Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section

Registration now open for NYSBA’s Annual Meeting!

WHO WE ARE

Welcome to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law (TICL) Section of the New York State Bar Association! We are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the practice of legal professionals in torts, insurance and compensation law. Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer or just starting out, we’re here to help you succeed and advance your career.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to provide our members with a wealth of resources, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network, so that our members can stay a step ahead of their competition. We are dedicated to boosting your career and expertise in these specialized fields.

What we Offer

MCLE Programs: Participate in a wide range of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, both virtual and in-person, ensuring you stay updated on the latest developments and best practices. NYSBA members get free access to these resources!

Networking Events: Connect with peers, mentors, and influential figures at our regular gatherings and receptions. The TICL Section is committed to helping you build professional relationships and spark collaborations.

Resources: Access our comprehensive journals, newsletters and legal updates, publications, eBooks and forms, which provide insights, analyses, and case studies relevant to torts, insurance, and compensation law. NYSBA members get free access to these resources!

Committees and Divisions: Engage in specialized discussions and contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge through our 15 committees and two divisions, all with no mandatory time commitments.

More Reasons to Join TICL

Awards: The TICL Section is proud to celebrate our outstanding members! Our various awards and accolades inspire excellence and foster a culture of success.

Community Engagement: Get active in our TICL online community forum. Engage with the broader legal community, share your expertise and help shape our initiatives and advocacy efforts. Access to expert colleagues is just a click away.

Career Development: TICL membership provides a platform for professional growth and advancement with mentorship opportunities, access to job postings, and resources to enhance your skills.

Advocacy and Influence: Joining the TICL Section allows members to play a proactive role in shaping legislative policies, advocating for reforms, and influencing decision-making processes that impact the practice and administration of tort law, insurance regulations, and compensation systems.

Why Join?

Joining the TICL Section is a smart move for any legal professional. Expand your professional horizons, stay on top of the latest trends, and make meaningful connections within the legal community. Our flexible participation model encourages active involvement without any mandatory time commitments.

Become a Section Member Today!

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join the Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law Section today and become part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to excellence in legal practice. Embrace the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to the field of torts, insurance, and compensation law. We look forward to welcoming you!

To learn more about this Section, please contact Gina Bartosiewicz
[email protected]
(518) 487-5671

Please do not contact the Section liaison with a request for legal advice or an attorney referral. You can instead visit our ‘Public Resources’ or ‘Lawyer Referral Service’ page for this type of request.

Kathleen Barclay

Kathleen A. Barclay, Esq.

Partner, O’Connor, O’Connor, Bresee & First PC; Albany, New York

Kathleen A. Barclay is a 1999 graduate of Union College and received her law degree in 2004 from Boston College Law School. Prior to joining O’Connor First, Kathleen gained extensive experience practicing law in Boston, MA and Albany, NY. Kathleen is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Kathleen focuses her practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense, errors and omissions, product liability, general liability defense and insurance coverage. Kathleen is a highly skilled courtroom advocate and has successfully obtained jury verdicts for her clients at trial, as well as obtained dismissal of cases prior to trial through motions for summary judgment.

Kathleen is an active member of the Capital District Trial Lawyers Association, Albany County Bar Association, Capital District Women’s Bar Association and New York State Bar Association. Kathleen is the Treasurer and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Capital District Trial Lawyers Association. Kathleen currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Albany County Bar Association, as well as the Chair of the Judicial Qualifications Committee. Kathleen also serves on the New York State Bar Association Committee on the Tort System, and is a member of the Trial Lawyer’s Section. Kathleen is a member of the House of Delegates for the New York State Bar Association.

Since 2015, Kathleen has been honored by Super Lawyers and included in its annual issue acknowledging outstanding Upstate New York attorneys. Kathleen was recognized for her successes in the category of Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Defense.

Running is one of her favorite activities, and Kathleen has participated in the Boston, Baltimore, and San Francisco marathons. Kathleen has also become an active Crossfitter. She resides in Ballston Lake with her husband and two sons.

Online Community

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Section Publications

Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Journal - Vol. 50 No. 1

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TICL Journal Archive

TICL Journal

The Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section (TICL) Journal features peer-written substantive articles relating to the practice of torts, insurance and compensation law on various topics including workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, products liability, depositions and trial preparation. Edited by David A. Glazer, Esq., the TICL Journal is published by the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and distributed to Section Members free of charge. The TICL Journal is published as a benefit for members of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and is copyrighted by the New York State Bar Association.

The Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section (TICL) Journal encourages article submissions on topics of interest to members of the Section. Writing an article for a NYSBA Section publication is a great way to get your name out in the legal community and advertise your knowledge. Our authors are respected state-wide for their legal expertise in such areas as workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, products liability, depositions, and trial preparation.

