Blooming Grove Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

Joel R. Brandes, of the New York Bar, concentrates his practice in New York divorce and family law appeals. He also consults with and advises attorneys on appellate, trial court and international child abduction matters in all of the New York state and federal courts. He has been recognized by the New York Appellate Division as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce ” (See Matter of Brandes, 2015 WL 4664743, 2015 N.Y. Slip Op. 81096(U) (2d Dept.,2015)). He is the author of the treatise Law and the Family New York 2021-2022 Edition...

Named a Super Lawyer for 2023, Michael Ciarlo has been practicing Real Estate law since 1999, providing successful and experienced results for his clients. During this time, his extensive knowledge of commercial, business, and real estate litigation has benefited the clients of the firm. He has a wide range of experience negotiating, analyzing, resolving, and litigating all aspects of real estate, business, co-op, condo, and landlord/tenant matters. Mr. Ciarlo brings a significant depth of understanding to his role in advising large and small businesses, co-ops, condominiums, landlords, tenants, and individuals in their disputes and litigation. Mr. Ciarlo graduated from New...

Shawn Barnett is a skilled litigator and trial attorney who is dedicated to helping those who have been victimized by law enforcement or correctional officers. He has received multiple million-dollar settlements for his clients and has been recognized as an Illinois Rising Star multiple times. During his time as an attorney, Shawn has represented numerous clients who have been injured by those who have abused their authority. He has vigorously pursued a wide variety of claims on behalf of his clients, including false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, wrongful death, and sexual assault. Shawn has a particular focus on police involved...

Bernard D’Orazio is a native New Yorker who has lived in New York City for more than 35 years. He served for eight years as an appointed member of Manhattan Community Board No. 1, which participates in City planning processes and other issues facing lower Manhattan. In addition, he was for many years a member of the Board of Managers of his 261-unit condominium building located in the Tribeca neighborhood in Manhattan and also served as its President. Mr. D’Orazio is presently a Public Member of the Business Conduct Committee (formerly known as the Adjudication Committee) of The CME Group,...

Christie Tomm Addona is a Partner at Silverberg Zalantis LLC. She has extensive experience working on Litigation and Appeals, Land Use Applications, and Municipal matters. She represents clients on Article 78 Proceedings, defending and challenging administrative decisions. Additionally, Christie also counsels on Employment Law and Commercial Litigation issues.

Christie has prior experience in several Civil Litigation firms. She has worked from the beginning of lawsuits through trials and appeals for Insurance Defense, Tort, Maritime, Contract and Employment Law cases. Christie has represented a vast array of clients including individuals, large corporations, and non-profit corporations.

In 2005, Christie received...

Named one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in NYC by Super Lawyers and one of America’s Top 5% Most Honored Lawyers of 2020, Lorraine Nadel is the founding partner of Nadel & Ciarlo, P.C. She is a skilled and accomplished litigator in the areas of real estate, co-op and condo law, business and commercial law, and complex landlord-tenant matters. She is known for her ability to help clients effectively solve problems by providing concrete solutions to complex matters. Having been an accountant with a top accounting firm prior to obtaining her law degree, her combined legal and accounting background...

Ephraim Jacob (‘E.J.”) Fink has been litigating in the Connecticut and New York Courts since 2000. After representing hundreds of carriers and their policy holders as well as corporations, product manufacturers and healthcare facilities from negligence and contract claims, EJ practiced at a boutique in the areas of personal injury, family law/divorce, estate and trust litigation. EJ graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in journalism and thereafter obtained his JD at New England Law-Boston where his dean’s list grade average earned him an associate editor position on the New England Journal on Criminal...

I am a trial lawyer and litigator. I also provide corporate advice and representation to religious institutions and represent foreign nationals in applications for religious asylum. I have actively practiced as a lawyer since graduating from law school in 1983. After eight years of training in big firms in Chicago and New York, I established my own law office in New York City. In summer, 2016, I joined with two other experienced lawyers to form Nelson Madden Black LLP. Our firm focuses on the representation of churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other religious institutions, and individuals who have legal...

