Title: Special Counsel
Company: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton
Location: Mount Vernon, New York, United States
Steven Chananie, Special Counsel at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements and leadership in Health Care Regulatory Law.
Mr. Chananie has cultivated a distinguished career in law, marked by his expertise as a health care regulatory attorney and his dedication to justice. Currently serving as special counsel at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton since 2020, his tenure at the firm’s New York location began in 2015, when he joined as a partner in the corporate and health care division, contributing significantly to the firm’s national health care team.
In addition to his legal responsibilities at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Mr. Chananie became invested in theological studies. Once he embarked on this journey to attend seminary in 2020, he stepped down from partner to special counsel to balance both commitments.
Mr. Chananie’s extensive background in law spans more than 40 years. Before joining his current firm, he was a partner at Garfunkel, Wild & Travis PC from 1996 to 2015. During this period, he also chaired the health care compliance and defense department across three offices in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Mr. Chananie’s transition from public service to private practice marked a shift in focus from criminal law to health care regulation, where he became renowned for his expertise.
Mr. Chananie’s early career was rooted in public service, beginning as an assistant district attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in 1983. During this time, honed his skills within the appeals bureau before moving to the New York State organized crime task force. Between 1987 and 1993, Mr. Chananie served as counsel to field operations and chief appellate counsel, where he played a pivotal role in reviewing wiretap applications and providing legal guidance on prosecuting complex organized crime cases.
In 1993, Mr. Chananie became the chief of the appeals bureau at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. Overseeing 40 attorneys, he transformed the bureau into one of the top criminal appellate offices in New York State by emphasizing justice and fairness. Mr. Chananie’s leadership was instrumental in instilling high standards of excellence among his team, earning significant recognition for their achievements.
Beyond his legal career, Mr. Chananie has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School from 1991 to 1993 and later at his alma mater, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, in 2020.
Mr. Chananie’s academic background included a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University in 1979 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 1983. In 2025, he earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, reflecting his lifelong interest in spirituality.
Beyond work, Mr. Chananie’s involvement extends to civic organizations, such as the Interfaith Center of New York and the Society for Earth Law. He is also a board member at both the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and Brooklyn Law School. An accomplished author, Mr. Chananie has published several works, including “Remembrance of Things Forgotten.” He also co-authored several legal publications.
Mr. Chananie’s accolades include being named a Leading Lawyer in Healthcare by Chambers USA and receiving recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. His commitment to mentoring younger attorneys and his belief in a higher purpose have been central to his professional ethos. Looking ahead, Mr. Chananie aspires to continue writing, including a book that encapsulates his diverse experiences and insights.
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