The legal community is mourning the loss of Paul Napoli, the founder of the New York-based law firm Napoli Shkolnik and a nationally recognized attorney known for his leadership in complex mass tort and environmental litigation. Napoli passed away on Tuesday at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, legal innovation, and dedication to clients seeking justice.
Throughout his distinguished career, Napoli built a reputation as one of the country’s most influential plaintiffs’ attorneys. As a founding partner of Napoli Shkolnik, he helped establish the firm as a major force in litigation involving environmental contamination, product liability, pharmaceutical claims, and public health issues. Under his leadership, the firm represented individuals, municipalities, and organizations in some of the most significant legal battles of recent decades.
At the time of his passing, Napoli was serving as co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel in the nationwide litigation involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” The litigation centered on claims related to PFAS contamination from firefighting foam and its alleged impact on water supplies and public health. His involvement placed him at the forefront of one of the largest and most consequential environmental cases in the United States.
Colleagues describe Napoli as a determined advocate who combined legal expertise with a deep commitment to helping those affected by corporate misconduct and environmental harm. Throughout his career, he worked on numerous high-profile cases and was widely respected for his ability to navigate complex litigation while maintaining a focus on the people affected by the issues at hand.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow attorneys, clients, judges, and legal professionals across the country. Many have praised his contributions to the legal profession, his mentorship of younger lawyers, and his tireless pursuit of accountability and justice.
As family, friends, and colleagues reflect on his life, Paul Napoli is being remembered not only as a successful attorney but also as a leader whose work helped shape modern mass tort litigation. His influence on the legal field and the many lives he touched will continue to be felt for years to come.