Attorney John L. Calcagni, III from the Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III is a highly skilled, aggressive, and experienced criminal defense trial attorney. He is a former military prosecutor in the U.S. Army JAG Corps where he prosecuted hundreds of complex felony cases in the United States and abroad. Attorney John L. Calcagni, III also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with U.S. Attorney's Office in New York. As a prosecutor, attorney John L. Calcagni, III never lost a single case. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York,...

Michael Konopka has aggressively represented his clients for over 34 years. He is involved in complex litigation in both the State and Federal Courts. He is currently the principal of Michael Konopka & Associates, P.C,, located at 277 Broadway, NY, NY. (212 385 4800) His office staff is fluent in Russian, Ukranian, Polish and Chinese. Michael Konopka was born in Detroit. After graduating from Monteith College, he attended New York Law School and received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1982. Michael is a lifetime member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the American Bar Association and...

Joseph Kilada began his career at one of the most prestigious public interest law firms in Manhattan handling complex legal issues and trials. Thereafter, he entered private practice starting a litigation law firm devoted to zealously serving the needs of his clients.

Joseph Kilada is admitted to practice in New York State and is also admitted to practice before various federal courts including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2006, Mr. Kilada was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court where he had the pleasure of personally meeting several Supreme Court Justices including newly appointed, Chief Judge John...

In more than nineteen years of law practice based in New York and Connecticut, Bill Lalor has represented a diverse group of individual and commercial clients in an array of litigated and other matters involving business disputes, complex insurance coverage (including coverage-in-place agreements, structured settlements, and other coverage issues), employment disputes and negotiations, probate and estate matters, education, real estate, small business planning, personal injury, toxic torts and mass torts, regulatory matters, education law and other subject areas. Bill has litigated cases involving high-profile clients and adversaries in federal, state and specialized courts throughout the United States, including “CNA” insurers and...

Robert M. Schechter focuses much of his practice in the areas of gun rights, civil and criminal litigation, contract law, appeals, as well as helping startups. He enjoys the courtroom and has always wanted to be a litigator. A significant portion of his practice is spent helping clients navigate the various licensing authorities that New York has involved in deciding to grant or deny CCW (gun) Licenses. He takes an individualized approach to each and every appeal and Article 78 proceeding. Additionally this has further opened his eyes to clear disparate treatment many members of our country face. This unique...

Antonia Kousoulas is a seasoned litigator, with over 26 years of experience in federal and state courts. Her legal skills and tenacity have been instrumental in her effective advocacy of claims ranging from civil service appeals to whistleblower claims under Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition to litigating, Ms. Kousoulas has established a sizable practice negotiating executive contracts and severance agreements, and counseling professionals and closely held businesses in employment matters and labor law compliance. She has practiced extensively in the U.S. District Courts of New York and New Jersey, and before the NYC...

Samantha has established a remarkable reputation for consistently delivering unmatched results with speed. Clients admire her fearlessness in the courtroom and unwavering dedication to their cause. She firmly believes in the lawyer's ability to make a positive impact on the justice system and uphold the constitutional ideals that underpin our society. Central to Samantha's approach is empowering her clients and offering them the necessary support and guidance to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. As a fierce advocate for individuals accused of crimes, she recognizes the unique challenges they face and is fully committed to safeguarding their rights and...

Consumers, Business, Labor & Employment, Education, Civil Rights, Real Estate, Landlord & Tenant, Banks, Insurance, Licensing, Administrative, Litigation…” OUR PHILOSOPHY OF LEGAL PRACTICE •We will provide the highest quality of legal representation •We will be responsive to your needs as a business or individual •We will handle your legal matters competently •We will handle your legal matter with experience •We will respond to your problems in a timely manner •We will represent your interests effectively and forcefully •We will listen to you REASONABLE LEGAL FEES It is important that a client be informed up front of our hourly billing rates and be given an estimate of the approximate number of...

