carol Stone, his son Jonathan, his daughter Karin, and his grandchildren Emma and Hannah. He is also survived by a wide circle of friends and colleagues who will miss his counsel, sense of humor, and unfailing sense of dedication to his practice and his clients. His passing leaves an absence felt deeply by the many of us who were lucky enough to have known him not just as a lawyer, but as a friend.