New York Personal Injury Attorneys Blog

TRIAL PRACTICE Ben B. Rubinowitz Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom & Rubinowitz

Ben Rubinowitz, a partner at the New York Law Firm, Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom & Rubinowitz, will serve as Chair of the New York Bar Association's Practical Skills Course, The Basics of Civil Practice -- The Trial. The program, which will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, will include all aspects of a trial including: Jury Selection, Opening Statements, Direct and Cross Examination, and Summations. In addition, a portion of this program will be devoted to the use of Expert Witnesses at Trial along with informative suggestions on Motion Practice at Trial, Objections and Jury Instructions.

When asked about this program Mr. Rubinowitz said, "I am delighted to have been asked to Chair this program on Trial Practice. I will be joined with some very talented lawyers including David Dean, Michael Ross, Glenn Dopf, Jeff Korek,Leslie Kelmachter, and Henry Miller. This is sure to be an excellent program." For more than 25 years Ben Rubinowitz has specialized in representing the seriously injured victims of automobile, train and bus accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice cases, products liability claims and civil rights violations. Known for his expertise at trial, Ben was recently inducted into the prestigious Inner Circle of Advocates.

Download flyer:

In this new program, an outstanding faculty, including partners of many of New York State’s leading plaintiff and defendant personal injury law firms, will focus on specific types of cases frequently encountered in motor vehicle litigation. Open to both new and experienced attorneys, this practice-based program will present the “nuts & bolts” of handling these types of cases from the perspective of both the plaintiff and the defendant.

Topics Include: 

• Truck and Bus Accidents
• Motorcycle and Bike Accidents
• Highway/Roadway Defect Cases
• Dram Shop Litigation-Proving and Disproving Liability
• Summary Judgment for the Plaintiff- Not Just in Rear-end Collision Cases
• Summary Judgment for the Defendant
• Ethical Considerations in Motor Vehicle Litigation

Program Co-Chairs:
Christopher Sallay, Partner, Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz
Robert Glick, Managing Partner, Brand, Glick & Brand, P.C. 

4 Statewide Locations-- Click on one of the links below for complete program information and to register online.  Program time for all locations: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

	Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Long Island www.nysba.org/MVALongIsland	Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Albany www.nysba.org/MVAAlbany
	Thursday, November 10, 2011 New York City  www.nysba.org/MVANewYork	Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Syracuse www.nysba.org/MVASyracuse

Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz, a leading New York law firm, announces that it has been listed in six practice areas in the just released ranking of law firms by U.S. News Media Group, the publishers of U.S. News & World Report, and Best Lawyers®. This is the second edition of this highly-anticipated annual analysis.

Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz was nationally ranked in the top tier in Product Liability Litigation. The firm also ranked in the top tier in five legal specialties in the New York City Metropolitan Area in Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury Litigation, Product Liability Litigation and Professional Malpractice Law. Additionally, the firm was ranked in the second tier in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions in the New York Metropolitan area.

Inclusion in the "Best Law Firms" listing is based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes data collection, evaluation and feedback from thousands of clients, lawyers and law firm representatives spanning a wide range of practice areas nationwide.

"We are delighted that our firm has once again received this honor,” says Ben Rubinowitz, a Partner at the firm. “To be included in six practice areas is a testament to the hard work and endless dedication we give to our clients. At our firm there is nothing more important than the plight of our clients. We have always worked tirelessly to secure the very best results for those who have been seriously injured through the fault of others. We are honored to be recognized for our dedication and the superb results that we have achieved."

More information can be obtained about the methodology of the process at the U.S. News Best Law Firms website. To learn more about Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz attorneys and services visit www.gairgair.com.

About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. For over a quarter century, the company has helped lawyers and clients find legal counsel in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. The 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America includes 41,284 lawyers covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia and is based on more than 3.9 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. Best Lawyers® also publishes peer-reviewed listings of lawyers in nearly 70 other countries, covering many of the world’s major legal markets. Best Lawyers® lists are excerpted in a wide range of general interest, business and legal publications worldwide, reaching an audience of more than 17 million readers.