Submit an article for future publication

Section Publications

Deconstruction- Vol. 49 No. 1

View Latest Issue

Deconstruction / Construction and Surety Law Newsletter Archives

Deconstruction

Deconstruction features decisions and statutes relating to the practice of torts, insurance and compensation law. Edited by Patricia A. Rooney, Esq., Deconstruction is published by the Construction and Surety Division of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and distributed to Section Members free of charge.

Deconstruction is published as a benefit for members of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and is copyrighted by the New York State Bar Association.

Bylaws

TICL Workers’ Comp. 1 – S6087/A7435

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section Committee

Call for Nominations

2025 Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Awards

The Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law (TICL) Section is excited to announce the 2025 Call for Nominations for its prestigious awards. These honors recognize outstanding contributions to the legal profession and celebrate excellence in the fields of torts, insurance, and compensation law. We invite nominations for the following awards:

John E. Leach Memorial Award – Honoring exceptional leadership and dedication to the TICL Section.
Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award – Recognizing young attorneys who are making significant contributions to insurance law.
Mary M. Russo-John Sciortino Award – Celebrating advancements in Workers’ Compensation law, open to all legal professionals.
Professor David D. Siegel Award – Acknowledging scholarly work that enhances the understanding of New York Law.

Award recipients will receive complimentary registration to the 2025 TICL and Trial Lawyers Joint Annual Meeting and be honored during the Joint Awards and Networking Reception on January 16, 2025. Nominations are due by December 2, 2024. Please submit your nominations to Gina Bartosiewicz at [email protected] and Kathleen Barclay at [email protected].

Click the button below to download nomination form and learn more about the award categories

Download nomination form (PDF)

2024 Winners

The TICL Young Lawyers Award

In recognition of dedication and contributions to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section as a young legal professional

Jacob W. Petterchak, Esq., Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York

The Professor David D. Siegel Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the study of New York Law

Michael A. Simons, Dean and John V. Brennan Professor of Law & Ethics, St. Johns University School of Law

Mary M. Russo-John Sciortino Award

In recognition of outstanding contribution to the practice of law in the field of Workers Compensation

Clarissa M. Rodriguez, Esq., Chair and Commissioner of the New York State Workers Compensation Board

Outstanding Jurist Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County

Associate Justice Barbara R. Kapnick, Appellate Division, First Department

TICL Outstanding Service Award

In recognition of exceptional contributions to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section

Brendan F. Baynes, Esq., The Baynes Law Firm PLLC, Ravena, New York

Previous Years’ Winners

2023 TICL Awards

Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions as a young lawyer to the practice of law in the field of insurance

Brian D. Barnas, Esq., Hurwitz Fine, PC, Buffalo, New York
Abigail A. Dean, Esq., Albany, New York

Professor David D. Siegel Awards

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the study of New York Law

Prof. Patrick M. Connors, Albany Law School, Albany, New York

John E. Leach Memorial Award

In recognition of the outstanding service and distinguished contributions to the legal profession as a member of the TICL Section

Saul Wilensky, Esq., Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, New York, New York

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Awards

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts

Hon. George J. Silver (ret.), Silverstar Mediation and Arbitration
Recognized for his outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts.

Hon. Denis J. Butler, Supreme Court, Queens County
Recognized for his outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County.

Hon. Anthony Cannataro, New York Court of Appeals
Recognized for outstanding contributions while Citywide Administrative Judge for the New York City Civil Court.

Hon. Vito C. Caruso, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City
Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the courts statewide outside of New York City.

2022 TICL Awards

Award Winners:

Patrick D. Leavy, Esq., Vahey Law Offices, PLLC

Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions as a young lawyer to the practice of law in the field of insurance

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County

Hon. Anthony Cannataro

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Citywide Administrative Judge for the New York City Civil Court

Hon. Vito C. Caruso

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the courts statewide outside of New York City

Alyssa Pantzer, Esq, Assistant Attorney General

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Executive Committee Member Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while a member of the NYSBA TICL Executive Committee

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts

Committee Chair of the Year

To recognize an outstanding TICL Section Committee Chair. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2018 Joanna M. Roberto, Esq. 2017 Kathleen Feroleto Chetta, Esq. 2016 A.G. Chancellor, III, Esq. 2016 Diana Neyman, Esq. 2014 Robert J. Permutt, Esq. 2013 Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick, Esq. 2012 Mirna M. Santiago, Esq. and Joanna L. Young, Esq. 2011 Heath J. Szymczak, Esq. 2010 Christopher R. Lemire, Esq. 2009 Robert F. McCarthy, Esq. 2008 Glenn A. Monk, Esq. 2007 Jean F. Gerbini, Esq.

