Firm News

9/14/2023
Defense Verdict - Firefighter Trial

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5/19/2022
Congratulations to Felice and her team for winning this national honor from National Interstate Insurance Company!

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6/23/2021
Felice Cotignola has been invited to speak at the American College Of Transportation Attorneys Annual Conference in Chicago on August 20,2021

Felice Cotignola has been invited to speak at the American College Of Transportation Attorneys Annual Conference in Chicago on August 20,2021.  She will be speaking with Nathan Lundquist, Vice . . .

10/31/2020
LSKD Makes Halloween Treat Bags for Kids as Part of ALFA's 40 Days of Giving

LSKD is a member of ALFA International, a global network of independent law firms. In celebration of its 40th year, ALFA invited its member law firms to participate in its 40 Days of Giving event. For 40 days beginning on October 5 to December 1, member firms designate a day where the firm does something to give back to their local community. In light of everything going on in this world right no

LSKD is a member of ALFA International, a global network of independent law firms. In celebration of its 40th year, ALFA invited its member law firms to participate in its 40 . . .

11/4/2019
The week of October 7th was Lupus Research Alliance week at LSKD as the LSKD Women’s Initiative went purple.

The week of October 7th was Lupus Research Alliance week at LSKD as the LSKD Women’s Initiative went purple.

On Tuesday, October 8, the LSKD Women’s Initiative . . .

10/4/2019
On Thursday October 3,2019 Felice Cotignola gave a lunch and learn to adjusters, supervisors and corporate officers at National Interstate Insurance Company in Cleveland Ohio

On Thursday October 3,2019 Felice Cotignola gave a lunch and learn to adjusters, supervisors and corporate officers at National Interstate Insurance Company in Cleveland . . .

9/12/2019
Between 8/1 through 8/9, LSKD's Women's Initiative held a Back to School Bermuda Shorts Friday fundraiser to benefit the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless.

Between August 1 through August 9, LSKD's Women's Initiative . . .

7/1/2019
Congratulations to David Motola, Paul Tarr and C. Briggs Johnson: Appellate Division reverses denial of motion to compel discovery based on recent Court of Appeals' decision

On May 21, 2019, the Motola Unit and the Appellate Practice Group won a reversal of the Bronx County Supreme Court’s denial of defendants' motions to compel discovery and to renew based . . .

6/18/2019
Robert Dunn obtained a defense verdict for Macy's in the case of Maria Santos v. Macy's et. al.

Robert Dunn obtained a defense verdict for Macy’s in the case of Maria Santos v. Macy’s et. al. which was tried in the pro plaintiff venue, Middlesex County, New Jersey.

3/15/2019
Felice Cotignola spoke at the Great West Casualty Trucking Leadership Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska on March 13, 2019

Felice Cotignola spoke at the Great West Casualty Trucking Leadership Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska on March 13, 2019.  Her presentation entitled "A Rigged . . .

3/8/2019
March 8 was International Women's Day. In celebration, LSKD's Women's Initiative partnered with the Susan G. Komen organization to help women re-entering the workforce after treatment.

March 8 was International Women’s Day. In . . .

1/31/2019
Congratulations to Gerry Gunning, W. Mckinney Brown, C. Briggs Johnson and Paul Tarr: NJ Appellate Division Affirms Trial Verdict and Denies New Trial

Congratulations to Gerry Gunning, W. Mckinney Brown, C. Briggs Johnson and Paul Tarr: NJ Appellate Division Affirms Trial Verdict and Denies New Trial

Gerry Gunning tried the case Diaz . . .

1/16/2019
Felice Cotignola will be moderating a panel at the ALFA International Transportation Conference on April 27, 2018

Felice Cotignola will be moderating a panel at the ALFA International Transportation Conference on April 27, 2018 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.  Her client panelists will be Sara Miemiec, . . .

12/19/2018
On December 19, 2018 the LSK&D Women's Initiative Held a Holiday Cookie Decorating Event and Partnered with the Firm's Dear Santa Project!

On December 19, 2018 the LSK&D Women's Initiativeheld a holiday cookie decorating event and partnered with the firm's Dear Santa project!

11/15/2018
Paul M. Tarr, Chair of the Firm's Appellate Practice Group, Published a Article in Law360 on a Federal Trademark Case

11/2/2018
Great West Casualty Company Leadership Symposium

10/25/2018
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

10/13/2018
Walk for the Cure for Lupus!

On October 13, 2018,LSKD’s Women’s Initiative participated in the annual Walk for the Cure for Lupus. We were excited to raise both money and awareness for . . .

