About Peter
Peter D. Rigelhaupt is an attorney at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., located at 250 West 57th Street, Suite 401, New York, NY 10107. Since 1989, he has been practicing law in New York, specializing in personal injury, civil rights, and appellate cases. His extensive legal career spans over three decades, during which he has developed a robust skill set that benefits his clients today. Before joining The Perecman Firm in 2009, Mr. Rigelhaupt spent more than 20 years defending attorneys and insurers in complex malpractice and liability matters. This experience has provided him with a unique understanding of defense strategies and insurance practices.
Leveraging this knowledge, he now advocates fiercely for his clients, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. His transition from defense to plaintiff’s work has been marked by significant achievements and a commitment to client advocacy. Since becoming part of The Perecman Firm, Mr. Rigelhaupt has secured numerous seven-figure recoveries for his clients. One of his most notable accomplishments includes a $5.5 million settlement for a union carpenter injured on the job. Additionally, he achieved a $4 million civil rights settlement for a woman wrongfully imprisoned following a coerced confession. This case culminated in a landmark appeal to the New York Court of Appeals, highlighting his expertise in navigating complex legal challenges.
In his role at The Perecman Firm, Mr. Rigelhaupt leads the motion and appellate practice group. He regularly argues cases before the First and Second Departments of the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals. With nearly 100 reported decisions in state and federal courts, he has a proven track record of prevailing on numerous summary judgment and appellate matters. His contributions to the legal field have been recognized in the New York Law Journal’s Top Verdicts in New York, underscoring his reputation for excellence. Mr. Rigelhaupt is an active member of the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.
His advocacy skills have earned him consistent recognition by Super Lawyers, affirming his status as a leading attorney in his practice areas. He earned his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1988 and his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from SUNY at Oneonta in 1983. Outside the office, Mr. Rigelhaupt enjoys traveling, golfing, cooking, and attending live music events — A former disc jockey, he remains passionate about sharing music with family and friends. For more information or to schedule a consultation, you can contact The Perecman Firm at (212) 977-7033.
