Ahmuty,Demers&McManusAHMUTY, DEMERS ~L MCMANUS
640 JOHNSON AVENUF,
SUITE 103
}30HEMIA, NEW YORIZ 11710 ATTORNEYS AT LAW
tell) 244-0210 200 I. U. WILLETS ROAD
ALBERTSON, NEW YORK 11507
1531 ROLPIE 82 (516) 2fl4-5433
HOPEWELL JiJNCTION. NY 12533
(845) 223-3470 F'ACSIMIL E (516) •294-5387
FAX 845-223-3287
Schedule of Fees - 2013
Town of Wappinger
Planning Board
All work provided to the Planning Board:
Attorneys $155.00 per hour
Paralegal $100.00 per hour
123 WILLIAM STREET
NEW YORK. NEW YOKIi 10038
1212) 513-7788
65 MADISON AVENUE
MORRIS'I'OWN, NEW JERSRY 070Et0
(073) 084-7300
Our minimum billing entry is .1 hour. We do not charge for photocopying. All
other fees and unspecified expenses, including, but not limited to filing fees, recording
fees, court costs, etc. , will be billed to the Board at cost.
We are also happy to discuss a fixed fee retainer for our legal services.
I am available to discuss my firm's fees and billing philosophy with you upon
your request.
,,~ ~ "Re ~ bmitted,
C J. CAROLEI
AHMUTY, DEMERS & MCMANUS
(t4(1 .701INSON AVENLtE 133 R'ILLIAM 8'PRiiE'I'
SUITE 103 NESS' YORIt, NEW YORK 10038
I30HF.BIIA, NGW YORK ll710 ATTORNEYS A~1~ LAW (i'.13) 513.7788
(031)344.010
200 I. iJ. WILLE7`S ROAD
ALBERTSON, NEW YORK 11507
65 iVIADI90N AVENUE
1531 ROiTiE 82 (510) 294-5433 ru)RRisTOwN, NF;W .Ib;RSE1- o~ttao
HOPEWELL JUNCTION NY 12533 (oust 1384-7:300
PAC;SI M1I I LI (516) '~A4-5387
(845) 223-3470
FAX 845-223-3257
March 25, 2013
Planning Board
'Town of Wappinger
20 Middlebush Road
Wappingers Falls, New York 12590
Attn: Sue Rose
Re: RFP for Legal Services
Dear Ms. Rose:
Pursuant to our conversation of March 15, 2013, enclosed please find an eighth
copy of my response to the request for proposal, fee schedule and firm resume.
Your time and consideration is appreciated.
~~ J. CAROLEI
223-3470
CJC:pm
Enclosure
c~ - 16 ~ 1 ~ -- ~o ~~ ~~ Gam„'" ~"'
i
AHMUTY, DEMERS ~ MCMANUS
640 JOHNSON AVENUE
SUITE 103
HOHEDIIA, NEW YORK 11719
(0:311244-0219
ATTORNEYS A'1` LAW
200 I. U. WILI.ETS ROAD
ALBERTSON, NEW YORK 11507
1531 ROII'!`E 82
HOPEWELL JUNCTION. NY 12533
(845) 223-3470
FAX 845-223-3287
(51(i) 2~J4-5433
FACSIMILE (516) 204-5387
March 25 , 2013
Planning Board
Town of Wappinger
20 Middlebush Road
Wappingers Falls, New York 12590
Attn: Mr. Robert Valdati
Chairman to the Planning Board
Re: RFP for Legal Services
Dear Hon. Chairman Valdati:
123 WILLIAM STREET
NEW YORK. NEW Y'ORIi 190323
1212) 513-7788
6.5 MADISON AVENUE
MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY 07960
1973)984-7300
I am a partner in the law firm of Ahmuty, Demers & McManus. My office is
located at 1531 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, New York 12533. This correspondence
is submitted in response to the request for proposal seeking legal services to assist the
Town Planning Board.
Enclosed with this letter is my resume, and that of a team of attorneys in my
firm that handle municipal liability matters. At Ahmuty, Demers & McManus, we
have real depth of experience representing municipal clients. I also submit the cost
portion of the proposal in a separate sealed envelope.
GENERAL FIRM INFORMATION
Ahmuty, Demers & McManus is an 80 lawyer firm and has represented
municipalities throughout the State of New York. Most recently we represented the
Greenburgh Town Board and ZBA, the Town of Vestal ZBA and Planning Board and
the Town of Southhold Town Board, ZBA and Planning Board.
We are preferred counsel for the Wright Risk Reciprocal Program for defense of
municipalities and school districts throughout the State.