8/10/2018
Alfredo J. Alvarado Lectured At The NYCLA on The Topic of, Voir Dire: The Differences Between Civil/Criminal Litigation

On July 19, 2018, Alfredo J. Alvarado lectured At the New York County Lawyers Association on the topic of, Voir Dire: The Differences between Civil/Criminal Litigation, along with a panel of attorneys . . .

8/3/2018
LBrands/Gallagher Bassett Honors Felice J. Cotignola with Award At Claims Summit in Columbus, Ohio on August 2, 2018

LBrands/Gallagher Bassett Honors Felice J. Cotignola with Award At Claims Summit in Columbus, Ohio on August 2, 2018

Congratulations to Felice Cotignola. Last night at the LBrands/Gallagher . . .

8/2/2018
LBrands/Gallagher Bassett Honors Felice J. Cotignola with Award At Claims Summit in Columbus, Ohio on August 2, 2018

LBrands/Gallagher Bassett Honors Felice J. Cotignola with Award At Claims Summit in Columbus, Ohio on August 2, 2018

Congratulations to Felice Cotignola. Last night at the LBrands/Gallagher . . .

7/9/2018
On June 26, 2018, the LSKD Women's Initiative held its inaugural event at the Capital Grille.

On June 26, 2018, the LSKD Women's Initiative held its inaugural event at the Capital Grille.   We hosted Justice Doris Gonzalez and Justice Saliann Scarpulla of the New York State Supreme . . .

7/2/2018
On June 26, 2018, the LSKD Women's Initiative Held its Inaugural Event at the Capital Grille

On June 26, 2018, the LSKD Women's Initiative held its inaugural event at the Capital Grille.  We hosted Justice Doris Gonzalez and Justice Saliann Scarpulla of the New York State Supreme . . .

6/26/2018
LSKD Women's Initiative Hosts An Amazing Inaugural Event!

On June 26, 2018, the LSKD Women's Initiative held its inaugural event at the Capital Grille! Three prestigious Judges, Doris Gonzalez, Saliann Scarpulla and Patricia . . .

5/14/2018
Appellate Division Reverses Denial of Summary Judgment in Escalator Maintenance Case

The Appellate Division, First Department, reversed an order of the Supreme Court, New York County, which denied Macy's summary judgment motion in a case arising from a customer's claim that . . .

4/24/2018
Alfredo J. Alvarado and Kimberly Schirripa Presents at the New York County Lawyers Association

On Friday, April 27, 2018, at the New York County Lawyers Association as part of a Bridge the Gap for Litigators, Alfredo J. Alvarado lectured on Settlement Conferences and Mediations in Personal . . .

4/24/2018
Alfredo J. Alvarado Presented at the New York County Lawyers Association

On Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the New York County Lawyers Association as part of a Bridge the Gap for Litigators, Alfredo J. Alvarado lectured on Voire Dire and Summations.

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3/13/2018
John DeMatteo achieved a defense verdict on the case of Dwayne Alston v. Federal Express Ground Package System Inc

On December 13th 2017 , John DeMatteo achieved a defense verdict on the case of Dwayne Alston v. Federal Express Ground Package System Inc., before the Honorable Justice Kim Dollard, of . . .

2/12/2018
Congratulations to Harold Lee Schwab on Receiving the Trial Lawyer's Award

Recognizing the Outstanding Dedication and Commitment to the Advancement of Trial Lawyers

Presented by the Trial Lawyers Section

Recipient: Harold Schwab, Esq.

1/4/2018
Felice Cotignola Is ALFA's Friday Featured Attorney of the Week

What is your most memorable ALFA International moment?

Every minute I spend with my ALFAI family and friends is a truly memorable one. I have met the most wonderful friends from all over . . .

10/31/2017
Felice Cotignola has been invited to speak at the Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS)

Felice Cotignola  has been invited to speak at the Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Partner Day conference in Columbus, Ohio on November 9, 2017.  She will be speaking on a panel . . .

7/5/2017
LSKD OBTAINS DEFENSE VERDICT IN PINEDA VS. BYRNE DAIRY

LSKD OBTAINS DEFENSE VERDICT IN PINEDA VS. BYRNE DAIRY

Alfredo Alvarado was retained through an ALFA partner to assist in the trial of this federal employment discrimination lawsuit based . . .

7/5/2017
AN UPCOMING LECTURE FOR THE NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION BY ALFREDO ALAVARADO

Alfredo Alvarado is giving a lecture for the New York State Bar Association in a program called, "Law School for Insurance Professionals" for insurance adjusters on September 13, 2017 on . . .

