Emmanuel Fishelman
ZIPIN, AMSTER & GREENBERG, LLC
Effective communication is much more than just speaking the same language . . . it’s patience, reliability, and showing courtesy. “
A DECADE OF DEDICATION AND GROWTH IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION
EMMANUEL A. “MANNY” FISHELMAN, a partner at Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC, and one of Maryland’s Hispanic personal injury litigators, has dedicated his career to seeking justice for members of Maryland’s minority and immigrant communities.
Fishelman knew from an early age that he wanted to be a lawyer. Encouraged by family and friends who recognized his natural talent for advocacy, he entered law school intending to pursue a political career. His focus shifted after discovering a passion for immigration law, which ultimately led to an unexpected but fulfilling career in personal injury litigation.
“I like to say that I didn’t pick personal injury, but that it picked me,” Fishelman reflects. Since joining a boutique litigation firm after law school, he has fully embraced this area of practice, becoming a zealous advocate for his clients. His practice focuses largely on serving Spanish-speaking clients, many of whom are undocumented immigrants from Central America. Fishelman believes his fluency in Spanish and deep understanding of his clients’ unique challenges set him apart from other litigators.
“Effective communication is much more than just speaking the same language,” however, as Fishelman emphasizes, “it’s patience, reliability, and showing courtesy.” These qualities have made him a trusted ally for individuals navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Fishelman’s ability to connect with his clients is matched by his extensive litigation experience. In his decade of practice, he has filed over 500 lawsuits and tried between 200 and 250 cases. Currently, Fishelman leads the personal injury department at Zipin, Amster & Greenberg, LLC, a practice group
he founded in 2022. Managing a team of five paralegals and overseeing approximately 200 cases, he balances the demands of a high-volume practice with his dedication to client care.
He admits that the pure volume of work can be challenging to manage, particularly with constant deadlines and new clients. “Client communication is always a challenge,” he shared, “but picking up the phone and being available helps build trust and ensures that clients feel supported.” Throughout his career, Fishelman has learned invaluable lessons about resilience, balance, and the demands of private practice.
“The best advice I ever received was to not let myself get too high with the wins or too low with the losses. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint,” he reflects. This perspective has helped him navigate the unpredictable terrain of litigation and maintain a steady focus on his goals.
Fishelman’s commitment to work-life balance is a cornerstone of his professional philosophy, and he believes that success in private practice is achievable without sacrificing personal fulfillment—a lesson he wishes he could share with his younger self. “The practice of law will take whatever you are willing to give it. Set personal and professional boundaries and stick with them,” he advises.
Despite the challenges that come with a litigation practice, Fishelman is motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
“No one comes to a personal injury lawyer when they’re happy,” he notes. “Clients often arrive injured, scared, and unsure of what to do. Seeing the turnaround from when they
first walk into my office to when their case is resolved is incredibly rewarding.”
Over the years, Fishelman has found that his work with immigrant communities has not only shaped his career but also deepened his empathy and understanding. “I’ve always empathized with immigrants,” he says. “Working heavily with this population for the past 10 years has only strengthened that feeling.”
His passion for elevating minorities in Maryland extends beyond client representation. He shared, “whether it’s providing competent legal representation, being a mentor to young lawyers, or teaching Spanish-speaking students, I find my purpose in helping minorities get a fair shot.“
Fishelman credits much of his work ethic and dedication to his father, Norman Fishelman, who passed away in 2024. A multilingual educator and musician, Norman’s example of perseverance and passion continues to inspire Fishelman in his professional and personal life.
Looking ahead, Fishelman’s goals for the future center on maintaining a fulfilling balance between professional success and personal well-being. “We work to live, not live to work,” he says, a reminder to himself and others that the demands of the legal profession should never overshadow life’s greater joys.
With a career defined by advocacy, learning, and growth, Fishelman serves as an inspiring example of how attorneys can make a difference—both in their clients’ lives and their communities.