Although my firm has eighty attorneys, we maintain a strong local profile with
our offices in Hopewell Junction, Suffolk and Nassau Counties. We have strong local
roots in the community and with the Courts.
Over the years our firm has represented and currently represents various
municipalities in planning, zoning, environmental, constitutional, negligence and labor
law matters. The municipal clients we have represented include Town of Greenburgh,
Town of Vestal, Town of Pleasant Valley, Town of Southhold, and the Village of
Fishkill.
We currently represent and have represented many school districts in the area,
including Millbrook, Dover, Warwick, Somers, Yorktown, and Northern Westchester
BOCES.
My firm's municipal litigation experience allows us to advise the client in the
best way to avoid a decision that can result in litigation. While not all lawsuits can be
avoided, we strive to provide guidance and advice that will prevent a client from
becoming entangled in needless and expensive litigation.
We have had the pleasure of representing municipal clients in the highest Court
in the State of New York and the Appellate Courts. I personally have a long history of
representing municipalities and private clients before many municipal boards.
Our dedicated appeals unit is available to assist with any unique or novel legal
issue that may arise during the course of my representation of the Town of Planning
Board. I had the privilege of representing this Board in the early 1990's as an associate
with the firm of Vergilis, Stenger, Roberts & Pergament. I look forward to
representing the Board again.
The following may be contacted as a reference:
Christopher Prill
Assistant Superintendent for Business
Dover Union Free School District
(845) 877-5700 ext. 1281
Edward Jessup
Jessup & Associates, Inc.
(845) 454-2929
The support staff I have available to me include my associates and my two
experienced legal secretaries. My office in Hopewell Junction is staffed with five
attorneys .
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
My firm has the necessary insurance requirements already in place. We agree to
maintain those insurance requirements and provide the Board with the necessary
certificates of insurance.
I will be the primary contact for all work involving the Town of Wappinger
Planning Board. We look forward to the opportunity to represent the Board.
Very
C"AR I E J. OLEI
(845) 3-3470
CJC:pm
BUILT UPQN
A Foundation of Results
Ahmuty, Demers >3< McManus traces
its origins to 1946. The Firm as it now
exists was formed in 1983 and quickly
evolved to its present size of more than
seventy attorneys serving the legal
needs of clients throughout New York
and New Jersey.
As experienced litigators with
decades of proven results, our
attorneys demonstrate daily the
tenacity, creativity, energy and
commitment required to defend the
wide spectrum of complex legal issues
that confront our clients.
Perhaps the best indication of the
Firm's abilities and dedication to
service is manifested by the fact that
we have continued to represent many
of the same clients over the years,
despite management changes within
those companies and corporations. As
the Firm and its clientele continues to
grow proportionately, the Firm remains
committed to the core value of taking a
personalized approach to the needs of
our clients.
Our Offices
New York
123 William Street
New York, New York 10038
Phone: (212) 513-7788
Fax: (212) 513-7843
Bohemia
640 Johnson Avenue, Suite 103
Bohemia, New York 11716
Phone: (631) 244-0219
Fax: (631) 244-0250
New Jersey
65 Madison Avenue
Morristown, New Jersey 07960
Phone: (973) 9847300
Fax: (973) 993-1989
Albertson
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Phone: (516} 294-5433
Fax: (516) 294-5387
White Plains
55 Church Street
White Plains, New York 10601
Phone: (914) 584-9934
Fax:
Hopewell Junction
1531 Route 82
Hopewell Junction, New York 12533
Phone: (845) 223-3470
Fax: (845) 223-3287
AHMUTY~ D EMERS
SQL MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Carmine J. Carolei
Partner
1531 Route 82
Hopewell Junction, New York 12533
Email: carmine.carolei@admlaw.com
Phone: (845) 223-3470 ext. 6501
Fax: (845) 223-3287
Carmine Carolei is the partner in charge of the Hopewell Junction,
Dutchess County, New York office of Ahmuty, Demers & McManus.
Mr. Carolei is an active litigator in cases pending from Bronx
County north to the state capitol in Albany, and extending through
central New York State.
He became a partner in 2000.
Mr. Carolei is involved in all aspects of civil litigation defense, with
an emphasis in construction site accidents, toxic torts, school
district litigation, transportation, product liability and professional
liability matters. He also specializes in real estate litigation,
including easements, land disputes, adverse possession claims
and claims against real estate brokers and appraisers.
Mr. Carolei represents municipalities in claims against towns and
town boards, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning
Board. He also handles veterinary malpractice claims in all courts
and represents clients in licensing matters.
