Robert S. Bookman
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​Partner

Robert S. Bookman is a recognized leader of the New York hospitality industry. Robert began his legal career as counsel to the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.  He has since specialized in representing small businesses before numerous City and State agencies, the New York City Council, and the courts.  In addition to representing individual clients, Robert also specializes in representing the industry, first as co-founder and counsel to the New York Nightlife Association, and now as counsel to its successor organization, the New York City Hospitality Alliance,  Robert is a nationally recognized expert on nightlife business and organizational issues and is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences. He is quoted widely in the media and is the author of numerous op-ed articles on regulatory issues which have appeared in such publications as the New York Times and the Daily News. 

An interview with Robert Bookman on RHI Thought Leaders | Watch

Max Bookman
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​Partner

Max Bookman has spent the past eighteen years working in the New York City business regulatory space.   At P&B, he advises clients during all phases of the alcoholic beverage, tobacco, and marijuana licensing processes.  Max is known throughout the industry as a skilled advocate with a detailed knowledge of the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, the practices of the State Liquor Authority, and the requirements of New York City Community Boards.  He has represented businesses of all sizes and sophistication, across all three tiers of the alcoholic beverage industry, and in both on-premises and off-premises retail categories.
Before joining the firm, Max was a civil litigator at Smith Mazure Director Wilkins Young & Yagerman in Manhattan.  He is an alumnus of the Grand Central Partnership Business Improvement District in midtown, and the Manhattan Borough President's Office.  Max is a graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was Notes Editor of the Cardozo Public Law Policy and Ethics Journal.  He obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont.

An Interview with Max Bookman on Selling Craft Beer  |  Spotify  

Phil Dorn
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Senior Associate

Phil Dorn has been an associate attorney at P&B for over three years.  During his time at the firm, he has had deep experience practicing before the State Liquor Authority and New York City Community Boards, and has earned the trust of countless clients.  He also routinely represents tobacco businesses before the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, and is at the forefront of advising clients on adult-use cannabis licensing.  Prior to joining the firm, Phil was a litigation associate with Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLC in Manhattan, and a judicial intern for the Honorable Joseph L. Latwin.  Phil graduated from Fordham University School of Law, where he was an active member of the Sports Law Forum.  He attended undergraduate school at Tulane University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management.

Eleanor M. L. Shotton
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Associate

Eleanor Shotton is an associate attorney at P&B. Prior to joining the firm, Eleanor was a public defender for four years with The Suffolk County Legal Aid Society, Inc. before transitioning into private criminal defense with The Ramcharitar Law Firm, PC.  Eleanor graduated from Brooklyn Law School, where she was an active member of the Moot Court Honor Society’s Appellate Division, competing in and coaching the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. She attended undergraduate school at Syracuse University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts with Renée Crown Honors in Anthropology.  

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Warren B. Pesetsky
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Partner (Ret.)

Warren B. Pesetsky became widely recognized as the Dean of hospitality attorneys in New York by the time he retired in 2016. He developed his skills in alcoholic beverage law as General Counsel to the the State Liquor Authority from 1976 to 1981. Warren was in private practice ever since.  For over a quarter of a century, he represented thousands of hospitality establishments of all sizes, from mom and pop bistros to the largest hotels and restaurants, each benefiting from his unique blend of experience and advocacy.  Warren was a founding partner of P&B, and his name remains part of the firm's in his honor.

Contact

[email protected]
212-513-1988
325 Broadway, Suite 501
​New York, NY 10007