Taking the Lead 2026: Winning Trial Strategies and Techniques for Commercial Cases

This captivating event promises to offer invaluable insights into successful trial strategies and techniques, showcased through an engaging mock trial presentation.

The program starts with the re-enactment of a real-life civil commercial trial, featuring compelling opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, by talented women commercial litigators. Following the trial presentation, distinguished members of the judiciary will provide a critique of the presentations, offering valuable feedback and practice tips on trial presentation.

The Commercial & Federal Litigation Section is thereafter proud to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of outstanding women commercial litigators with the presentation of the prestigious Hon. Shira A. Scheindlin Award for Excellence in the Courtroom and the Hon. Judith S. Kaye Commercial & Federal Litigation Scholarships to women who exemplify exceptional skill and dedication in commercial litigation.

The program will conclude with a celebratory reception, providing a fantastic opportunity to network and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of our esteemed colleagues.

Program Participants

Sponsored by NYSBA’s Commercial & Federal Litigation Section:

Chair: Maryann C. Stallone, Esq., Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP

Chair-Elect: Viktoriya Liberchuk, Esq., Farrell Fritz, P.C.

Vice-Chair: Paul F. Downs, Esq., Nixon Peabody LLP

Treasurer: Seth M. Rokosky, Esq., Duane Morris LLP

Secretary: Veronika Pavlus, Esq., Judicial Law Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the

Southern District of New York

Opening Remarks:

Hon. Laura Taylor Swain, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York

Program Chair and Moderator:

Amanda Grannis, Esq., Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP

Mock Trial Presentation – Senior Attorneys:

Bryn Goodman, Jackon Lewis P.C.

Michelle F. Hagler, Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP

Helene Hechtkopf, Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, LLP

Danielle J. Marlow, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP

Mock Trial Presentation – Junior Attorneys:

Leah A. Henry, Farrell Fritz, P.C.

Christina Romak, Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas LLP

Brigitte A. Sykes, Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP

Witnesses:

Julia Hughes, Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Center, Fordham University School of Law

Marcella Jayne, Marcella Maxine Jayne, Esquire PLLC

Panel Judges:

Judge Valerie E. Caproni, U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York

Justice Daniel J. Doyle, New York Supreme Court, Monroe County Commercial Division

Justice Genine D. Edwards, New York Supreme Court, Kings County Commercial Division

Judge Shira S. Scheindlin (Ret.)

Judge James M. Wicks, U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York

Awards

Hon. Shira A. Scheindlin Award for Excellence in the Courtroom – Award Winner:

Dale M. Cendali, Esq., Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Introduced by Claudia Ray, Esq., Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Hon. Judith S. Kaye Commercial & Federal Litigation Scholarship Winners:

1. Leah A. Henry
2. Kasey Kaspar Hildonen
3. Samantha B. Gier
4. Xun Chen
5. Paula P. Plaza

Sponsors

Thank You to our Sponsor! 

Pollock & Associates Law, PLLC