Practice Areas:
Commercial Transportation
Construction Site Accidents
Criminal Defense
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Professional Liability/Malpractice
School District Liability
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Education:
New York Law School, J.D., 1988
Fordham University , B.A., 1985
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1989
U.S. District Court, Northern District of NY,
1999
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1999
Memberships:
Mid-Hudson Claims Association: 2-time Past
President
Dutchess County Bar Association
Counsel on Litigation Management
Results:
Adami v. Warwick Central School District
Office:
Hopewell Junction
Mr. Carolei is the past president of the Mid-Hudson Claims
Association. He has frequently lectured to various organizations on
many liability topics which effect our practice.
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
SQL MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Robert J. Hindman
Partner
640 Johnson Avenue, Suite 103
Bohemia, New York 11716
Email: robert.hindman@admlaw.com
Phone: (631) 244-0219 ext. 5407
Fax: (631) 244-0250
Bob Hindman is a partner in the Bohemia office, where he also
serves as Managing Partner. Mr. Hindman is also the Firm's senior
trial attorney in Suffolk County.
Prior to joining the Firm in 1987, Mr. Hindman honed his skills at
Travelers, Aetna Insurance Company and Zurich Insurance as an
in-house trial attorney.
Although Mr. Hindman practices primarily in Suffolk County, he is
often involved at the request of clients in high profile matters in
otherjurisdictions. His attention to detail, combined with
his relentless work ethic, have resulted in the resolution of cases
through trial, mediation or settlement, at extremely significant
savings to the client. He has earned a reputation as someone who
will try each case to obtain the desired result. His AV rating from
Martindale-Hubbell is well deserved.
Mr. Hindman represents a wide variety of clients including
municipalities, school districts, businesses, insurers and individuals
in litigated matters in State and Federal Courts.
Mr. Hindman is listed in "Who's Who in American Law." He
also authored the "Premises Liability/Construction Worksite
Accidents" chapter in the New York Bar Association's CLE Course
Book (November 1996), which was reprinted in the "Construction
Site Litigation" section of the New York State Bar Association
Course Book.
Practice Areas:
Civil Rights
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Transportation
Construction Site Accidents
Employment and Labor Law
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Professional Liability/Malpractice
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Education:
New York Law School, J.D., 1974
City College of New York, B.A., 1969
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1975
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1975
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, 1991
Memberships:
Suffolk County Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Defense Association of New York
American Legion
Civic Activities:
Yale College Mock Trial Association Invitational
Tournament, Yale University, Judge
Panel of Arbitrators, American Arbitration
Association, past member
Results:
New York City Commission on Human Rights
v. Millennium Personnel Corp. and Lainie
Bennett Ogniebene
Ammirato, Kulik, Salbu, Murphy and Vengilio v.
Duraclean International, Inc.
Quad Enterprises Co., LLC, Kontokosta and
Does 1-5 v. Town of Southold, Town Board of
the Town of Southold, Zoning Board of Appeals
of the Town of Southold and Planning Board of
the Town of Southold
Office:
Bohemia
AHMUTY~ D EMERS
~L, MCMANUS
Patrick J. Pickett
Partner
1531 Route 82
Hopewell Junction, New York 12533
Email: patrick.pickett@admlaw.com
Phone: (845) 223-3470 ext. 6502
Fax: (845) 223-3470
Patrick Pickett is the partner in charge of the firm's litigation in
upstate New York.
Mr. Pickett covers all courts in Albany and its surrounding counties,
Hudson Valley, and the central and western New York areas.
Mr. Pickett represents a variety of individuals, insurance
companies and business entities in automobile litigation, premises
liability, products liability, subrogation, malicious prosecution,
defamation and construction site litigation.
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Construction Site Accidents
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Education:
Albany Law School, Cum Laude; Member of
Justinian Society, J.D., 2002
State University of New York, University at
Albany, B.A. , 1999
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 2003
U.S. District Court, Northern District of NY,
2003
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
2004
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 2004
Memberehips:
American Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Office:
Hopewell Junction
AHMUTY, D EMERS
~L MCMANUS
Louis A. Ciffone
Associate
1531 Route 82
Hopewell Junction, New York 12533
Email: louis.ciffone@admlaw.com
Phone: (845) 223-3470 ext. 6505
Fax: (845) 223-3287
Louis Ciffone practices in the Hopewell Junction office of Ahmuty,
Demers & McManus. Mr. Ciffone has over 30 years of experience
in handling a cross section of cases.
