DANY has served New York's Civil Defense Bar and legal community for over 50 years -- bringing together by association, communication, and organization attorneys and qualified non attorneys in the state of New York who devote substantial professional time to the handling of litigated cases primarily for the defense.
DANY is committed to improving the services of the legal profession, elevating the standard of trial practice, supporting and working for the improvement of the adversarial system of jurisprudence in our courts, and facilitating and expediting trial of disputed claims.
DANY Announcements and Upcoming Events
Upcoming DANY events such as continuing legal education, banquet dinners, and the annual golf outings, once ready for registration, are posted on this web page in the column to the right; if you see a link, click on it to register. Please also note any announcements and dates presented below.
October 24, 2017 - Past Presidents' Dinner including a one hour ethics CLE at the New York Marriott Downtown in lower Manhattan - additional details to follow
Other Events for Your Consideration
Events of other bar associations and organizations of potential interest to DANY members
may be listed here. If you wish to suggest an event for mention in this space, write to
Tom Maroney (tmaroney@maroneyoconnorllp.com), Jim O'Connor (joconnor@maroneyoconnorllp.com) and Brad Corsair (bradley.corsair@aig.com).
October 4-8, 2017 - The 2017 DRI Annual Meeting will be held in Chicago. DRI International on October 6 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. will present an exciting CLE on the different approaches to discovery, disclosure, witnesses and evidence in international arbitration, and, gorilla tactics in cross-border dispute; for details, click on the link here for a flyer by DRI International:
DRI International Flyer
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DANY Programs
DANY Diversity - 2017 Brooklyn Legal Pipeline Initiative
DANY's Diversity Committee wishes to call attention to the 2017 Brooklyn Legal Pipeline Initiative. This is a program for college students that DANY is co-sponsoring with the Brooklyn Bar Association and the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Assocation. Please review the brochure with application that is available via the link below, and kindly publicize this opportunity with as many people in your networks as possible. Also, please let us know if you or any members of your firm would be interested in becoming involved either as a mentor or mock interviewer. We are also seeking firms who would be willing to provide our participants with an 8 week summer internship opportunity. Because our target participants are economically disadvantaged we are encouraging firms that are interested in providing internship opportunities to commit to providing the participants with a $1,000 stipend to cover their transportation and incidental costs. We have high hopes for this program and are grateful to DANY and its leadership for its ongoing commitment to developing a more inclusive legal community. Please contact Claire Rush at crush@crfslaw.com. Link for Pipeline Program brochure with application:
Brooklyn Pipeline App
Brooklyn Eagle write-up:
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/2/28/brooklyn-legal-pipeline-aims-increase-diversity-legal-community#.WLb43h4SHK0.email
DANY also notes the successful completion of its 2016 Diversity Initiative program, which started on March 29, 2016 and concluded on November 29, 2016. Another noteworthy program is the Law Student Writing Competition. Both programs are discussed in more detail below.
Recap of DANY Events and Programs
The remainder of this home page recapitulates past DANY events, and past or pending DANY programs. This is generally in reverse chronological order, but we do mix in classic items from time to time -- please read on and enjoy the photographs. Also, be sure to visit DANY's other web pages via the links at the top of this screen, for valuable information such as "Defendant" journals, amicus briefs, CLE materials and more.
DANY Annual Yankees Game with CLE - August 1, 2017
DANY extends great thanks to Andrea Alonso, Esq. of Morris Duffy Alonso & Faley for her informative presentation titled Dram Shop Liability in New York. Additionally, DANY thanks its members and guests for attending this CLE and the Yankees game, and making this the excellent event that it was.
DANY Annual Golf & Tennis Outing - June 19, 2017
Thanks to all for a great day of golf, tennis, ceremony and celebration -- photos to come 
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DANY Continuing Legal Education -- May 23, 2017
An Ethical View from the Bench - Opening and Closing Statements, Trial Objections, Trial and Post-Trial Motions and Protecting the Record
DANY wishes to thank the presenter and moderators below for their lively and informative presentation, and also Thalassa Restaurant for once again hosting the food and beverage social.
