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 described below.  Some of DANY's past events and photographs are presented later on this web page.

Materials for the Insurance CLE of April 18, 2018:  Kindly scroll down below to the "Recap of DANY Events and Programs" section, and you will find a link for these materials.  Alternatively, please visit the "CLE Materials" page of this website.  Are you also interested in DANY's past "Defendant" journals and amicus briefs?  Please visit the "Publications" and "Amicus Briefs" pages of this website, and you will find links for a great wealth of information!

May 10, 2018 (evening)  -  Annual Spring Awards Banquet at the New York Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street, New York, New York.  Honoring Hon. Michael J. Garcia, Associate Judge, NY Court of Appeals;  Hon. Adam Silvera, Justice, NY Supreme Court, New York County;  Hon. Martin Schoenfeld, Justice, NY Supreme Court, Appellate Term, First Department (Ret.);  and Patricia Zincke, Esq., retired DANY officer. 

This event includes a one hour CLE starting at 5:30 p.m. in the new CLE category of Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias.  The course is titled “Taming the Elephant in the Courtroom - Strategies for female lawyers and their supporters to identify, defuse and combat bias in the courtroom and in the boardroom.”  The presenters are as follows:

-          Claire F. Rush of Rush & Sabbatino, PLLC  (Moderator)

-     Suzanne M. Halbardier – Barry McTiernan & Moore LLC

-         Andrea Alonso – Morris, Duffy Alonso & Faley

-         Margaret G. Klein - Law Offices of Margaret G. Klein & Associates – Attorney of Record for GNY

-         Karen Campbell – Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP

-         Doris Rios Duffy - Kowalski & DeVito – AIG Staff Counsel

-         Moya O’Connor – MetLife




Look for the registration link at the right side of this web page.

May 30, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. - CLE titled Frye Hearings and the Effective Use of Biomechanical Experts at Trial. The presenters are Hon. Bernard Graham of Supreme Court / Kings County, Alecia Walters-Hinds of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Steven Balson-Cohen of Baker, McEvoy, Morrissey & Moskovits, P.C, Christopher J. Donadio of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, and biomechanist Calum G.A. McRae, Ph.D. of ARCCA.  Offered in conjunction with the NYC chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).  This is the program that was "snowed out" in March.  This CLE and the ensuing food, beverage and networking reception will take place at the very nice Battery Gardens inside Battery Park in lower Manhattan.  Look for the registration link at the right side of this web page.

June 15, 2018  -  DANY's third annual Upstate Golf Outing with CLE, at The Sagamore Resort in Lake George / Bolton Landing, New York.  The one hour CLE starts at 10 a.m. and will be presented by DANY Past President Lawton W. Squires.  This CLE is titled "Challenging Plaintiff's Expert on Cross-Examination & Summation, Using Technology."  There will be a 12 noon shotgun start at the delightful Sagamore Golf Course. Pricing for golf and the CLE is $175 for a single player and $600 for a foursome.  You may inquire about lodging directly with The Sagamore (promo code DANY0618) or other area lodging providers.  This event is in collaboration with the 2018 DRI Atlantic / Northeast Regional Meeting.  A link for event registration will follow.  Note also that DANY's longstanding downstate golf outing will also be held this year, likely in September.

July 31, 2018 (evening)  -  DANY's third annual Yankees Game and CLE event, co-presented with the Bronx County Bar Association.  The one hour CLE will start at 5 p.m. at Supreme Court, Bronx County.  This will be a premises liability CLE with an emphasis on issues encountered by owners and operators of stadiums, arenas, concert halls and theaters.  The presenter is Andrea Alonso of Morris, Duffy Alonso & Faley.  The game is at 7:05 p.m. against the Baltimore Orioles.  Game tickets will be distributed at the conclusion of the CLE.  Attorneys may buy extra tickets to share with clients, family and friends who are not attending the CLE.  The seats are in Sections 226 and 227A along the third base line, and in Section 129 which is field level next to left field;  see the photo below from last year's event, which, regarding the seats in Sections 226 and 227A, illustrates a similar vantage point along the first base line.  Additional details and a link for event registration will follow.

         

Other Events and Announcements for Your Consideration

Announcements and events of other bar associations and organizations of potential interest to DANY members may be listed here.  If you wish to suggest an event or announcement 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).

Job Board Announcements:

DANY member firms who may be interested in advertising a job opening here may contact DANY's President and/or Chairs of DANY's website committee --  please see the Leadership and Committees links above for contact information.

DANY Programs

DANY Law Student Scholarship Opportunity

The Defense Association of New York proudly announces that it will award two $2,000.00 scholarships to law students who, through education and future practice, are looking to improve the services of the legal profession, elevate the standard of trial practice, support and work for the improvement of the adversarial system of jurisprudence in our courts, and facilitate and expedite the trial of disputed claims.  For details, please click on the following link:   Scholarship Application 2018  

Very Truly Yours,

Glenn A. Kaminska, Esq.
Chair, DANY Scholarship Committee
glenn.kaminska@admlaw.com

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.