Mr. Ciffone's practice focuses labor law cases and the defense of
municipalities, with extensive experience in defending motor vehicle
and premises cases. Mr. Ciffone handles cases in the Bronx,
Westchester and counties north and east of Westchester.
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Construction Site Accidents
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Education:
Fordham University , J.D. , 1974
Fordham University , B.S. Chemistry , 1970
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1975
Memberships:
New York State Bar Association
Office:
Hopewell Junction
AHMUTY~ D EMERS
~L. MCMANUS
Janice Berkowitz
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: janice.berkowitz@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-1887
Fax: (516) 294-5387
Janice Berkowitz is a partner in the Albertson office. Ms. Berkowitz
joined the Firm in 1988 as a law clerk while attending law school.
She is the Firm's first female partner and is a senior member of the
professional liability/municipal liability defense team. Her practice
also includes premises liability, product liability, commercial
litigation, employment litigation, health care matters and civil rights
litigation.
In conjunction with her municipal/school district/civil rights practice,
Ms. Berkowitz also handles matters relating to employment
practices, tenure disputes, terminations, sexual discrimination, age
discrimination, racial discrimination and case alleging violations of
the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ms. Berkowitz also handles cases involving intellectual property as
well as general professional liability issues, including legal
malpractice and healthcare defense.Ms. Berkowitz has lectured on
various school district and discrimination issues.
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Practice Areas:
Civil Rights
Commercial Litigation
Employment and Labor Law
Healthcare Litigation
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Professional Liability/Malpractice
School District Liability
Education:
Hofstra University School of Management, J.D.,
1989
Binghamton, Magna Cum Laude, B.S., 1986
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1989
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1990
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1990
Results:
John Ricci v. Robert N. Cowell, Jr., Douglas
Dynamics, Inc., Didier Manufacturing & Design,
LLC and Foster Manufacturing Corporation
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY~ D EMERS
~L. MCMANUS
Angelo J. Bongiorno
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: angelo.bongiorno@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-2413
Fax: (516) 294-5387
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Civil Rights
Commercial Transportation
Construction Site Accidents
Dealership Liability
Employment and Labor Law
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
School District Liability
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Angelo Bongiorno is a partner in the Albertson office. He began
working for Ahmuty, Demers & McManus, in July 1997 as a full time Presentations:
law clerk while attending Touro Law Center as an evening student. Automobile Dealership, Garage, and Fleet;
Liability and Insurance Issues
He was hired as an associate upon being admitted to the New York Emerging Labor Law and Risk Transfer Issues
State Bar in June 2000.
Mr. Bongiorno is an experienced litigator handling all levels of
claims from a simple automobile claim to the most complex high
exposure Labor Law claim. He has taken cases to trial in New York,
Kings, Bronx, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Mr. Bongiorno has been designated as defense counsel for Greater
Jamaica Development Corporation and their various affiliates and
subsidiaries. He also was instrumental in building and maintaining
the longstanding relationship the Firm has enjoyed with clients such
as New York City Board of Education and various yellow school
bus transportation companies.
Mr. Bongiorno has built a successful record of outstanding results
on behalf of clients through trials, alternative dispute resolution,
motions and settlements
Education:
Touro Law Center, CALI Academic Excellence
Award Contracts II and Trial Practice, Dean's
List, Law Review Notes & Comments Editor,
J.D., 1999
Nyack College ,Organizational Management,
Cum Laude, B. S., 1996
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, June 2000
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, July
2000
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY, July
2000
Memberships:
Queens County Bar Association
Nassau County Bar Association
Results:
Troiola/KantlChiodo/Mortellaro v. JEM Caterers
of Nassau at Atlantic Beach and Lido Beach
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY, DEMERS
&. MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Jennifer A. Casey
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: jennifer.casey@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-2425
Fax: (516) 294-5387
Jennifer Casey is a partner in the Albertson office. Ms. Casey
began her career with the Firm as a law clerk while attending law
school in the evening. Ms. Casey is an experienced trial attorney
and currently focuses her practice on construction site accident
litigation, premises liability matters, products liability and complex
automobile litigation including UM/SUM claims.
In connection with her representation of various corporations, Ms.
Casey also counsels and represents her clients on employment
and labor law issues as well as commercial litigation matters. Ms.
Casey handles commercial transportation and trucking litigation.
She coauthored the US LAW Trucking Compendium for New York
and the DRI Trucking Compendium for New York.
Ms. Casey has lectured to the Buffalo Claims Association and
Syracuse Claims Association as well as various insurance carriers.
She helped design and continues to implement the Firm's
Continuing Legal Education Program which is accredited by the
New York State Continuing Legal Education Board.