TRIAL PRACTICE Richard M. Steigman, Esq. Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom & Rubinowitz

Our attorney Richard Steigman will be speaking at the The New York State Trial Lawyers Association Decisions 2011 program on November 2, 2011. The topic he will be speaking on is Trial Practice. This annual event is the most comprehensive and effective way to review last year's decisions, amendments and other changes in New York tort law.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR ORDER DISCS

INFORMATION:

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 9am to 5pm

Huntington Hilton
598 Broadhollow Road
Melville, NY 11747
Tel: (914) 631-5700

The New York County Lawyers' Association is presenting a Public Forum on Judicial Independence. Among the issues to be discussed include: The debate over whether Judicial Disciplinary Hearings should be open or closed and what the press' responsibility should be to ensure balanced reporting of public accusations against a judge. Ben Rubinowitz of GGCSMB&R will be a featured speaker at this conference. Mr. Rubinowitz, known as a "Trial Lawyer's Trial Lawyer," who represents severely injured individuals in personal injury and medical malpractice cases, has also represented a number of judges in disciplinary matters before the NYS Judicial Conduct Commission. In a statement Rubinowitz said " I am honored to participate in this conference with such esteemed members of the Trial Bar and Judiciary."

The conference will take place on:

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00pm

14 Vesey Street, New York, NY

RSVP: http://bit.ly/qkni6c

Download flyer:

This year's program will focus on specific types of cases frequently encountered in motor vehicle litigation. Our Partner, Christopher L. Sallay is the Program Co-Chair of this New York State Bar Association program and will be speaking at the New York and Long Island program. Our partner, Howard S. Hershenhorn will also be speaking at the program. Below are Links to the locations, dates and description of the Program.

There are four Statewide Locations-- Click on one of the links below for complete program information and to register online. Program time for all locations: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Long Island www.nysba.org/MVALongIsland	Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Albany www.nysba.org/MVAAlbany
Thursday, November 10, 2011 New York City www.nysba.org/MVANewYork	Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Syracuse www.nysba.org/MVASyracuse

Our attorney Jeffrey Bloom will speak at the sold out Bridging the Gap program at the New York State Bar Association. He'll be lecturing on "Commencing a Civil Lawsuit in New York" on September 12th.

You can register for overflow seating here.

Our Partner Ben Rubinowitz will be lecturing at the DECISIONS 2011 Program at the Prince George Ballroom, 15 East 27th St. New York City on Saturday, September 10, 2011. This is the Flagship Program Sponsored by the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute. This annual event is designed to provide insight, information and current trends in the law to Practicing Attorneys throughout the State. Recognized as an expert in the Fields of Personal Injury, Products Liability and Medical Malpractice Cases, Mr. Rubinowitz will be lecturing on Trial Practice with specific emphasis on new cases and trends in the law including important topics such as:

SOCIAL NETWORKING
What are the affirmative and defensive uses of Social Networks?
What are the dangers for litigants?
How can private portions of social network sites be discovered and used to prove or disprove damage issues such as "loss of enjoyment of life?"
Is it proper for the defense to request authorizations to obtain full or partial access to Social Network sites?

SPOLIATION OF EVIDENCE
What is the proper remedy if a litigant fails to maintain essential evidence?
Should the defendant's answer be stricken or is an adverse inference charge sufficient?
What happens if Mammograms are "lost" by a doctor's office in a failure to diagnose breast cancer case?
Is that a violation of the New York State Education Law?

PRIOR INCONSISTENT STATEMENTS
What must be done before impeachment of a witness can take place?
Must the deposition be signed?
Can the deposition be videotaped?
Who can film the deposition?

PAYMENT FOR FACT WITNESSES?
Is it permissible for a medical expert who offers no medical opinion and is merely a liability witness to accept a large amount of money to testify?
How much is too much?
What are the ramifications to the case for payment of money to a liability witness?
Is it ethical?

Ben Rubinowitz will answer all these questions and more at his lecture. Mr Rubinowitz is a partner at Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom & Rubinowitz and, in light of his success in representing severely injured individuals, was recently elected to the prestigious Inner Circle of Advocates. Mr Rubinowitz has lectured extensively throughout the State and Nation and has donated his time in teaching at more than 100 Continuing Legal Education Courses.

On Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Ben Rubinowitz, a partner at Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom and Rubinowitz, will chair the prestigious Masters Program for the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. This is a Free Program open to all NYSTLA members. Come see five of the very best trial lawyers in New York State deliver Opening and Closing arguments in cases in which they have attained 8 figure verdicts. Learn the answers to these questions: Why did the jury return such a large award? How did the lawyer ask for money damages? How did the lawyer work with favorable and unfavorable Trial evidence? See how these lawyers dealt with recurring problems and how they hurdled these problems to secure Justice for their clients. Actual Trial demonstrations will be conducted by Ben Rubinowitz, David Dean, Judy Livingston, Henry Miller and Evan Torgan. The Program will be held at the Hudson Valley Bank, 21 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, New York. 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

To register click here.

View Ben Rubinowitz's Profile

In their Trial Advocacy feature, Ben Rubinowitz of Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz and Evan Torgan of Torgan & Cooper discuss how implementing oratory tools such as analogies, metaphors, memorable phrases and short stories during a summation can, if properly used, work to help a jury reach an intended verdict.

Ben Rubinowitz and Evan Torgan
The task for trial lawyers in delivering a powerful summation requires them to find a way to captivate the jurors' attention and compel them to vote in your favor. Too often, lawyers merely recite the facts that the jurors have heard ad nauseam without any regard to meaningful advocacy. The summation is the time to make the argument come alive. It is the time to persuade. It is the time to give the jurors ammunition to support your position during their deliberations. Some of the most effective tools to achieve this goal are analogies, metaphors, memorable phrases and short stories. These devices can, if properly used, not only take the presentation from mundane to magnificent, but can work to help the jury reach the right verdict for the right reason.

The power of an analogy or metaphor is simple: It compares a highly contested, complex set of issues, such as a trial, to a readily understandable situation in which the virtues of the good and the failings of the evil are readily discernable. Moreover, if successfully delivered, all of these techniques allow the jurors to view your case in terms that are more familiar to them.

A downside to using these devices does, however, exist. That potential pitfall depends upon two factors: the order of presentation and the logical sway of the comparison. In state court, the plaintiff sums up last. For any defense lawyer considering the use of such a technique, careful consideration must be given to the opposing lawyer's advocacy skills and ability to think on his feet. Before utilizing any analogy, metaphor, phrase or story, a defense lawyer must calculate its vulnerability to attack by the opposing lawyer. If it can be attacked and turned against the lawyer who sums up first, it should never be used.

Additionally, the device must be appropriate for the specific issue involved in the claim. It must be a fair and logical comparison that can stand up to scrutiny and testing by the jurors. Simply put, before any one of these advocacy devices is used, it must be vetted from all sides.

For example, defense lawyers often attempt to discredit the plaintiff's damages claims by comparing the trial to a person buying a lottery ticket: "Look at what's going on in this case. The plaintiff hasn't worked since this accident occurred. He thinks you're his meal ticket. He wants to hit the jackpot. He's here to win a lottery, and he's expecting you to provide the payout."

Continue reading at www.law.com

Our Partner Stephen Mackauf will Chair the Seminar Hospital Liability presented by The New York State Trial Lawyers Association on June 21 &22, 2011 to be held at 132 Nassau Street, New York, N.Y.

"This program will cover virtually every aspect of medical malpractice cases against hospitals. We begin with a a judge's overview of recent developments in hospital liability law in New York with a special emphasis on vicarious liability. We will discuss how a plaintiff's lawyer can use the concept of the "differential diagnosis." We then cover hospital records and how to obtain the "records behind the records," together with a discussion of the metadata hidden in computerized hospital records that tell you who really wrote what note, when, and what changes were made to it." For more information and to register click here.

Ben Rubinowitz has been asked to be one of the featured speakers at the New York State Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education Program "How To Commence A Civil Lawsuit." Mr. Rubinowitz will be speaking about Depositions. His lecture will focus on appreciating and understanding the New Rules of Depositions; How to effectively prepare a client for a deposition; and How to take an adversarial and Non-Party deposition.

For more than 25 years Ben Rubinowitz has been recognized as an expert in his field in representing severely injured people as a result of car and motor vehicle accidents, premises accidents, civil rights violations, construction accidents and medical malpractice cases. In addition to his work at his firm, Gair Gair Conason Steigman Steigman Mackauf Bloom & Rubinowitz, Ben is a featured writer on Trial Practice in the New York Law Journal. To date, Ben has obtained 19 Verdicts and 83 settlements in excess of one million dollars for his injured clients.