6/27/2017
LSKD PARTNERS GOLFING FOR CHARITY

Michael McDonagh, Felice Cotignola, Jeff Aronwald and David Motola  attended a Charity Golf Outing on June 26, 2017 to support Horseability, a non profit organization whose mission is to improve . . .

6/27/2017
LSKD Partners Golfing for Charity

Michael McDonagh, Felice Cotignola, Jeff Aronwald and David Motola  attended a Charity Golf Outing on June 26, 2017 to support Horseability, a non profit organization whose mission is to improve . . .

5/16/2017
Eric Portuguese Presented at the New York State Bar Association Insurance Seminar - Defending Bad Faith Actions Against Insurance Companies - Defending Bad Faith Actions Against Insurance Companies

Eric Portuguese Presented at the New York State Bar Association Insurance Seminar - Defending Bad Faith Actions Against Insurance Companies.

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5/15/2017
Felice Cotignola presented at the ALFA Transportation Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Felice Cotignola presented at the ALFA Transportation Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on May 12, 2017.  Her panel which included Randy Mitchen of First Group America and Frank Albanese of Landstar . . .

5/2/2017
LSK&D conducted a successful defense in Tabak v. Shaw Industries, Inc.

LSK&D conducted a successful defense in Tabak v. Shaw Industries, Inc., – A.D.3d –, 2017 NY Slip Op 03213 (2d Dept., April 26, 2017).  In October 2013, on the eve of jury . . .

5/2/2017
LSK&D successfully represented the defendants in Anthony Torres v. Bd. of Ed.

LSK&D successfully represented the defendants in Anthony Torres v. Bd. of Ed.  In the underlying litigation in King’s County Supreme Court, plaintiff improperly attempted to alter . . .

3/10/2017
Felice spoke on "The Anatomy of a Claim: The Obstacles and Pitfalls in the East."

On March 1, 2017 Felice Cotignola was a featured speaker at the Great West Casualty Leadership Symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Felice spoke on "The Anatomy of a Claim: The Obstacles and . . .

1/13/2017
Felice Cotignola Selected as One of Three Attorneys Nationwide to Speak at the Great West Casualty Leadership Symposium

Felice Cotignola has been selected as one of three attorneys nationwide to speak at the Great West Casualty Leadership Symposium.  Felice will speak at 5 regional Great West offices to their employees . . .

12/8/2016
LSKD Wins It Big for Wendy's!

Congratulations!

Thanks to the outstanding work of the LSKD team of Dan Kotler, Allyson Belmont and Felice Cotignola, LSKD won Summary Judgment in Dimilia . . .

11/11/2016
Felice Cotignola Featured Speaker at TIDA Annual Conference in Baltimore

On Thursday October 13, 2016, Felice Cotignola spoke at the 2016 Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on “Gauging Your Jury:  Thinking Outside . . .

11/11/2016
John DeMatteo and John Tarnowski Speak at ALFA Transportation Mini Seminar in King of Prussia, PA

John DeMatteo and John Tarnowski spoke to a group of trucking clients at a Transportation Mini Seminar in King of Prussia, PA on October 6, 2016.   Their presentation was  on “Obstructive . . .

10/25/2016
Eric Portuguese Presented at the New York City Bar Association Seminar

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10/24/2016
ALFA International Appoints Felice J. Cotignola to its Board of Directors

Lester Schwab Katz & Dwyer is pleased to announce that ALFA International has appointed Felice J. Cotignola to its Board of Directors for a 3 year term. The announcement was made at the ALFA General . . .

7/1/2016
VICTORY ON APPEALS

VICTORY ON APPEALS

Congratulations

Ellen Nimaroff for victory on the following two appeals:

Lasner v. Massachusetts . . .

6/8/2016
In Memoriam - Harry Steinberg, Sr. Partner - 4/12/48 - 5/26/16

Colleague

In Memoriam - Harry Steinberg, Sr. Partner -   4/12/48 – 5/26/16

On May 26, 2016 the legal profession lost an immense talent and we at LSK&D lost a . . .

5/24/2016
Eric A. Portuguese Presents at the New York State Bar Association Seminar

Eric A. Portuguese presents at the New York State Bar Association Seminar “Insurance Coverage 2016: Recent Cases, Hot Issues, and Advanced Topics” in New York City. His particular topic, . . .

4/14/2016
Be Vigilant When It Comes to Deposition Corrections

A short, snappy decision issued on March 30 by the Appellate Division, Second Department, stimulated this article. The appellate panel, in Torres v. Board of Education . . .

3/24/2016
Summary judgment awarded in slip and fall case

Summary judgment awarded in slip and fall case

A Supreme Court, Kings County, judge granted a cleaning contractor's summary judgment motion in a case arising from a woman’s . . .