Ms. Casey serves on the board of directors of various organizations
including the National Association of Insurance Women (New York
City Chapter), Huntington Economic Development
Corporation and Suffolk County Child Care Council. She is a
graduate of The Energeia Partnership, The Academy for Regional
Stewardship at Molloy College. Ms. Casey also serves on
the Suffolk County Planning Commission and Huntington Historic
Preservation Commission.
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Civil Rights
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Transportation
Construction Site Accidents
Dealership Liability
Employment and Labor Law
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Property Damage
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Presentations:
Auto Insurance Issues
Auto Insurance Update
Joint and Several Liability - An Attempt at
Equity
PIP Loss Transfer and SUM/UM
Publications:
USLAW National Compendium of Law
Education:
Touro Law Center, J.D., 1996
Hobart & William Smith Colleges, B.A.
Russian-Soviet Studies, 1990
Bar Admissions:
State of Connecticut, 1997
State of New York, 1998
U.S. District Court, Connecticut, 1998
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1998
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1998
Memberships:
Defense Research Institute
New York State Bar Association
National Association Insurance Women
Queens Women's Bar Association
Civic Activities:
Huntington EDC:Director
Huntington Historic Preservation
Commission:Appointee
Leadership Huntington: Presidents Council
NAIW: Director
Suffolk County Child Care Council:Director
Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization
Citizens Advisory Panel:Appointee
Suffolk County Planning Commission:
Appointee
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY, DEMERS
~L MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Maureen Casey
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: maureen.casey@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-2417
Fax: (516} 294-5387
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Civil Rights
Construction Site Accidents
Employment and Labor Law
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
School District Liability
Publications:
USLAW National Compendium of Law
Maureen Casey is a partner in the Albertson office. Since being
admitted to the New York Bar in 1993, Ms. Casey has focused her
practice on the defense of school districts in a variety of personal
injury claims such as playground and sports accidents, assaults,
slip & fall, motor vehicle and wrongful death litigation. As an
experienced litigator she has tried over twenty-five cases to
verdict on behalf of school districts. In conjunction with her school
district practice, Ms. Casey represents municipal clients in various
employment matters including discrimination and harassment
claims and wrongful terminations.
Ms. Casey's practice is not limited to the representation of school
district and municipal clients. She also handles cases involving
construction site accidents, premises liability and automobile
matters. She is a long time participant in the Nassau County Bar
Association Student Mentoring Project mentoring middle school
students at the A. B. G. Schultz Middle School in Hempstead, New
York.
Education:
St. John's University, School of Law, J.D., 1992
St. John's University, College of Business
Administration, B.S., Magna Cum Laude,
Business Administration , 1989
Queensborough Community College, A.A.S.
Accounting , 1983
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1993
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1993
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1994
Memberships:
New York State Bar Association
Nassau County Bar Association
National Association of Insurance Women
Defense Research Institute
Civic Activities:
National Civil Rights Trial Competition, St.
John's University, Judge, 2004, 2005, 2006
Yale College Mock Trial Association Invitational
Tournament, Yale University, Judge, 2009
Results:
Ditta v. Smithtown Central School District
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
~L. MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Christopher J. Conover
Partner
65 Madison Avenue
Morristown, New Jersey 07960
Email: christopher.conover@admlaw.com
Phone: (973) 984-7310
Fax: (973) 993-1989
Christopher Conover is a partner in the New Jersey office. He
joined the Firm in 1996 and has extensive trial experience.
Practice Areas:
Construction Site Accidents
Healthcare Litigation
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Professional Liability/Malpractice
SIU/Fraud and Arson
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Education:
University of Bridgeport ,School of Law, J.D.,
1988
Rider University, B.S. Commerce, 1981
Mr. Conover' s litigation practice concentrates in the defense of Bar Admissions:
State of New Jersey, 1989
matters involving New York labor law, products liability, premises State of New York, 1989
liability, construction defect and professional malpractice including U.S. District Court of New Jersey, 1989
medical professionals, engineers, attorneys and title companies. U.S District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1990
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1990
Memberships:
New Jersey Bar Association
New York Bar Association
Office:
New Jersey
AHMUTY, DEMERS
~i:, MCMANUS
Patrick J. Cooney
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: patrick.cooney@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-2411
Fax: (516) 294-5387
Patrick Cooney is a partner in the Albertson office. He
has successfully tried cases involving premises liability, products
liability, dram shop, assault and battery, lead paint, defamation,
false imprisonment, construction accidents, school district liability
and municipal liability.