In their most recent article, Ben Rubinowitz and his good friend and colleague Evan Torgan, discuss various ways trial lawyers can maximize damage awards in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases. The title of the article is "Dealing With Damages in Voir Dire and Summation." Both Rubinowitz and Torgan are recognized as experts in their field. Each has obtained multiple million dollar awards. Not only have Rubinowitz and Torgan published more than 50 articles in the New York Law Journal over the last 10 years, but for the last 25 years both have lectured for free to trial lawyers throughout the Country at more than 100 Continuing Legal Education courses. "Our main focus is on helping our client's recover for the severe injuries they sustained through the negligence of others. Evan and I have dedicated our Professional Lives to working to ensure that appropriate compensation is given. Too often, Insurance Companies refuse to make fair and reasonable offers and try to short change those who have been injured in all types of cases including auto accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice cases and products liability claims. We fight for our clients -- and teach other Trial Lawyers that they are obligated to work hard and even fight to secure justice for those they represent."

Both Rubinowitz and Torgan are partners at their respective firms and each only represents the injured victims of negligent conduct.

Brooklyn Law School President Joan G. Wexler has appointed our partner Howard Hershenhorn to the law school's President's Advisory Council. This select group of attorneys will help guide the Law School forward by offering the school President and Dean practical advice on the most important issues the school will face in the future.

Peer Review Ratings attest to a lawyer's legal ability and professional ethics in specific areas of practice, and reflects the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and Judiciary. Mr. Sallay’s legal ability in the field of Personal Injury Law, as rated by his peers, received a “Preeminent” rating which is the highest rating an attorney can receive. In addition, Mr. Sallay was determined to have the highest professional ethics as evidenced by his adherence to professional standards of conduct and ethics, reliability, diligence and other criteria relevant to the discharge of professional responsibilities.

The New York law firm of Gair, Gair Conason Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz is proud to have 10 attorneys who have been awarded with a “Preeminent” AV rating by their peers.

The Nassau Academy of Law is hosting a 6-session hands-on workshop series to learn and develop effective trial skills, from jury selection through summation.

On Monday,  April 4, 2011 our Partner Ben Rubinowitz will co-chair and present a lecture and interactive workshop on cross examination to lawyers who attend this lecture series.  Recognized for obtaining some of the largest verdicts in the State, Ben has always been willing to share his expertise with fellow trial lawyers. "I view it as an honor to be asked to speak at the Nassau Academy of Law and look forward to speaking on this subject."

Ben's firm,  Gair, Gair, Conason Steigman Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz is known for their expertise in representing victims of car accidents, bus and train accidents, construction accidents, products liability, wrongful death  and medical malpractice claims and is the only Plaintiff's Firm in New York with 10 of its lawyers listed in "Best Lawyers."

Monday, April 4
DELIVER OPENINGS WORKSHOP DIRECT & CROSS EXAMINATION LECTURE
Marvin Salenger, Esq.,
Salenger Sack
Schwartz & Kimmel, Woodbury
Ben Rubinowitz, Esq.
Gair, Gair, Conason Steigman Mackauf,
Bloom & Rubinowitz, New York

Event Program

In a recent article, the New York Law Journal joined with lawyers and law firms in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. NITA, as many lawyers know it, is widely recognized as the premier training center for trial lawyers in the United States.

Our partner, Ben Rubinowitz, has been an active faculty member and Team Leader at NITA for more than 25 years and is a member of its Board of Directors. "I consider it a privilege to be a member of such a fine and distinguished organization," said Rubinowitz. "NITA has helped to train some of the best trial lawyers in the Country and I am proud to be a part of this organization." Known for its expertise in the field of personal injury law, the lawyers at Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom and Rubinowitz have obtained some of the largest awards in the country for victims of motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, products liability cases, medical malpractice and civil rights cases.