Continuing Legal Education -  April 18, 2018 -  Insurance for the Insurance Defense Attorney

On April 18, 2018, approximately 90 persons attended a very informative CLE in an excellent space, at which fine food and beverage was served!  DANY wishes to thank the presenters of this excellent program:  DANY Past President Julian D. Ehrlich of Aon Risk Services Northeast, Darrell John of Conway, Farrell, Curtin & Kelly, P.C., Rona L. Platt of Enstar, and Jennifer A. Ehman of Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.  DANY also extends its gratitude to the host venue, i.e. Battery Gardens inside Battery Park in lower Manhattan - to which DANY will return for another compelling CLE on May 30, 2018, concerning Frye hearings and biomechanical experts.  Here now are materials for the insurance CLE:

materials - Insurance Coverage for the Insurance Defense Lawyer

Continuing Legal Education -  January 29, 2018 -  Trial Techniques, Session 1

On January 29, 2018, there was the greatly successful the first session of a multi-part CLE series titled "Trial Techniques: Interactive Lessons from the Plaintiff and Defense Perspectives," co-sponsored with New York County Lawyers Association and held at its second floor auditorium at 14 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10007.  This ongoing educational series will address all significant components of a trial.  This first session, will be made available on video, addressed preparing for trial, jury selection, common motions in limine, and opening statements.  The presenters for this session were Hon. Eileen A. Rakower of Supreme Court, New York County, who provided the Court's perspective;  Anthony D. Martine of McMahon, Martine & Gallagher LLP, a member of DANY's Board of Directors;  Stacy L. Moon of F&B Law Firm, P.C.;  Kevin Pinter of Nicoletti Gonson Spinner LLP, Adjunct Professor for Trial Advocacy at Brooklyn Law School;  Wayne A.J. Wattley of Burns & Harris, an officer of the Bronx Bar Association, and Sherri E. Holland of Burns & Harris.  Please view the video once available, and join us for future sessions;  this is an excellent opportunity to learn tips and techniques for developing trial skills and proficiency in trial advocacy.  Future sessions will again be immediately followed by a dinner and networking reception.

DANY Continuing Legal Education -  November 15, 2017 -  Employment Law

An intriguing two hour CLE titled Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination - Understanding and Preventing Legal Exposures was presented by Richard Steer, Esq. of Tarter Krinsky & Drogin.  As with DANY's previous CLE program, the educational portion of the event took place at State Insurance Fund at 199 Church Street, New York, NY.  This was followed by an after-CLE social, including a buffet dinner with beer and wine, at Thalassa Restaurant at 179 Franklin Street in TriBeCa.  Thanks again to State Insurance Fund and Thalassa, as well as to Mr. Steer.

DANY's Past Presidents' Dinner  -  October 24, 2017

Thank you members, guests and sponsors for attending this annual event that honors DANY's past presidents --  more photographs to come.

DANY also expresses its appreciation to the presenters of the Ethics CLE, which involved two mock oral arguments.  The CLE was presided over by Hon. Peter P. Sweeney of Supreme Court, Kings County.  One oral argument addressed an insurance defense attorney dilemma:  to report or not to report deposition testimony of an insured that would cause the carrier to exam.  This was argued by Paul J. Callahan, Esq. of Brown & Kelly, LLP, and by Eileen E. Buholtz, Esq. of Connors, Corcoran & Buholtz, PLLC.  The other oral argument addressed an insurer staff counsel dilemma:  potential disqualification after having investigated a claim.  This was argued by James M. Strauss, Esq. and Melissa A. Foti, Esq. of Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP.

DANY Continuing Legal Education -  September 25, 2017 -  Labor Law Update

An informative Labor Law update CLE was presented by Gary Rome of Barry McTiernan & Moore, Christopher Hart of Nationwide, Leon Kowalski of Kowalski & DeVito, and Michael Pearsall of Kowalski & DeVito, and was moderated by Brian Rayhill.  The educational portion of the event took place at State Insurance Fund at 199 Church Street, New York, NY.  This was followed by an after-CLE social, including a buffet dinner with beer and wine, at Thalassa Restaurant at 179 Franklin Street in TriBeCa.  Approximately 100 persons attended this highly successful event, which was organized by Brian Rayhill, Terry Klaum, Brad Corsair and others.  Thanks as always to State Insurance Fund and Thalassa, as well as to the presenters.  Photos to come.

End of Summer Mixer  -  September 19, 2017

To say goodbye to Summer and welcome Autumn, a mixer was organized by DANY's Young Lawyers Committee.  This took place at The Ketch, 6 Platt Street, New York, NY 10038.  Thank you members, guests and sponsors for attending this enjoyable event -  photos to come.

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 --  additional 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 follow below.

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.

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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

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

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" !!!

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