Patrick W. Begos is a founding member of the firm and senior partner in the Westport office. He heads the firm's trial and appellate group. Pat brings 19 years of litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation experience to the firm. Prior to forming Begos Horgan & Brown, Patrick was a partner in the New York City litigation firm Molton & Meekins (1995-1998), and he was previously associated with Weil, Gotshal & Manges (1990-1995); and Lane & Mittendorf (1988-1990). He is a current member of the Trial Tactics and the Life, Health and Disability Sections of the Defense Research Institute, and a member...

John is a international lawyer with multiple post graduate degrees from both U.S. and European schools. He is a certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Controls Specialist. He has extensive multifaceted experience in business law and litigation.

Land Use and Zoning, Environmental and Municipal Law Real Estate Litigation Commercial Litigation Civil Rights (Property Rights) Litigation

Annette Gifford has obtained successful outcomes for clients in both state and federal courts, including in connection with reversing or vacating convictions before multiple circuits of the United States Circuit Courts of Appeal. Ms. Gifford’s primary work for Spolin Law clients includes post-trial direct appeals and writs of habeas corpus. She received her B.S. degree from Cornell University and her J.D. from Cornell Law School and is licensed to practice law in California and New York.

Michael Martens is an accomplished attorney with significant litigation experience practicing in the Hudson Valley. After graduating from George Washington University and Brooklyn Law School, he began his legal career in Manhattan and Brooklyn, working for prominent law firms before ultimately settling in New Paltz with his wife and daughter, where he worked for a highly respected Hudson Valley law firm. Throughout his career, Michael has gained a reputation as a highly skilled litigator, representing individuals and businesses alike. He has previously served as appellate counsel and dispositive motion counsel for a prominent Manhattan litigation firm, honing his skills in complex...

I've been defending clients charged with both Federal and State Criminal Charges for 21 years. I've handled tough cases and defended clients on charges ranging from Organized Crime to Conspiracy.

Beau Taylor is the owner of Beau Taylor Law, PLLC, a boutique law firm located in New York. We focus on Estate Planning, Family Law, and Personal Injury, including probate, guardianships, and trusts and wills. Beau Taylor Law is committed to helping clients from Manhattan to Montauk. Beau Taylor Law is a personable law firm that understands each client has their own unique situations.

G. Oliver Koppell, a cum laude graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, has a distinguished legacy of service in both the private and public sectors. He brings more than 40 years of legal experience to bear on every case, and has successfully represented clients in many areas of practice. Mr. Koppell is a former New York State Attorney General. In addition, he has served as a member of the New York State Assembly and the New York City Council.

Mr. Koppell has vast experience in both trial and appellate courts across New York and beyond. In fact, he has...

I am dedicated to my clients' causes. I use an intelligent approach of strategizing every angle, starting from when I first talk to my client. I use over 30 years of legal experience that I gained from some of the most controversial high profile cases to work towards winning your case. My keen knowledge of law and procedure leads to very creative solutions to handle your case quickly and efficiently, including my use of the latest technology and research tools.

André G. Castaybert is the founder and principal attorney at CASTAYBERT PLLC. His experience as a commercial trial court and appellate lawyer spans two and a half decades. He started his career as a litigator in New York City, at the international law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP where he worked for twenty years in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department on a wide range of commercial disputes in the Federal courts across the United States, in the New York State courts, and in domestic and international arbitration. André has also been Counsel to several highly regarded boutique business...

Attorney Jeffrey Benjamin is enjoying his third decade of practicing law. In 1997, he started practicing law in the field of consumer protection and class actions. Out of the starting gate, he was trying cases, arguing substantial motions and appeals, and building a practice under the motto: “Doing Well, by Doing Good.”

Today, he continues to develop skill and expertise in trial and appellate advocacy. Adversary counsel against him come from some of the largest and most resourceful firms in New York City down to competent and capable sole practitioners. From the beginning of his practice, Mr. Benjamin has felt that...