We are pleased to announce that our partner Ben Rubinowitz and his good friend and colleague Evan Torgan were recently featured in the New York Law Journal. For more than 10 years Ben Rubinowitz and Evan Torgan have been providing Expert Commentary in their column, "Trial Advocacy." Often, Richard Steigman of Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom and Rubinowitz contributes to these articles.

This month they wrote an influential article "Using the Internet as a Tool for Cross-Examination." According to Rubinowitz, "It is common for Internet users to post status updates, personal comments, photographs, videos and tweets that quite often reveal their recent activities, whereabouts, activities and even their thoughts." Rubinowitz explained the dangers of such conduct: "All of this information can be used as a tool for cross examination. It now becomes obligatory for lawyers to carefully check the Internet not only to dig up information on the witnesses they expect to cross examine but to check the Internet for content about their own clients as well.

Known as experts in the field of personal injury law, wrongful death cases, medical malpractice cases and products liability claims, Rubinowitz and Torgan have not only written numerous articles but each has obtained multiple million dollar awards for their clients.

Gloria Aguilar was awarded $27 million

The Appeals Court in New York, known as the Appellate Division, First Department, allowed a total damage award of 18.5 Million Dollars for a woman who lost her leg as a result of the negligence of a bus driver employed by the NYC Transit Authority. The injured woman, Gloria Aguilar, was injured when she was crossing the street in Manhattan. Her left leg was traumatically amputated. This award is the largest ever allowed in the country for this type of injury. Our Partner, Ben Rubinowitz , tried the case in New York Supreme Court and argued the appeal for the injured plaintiff. 2011 Slip Opinion 01117. The case has been widely reported throughout the country.

According to Ben Rubinowitz, " Our firm is particularly well equipped and staffed to handle cases of this magnitude. We specialize in catastrophic personal injury cases. We are always willing to work harder than anyone else and take the case to verdict to make sure our client's receive the best possible award. Richard Steigman wrote a powerful and compelling brief. I am delighted that the Appellate Court saw fit to allow this type of damage award. Ms. Aguilar suffered life changing injuries. She was a pedestrian crossing the street when she was struck by the bus. We prepared the case with extreme attention to detail and fully protected our client's rights and interests. " In describing his job as a Trial Lawyer, Ben Rubinowitz said, " A Trial Lawyer must at all times fight for his client's plight. If the offer to settle is insufficient, this firm is prepared to go the distance. We will not sleep until we achieve the best result we can. The Transit Authority's offer was insufficient and we insisted on taking the case to verdict. " GGCSMB&R has some of the finest lawyers in the field of Personal Injury. It is the only Plaintiff's Personal Injury Firm with 10 Lawyers Listed in the Best Lawyers in America.

$27.5 million payout for mom who lost leg to bus, New York Daily News, April 17th 2009

We are pleased to announce that GGCSMB&R attorneys Ben Rubinowitz and Bob Conason will speak at the New York State Trial Lawyers Association's 2011 Masters Series. The subject will be openings & summations.

See the program summary below for details and register for the series here.

Ben Rubinowitz

Our partner, Ben Rubinowitz, has, once again, been asked to chair the prestigious "Masters Seminar" presented by the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute. Recognized as a leading trial lawyer, Ben has obtained numerous verdicts in excess of one million dollars and a significant number of verdicts in excess of ten million dollars in cases stemming from car accidents, construction accidents, civil rights violations and medical malpractice cases. Among the many lawyers joining Ben at this seminar is his partner, Robert Conason. "I am delighted to chair this program and am especially pleased to have Bob Conason join me along with many other superb lawyers." In describing the program Ben said: "This is one of the only programs where top lawyers actually demonstrate what they did to achieve such superb results at trial and how they dealt with the problem areas. It is designed to help lawyers of all skill levels obtain the best results for their injured client's."

Mt. Sinai Medical Center

On January 12, 2011 Ben Rubinowitz will deliver a Grand Rounds lecture for the Department of Radiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Mr. Rubinowitz, an expert in his field in representing severely injured patients, has been asked to lecture to Attending Physicians and Residents on the subject of Medical Malpractice. Interestingly, Mr. Rubinowitz does not represent doctors. He represents the victims of Medical Negligence and has achieved very substantial verdicts on their behalf. Known for sharing his knowledge in the field, Ben feels it is important to partake in such lectures. "In every Medical Malpractice case that we have handled, we are always talking about events that have occurred after the fact. It is too late to undo the harm that has taken place -- the patient has been seriously injured. If lectures like this provide guidance that prevent medical negligence from occurring at the outset, we're all better off." Later this month Ben will be delivering a similar lecture at the National Urologic Forum.

