New York Consolidated Laws, Judiciary Law - JUD § 475. Attorney's lien in action, special or other proceeding

From the commencement of an action, special or other proceeding in any court or before any state, municipal or federal department, except a department of labor, or the service of an answer containing a counterclaim, or the initiation of any means of alternative dispute resolution including, but not limited to, mediation or arbitration, or the provision of services in a settlement negotiation at any stage of the dispute, the attorney who appears for a party has a lien upon his or her client's cause of action, claim or counterclaim, which attaches to a verdict, report, determination, decision, award, settlement, judgment or final order in his or her client's favor, and the proceeds thereof in whatever hands they may come;  and the lien cannot be affected by any settlement between the parties before or after judgment, final order or determination.  The court upon the petition of the client or attorney may determine and enforce the lien.