David S. Rich is the founding member of the Law Offices of David S. Rich, LLC. Mr. Rich is a New York City Business Litigation Attorney. Mr. Rich litigates civil, commercial, employment, and securities matters in federal and state courts in New York and New Jersey, and arbitrates such matters before FINRA and other arbitral bodies. Mr. Rich also litigates appeals. Mr. Rich has represented clients in, among other civil and commercial matters, breach of contract actions, business torts cases, bankruptcy and adversary proceedings, civil racketeering actions, oppressed minority shareholder disputes, product liability litigation, franchisor-franchisee litigation, qui tam...

The Law Office of Terry D. Horner specializes in civil and criminal appeals in all New York State appellate courts. A practicing attorney for 38 years, he is admitted to the New York Bar, the federal District Courts in New York State, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Horner has represented civil and criminal clients in 150 appeals in the New York courts, with successes in the Court of Appeals, all four Appellate Divisions, and the Appellate Term. Mr. Horner has been approved to handle assigned criminal appeals by the Appellate Division, Second...

Simone Bertollini is a top rated criminal and immigration attorney. As an experienced counsel, Mr. Bertollini has extensive trial, appellate, and motion practice experience. Mr. Bertollini strong track-record includes obtaining a "not guilty" verdict on all the felony charges of the first ever “click fraud” Federal criminal trial.
Mr. Bertollini is licensed in New York and New Jersey, included Federal District Courts, Federal Court of Appeals for the First, Second and Third Circuit. Mr. Bertollini is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bill has 20+ years of litigation and law firm management experience. He is hardworking, efficient and detail oriented with strong leadership skills and a proven track record. He is extremely organized with a strong ability to multi-task. Bill works well in a team environment and is capable of handling complex matters and providing guidance to other team members to ensure that all matters are handled properly. EDUCATION Juris Doctor ...

Daniel H. Erskine, a New York and Connecticut admitted attorney and solicitor of England and Wales, represents U.S. individuals, companies, joint ventures, foreign businesses, and foreign nationals on complex legal matters under U.S. and U.K. law. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Erskine served as a shareholder and counsel to a business involved in relocating large scale production facilities from either US or foreign locations. Mr. Erskine also completed a judicial clerkship at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. He now operates a solo practice focused on international business transactions, advising on US and English...

I spent over 20 years in the trenches as a trial attorney, but my passion is in the areas of special education and disability law. Wanting to help clients in a more sustainable way, I have transitioned into a new type of practice.

My goal is to empathize, collaborate, and advocate for clients to find them resolutions, in special education, discriminatory conflicts, and other areas. I am a trained mediator, and have extensive experience in negotiations. I offer services to anyone looking to mediate a dispute, or who may benefit from training in conflict resolution. I offer consulting services to school...

Skilled litigation attorney with experience in state and federal courts to appellate level, arbitration and administrative hearing settings and expertise in diverse areas, including insurance coverage, federal regulation, commercial litigation and construction law. Extensive experience in complex, voluminous cases. Excellent writing skills leading to high level of success in winning cases prior to trial or upon appeal. Proven ability to liaise effectively with clients. Admitted to: New York Bar in 1997; United States Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York in 1998; United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2001. Reported Decisions: Technical Support Services Inc....

Steven is a seasoned litigator with more than 30 years of experience litigating commercial matters in federal and state courts. He has litigated a wide array of matters, including high value collection, breach of contract, fraud, and common carrier cases.

Representing clients in industries as diverse as logistics, insurance, finance, construction, and consumer products, Steven has conducted jury and non-jury trials, argued many appeals, and engaged in all aspects of managing and handling complex commercial litigation matters. Recently, Steven was co-lead counsel in a three-week, state court jury trial where he and his team won a multi-million dollar verdict for clients...

I have been a solo practitioner since 1999, after having worked for two historic maritime law firms in New York City. My practice now consists almost exclusively of federal litigation, including maritime and constitutional law. I am perhaps best known for my own pro se constitutional challenge to New York's ban on the in-home possession of the martial-arts weapon known as the nunchaku ("nunchucks"), a case that has been in litigation since 2003 (and continues as of November 2015, when this passage was last edited). Over the years, I have represented numerous individuals in state and federal...