Henry C. Chan, Esq.

For more than two decades, Henry C. Chan has built a reputation as a strategic litigator and trusted advocate for clients facing high-stakes disputes in New York’s state and federal courts. As Founder and Managing Partner of Chan Vitanza LLP (formerly Wilson & Chan), Henry leads a sophisticated commercial and tort liability defense practice representing clients that range from New York State agencies and municipalities to Fortune 500 and multibillion-dollar corporations.

Henry’s practice centers on construction law, commercial law, contract disputes, insurance defense and coverage, tort liability defense, and appellate litigation—with a focus on “bet-the-company” cases where strategic precision and courtroom performance make the difference. He represents a full spectrum of public and private industry players, including municipalities, governmental agencies, public transportation authorities, public utilities, sureties, insurers, owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors.

In construction litigation, Henry’s cross-sector experience gives clients a distinct competitive edge. His insight into the motivations, risks, and tactics of every stakeholder allows him to craft winning strategies that anticipate and outmaneuver the opposition. His work covers issues such as terminations for convenience and for cause, mechanic’s and public improvement liens, change orders, delay and liquidated damage claims, payment bond and Miller Act claims, Labor Law §§200, 240, 241, premises liability, tort liability defense litigation, insurance coverage disputes, indemnification, prevailing wage issues, bid protests, MWBE certification matters, Article 78 litigation, and full-scale trial and appellate advocacy.

Henry is known for taking cases from initial assessment through verdict and appeal—handling everything from initial case evaluation, damage assessment, discovery, motion practice, court appearances, expert selection and disclosure, mediation, and arbitration to jury and bench trials (with more than 40+ verdicts to his credit). He is also a trusted advisor and lecturer, frequently invited to speak before business and trade groups on emerging legal issues, and has taught construction law at Pace University since 2016.

A recognized leader in diversity and inclusion, Henry advises companies on Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) compliance and certification. Under his leadership, Chan Vitanza has achieved MBE and DBE certifications and membership in the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). He also serves as a Court-Appointed Referee for the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Henry’s strategic acumen and record of success have earned him consistent recognition from Super Lawyers™, Martindale-Hubbell, New York magazine, Best Lawyers, Chambers, Best of New York in Civil Litigation, American Institute of Legal Professionals Law Firm of the Year, American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year, Lawyers of Distinction, New York Elite Lawyer Award, Fellowship Honor by the Construction Lawyers Society of America, AV Preeminent Judicial Award, and New York Metro Rising Stars. Additionally, the Asian American Business Development Center named Henry as one of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business. Henry also serves as a Practice Chair for the Asian American Bar Association New York and Board Member for the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors.

Henry earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, and his B.A. in international studies and economics from American University, School of International Service.