Hon. Lewis J. Lubell - Justice, Supreme Court, Westchester County
Carlos M. Calderon - Weisman & Calderon
Brian J. Rayhill - Gialleonardo & Rayhill
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DANY's Annual Spring Awards Banquet - April 25, 2017
Thank you members, guests and sponsors for attending this annual event -- an event recap and photographs are forthcoming.
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DANY Continuing Legal Education -- April 4, 2017
Defending Damages in Catastrophic Medical Injury Cases
DANY wishes to thank the presenters below for their intriguing presentation, and also Thalassa Restaurant for hosting the food and beverage social.
Leon R. Kowalski, Esq. - The Law Offices of Leon R. Kowalski
Michael J. Pearsall, Esq. - The Law Offices of Leon R. Kowalski
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DANY Continuing Legal Education -- February 15, 2017
The Risk of Going to Trial: The Psychology of Jury Awards
DANY wishes to thank the presenters below for their informative presentation, and also Maxwell's Bar & Restaurant for hosting the food and beverage social.
Kenneth P. Carter, MAOL, CPCU - Merchants Insurance Group
Tom Gorton, Esq. - Gorton & Gorton, LLP
Eric Rudich, Ph.D - Blueprint Trial Consulting
DANY Continuing Legal Education -- January 19, 2017
New York's Settlement Math Made Easy!
DANY wishes to thank the presenters below for their comprehensive presentation, and also Bar Cyrk for hosting the food and beverage social.
Sam Senders - EPS Settlements Group
Joshua Cohen, Esq. - DeCorato Cohen Sheehan & Federico
Edward Guardaro, Jr., Esq. - Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan
Emilio Grillo, Esq. - Goldberg Segalla
DANY's Past Presidents' Dinner - November 10, 2016
Thank you members, guests and sponsors for attending this annual event that honors DANY's past presidents -- photographs to come.
DANY also expresses its appreciation to the presenters of the CLE
titled Conflicts of Interest / Frequent Issues Faced by the Defense:
Hon. Barry Salman, J.S.C. - Supreme Court, Bronx Count
Eileen E. Buholtz, Esq. - Connors, Corcoran & Buholtz, PLLC, Rochester
Curtis A. Johnson, Esq. - Bond, Schoeneck and King, PLLC, Rochester
Paul J. Callahan, Esq. - Brown & Kelly, LLP, Buffalo
Joseph S. Kavesh, Esq. - Kenney Shelton Nowak Liptak LLP, New York City
Michael F. Perley, Esq. - Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., Buffalo
DANY Continuing Legal Education -- September 22, 2016
Traumatic Brain Injury Defense, Version 3
DANY wishes to thank the presenters below for their informative presentation, and also the Thalassa Restaurant for hosting the food and beverage social.
Jeffrey A. Brown, M.D., Esq.
David M. Mahalick, Ph.D.
William N. Devito, Esq. - The Law Offices of Leon R. Kowalski
Take me out to the ballgame, August 16, 2016 --
CLE on Assumption of Risk, and Yankees v. Blue Jays
DANY expresses its gratitude to Director Kevin G. Faley, Esq. for his excellent CLE presentation, and to the many members and guests who also attended the Yankees game. DANY strives to offer a variety of events and programs with education, networking and enjoyment all in mind.
DANY Annual Golf & Tennis Outing - June 20, 2016
It was another excellent day of golf, collegiality and amusement --
thank you for your participation.