3/18/2016
A Defense Verdict: Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association HDFC v. Dish Network L.L.C.

Plaintiff alleges substantial damage to its buildings as a result of the improper installation of Defendants’ respective satellite dishes. Specifically, Plaintiff lists “[e]xtensive damage . . .

2/9/2016
Appellate Division Reverses Denial of Summary Judgment in Elevator Misleveling Case

Appellate Division Reverses Denial of Summary Judgment in Elevator Misleveling Case

The Appellate Division has reversed an order of the Supreme Court, New York County, which . . .

12/18/2015
Dog's Bark Was Not Worse Than His Bite: Lester Schwab Obtains Affirmance of Dismissal of Dog-Attack Case

Appellate Unit Good News

Dog’s Bark Was Not Worse Than His Bite:  Lester Schwab Obtains Affirmance of Dismissal of Dog-Attack Case

Plaintiff . . .

10/16/2015
Not everything an attorney does in the course and scope of representing a client is covered by the attorney-client privilege

Not everything an attorney does in the course and scope of representing a client is covered by the attorney-client privilege.  In an article published by the New York Law Journal on October 16, . . .

10/16/2015
Summary Judgment Affirmed Dismissing Claims of Respondeat Supeior and Negligent Hiring and Supervision

The Second Department affirmed the order awarding summary judgment to the building owners and managers in a case where plaintiffs alleged that the building superintendent threw drain cleaner on them . . .

9/14/2015
Summary Judgment: No prejudice standard applies when insured timely reports a claim but gives late notice of subsequent suit

If an insured gives its commercial general liability insurer timely notice of an occurrence, but late notice of the subsequent tort suit against the insured, should the insurer be entitled to deny . . .

9/8/2015
Appellate Courts Find Non-Appealing Parties To Be Unappealing.

The New York Law Journal has published an article by Harry Steinberg, entitled “Appellate Courts Find Non-Appealing Parties To Be Unappealing.”  The article . . .

9/8/2015
Defense Verdict: Beata M. Newman Scarpulla as Administrator of the Estate of Don. A. Scarpulla v. Roland D. Williams

Defense Verdict

Beata M. Newman Scarpulla as Administrator of the Estate of Don. A. Scarpulla v. Roland D. Williams

Facts & Allegations . . .

8/5/2015
PRODUCTS LIABILITY - - ALTERNATIVE LIABILITY

Defendants Coast Distribution and Land ‘N’ Sea Midwest, Inc., distributors of a Wego Kite Tube which injured plaintiff, are not entitled to summary judgment even though it “was impossible . . .

5/9/2014
Thomas Coppola recently prevailed with respect to a summary judgment motion before Justice James of the New York Supreme Court.

Thomas Coppola recently prevailed with respect to a summary judgment motion before Justice James of the New York Supreme Court. In this subrogation action, Plaintiff sought approximately $2 million . . .

4/9/2014
LSKD Attorneys Present ALFA Mini Seminar to Penske Truck Leasing and Gallagher Bassett Claims and Litigation Teams!

On Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Felice Cotignola, Allyson Belmont and John DeMatteo spoke at an Alfa Mini Seminar on Best Practices For Handling Trucking Claims and Litigation. The seminar was held at the . . .

4/8/2014
LSKD Attorneys Present At Retail Industry Leaders Association.

On April 8, 2014, Mike McDonagh and Tom Backis gave a seminar on recent trends in the litigation of security-related claims at the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s Retail Asset Protection Conference . . .

3/20/2014
Ana Jocelyn Pena v. Penny Lane Realty Inc. Index No. 303202/11 Bronx Supreme Court

The plaintiff was assaulted by an intruder in the lobby or vestibule of her apartment building, which was located at 1164 Cromwell Avenue, Bronx, NY and owned by Penny Lane. The plaintiff alleged that . . .

2/21/2014
A defense verdict was rendered in the case of Frederick v. GM Sheet Metal.

On 2/21/14 a defense verdict was rendered in the case of Frederick v. GM Sheet Metal. Mr. Frederick, a pedestrian, sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of a motor vehicle accident involving . . .

2/20/2014
Lester Schwab Attorneys Speak At NFI in Cherry Hill.

On February 20, 2014, Felice Cotignola, Allyson Belmont and John Dematteo spoke before a large group of claims and legal counsel at National Freight Industries in Cherry Hill NJ. The presentation was . . .

1/21/2014
Paul Kassirer has been invited to join the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance.

Lester Schwab Katz & Dwyer is pleased to announce that Paul Kassirer has been invited to join the prestigious Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. The CLM is a nonpartisan alliance comprised . . .

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