Mr. Cooney has spoken at seminars hosted by various insurance
carriers and clients, New York State Amateur Hockey Association
and Suffolk County Bar Association on issues such as Risk
Management, New York State Labor Law and New York State
Pattern Jury Instructions.
Outside of the Firm, Mr. Cooney is the Referee-In-Chief for the
NYSAHA, Eastern Zone of NY. Mr. Cooney has officiated many
State and National Championships and when not officiating Mr.
Cooney coaches his son's travel hockey team and daughters' travel
softball teams.
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Commercial Transportation
Construction Site Accidents
Dealership Liability
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
School District Liability
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Education:
St. John's University, J.D., 1990
Fordham University , B.A. , 1986
Bar Admissions:
State of New York State, 1991
U.S. District Court, Eastern of NY, 1991
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1991
Memberahlps:
Nassau County Bar Association
New York State Trial Lawyers Association
Civic Activities:
New York State Amateur Hockey Association
Referee-In-Chief Eastern Zone of NY
Ice Hockey Coach-New York Apple Core PW
Tier II
Softball Coach- St. Edwards CYO Travel and
Intramural
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
&. MCMANUS
Eugene L. Daneri
Partner
640 Johnson Avenue, Suite 103
Bohemia, New York 11716
Email: eugene.daneri@admlaw.com
Phone: (631 } 244-0219 ext. 5402
Fax: (631) 244-0250
Eugene Daneri is a partner in the Bohemia office located in Suffolk
County, New York.
Throughout his career, Mr. Daneri has delivered outstanding results
on behalf of his clients in a wide range of personal injury litigation
venued in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. He is an active member of
several of the firms' practice groups, with a concentration of cases
involving construction site accidents and premise liability claims.
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Practice Areas:
Civil Rights
Construction Site Accidents
Dealership Liability
Healthcare Litigation
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Property Damage
School District Liability
Education:
St. John's University, J.D., 1988
Southampton College, B.A. , 1985
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1988
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1990
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1990
Memberships:
Nassau Suffolk Trial Lawyers Association
Office:
Bohemia
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
& McMANUS BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Thomas A. Montiglio
Partner Practice Aroas:
Automobile Liability
200 I. U. Willets Road Commercial Litigation
Albertson, New York 11507 Construction Site Accidents
Municipal Liability
Email: thomas.montiglio@admlaw.com Premises Liability
Products Liability
Phone: (516) 535-2440 School District Liability
Fax: (516) 294-5387 Toxic Tort and Environmental
Education:
St. John's University, Honors: Moot Court, J.D.,
Thomas Montiglio is a partner in the Albertson office. 2001
Binghamton, Honors: Dean's List, B.A. , 1998
Mr. Montiglio handles both personal injury and property damage Bar Admissions:
cases for the Firm. His practice includes premises liability, State of New York, 2002
construction site litigation, products liability and automobile accident U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 2003
cases, along with the defense of school districts and municipalities. U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
He also represents corporate clients in commercial litigation. 2003
Mr. Montiglio is a member of the Toxic Tort and Results:
Environmental Group, responsible for defending large corporations Gilreath v. Levittown Union Free School District
in asbestos personal injury and mold exposure litigation. Surujnaraine v. Valley Stream
He has maintained an active trial practice with many successful Office:
Albertson
verdicts throughout his tenure with the firm.
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Frank J. Pecorelli
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: frank.pecorelli@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-2408
Fax: (516) 294-5387
Frank Pecorelli is a partner in the Albertson office.
Mr. Pecorelli is a trial attorney and has over twenty years
experience successfully trying cases before the State and Federal
Courts of New York. Mr. Pecorelli heads the Firm's Nassau County
team. He is responsible for handling high exposure defense cases
involving product liability claims, automobile accidents, premises
liability, claims against municipalities, negligence and breach of
contract claims as well as complex cases involving construction site
accidents and violations of the New York Labor Law.
Mr. Pecorelli has helped develop the Firm's in-house Continuing
Legal Education program, which has been approved by the New
York State Continuing Legal Education Board. He actively
continues in that role. He has served as a lecturer on many topics,
including products liability and trial practice.
Outside of the Firm, Mr. Pecorelli has served as a member of the
Grievance Committee of the Bar Association of Nassau County.
He was the recipient Court Officer's Benevolent Association
Jurisperitus Award in 2003.
He is active in the Huntington Tri-Village Little League and St.
Hughs Basketball League.
