Event Overview
Thursday, January 16, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM – CLE Program
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Reception
The 2025 Annual Meeting of the New York State Bar Association’s Trial Lawyers Section and Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section offers an exceptional program tailored to advance your legal practice. Attendees will gain practical strategies and insights for navigating complex legal challenges, enhancing courtroom effectiveness, and handling medical malpractice and personal injury cases.This year’s program features a highly interactive session on leveraging radiology studies, such as MRI and CT scans, to strengthen case arguments and improve cross-examinations of expert witnesses. Participants will also benefit from an extensive evidence update, focusing on critical court rulings and evolving evidentiary standards, and a comprehensive discussion on post-settlement planning for personal injury and medical malpractice cases, covering issues like guardianships, trusts, and public benefits. Following the CLE sessions, join us for the complimentary Trial Lawyers and TICL Awards and Networking Reception—an ideal opportunity to connect with colleagues while celebrating professional excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills to elevate your legal practice.
Highlights and Objectives:
- Stay Updated with Legal Developments: The program offers an extensive evidence update and analysis of key court rulings and significant decisions from the past year. This session is designed to help legal professionals stay current with evolving evidentiary standards and practices, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the latest developments in the field.
- Enhance Practical Skills: Through sessions on Medicaid/Medicare liens, trial-related topics, ADR/mediation, and jury selection and trends, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for improving their courtroom performance and dispute resolution techniques. This hands-on knowledge will enable them to navigate complex legal issues more effectively and enhance their overall legal practice.
Trial Lawyers Section Chair and Program Chair:
Angélicque M. Moreno, Esq., Avanzino & Moreno P.C. Attorneys at Law, Brooklyn, New York
Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Chair and Program Chair:
Kathleen Barclay, Esq., O’Connor First, Albany, New York
General Registration Fee
Required for all Annual Meeting attendees.
| NYSBA Members | $250 |
| Non-members | $350 |
+plus…
$195 Program Registration Fee
Trial Lawyers Section & Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section
Thursday, January 16, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:25 p.m.
New York Hilton Midtown
Morning CLE Session | 9:00 a.m. – 11:20 p.m. | Regent, Second Floor
Afternoon CLE Session | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Regent, Second Floor
Awards Networking Reception | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Sutton South, Second Floor
6.5 MCLE Credits
This program is transitional and is suitable for all attorneys
including those newly admitted.
8:30 a.m.
Check in and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Business Meeting of the Trial Lawyers Section Executive Committee: Executive Committee 2024-2025 Nomination Slate
Speaker
Angélicque Moreno, Esq. | Chair, Trial Lawyers Section Avanzino & Moreno P.C., Attorneys at Law Brookyln, New York
Business Meeting of the TICL Section Executive Committee: Executive Committee 2024-2025 Nomination Slate
Speaker
Kathleen Barclay, Esq. | Chair, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First PC Albany, New York
9:05 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Welcome & Introductions
Speaker
Angélicque Moreno, Esq. | Chair, Trial Lawyers Section Avanzino & Moreno P.C., Attorneys at Law Brookyln, New York
Kathleen Barclay, Esq. | Chair, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First PC Albany, New York
9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Liens, Liens, Liens—Go Away! ERISA, Medicare, Medicaid: You Make It a Rainy Day What Is It All About, and What Must We Do About It? Do They Ever Go Away?
This session will provide a comprehensive refresher on handling liens related to ERISA, Medicare, Medicaid, and disability benefits in personal injury cases. Attendees will explore the latest case law and best practices to ensure compliance and protect client settlements from improper claims. The program will also address how to effectively handle all valid claims and liens from ERISA, Medicare, and Medicaid.
This is an essential program for practitioners seeking to stay informed on the complexities of lien resolution and safeguard client recoveries.
Speaker
Helene Blank, Esq. | Blank & Star, PLLC Brooklyn, New York
1.0 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.
Break
10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Decoding Radiology: Using MRI Studies and CT Scans to Strengthen Your Case and Cross-Examine Expert Witnesses
In this interactive and hands-on CLE program, attorneys will learn practical techniques for leveraging radiological studies, such as MRIs of the brain, spinal column, and knees, to build stronger cases and effectively cross-examine radiologists. Participants will gain insights into: 1. Interpreting MRI reports and CT scans to identify key findings and inconsistencies. 2. Preparing for cross-examinations using marked-up and cropped MRI images. 3. Highlighting critical details live by drawing directly on radiological studies during testimony or in court presentations. This live, dynamic session will feature real-time demonstrations, allowing attendees to see how to enhance their advocacy skills by incorporating visual evidence and precise questioning techniques. Ideal for personal injury, medical malpractice, and other litigation-focused practitioners, this course will provide you with actionable strategies to improve your courtroom performance and outcomes.