DANY Diversity Initiative - May 31, 2016 Session
collage by Marsha Hamilton
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DANY's Annual Spring Awards Dinner -
May 16, 2016 - Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Thank you for having attended this historic event! Congratulations to the acclaimed award recipients:
Charles C. Pinckney Award:
The Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam - Associate Judge, New York State Court of Appeals
Distinguished State Jurist Award:
The Honorable Lawrence Knipel - Administrative Judge for Civil Matters,
Second Judicial District
Distinguished Federal Jurist Award:
The Honorable John Gleeson (Ret.) - U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
James S. Conway Award:
Thomas J. Maroney - Partner, Maroney O'Connor; DANY President 2008 - 2009
DANY also expresses its gratitude for the CLE on Civility and Ethics by Steven Dyki, Esq., Henry Miller, Esq., and Richard J. O'Keeffe, Esq. Please continue to join DANY in celebrating its 50 year history throughout this year of 2016.
DANY President Margaret G. Klein, at left, with the "Golden Honorees" having 40 or more years of contributions
to DANY and the New York defense bar.
If you are interested in additional photographs of present or past, there are more to be seen:
Link to 2016 "Pinckney" event photos: click here
DANY thanks Patrick Brophy Photography for providing these fine images
Link to historical DANY event photos: click here
See also the classic photographs contained within the "Defendant" journals
which are accessible via the "Publications" page on this web site.
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DANY Continuing Legal Education -- April 14, 2016
Doctors, "Lies" and Videotape:
Protecting the Defense Physical Examination
DANY extends thanks to the presenters below for their intriguing presentation on protection of the defense physical examination.
Colin F. Morrissey, Esq. - Baker, McEvoy, Morrissey & Moskovits, P.C.
Salvatore J. DeSantis, Esq. - Molod Spitz & DeSantis, P.C.
DANY Diversity Initiative Program -
Career Empowerment for Diverse Attorneys:
Leadership, Mentorship and Rainmaking
In Progress -- March 29, 2016 - November 29, 2016
Dear DANY Member,
The Defense Association of New York is pleased to announce that it will offer its award winning leadership and business development training program for women and diverse attorneys in 2016. This program entitled “Career Empowerment for Diverse Attorneys: Leadership, Mentorship and Rainmaking” is being held through November 29, 2016 at the New York State Insurance Fund. It is providing 25 women and diverse attorneys with direct training in leadership and business development skills. The DANY Diversity Initiative aims to teach mid-level women and diverse attorneys how to effectively compete for leadership positions, negotiate work arrangements and successfully pursue professional opportunities. This program promotes the retention and success of women and diverse attorneys through direct instruction and mentoring. The cost for individual applicants is $600.
Why Attend? Attorneys participating in the DANY Diversity Initiative will receive one to one coaching sessions and 10 hours of formal instruction in leadership and business development skills from seasoned business coaches. They will additionally be assigned to smaller groups of 5 facilitated by DANY’s professional coaches where they will receive hands on instruction in a supportive group setting. Most importantly, participating attorneys will be paired with a volunteer mentor drawn from a panel of seasoned diverse litigators committed to fostering long term mentoring relationships.
Industry Networking Sessions: Panel discussions and networking events will be held in September, October and November 2016. Leading attorneys from the public and private sector as well as members of the judiciary will discuss the skills women and diverse attorneys need to develop in order to succeed in the courtroom, advance their careers and compete for business as outside counsel. Following each of the panel discussions the DANY Initiative participants, panel members and representatives from the sponsoring law firms will attend an intimate networking reception.
Sponsorship: Law firm sponsors are guaranteed acceptance of one qualified applicant from the firm, recognition of their sponsorship on all program and promotional materials and an invitation for one additional firm member to attend the moderated panel discussions and networking sessions with judges, corporate counsel, governmental attorneys and representatives from major insurance companies and Fortune 500 Companies. The cost of a law firm sponsorship is $1,500. Law firms interested in sponsoring the Diversity Initiative should contact the undersigned or Connie McClenin, the executive director of DANY.
We hope your firm will consider supporting this initiative by publicizing it to your women and diverse associates or by becoming a law firm sponsor. Below for your reference is a link to a copy of DANY's Diversity Initiative Brochure. The program has already received much favorable attention as evidenced by an article that appeared in the New York Law Journal; see the second link below. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call.
