New York County is one of New York City’s five boroughs, and is known to many as Manhattan. The word “Manhattan” translates to “island of many hills” in the Lenape language. Manhattan has also been linked to the Munsee dialect of Lenape, in which manahachtanienk means “place of general inebriation” and menatay translates to “island.”

Approximately 1.6 million people live in New York County, making it the most populous county in the nation. New York County is also among the wealthiest counties in the nation, boasting a 2005 per capita income over $100,000. New York City serves as the county seat, and is also home to two of the most prestigious law schools in the nation, Columbia Law School and New York University School of Law. New York County also serves as the United Nations’ headquarters.

Moreover, New York County is home to many historic and cultural sites, such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. In response to building and remodeling plans, as well as the demolition of the historic Penn Station, a local law creating the Landmarks Preservation Commission was passed in 1965. The Commission works to preserve New York County’s “historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage.”

New York County is the financial and business center of the nation, and perhaps the world. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are located in New York County, and a majority of U.S. television, radio, and publishing companies are headquartered in the county as well.

There are nearly 55,000 lawyers in New York County today. LegalMatch.com is a free and confidential service that helps you narrow your choices of New York Lawyers quickly and efficiently based on important criteria, such as education and experience.

For more information on New York County law, the following sites may be useful:

• New York County Lawyers’ Association Library
• New York County Public Library
• Lawyer Referral Services in New York County
• Information on the New York Criminal Bar Association