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Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Civil Rights
Commercial Transportation
Construction Defect
Construction Site Accidents
Employment and Labor Law
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Property Damage
Education:
St. John's University, J.D., 1988
Binghamton, Business Management , B.S.,
1985
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1988
U.S. District Court, Eastern, District of NY,
1989
U.S. District Court, Southern, District of NY,
1989
United States Circuit Court of Appeals, Second
Circuit, 2010
Memberships:
Nassau County Bar Association
Grievance Committee, Nassau County Bar
Association
New York State Bar Association
Results:
Babitskaya v. Mosvideofilm Russia, Inc., Gala
Tours, Inc., Gala Bus lines, Ltd., N. Mayflower,
Inc., and Ocean Travel, Inc.
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
&, MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Michael J. Rabus
Partner
123 William Street
New York, New York 10038
Email: michael.rabus@admlaw.com
Phone: (646) 536-5748
Fax: (212) 587-5637
A partner in the New York City office, Mike Rabus has been with
the Firm since 1982.
Mr. Rabus tries the highest exposure cases in the Courts of
Metropolitan New York with a special emphasis on construction site
accidents. In addition, his areas of practice include products
liability, premises liability, Civil Rights litigation relating to schools
and municipalities, Dram Shop Litigation, Environmental matters
and New York's Navigation Law with respect to oil spills.
Mr. Rabus is counsel to New York City Police Department Steuben
Association, Nassau County Police Department Steuben
Association and Grand Council of Steuben Associations in Civil
Service.
Mr. Rabus lectures to the New York Bar Association, insurance
carriers, various business entities and participates in the Firm's in
house Continuing Legal Education Program. He is the the primary
contact of the Firm with USLAW Network.
Mr. Rabus is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Practice Areas:
Civil Rights
Commercial Transportation
Construction Defect
Construction Site Accidents
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
School District Liability
Toxic Tort and Environmental
Presentations:
Damages Issues in Undocumented Worker
Cases
Developments in Construction Work Site
Litigation
Medicare Secondary Payer Statute
Old Republic Construction Program Group
2010 Annual Meeting
The Contract Side of Safety
Undocumented Alien Damages Recovery in
Construction Site Accident Litigation
Publications:
Developments in the Law Concerning
Negligence
Education:
St. John's University, J.D., 1982
St. John's University, President, Alpha Psi
Omega, National Dramatic Honor Society, B.A.
,1978
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1983
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1985
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1985
Memberships:
Defense Association of New York,
Past Director
Defense Research Institute
USLAW Network Construction Practice Group
Civic Actlvltiea:
German American Committee of Greater New
York: President
German American Steuben Parade of New
York City: Executive Board
NYPD Steuben Association German American
of the Year Recipient
National Eagle Scout Association
St. Agnes Cathedral School Fathers' Club: Past
President
..~:__.
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
~L. MCMANUS
BUILT UPON EXPERIENCE
Aigul E. Sarvarova
Associate
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: aigul.sarvarova@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-1848
Fax: (516} 294-5387
Aigul Sarvarova is an associate in the Albertson office. She assists
partners in pre-trial litigation as well as in the preparation of matters
for trial. Ms. Sarvarova's practice is focused on defending premises
liability, automobile liability, property damage and construction
accident cases.
Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Sarvarova served as a Special
Counsel at the Nassau County Attorney's Office representing the
County in the areas of torts and employment law.
Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Construction Site Accidents
Dealership Liability
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Education:
Hofstra University, J.D., 2008
Hofstra University, M.B.A. in Finance, with
distinction, Dean's List, 2009
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 2010
Memberships:
Queens County Bar Association
Difce:
Albertson
AHMUTY, DEMERS
$~, MCMANUS
Daniel G. Sergiacomi
Partner
200 I. U. Willets Road
Albertson, New York 11507
Email: daniel.sergiacomi@admlaw.com
Phone: (516) 535-1831
Fax: (516)294-5387
Daniel Sergiacomi is a partner in the Albertson office.
His practice is focused on premises liability, automobile liability,
products liability, construction site litigation and the defense of
municipalities in a wide range of claims.
Mr. Sergiacomi is also admitted in Connecticut.
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Practice Areas:
Automobile Liability
Construction Site Accidents
Municipal Liability
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Education:
University of Bridgeport School of Law, J.D.,
1983
Fordham University , B.S.
Bar Admissions:
State of New York, 1984
State of Connecticut, 1984
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY, 1985
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY,
1985
Office:
Albertson
AHMUTY, D EMERS
$L MCMANUS
Municipal Liability
The Firm is actively engaged in representing various towns, villages, fire
departments and other municipal entities with respect
to a wide spectrum of negligence claims. In addition, the attorneys in the
Group also handle claims brought under Civil Rights Statutes, along with
land use and environmental issues.
