Outside General Counsel I Corporate Counsel specializing in Business Strategy, Employment and Labor Counseling and Litigation, and Risk Management.

Gigio Ninan


NY, NJ

School
5.0
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 starsOut of 36 Reviews
About
During the course of my career, which includes co-founding and serving as Managing Partner of Shankar Ninan & Co. as well as serving as an attorney with several major law firms, I’ve demonstrated a talent for structuring legal operations to align with corporate objectives, solving complex employment and labor law challenges, and introducing solutions which turn adversity into opportunity. I’m a trusted partner to senior leadership and key stakeholders, and bring a common sense approach that yields sustainable results.
✓ General Counsel and results-driven litigator providing personalized, strategic advocacy for clients. Able to provide reasoned guidance to consistently resolve disputes favorably.
✓ Proven track record of success as outside General Counsel to early-stage and high-growth companies spanning Consumer Goods, Food & Beverage, eCommerce, Social Media Marketing, Staffing and other sectors. 360° leader in managing workplace policies and practices, managing employment litigation, and advising on reductions in force.
✓ Hands-on management experience in areas such as commercial transactions, corporate governance, employment and benefits matters, and compliance and ethics.
✓ Well-rounded litigation background for 2 large law firms: class actions, trademark disputes, shareholder disputes, breach of contract, medical malpractice.
✓ SuperLawyers® Rising Star 5 years in a row: 2016-2020.
✓ 2019 Sole recipient of Lois B. Defleur Distinguished Alumni Signature Award—Binghamton University.
✓ 2017 “NJLJ New Leader of the Bar”, formerly “40 under 40”
✓ 2017-18 Forbes New York Business Council member.
About Me :
✓ A legal mind with an innate understanding of entrepreneurial drive (and blind spots). I know the challenges that come with bringing a great idea to market, and can guide from a place of integrity.
✓ Experienced high-stakes litigation and complex transactional counsel.
✓ Committed to building highly responsive, service-oriented cultures.
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Practice Areas
MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS

Outside General Counsel

Commercial
Contracts

Labor &
Employment
OTHER PRACTICE AREAS
Structure
Writing
Client Reviews
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 starsOUT OF 36 REVIEWS
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Gigio was great and enormously helpful
I had a great experience with Gigio and will happily use him again in the future when my needs call for it. I particularly liked how straightforward he was and how hard he worked to ensure that he had provided me with the information I was looking for, and that I understood things to my satisfaction.
Posted by – Stephanie May 12, 2017
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
First Time Home Buying Experience
Scott and I were in the process of buying our first home together and we got in touch with Gio through our brother’s recommendation. Our brother and Gio went to law school together so we knew right from the start that we were in good hands. Since our home was being sold through a Relocation Company, the process was slightly different. However, Gio and Cheryl made this process smooth and painless. From the time we saw the home to the time of closing, it took us less than 2 months to be home owners. This was honestly made possible by Gio and Cheryl. They’re professional advice during the process made Scott and I aware of what to expect and what to be aware of. Cannot thank Gio and Cheryl enough for their services and support! We would highly recommend Shankar Ninan & Co. to anyone!!
Posted by – Chiyomi May 3, 2017
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Energetic, Efficient and gets work done – Highly Recommend
I had the opportunity to work with Gio for a civil lawsuit. He was very professional and transparent. He laid all my options and found the best suited solution for the situation. I would absolutely consult with Gio for any legal advice and would highly recommend him.
Posted by – Dee April 6, 2017
Clear Communication
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Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Exceptional Attorney
I have required legal assistance a couple of times and each
time Gigio Ninan has always made sure that I was taken care of in a prompt fashion. We have worked through challenging situations and Gigio has really shown how knowledgeable he is. His advice is very clear-cut and straightforward, laying out all options or actions to take in a simple manner. He has been able to effectively close all legal troubles I have experienced in my favor. Even after the cases that he worked on me for, he has always made himself available to answer any questions I have had. If I ever need legal assistance again, there is no doubt that Gigio would be the first and only attorney I would call.Posted by – Prasant February 10, 2017
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Great Experience with Gigio
I hired Gigio for assistance in closing a condo I was purchasing. He was extremely helpful and responsive throughout the process. The entire process went very seamlessly due to his work. I would definitely recommend him!