Gair Gair Conason Steigman Mackauf Bloom & Rubinowitz is pleased to announce that our Partner Ben Rubinowitz has been asked to deliver a lecture on Medical Malpractice at the 35th Annual Winter Urologic Forum in Colorado this January. Known for its expertise in the field, GGCSMB&R has successfully resolved thousands of medical malpractice cases for those who have been injured as a result of medical negligence. Ben Rubinowitz explained that " it is truly an honor to have the privilege of speaking to such a distinguished group of doctors."

On December 28, 2010 the New York Law Journal featured GGCSMB&R attorney Ben Rubinowitz and his colleague Evan Torgan, of Torgan & Cooper. For the past ten years Ben Rubinowitz and Evan Torgan have provided expert commentary in their Trial Advocacy column to attorneys throughout the State. To date, the two have written more than 50 articles on Trial Advocacy. Known for practicing what they preach, both Evan and Ben have achieved multiple million dollar verdicts. In this months article they discuss Common Mistakes on Direct Examination. "Too often lawyers rush through direct and fail to listen appropriately to the answers that are given by the witness" said Rubinowitz. "This has the potential to result in disaster. That's why in this article we focus on ways to cure this problem, simplify the examination and make the testimony more meaningful for the jury.

Ben Rubinowitz has been named to the faculty of The 35th Winter Urologic Forum to be held January 28 - February 1, 2011, Sheraton Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, CO. Ben is the only attorney on the faculty which includes physicians from States including New York, California, Michigan and Illinois.

This meeting will identify for urologists new management strategies for prostate and bladder cancer, stone disease, incontinence, impotency and the impact of healthcare legislation on their practice. Urologists attending this meeting will learn new ways to improve overall patient care. For more information click here.

On Tuesday, November 2, 2010, Cardozo Law School held a seminar on Opening Statements for more than 100 students as a prerequisite to its Intensive Trial Advocacy Program. Featured Speakers at the lecture included Ben Rubinowitz, Robert Conason and Richard Godosky. Prof. Ellen Yaroshefsky introduced each of the three speakers as "some of the very best trial attorneys in the Country." She went on to say that "each of the speakers is viewed as a 'Lawyer's Lawyer' by practicing members of the Trial Bar. Yaroshefsky said "when a lawyer is in need of help these are the lawyers they turn to."

Ben Rubinowitz gave a lecture and demonstration on opening statements in a civil trial focusing on appropriate representation of individuals who have been severely injured through the fault of others in car accidents, products liability and medical malpractice cases. His talk was followed by Robert Conason and Richard Godosky who demonstrated comparative methods of conducting Opening Statements.

On the evening of July 24, 2001 Michael Taratuta, was walking on the sidewalk abutting a building when, suddenly, and without warning, a section of a security fence which was erected on the parapet wall surrounding the roof of the five-story brick, non-elevator building rising to a main roof elevation of approximately 59 feet fell to the sidewalk below, striking and seriously injuring Michael. As a result of the occurrence, Michael sustained grave injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, open comminuted fractures of the skull and multiple intracerebral hemorrhages and contusions. Initially it was not thought he would survive. We represented Michael for years of litigation during which he underwent numerous brain surgeries.

Miraculously, following years of therapy Michael recovered to the extent that he was able with the help of his wife, Ira, to write an amazing book, in comic book format detailing his recovery. Prior to the accident he was a talented graphic artist. The case was successfully resolved allowing Michael to live a financially secure life.

Michael's book is up at amazon.com for Kindle.

We are pleased to announce that our own Tony Gair has also been named to this years Best Lawyers as the “New York Best Lawyers Product Liability Litigator of the Year” for 2011.

This is in recognition of Mr. Gair's long history of helping people injured by the negligence and carelessness of others. He also advises younger attorneys on how to effectively represent people who have suffered catastrophic injuries and has taught at Fordham University School of Law in the Continuing Legal Education program.

