Peter F. Harrington, Esq.
Founding Member
Mr. Harrington leads the Firm’s Insurance Defense Group, where he represents insurers, corporations, municipalities, and individual clients in high-exposure litigation. Over the course of his career, he has defended thousands of cases involving serious personal injury, civil rights violations, excessive force/false arrest and mass tort/product liability claims, guiding matters from inception through discovery, trial and appeal. His practice is imbued with a strategic, results-oriented approach and a deep understanding of the complexities of insurance defense litigation.
Mr. Harrington’s experience spans state and federal courts throughout New York and beyond. He has successfully handled jury trials, dispositive motion practice, appellate arguments, and settlement negotiations in some of the most challenging venues. Clients and colleagues value his ability to distill complex legal and factual issues into practical strategies that protect client interests while managing risk and cost.
Before co-founding McGowan Harrington Parisi PLLC, Mr. Harrington was a partner at Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP, where he built a reputation as a skilled litigator in the fields of insurance defense and commercial litigation. Earlier in his career, he served as law clerk to the Hon. Charles L. Brieant, U.S.D.J., former Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, where he gained invaluable insight into federal practice and judicial decision-making.
Mr. Harrington is also active in professional organizations and continuing legal education programs related to insurance law, litigation strategy, and trial practice. His leadership of the Firm’s Insurance Defense Group reflects his commitment to excellence, mentorship of younger attorneys, and dedication to delivering the highest level of service to clients.
Admissions
New York, Second Judicial Department
Connecticut
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of New York
U.S. Supreme Court
Experience
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP, White Plains, New York
Partner
Hon. Charles L. Brieant, U.S.D.J., United States Southern District of New York
Clerk
Education
J.D., Fordham University School of Law, 1994
B.A., Villanova University, 1991
Representative Matters
Led litigation team defending several hundred New York Child Victims’ Act cases brought against institutional client
Secured directed verdict at trial in representation of law enforcement agency and several officers in federal civil rights case alleging wrongful imprisonment stemming from double murder conviction
Defended member of volunteer fire department in federal civil rights case alleging wrongful conviction arising from arson conviction
Defended international manufacturer in a catastrophic injury case alleging design defects/failure to warn
Represented toy manufacturer in products liability action alleging design defects
Community Service and Professional Memberships
Saint Mary School, Ridgefield, CT, School Advisory Board member and former Chairman
Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Westchester County, President 2025-2026
New York State Bar Association
Westchester Bar Association
Northern Westchester County Bar Association (past Secretary)