John E. Leach Memorial Award

To recognize outstanding service and distinguished contributions to the legal profession as a member of the TICL Section. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Tiffany & Co. crystal paperweight

Award Recipients

2020 Timothy J. Fennell, Esq. 2019 Hon. George J. Silver 2018 Jonathan A. Dachs, Esq. 2017 Jean F. Gerbini, Esq. 2017 Laurie A. Giordano-Vahey, Esq. 2016 Glenn A. Monk, Esq. 2016 Robert F. McCarthy, Esq. 2015 Thomas J. Maroney, Esq. 2014 Charles J. Siegel, Esq. 2013 Dan D. Kohane, Esq. 2012 Hon. Douglas J. Hayden 2011 Paul J. Suozzi, Esq. 2009 Eileen E. Buholtz, Esq. 2008 Sharon Stern Gerstman, Esq. 2007 William N. Cloonan, Esq. 2006 Edward B. Flink, Esq. and Dennis R. McCoy, Esq. 2005 Louis B. Cristo, Esq. 2004 Prof. Michael J. Hutter, Jr. 2002 William S. Yaus, Esq. 2001 James D. Gauthier, Esq. 2000 Hon. Anthony J. Mercorella 1999 David M. Gouldin, Esq. 1998 Richard J. O’Keeffe, Esq. 1997 Maxwell S. Pfeifer, Esq. 1996 Thomas N. Trevett, Esq. 1995 Robert C. Minion, Esq. 1994 Sheldon Hurwitz, Esq.

The Professor David D. Siegel Award

To recognize outstanding contributions to the study of New York Law.

Award Recipients

2020 Dean Aviva Abramovsky, Esq

Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

In recognition of outstanding contribution to the practice of law in the field of insurance. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2022 Patrick Leavy, Esq., Vahey Law Offices, PLLC 2020 James T. Rellis, Esq. 2019 Kelsey W. Shannon, Esq. 2018 Matthew R. Bremner, Esq. 2017 Jennifer A. Ehman, Esq. 2017 David M. Knapp 2016 Martin A. Lynn, Esq. 2014 Steven E. Peiper 2011 Michael Paul O’Brien, Esq. 2010 Audrey A. Seeley, Esq. 2010 Mirna M. Santiago, Esq. 2009 John H. Snyder, Esq. 2009 Lisa Giovanna Berrittella, Esq. 2008 Matthew S. Lerner, Esq. 2008 Joanna L. Young, Esq. 2007 Jacqueline Phipps Polito, Esq. 2006 Anthony D. Martine, Esq. 2005 Laurie A. Giordano, Esq. 2004 Jason R. Waters, Esq. 2003 Daniel W. Gerber, Esq. 2002 Kevin T. Merriman, Esq. 2001 Jeffrey D. Present, Esq. 2000 Michael P. Dandini, Esq. 1999 Robert A. Glick, Esq. 1998 Kevin A. Lane, Esq. 1996 Patricia M. Curtin, Esq. 1995 Jonathan A. Dachs, Esq. 1994 Cecilia E. Norat, Esq.

Outstanding District Representative Award

TICL District Representative Award

To Recognize an outstanding TICL Section Executive Committee District Representative Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2020 Molly C. Casey, Esq. 2020 Kathleen A. Barclay, Esq. 2018 Darian A. Bryan, Esq. 2018 J.P. Delaney, Esq. 2017 Robert H. Coughlin, Jr., Esq. 2016 Terrence Lee Tarver, Esq. 2014 Ronald Balter and Michael P. O’Brien 2012 Sharon Stern Gerstman and Paul F. Jones 2011 Ronald Balter and Heath J. Szymczak 2010 Brian J. Rayhill

Mary M. Russo-John Sciortino Award

In recognition of outstanding contribution to the practice of law in the field of Workers’ Compensation. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2019 William W. Crossett IV, Esq. 2018 Susan R. Duffy, Esq. 2017 John J. Cunningham, Esq. 2017 Thomas T. Walsh, Esq. 2016 Ronald Balter, Esq.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Paul Edelman 2011

Outstanding Jurist Award

Hon. Anthony Cannataro, New York Court of Appeals
Recognized for outstanding contributions while Citywide Administrative Judge for the New York City Civil Court.

Court Rules and Procedures

This page contains the websites of the Judicial Districts of the State as well as a link to the Future Court Appearances site and E-Court. Some of these sites contain the local rules and procedures of the local courts. We will update this page from time to time with additional sites.

If you become aware of a site and wish to have it posted, please email Gina Bartosiewicz at [email protected]. Click on any link to go to that Website.

TICL District Representatives

Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section District Representatives

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Dan Ecker, Award Winner Helene E. Blank and Angelique Moreno

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Kathleen A. Barclay, Esq.

Online Community

Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Journal - Vol. 50 No. 1

TICL Journal

Deconstruction- Vol. 49 No. 1

Deconstruction

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section Committee

2025 Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Awards

2024 Winners

Previous Years’ Winners

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

TICL District Representative Award

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Court Rules and Procedures

TICL District Representatives

Contact Us

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