One of his most notable roles was heading up the team that represented the Diallo family for the wrongful death of their son Amadou, who was shot 19 times by members of the New York City Police Department's Street Crimes Unit—a case that was extensively covered by the national media.

Continue reading "Anthony H. Gair is Named “New York Product Liability Litigator of the Year” for 2011" »

We are proud to announce that Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named Robert L. Conason as the “New York Best Lawyers Personal Injury Litigator of the Year” for 2011.

After more than a quarter of a century in publication, Best Lawyers is designating “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.”

As a premier trial attorney, Mr. Conason constantly emphasizes the dedication and individualized attention each case demands and every injured person deserves. Accordingly, in terms of the volume of cases accepted, he has advanced the firm on the philosophy that "less is more" and assists in the careful selection of only the most serious and substantial personal injury cases. He has said, "My satisfaction comes from knowing that absent a successful recovery of a claim, our clients wouldn't have the ability to secure appropriate medical care and equipment, economic freedom and the ability to live a dignified life."

Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The current, 17th edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2011) is based on more than 3.1 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

Continue reading "New York Personal Injury Lawyer Robert L. Conason Makes List Of Nation's Best Lawyers" »

Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz
Rankings
Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

National Rankings

Tier 1

Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

Metropolitan Rankings

Tier 1

New York

Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

See Listing In U.S. News & World Report BEST LAW FIRMS. Click here.

Our Partner Howard Hershenhorn has been appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York. He will be teach a Seminar on Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. This seminar will focus on the practical aspects of the fields of personal injury and medical malpractice. For more information click here.

Robert Conason is the Chair of The New York State Trial Lawyers Seminar; Mediation and Arbitration to be held on June 21, 2010 from 6:00PM -9:00PM. For more information click here.

In a New York medical malpractice case our partner Rhonda Kay obtained a reversal of the lower court's granting of a motion to change venue. In SIMON v. USHER, 2010 NY Slip Op 03777, The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, First Department held;

"Although the moving defendants made a timely demand for a change of venue, their motion for such relief was untimely. A defendant "may move to change the place of trial within fifteen days after service of the demand," unless the plaintiff consents to the change of venue within five days of service of the demand (CPLR 511[b]). Here, the motion for a change of venue, made 20 days after service of the demand, must be rejected as untimely (see Singh v Becher, 249 AD2d 154 [1998]). Contrary to moving defendants' claim, they were not entitled to the five-day extension in CPLR 2103(b)(2) for time periods measured from service by mail (see Thompson v Cuadrado, 277 AD2d 151 [2000]). Furthermore, the failure of the remaining defendants to serve a demand to change venue with or prior to their answer was fatal to their request to change venue (see Kurfis v Shore Towers Condominium, 48 AD3d 300 [2008]; CPLR 511[a])."

For Transcript Click here http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/25/hotel-mogul-starts-own-health-care-system/

Our Partner, Jeffrey Bloom will be speaking on Summations at The New York State Bar Association Seminar: Practical Skills-Basics of Civil Practice-The Trial to be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at New York Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Avenue (at 33rd St.) New York, NY. For more information click here.

Our partner Stephen H. Mackauf will be speaking at The IQPC Program Obstetric Malpractice to be held on November 9-11 in Chicago. Stephen will be speaking on November 11th. The topic will be "What Every Lawyer Must Know About The New ACOG Standards On Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring." For more information click here.

Robert Conason will be speaking at The New York State Trial Lawyers Institute's renowned Decisions Program on Trial Practice. Our Partner Rhonda Kay prepared the written materials on this subject for the course book which reports on over 100 cases that have come down within the last year in the area of Trial Practice. The New york City program will be held on Thursday and Friday , September 10 & 11, 2009: 9am to 5pm at Bayard's, One Hanover Square, 3rd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004. For more information click here.

Our Partner Jeffrey B. Bloom will be speaking at this program to be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 through Thursday, September 24, 2009 at New York's Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Avenue (at 33rd St.), New York, NY.

This program is designed for recent law school graduates and newly admitted attorneys to “bridge the gap” between law school and the realities of practicing law in New York State. Learn practical information from skilled and experienced practitioners and get the skills you need to make a smooth transition from law student to attorney. Newly admitted attorneys can satisfy all of their annual MCLE requirements by attending this two-day program.