Posted by – Hersh Malik February 7, 2017
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Gio helped us achieve a great result
Gigio K. Ninan, of Shankar Ninan and Company, was recommended to us by a friend who is an attorney. She said that Gio was a lawyer who was good, tenacious, able to translate complex legal language into everyday English and help their client understand the benefits and problems of options that were available to them. As it turned out, we needed all of these qualities as we worked through a challenging situation with a hospital and insurance company. Gio was able to get an unresponsive insurance company to live up to their financial obligations and worked with the lawyer from the hospital to minimize their bills and maximize their payment timeframe. He clearly articulated our options and showed us the benefits and limitations of each without judgment or bias. Gio was responsive and worked hard on our behalf and was available to answer small questions and help us make major decisions. Like our friend, we would recommend him and would call him up if ever the need rose again.
Posted by – Peter and Kristen November 24, 2016
Clear Communication
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Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Extremely Knowledgeable and Easy to Talk to
Gigio has been a great guide in navigating the requirements for doing business with large corporations. I engaged a Gigio to review a contract for me, but he added so much more. He walked me through the contract and explained every change he made. He also provided guidance about what points in the contract are the most negotiable and where I should push back. He answered every question and ensured we discussed every aspect of the contract and risks tied to the project I was engaging in. All this and he provided his work earlier than expect.
I recommend Gigio regardless of the stage of your business. He adds value similar to that of a trusted adviser and will not disappoint!
Posted by – Harsh October 22, 2016
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Delivered exactly what I needed!
Hired Gigio to help me with several business contracts and he was able to articulate and put to paper exactly what I needed to ensure that all parties would execute the agreement to allow for my commerce business to flourish!
Posted by – Ankur October 19, 2016
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Professional and Dedicated Attorney
I have used Mr. Ninan a number of times for review of business contracts and management agreements. Mr. Ninan works closely with you to make sure you get everything that you need and is always available no matter the time or day. I will continue to you use him for legal work and highly recommend him as well as his law firm for any legal needs.
Posted by – Jeevan Mathew September 16, 2016
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Knowledgeable, attentive and professional
Gigio always makes sure that I understand my options and helps to simplify seemingly complicated situations. Aside from all the advice he’s given me about operating agreements and service marks, he also helped me with a rider agreement, which helped me secure a client. He’s very professional and transparent and I recommend him 100%.
Posted by – Carol September 12, 2016
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
A great help on a difficult transaction
Gigio was a great help with his advice and attention to detail in getting a complex transaction closed for us on our home. He was very responsive and I would use him again.
Posted by – Jay March 11, 2016
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Attorney
Gigio has been a professional colleague of mine for several years. He is a savvy attorney who advocates zealously for his clients. He makes himself readily available to his clients and responds quickly. I would highly recommend Gigio for top-notch legal representation.
Posted by – Dan February 12, 2016
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Highly Recommended
Gigio has assisted our company with various legal projects (pre-litigation, online disclosures, numerous statutes, employment, etc.) and has always provided useful and timely advise and service. I would highly recommend Gigio.
Posted by – Ankit November 11, 2015
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Highly Recommend
I have known Mr. Ninan in a professional capacity for a number of years. During that time I have observed Mr. Ninan’s work product firsthand, and he is a very thorough and efficient attorney. In addition to his work ethic and knowledge of the law, Mr. Ninan is an “outside the box” thinker who provides pragmatic “real world” advice. I highly recommend him.
Posted by – Anthony September 29, 2015
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Lawyer
Giogio ninan was a great asset in reviewing my contract. Not only was he professional but he was responsive and available to thoroughly answer all my questions. He offered knowledgeable insight that was very useful. I would recommend Giogio ninan got anyone who needs to do a contract review.
Posted by – Nikki September 23, 2015
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Gigio Review
Gigio was great!
He represented my company in a hearing and the results were extremely favorable on my behalf.
Always was available to answer questions and was relentless in his pursuit to end the case in our favor in which he did.
Would recommend him to everyone I know!Posted by – Reny Samuel September 16, 2015
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Mr. Ninan created a template contract for me and was tremendously helpful throughout the whole process. He took the time to understand my my concerns and he structured the contract accordingly. He then made sure I understood all aspects of the contract and how it would work for me. I will definitely seek his help next time I need assistance with an important legal matter.
Posted by – Greg P. December 05, 2017
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
I first consulted – and then hired – Gigio for a personal employment situation. Since then he became our company legal counsel. He is great to understand the picture and his wise guidance and common-sense approach always led to successful resolutions. A great experience and I highly recommend Gigio.
Posted by – Moreno V., Giorgetti USA, Inc. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
I was introduced to Gigio through some of his existing clients, one of whom owns a Physical Therapy conglomerate in northern New Jersey and the other of whom just recently started a pharmacy in Harlem. I was in the process of moving to New York and was purchasing a stake in a pharmacy in Westchester County. Gigio met with me, reviewed all of the sale documents, membership interest agreements, promissory notes and the commercial lease. This all took a few months. I could tell he always had my best interest in mind and that he was thorough. He gave me a friendly rate but went above what he was originally retained for.
