Freddie Fender

Freddie Fender Verified Attorney

Ethan Steward

Family Law · Divorce

The Bronx, NY
No Disciplinary History · Licensed since 2004
English
4.7170 Google Reviews

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From Marine JAG to Bronx Family Court, Ethan Steward Was Built for High-Stakes Conflict

When a relationship falls apart, the legal issues rarely stay confined to a single courtroom. A divorce can quickly evolve into a custody battle, an order of protection, or a bitter dispute over finances and property. For families in the Bronx facing that kind of uncertainty, confidence comes from hiring an attorney who stays composed when emotions are running high. Ethan Steward has built his career on exactly that foundation.

As co-founder of the New York Family Law Group, Steward brings an uncommon background to family law. Long before he began guiding clients through complex matrimonial and child custody disputes, he served as a Judge Advocate (JAG) and criminal defense attorney in the United States Marine Corps. That military experience demanded discipline, preparation, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure—qualities that continue to define his approach in family court today. When conflict escalates, Steward relies on years of high-pressure courtroom experience to keep the focus where it belongs: protecting his clients and their families.

Following his military service, Steward further sharpened his litigation skills at the international law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. The combination of military courtroom experience and sophisticated commercial litigation gives him a unique perspective when family law disputes intersect with criminal allegations, business interests, or significant marital assets. Whether representing clients in Bronx Family Court or litigating complex financial issues before the New York Supreme Court, he approaches every case with the same strategic preparation and steady courtroom presence.

That commitment to excellence has earned the respect of both the legal profession and the people he represents. Steward received the New York State Bar Association’s Pro Bono Challenge Award in both 2008 and 2009, recognizing his dedication to serving those in need. He has also maintained an active, unblemished standing with the New York State Bar since 2003. For consumers, however, the strongest endorsement comes from his clients. The firm maintains an impressive 4.7-star Google rating across 170 reviews, with clients consistently praising his responsiveness, professionalism, and calm guidance during emotionally difficult family disputes.

Located just steps from the Bronx Family Court, Steward has built a practice centered on accessibility, preparation, and unwavering advocacy. For families facing one of the most difficult chapters of their lives, he provides not only experienced legal representation, but the steady hand needed to navigate an uncertain future.

That combination of experience, reputation, verified professional standing, and public credibility is why Ethan Steward was included on FreddieFender.com.

Credentials

  • Education: Juris Doctor, University of Chicago Law School (2003)
  • Former Judge Advocate (JAG) and Criminal Attorney for the United States Marine Corps (2003–2007)
  • Former Associate Attorney at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP (2007–2010)
  • Managing Partner and Founder at Steward Law Firm (2010–2021)
  • Extensive appellate and trial experience in New York Family and Supreme Courts, appearing on complex matrimonial and child custody proceedings
  • Founder and Managing Partner, New York Family Law Group, PLLC (2021–Present)
  • Recipient of the New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Challenge Award (2008)
  • Recipient of the New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Challenge Award (2009)

Career Highlights / Proven Experience

Career Highlights

  • Elite Legal Training: Earned a Juris Doctor from the prestigious University of Chicago Law School, a top-tier national institution.
  • United States Marine Corps JAG Captain: Served as a Captain and Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps (2004–2007), where he litigated more than 200 criminal and administrative cases, gaining extensive courtroom experience before entering private practice.
  • BigLaw Litigation Edge: Hones advanced courtroom strategy as a litigation associate at the prominent international firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (2007–2010).
  • Statewide Civic Leadership: Recognized consecutively by the New York State Bar Association with the Pro Bono Challenge Award in both 2008 and 2009 for exceptional public service.
  • Firm Founder and Leader: Established the Steward Law Firm in 2013 and expanded impact by co-founding the New York Family Law Group in 2019 to serve the Bronx community.
  • Flawless Professional Record: Maintained perfect active standing and a clean disciplinary record with the New York Unified Court System for over two decades.

Proven Experience

  • High-Stakes Child Custody Victories: Extensively secures parent-protective rulings in complex Bronx Family Court custody battles, with clients praising his "surgical, warrior-like" intervention.
  • Multi-Tiered Matrimonial Defense: Routinely manages heavy-conflict divorces in New York Supreme Courts, effectively partitioning dense assets and resolving high-net-worth property disputes.
  • Criminal Overlap Defense: Successfully defended clients across minor and major criminal trials, seamlessly applying tactical military defense to clear individuals facing serious domestic allegations.
  • Appellate Advocacy Mastery: Preserves client victories on appeal through comprehensive brief preparation and oral arguments spanning New York's appellate divisions.
  • Strategic Client Shielding: Consistently leverages aggressive, preemptive legal strategies that fast-track positive outcomes while protecting children from prolonged courtroom trauma.

A Note About Family-Law Case Privacy

Divorce, custody, support, parentage, and domestic-violence proceedings frequently involve children, financial records, medical information, and other sensitive personal matters. Depending on the court and jurisdiction, records may be confidential, sealed, redacted, or unavailable for remote public review. Consequently, an attorney’s publicly documented results may represent only a portion of their family-law experience.

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