Jeff will be speaking on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 on COMMENCING A CIVIL LAWSUIT IN NEW YORK STATE. For more information click here.

Our Partner Ben B. Rubinowitz is The Chair of The NYSTLA Seminar Successful Examination of Expert Witnesses . The seminar will be held on June 9 and 16, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00PM at 132 Nassau Street, N.Y., N.Y. The following topics will be covered;

- Direct and Cross of an Accident Reconstructionist

- Direct and Cross of a Life Care Planner

- Direct and Cross of an Orthopedist with emphasis on the herniated disc and knee injury case

- Direct of a Radiologist / How to work with radiographic studies to convincingly show the
extent of an injury

- Cross Examination of the "Independent Medical Examiner"

- Direct and Cross of an expert in a Medical Malpractice case

- Direct and Cross of an Elevator Expert

- The effective use of Exhibits

- How to deal with problem areas including the pre-existing injury, the professional testifier, the
non-responsive expert witness, use of authoritative texts and the hypothetical question

For more information click here.

We are proud to announce that our long term members, Jeffrey B. Bloom and Ben B. Rubinowitz have become Name Partners. Between them Jeff and Ben have over 50 years of experience advocating for the rights of the catastrophically injured. The Firm will now be known as Gair,Gair,Conason,Steigman, Mackauf,Bloom & Rubinowitz

Our Partner Ben B. Rubinowitz is The Chair of The NYSTLA Seminar Successful Examination of Expert Witnesses . The seminar will be held on June 9 and 16, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00PM at 132 Nassau Street, N.Y., N.Y. The following topics will be covered;

- Direct and Cross of an Accident Reconstructionist

- Direct and Cross of a Life Care Planner

- Direct and Cross of an Orthopedist with emphasis on the herniated disc and knee injury case

- Direct of a Radiologist / How to work with radiographic studies to convincingly show the
extent of an injury

- Cross Examination of the "Independent Medical Examiner"

- Direct and Cross of an expert in a Medical Malpractice case

- Direct and Cross of an Elevator Expert

- The effective use of Exhibits

- How to deal with problem areas including the pre-existing injury, the professional testifier, the
non-responsive expert witness, use of authoritative texts and the hypothetical question

For more information click here.

Our Partner Robert L. Conason will be Participating in a program sponsored by Legal IQ Litigating Catastrophic Injury Cases to be held on May 19-20, 2009 in Boston, MA. For more information click here.

Our Partner Robert L. Conason will be Participating in a program sponsored by Legal IQ Litigating Catastrophic Injury Cases to be held on May 19-20, 2009 in Boston, MA. For more information click here.

Our Partner Jeffrey B. Bloom will be speaking at this program to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 through Thursday, March 26, 2009 at New York's Hotel Pennsylvania
401 Seventh Avenue (at 33rd St.) New York, N.Y.

This Bridging the Gap program is designed for recent law school graduates and newly admitted attorneys to “bridge the gap” between law school and the realities of practicing law in New York State. Learn practical information from skilled and experienced practitioners and get the skills you need to make a smooth transition from law student to attorney.

Jeff will be speaking on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 on COMMENCING A CIVIL LAWSUIT IN NEW YORK STATE. For more information click here.

Our Partner Robert Conason will be conducting The Direct Examination of Plaintiff's Automotive Expert at The New York City Chapter of ABOTA Masters in Trial Program on Friday, October 24th. The Program will be held at the New York County Lawyers Association.

Robert Conason will be speaking at The New York State Trial Lawyers Institute's renowned Decisions Program on Trial Practice. Our Partner Rhonda Kay prepared the written materials on this subject for the course book which reports on over 100 cases that have come down within the last year in the area of Trial Practice. The New york City program will be held on Friday & Saturday, September 12 & 13, 2008: 9am to 5pm at The BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center @ BMCC199 Chambers Street New York City, New York 10007. For more information click here.

Robert Conason will be participating in The Brooklyn Law School symposium, "The Products Liability Restatement: Was it a Success?," scheduled for November 13th and 14th, 2008. Bob will be on the panel discussing The Restatement and Design Defect §2(b) on November 13th.