2016 DANY Diversity Initiative Brochure
2015 NYLJ Diversity Initiative Honorees
Warm Regards,
Claire
Claire F. Rush
Rush & Sabbatino, PLLC
111 John Street, Suite 800
New York, NY 10038
(O) (212) 600-2454
(F) (212) 600-2533
(M) (917) 623-5179
DANY Law Student Writing Competition - Rolling Program
The Defense Association of New York, celebrating its 50th Anniversary, is proud to offer a writing competition for enrolled law school students. For details, please click on the following link: Memorandum - DANY Writing Competition
Very Truly Yours,
Glenn A. Kaminska, Esq.
Chair, DANY Scholarship Committee
glenn.kaminska@admlaw.com
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DANY Continuing Legal Education -- February 25, 2016
Ethics and Social Media: Attorney Advertising
and Use as a Litigation Tool
DANY is appreciative of the informative CLE presentation titled Ethics and Social Media:
Attorney Advertising and Use as a Litigation Tool:
Speaker: Andrew Cabasso - Juris Page
Moderator: Andrew Zajac - McGaw, Alventosa & Zajac
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DANY Continuing Legal Education -- November 5, 2015
Jury Research (the Millennial Juror) and The Science of Storytelling
DANY would like to thank the presenters below for their enlightening CLE presentation titled Jury Research (the Millennial Juror) and The Science of Storytelling:
Ross Suter, Esq. - Magna Legal Services
Mark Yagerman, Esq. - Smith, Mazure, Director, Wilkins, Young & Yagerman, P.C.
Thomas P. Giuffra, Esq. - Rheingold Valet Rheingold McCartney & Giuffra
DANY's Past Presidents' Dinner - October 21, 2015
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Thank you members, guests and sponsors for making this another successful event --
we look forward to seeing you again! Please view our list of Committees on this web site via the "Committees" tab; DANY welcomes your participation and feedback. Also, congratulations to DANY's new Executive Director, Connie McClenin, and to newly elected Board members Eileen Buholtz and Thomas E. Liptak. A complete list of DANY's Officers and Directors is on this web site via the "Leadership" tab. Further, DANY extends its gratitude to Hon. Joseph P. Spinola, former Justice of the Supreme Court / Nassau County, for his informative CLE presentation on Mediation Advocacy.
Nine of DANY's Past Presidents, along with current President Margaret Klein
DANY's Past Presidents
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DANY Annual Golf & Tennis Outing - June 22, 2015
It was a wonderful day of golf, camaraderie and good times --
thank you for your participation.
DANY's Annual Spring Awards Dinner -
April 23, 2015
Awards and Recipients:
Charles C. Pinckney Award:
The Honorable Jenny Rivera - Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals
Education and Literary Award:
The Honorable Ariel E. Belen (Ret.) - Associate Justice, Appellate Division,
Second Department, 2008 - 2012; Now Mediator and Arbitrator at JAMS
James S. Conway Achievement Award:
Kevin J. Kelly, Esq. - Partner, Conway, Farrell, Curtin & Kelly P.C.
Public Service Award:
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik - Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Mount Sinai
DANY Continuing Legal Education --
Understanding Attorney Professional Conduct and Misconduct
Justice George J. Silver of the Supreme Court, New York County headlined the latest DANY Ethics CLE on April 8, 2014 at the Down Town Association. The turnout was excellent and the program was very well received by the audience. Pictured below from left to right are Kaylin Whittingham, Esq., Staff Counsel to the Departmental Disciplinary Committee; DANY President Brian Rayhill; Honorable Justice George J. Silver; and Lawton W. Squires of Herzfeld & Rubin and former Grievance Committee Senior Trial Attorney.
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See the "Publications" page on this web site for past issues of DANY's "Defendant" !!!
