The New York legal community, particularly within the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, is in mourning following the passing of Justin S. Teff, Esq., a highly respected attorney from Albany and partner at Kirk & Teff, LLP. A fierce advocate for the rights of injured workers, Mr. Teff passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Widely recognized as a top-rated Workers’ Compensation attorney based in Kingston, New York, Justin dedicated his career to guiding individuals through the complex machinery of state disability laws with unmatched empathy, brilliance, and precision. His sudden departure leaves a profound void among his colleagues, clients, and the state bar associations he served so faithfully.
The Legacy of Justin S. Teff (1976 – 2026)
Justin S. Teff, Esq. | Professional & Academic Profile
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Date of Passing : Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Professional Role : Partner, Kirk & Teff, LLP (Kingston, NY)
Primary Area of Law : Workers' Compensation (100% Claimant Advocacy)
Major Leadership : Past President, Injured Workers' Bar Association of NY
Chair, NYS Bar Association Committee on Judicial Discipline
Alma Maters : Albany Law School of Union University (J.D., 2001)
University at Albany (B.A., 1998)
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A Champion for the Injured Worker
Throughout his more than two decades of practice, Justin established himself not just as a skilled litigator, but as a compassionate protector of individuals facing stressful, life-altering occupational injuries.
After gaining crucial foundational experience with defense firms and state committees in Albany, he shifted his focus entirely to claimant advocacy. In 2013, he partnered with Ralph M. Kirk to solidify Kirk & Teff, LLP, which grew into an elite pillar of representation for workers across the Hudson Valley. He was a prolific author and lecturer, regularly leading Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars to educate his peers on emerging case law and agency determinations.
Justin's Professional Impact & Industry Leadership
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[ Elite Recognition ] ---> Selected consistently to Super Lawyers (2019–2026)
and recognized as a top regional practitioner.
[ State Bar Leadership] -> Served a crucial term as President of the Injured
Workers’ Bar Association of NY (2017–2019).
[ Ethics & Reform ] ---> Chaired the New York State Bar Association’s
Committee on Judicial Discipline.
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A Career Defined by Excellence and Service
Justin’s professional timeline reflects an unwavering commitment to the New York legal landscape, progressing from a rigorous legal education in Albany to high-level state bar leadership.
| Timeframe | Position & Organization | Focus Area |
| 2013 – 2026 | Partner, Kirk & Teff, LLP | Workers’ Compensation & Disability Law |
| 2017 – 2019 | President, Injured Workers’ Bar Association of NY | Statewide Claimant System Advocacy |
| 2007 – 2012 | Attorney, Law Office of Ralph M. Kirk | Workers’ Compensation Litigation |
| 2006 – 2007 | Hearing Attorney, Special Funds Conservation Committee | State Fund Representation (Albany, NY) |
| 2002 – 2006 | Associate Attorney, Stockton, Barker & Mead | Defense Litigation Foundations (Albany, NY) |
Peer Tribute: “Justin was one of the most brilliant lawyers in the workers’ compensation field. He was a worthy adversary, and he always put his clients first.”
Rest in Peace
Justin S. Teff will be remembered as a legal mind of the highest integrity—a lawyer who combined structural mastery of the law with a genuine, calming kindness that reassured clients during their darkest hours.
The thoughts and deepest condolences of the New York legal community, his partners at Kirk & Teff, LLP, and the countless workers he successfully fought for are with his family and loved ones during this time of mourning. Formal memorial service coordinates and details regarding a designated tribute fund will be shared by the family in the coming days.