Posted by – Michael J. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Gigio and his staff were helpful and responsive to all my questions and concerns. He took his time in explaining step by step process for my case. Overall, it was a pleasant experience!
Posted by – Saurabh A. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Thursday October 4, 2018 I was wrongfully terminated from Zafra Minhas Construction LLC (ZFM) for doing my job (it’s almost as bad as getting fired on your day off… lol) what’s worst ZFM did not pay me for the full amount of hours I worked for them. I’ve called a number of attorneys, many wasn’t sure of the relevant law or how to assess the strength of my claim.
I reached out to Gigio K. Ninan, (Gio) from Shankar Ninan and within 5-10 minutes of just speaking with him he was ready willing and able to take on my claim and represent me on this matter. It felt good to tell ZFM Chief Operating Officer and their attorney “you’ll be hearing form my attorney” (the look on their faces was priceless… lol), in truth, I did not know what to expect, thinking perhaps a basic work and representation with a generic demand letter or pleadings would be sent.
Gio sent a formal demand, of course, he sent me a copy, again I did not know what to expect. This DEMAND LETTER, however, was way more then I was expecting. It citied relevant law and controlling case law with supporting evidence, I didn’t know I hired a
bulldog… lol (I would pay anything to see the faces of ZFM Chief Operating Officer and their attorney while reading this demand letter).
This demand letter, reflects as it was clear that Gio will not handle your case in factory-like-process, take his time and go over all the details and find the supporting law to make sure you are heard, and at each and every stage of your case he will represent you with excellence and give far more than what you’ve bargain for. Gio is the attorney you want, he takes the time to listen, treats you like family, protects the underdog and is always available via phone call, text, email more importantly he’s a straight shooter, a rare quality indeed.I am so impressed by his work I cannot think of anyone better to assist me in developing contracts and developing and building my business from the ground up and protecting my business interest. I for one will maintain a long relationship with Shankar Ninan.
If you want a real life Harvey Specter (a character by Gabriel Macht on the TV Show Suits) call Gio… lol, you wont be disappointed promise.
Posted by – Anonymous. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Gigio K. Ninan from Shankar Ninan & Co LLP is my go to business counsel for my Physical Therapy practice. I own Jeevan Therapy LLC which has three locations in northern New Jersey. Gigio counseled me back in 2015 when I was first forming, to reviewing my commercial lease agreement, operating agreement and management/loan documents. Gigio has always provided me sound, reasoned and a plain English interpretation to often complicated legal jargon. Since 2015, I have kept Gigio close as I continued to grow my practice from every day hiring of employees or highly sensitive matters that may arise that require immediate legal attention. I have referred a number of other companies to Gigio as well as some requiring immigration assistance from his Partner, too. I wholeheartedly recommend Gigio Ninan to anyone searching for a reasonably priced, affordable attorney who really cares about providing high quality legal service. Most of all, he’s personable. He does charge a slight consult fee but it’s totally worth meeting him!
Posted by – Jeevan Therapy, LLC. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
eGigio K. Ninan (Gio) is methodical, deliberate, thorough, efficient and always responsive. He delivers at nothing less than the highest standards. Every adjective that you can think of to describe positive and glorious commendation as a lawyer and as a person, it can be used to describe my impression of Gio after knowing him for over the past 10 months as my attorney. I can say without any reservation that if you are seeking someone who knows his work well in labor, employment and business law, you want this guy in your corner!
My recent events of having to respond to a ridiculously annoying and time-wasting claim from a previous employer, brought me into the more-than-capable hands of one, Gigio K. Ninan, Esq., whom I found through a search on the internet. Rising above others with cleverly-worded ads and promising claims of being such-and-such law firm with so-and-so success-rates, Gio was the only one out of a long list of results whom I initiated contact with, who responded immediately. He was the only one who recognized that anyone searching for such type of assistance must be in emotional agony and confusion, and replied with a similar urgency; consideration which anyone in my situation could hope for. Within five minutes we were communicating via video and phone as a consultation; from where? Across the globe, India. It was 10:00 am here in New York City and he was out-of-country for work. Yet on that off-hour-time, he still returned my email sensing its importance to me, and thus began the never-failing dependable nature of his passion to help whenever he can.