Robert J. Hindman, who heads up the Group, has extensive experience
with respect to zoning issues that culminate in litigation. His practice has
involved him in a number of high profile federal court actions including
cases dealing with housing and employment related discrimination claims.
The Firm's goal is to resolve the litigation in the most cost effective manner
while still protecting the interests of our municipal clients. We are prepared
to try cases at any level and have successfully argued in the Appellate
Courts on behalf of our clients. The attorneys in the Group are often called
upon to meet with municipal officials to make presentations before
the presiding body of the municipality. The Firm's representation also
involves working closely with municipal legal departments to exchange
ideas and to develop strategies which will result in a successful resolution.
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Attorneys:
Janice Berkowitz
Angelo J. Bongiorno
Carmine J. Carolei
Maureen Casey
Louis A. Ciffone
Christopher J. Conover
Patrick J. Cooney
Eugene L. Daneri
Robert J. Hindman
Jaime L. Lehrer
Thomas A. Montiglio
Frank J. Pecorelli
Michael J. Rabus
Aigul E. Sarvarova
Daniel G. Sergiacomi
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
$z, MCMANUS
School District Liability
The Firm's School District Group represents numerous school districts in
personal injury cases relating to the broadest spectrum of cases brought
on behalf of students, parents, athletes, employees and the general public
A sample of the matters handled by the Firm include sexual and physical
assaults, wrongful death claims, security claims, exposure claims involving
lead and other contaminants, fear of AIDS, herpes and other diseases,
premises liability matters, automobile cases, injuries occurring during
athletic events, playground accidents, failure to properly supervise claims,
and cases alleging civil rights violations. The civil rights cases include
claims of violations of Title VII, ADEA and the ADA, litigated in the State
and Federal Courts as well as before administrative agencies including the
EEOC and the State Division of Human Rights.
Attorneys handle their cases from the notice of claim stage to the ultimate
resolution of the case. While many cases are resolved through motion
practice, mediation/arbitration and settlements, the Group has taken many
verdicts in this area.
When there is a significant incident or potential for a claim, the Firm has
been involved in the early stages of the investigation to ensure that
the school district's defenses and evidence are preserved for litigation. This
has allowed for the development of a strong working relationship with many
of our school district clients who have been represented by the Firm
over many years.
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Attorneys:
Janice Berkowitz
Angelo J. Bongiorno
Carmine J. Carolei
Maureen Casey
Frank A. Cecere
Patrick J. Cooney
Eugene L. Daneri
Gerard A. Gilbride
Jessica A. McClung
Philip J. McManus
Thomas A. Montiglio
Michael J. Rabus
AHMUTY~ DEMERS
SL MCMANUS
Professional Liability/Malpractice
The Professional Liability Group of Ahmuty, Demers &
McManus represents a broad array of professionals including architects
and engineers, surveyors, home inspectors, real estate agents, mortgage
brokers, attorneys, interior designers, landscape architects, construction
consultants, fire protection consultants, mechanical consultants, title
companies and others. The Firm consistently provides high quality legal
representation which has resulted in many long term relationships with
insurance carriers that write professional liability policies, as well as with
professions who directly retain the Firm. Immediately upon being
retained, our attorney meets with the client which allows for the creation of
an early litigation strategy and an evaluation of the case to determine if an
early discontinuance is possible. Where circumstances warrant, motion
practice prior to depositions is often utilized. Attempts are regularly made
to bring questionable claims to a conclusion prior to engaging in protracted
litigation. As early resolution of a case is often not attainable in the world of
litigation, the Firm has extensive experience in litigating these cases
through all phases, including trials and appeals. The Firm also has a
strong track record in the utilization of mediation and arbitration to bring
cases to a successful conclusion. Pre-litigation assistance is afforded to
design professionals to resolve disputed issues and potential claims before
they are placed into litigation. The attorneys of the Firm's Professional
Liability Group are proud of their history of representing professionals and
obtaining outstanding results on their behalf since the founding of the Firm
more than sixty years ago.
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attorneys:
William R. Ahmuty
Vincent S. Ambrosino
Janice Berkowitz
Salvatore J. Calabrese
Carmine J. Carolei
Frank A. Cecere
Thomas J. Colameo
David S. Conklin
Christopher J. Conover
Deborah A. DelSordo
Robert J. Hindman
Glenn A. Kaminska
Melissa Manna
Jessica A. McClung
Philip J. McManus
John A. McPhilliamy
Kristen Mitaritonna
Gary P. Muhlstock
Michael C. Salvo
Diane R. Silvergleid