Now, almost a year since-, and 151 lengthy email-strings later, after hundreds of thousands of thoughtfully written answers and deposition material, and numerous hours of meticulously researched responses to the claim made against me, while along the way helping me with other smaller contractual interpretations not-related to the case-at-hand, he has yet to let up on consistently delivering this sort of high-caliber work.
I have come to trust his advice and undoubtedly reliable work ethic. He exudes confidence that is needed and desired as your attorney protecting your interest. But he remains humble as a person.
As I forge ahead in my own career as an Interventional Cardiologist with multiple Board Certifications, I can move with Legal confidence having Giogio K. Ninan Esq’s continued role as counsel on my team!
Posted by – Nay Htyte, M.D. (Interventional Cardiologist) January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
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Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Thanks Gigio for your outstanding service and persistence. It took a while but you came through.
Posted by – Jason V.January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Gigio Ninan as an attorney for my home selling. It was absolutely pleasure having him. I felt very much secure with his timely advises and support . Is very prompt and punctual in keeping me updated at every step.
Posted by – Dilip V. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
A great experience from the moment I met Gigio Ninan. He’s a very qualified and a trusted source for legal advice. As my attorney, he was very proactive and consistently informed me about my litigation, which eventually, I WON! All thanks to Gio!
Posted by – Amish C. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
A great experience from the moment I met Gigio Ninan, a friend, and a trusted source for legal advice well beyond our contractual obligations. Highly recommended.
Posted by – Mitchell M. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
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Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Gigio was detailed, informed, and timely on all matters pertaining to the closing of our business aquistiion. Outstanding customer services with a truly personal touch. Strongly recommend Gigio for your company’s needs.
Posted by – Randy G. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Gigio is a lawyer with a lot of experience and trust him to give you top notch advice. I consulted Gio on two separate occasions to review my employment contract and immigration related situation. He was thorough and went above and beyond to explain things. He is not going to cut corners; you can trust him to give you the best counsel. Gio is smart, personable and given the quality of service his firm’s rates are very reasonable. Once you hire him, he will work that extra mile for you. I very highly recommend Gio.
Posted by – Anonymous, Hedge Fund Employee January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Gigio and his team were extremely helpful in securing my commercial lease. Gigio was very responsive and informative and he taught me a lot of things I didn’t know. He made sure to aggressively seek what was best for me and got it done. I will be sure to go back to him in the future and to recommend him to anyone who needs legal help. Thanks again!
Posted by – Davis S. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
Gigio was extremely responsive and helpful, understood exactly what my needs were, and quickly produced a customized document for me. I will definitely seek his assistance in the future.
Posted by – Jeffrey January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
There is a lot to be said about finding a business that has customer focused service, sincerity, and effectiveness. Shankar Ninan & Co checks all those boxes.
Gigio has helped me as a consultant to my small business on various occasions. His knowledge and guidance has helped me continue to grow my company. Having a resource like him as a business owner makes a huge impact.
I recommend Gigio and his firm because they are more than just a legal team. They will get to know you, and really care about the service that they can provide to you.
5 stars!
Posted by – Josh P. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
When I first time to search a business lawyer and immigration lawyer to discuss my business, I found it’s really hard to get both business lawyer and immigration same law firm, except Gigio’s firm. He is really good at business part, very patient, very professional, always with a nice attitude and solved my problem very quickly. He replies email very quickly, and he provides me professional suggestions.
Posted by – Lei L. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
I found Gigio through Avvo and had several questions related to my employment and startup situation. Gigio acted from start to end as a true pro – he is highly energetic, deeply knowledgable, has constructive attitude and takes pride in knowing his craft. I am looking forward to work with him on other projects as well.
Posted by – Bo J. January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
After 3 years of developing my company from scratch, we were up to the point where we needed to become incorporated. We had no idea what to do, how to do it, or where to go to do it. We didnt know which business structure to choose. We were basically hopeless. I got recommended to Gigio by a friend and what we struggled to do in months, he did in two weeks. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field, listens to and fulfills all of your needs and wants, and he is an extremely dedicated and hard worker. He stayed up until 430 am the night he finished up our work. He helped us take our business to the next level. Without him we would still be a company in a basement, literally. HIGHLY RECOMMEND GIGIO, 150%. Thank you for everything!
Posted by – Clutter Crates January 23, 2019
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines 5.0 stars
Mr. Ninan
I am very pleased with the advice and service that I received from Gigio.
I am usually reluctant to deal with attorneys, they seem to complicate things. Not so with Gigio. He helped me with some financial contracts, which even this non-legal thinking guy could understand. In addition, his attention to detail and responsiveness to after hour calls was more than impressive. I recommend him and his firm without reservation.Posted by – Martin M. January 23, 2019
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