Speaker
Evan Torgan, Esq. | Torgan, Cooper & Aaron New York, New York
1.0 Credits in Areas of Professional Practice10:55 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Medical Malpractice Insights from Both Sides
In this interactive session, the presenters will discuss issues and topics unique to medical malpractice cases from both the plaintiff and defense perspective, from case intake and initial response to a complaint, through discovery, and up to settlement and trial.
Speaker
Molly Casey, Esq. | O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First P.C. Albany, New York
Amira Karic, Esq. | LaFave Wein & Frament, PLLC Albany, New York
1.0 MCLE Credit Areas of Professional Practice11:45 a.m.
Remarks from NYSBA President, Domenick Napoletano
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Break for Lunch
(Lunch on your own)
12:45 p.m.
Check in
1:00 p.m.
Welcome Back
Speaker
Angélicque Moreno, Esq. | Chair, Trial Lawyers Section Avanzino & Moreno P.C., Attorneys at Law Brookyln, New York
1:05 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.
2025 Evidence Update
This program will focus on an in-depth analysis of key court rulings and significant decisions throughout the year, offering legal professionals an invaluable opportunity to explore and understand the latest shifts in evidentiary standards and practices.
Speaker
Professor Micheal J. Hutter | Albany Law School Albany, New York
2.0 Credit Area of Professional Practice3:05 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.
Break
3:10 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
Congratulations on Settlement, Now What? Complex Planning and Approval in PI and MedMal Cases for Infants and Adults
This panel discussion is designed to enable you to gain insight and a roadmap for navigating the myriad of post-settlement planning issues that arise for seriously injured plaintiffs with lifetime needs ranging from medical care, in home support and equipment, and governmental or long-term benefits. Is a guardian of person and property needed? Does the plaintiff have liens? What kind of trust is advisable? A panel of speakers, answering these and other questions while offering expert perspectives on behalf of the court, plaintiff and defense counsel, a guardianship and trust attorney, structured settlement advisor, and public benefit with professional administration advisor will lead the discussion.
Speaker
Justice Joseph Capella | Administrative Judge for Civil Matters Supreme Court, Bronx County
Tania Pagan, Esq. | Mediating Disputes The Pagan Law Firm, P.C. Brooklyn, New York
Craig Pawley | Medivest Oviedo, Florida
Michele Kern Rappy, Esq. | Michelle Kern-Rappy Dispute Resolution New York, New York
Jay Robert, Esq. | Robert Legal Group Long Beach, New York
Sam Senders | NYSM New York, New York
Alecia Walters-Hinds, Esq. | Lewis Brisbois New York, New York/Hartford, Connecticut
1.5 Credits in Areas of Professional Practice4:25 p.m.
Adjourn
Helene Blank, Esq., Blank & Star PLLC, Brooklyn, New York
Justice Joseph Capella, Administrative Judge for Civil Matters, Supreme Court, Bronx County
Molly Casey, Esq., O’Connor O’Connor Bresee & First P.C., Albany, New York
Professor Michael J. Huter, Albany Law School
Amira Karic, Esq., LaFave Wein & Frament, PLLC, Albany, New York
Michele Kern-Rappy, Esq., Michele Kern-Rappy Dispute Resolution, New York, New York
Tania Pagan, Esq., Mediating Disputes | The Pagan Law Firm, Brooklyn, New York
Craig Pawley, Medivest, Oviedo, Florida
Jay Robert, Esq., Robert Legal Group, Long Beach, New York
Sam Senders, NYSM, New York, New York
Evan Torgan, Esq., Torgan, Cooper & Aaron, New York, New York
Alecia Walters-Hinds, Esq., Lewis Brisbois, New York, New York/Hartford, Connecticut
The Trial Lawyers Section is pleased to announce the winners of the 4th Annual Trial Lawyers Awards!
These awards recognize diverse aspects of the legal and judicial spheres and welcome nominations from the public, extending beyond Trial Lawyers Section members.
Betty D Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence
The Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System
Justice Irma Vidal Santaella Memorial Award for Excellence in the Courtroom
The Honorable Sallie Manzanet-Daniels, Associate Justice, Supreme Court, 1st Judicial Department
Peter C. Kopff Trial Advocacy Award
The Honorable Joseph E. Capella, Administrative Judge, Supreme Court, Civil Term, 12th Judicial District
The Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law Section is delighted to announce the 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Jurist Awards:
Honorable James P. Murphy
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the Courts Outside New York City
Supreme Court, Onondaga County
Honorable Douglas J. Hayden
Village Justice, Village of Floral Park
Honorable Lawrence S. Knipel
Administrative Judge for Civil Matters, Second Judicial District (2013–2024)
Supreme Court, Kings County
Mark your calendars for the prestigious Awards Reception on January 16, 2025, during the New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown. This revered tradition brings together Trial Lawyers Section members to honor outstanding achievements within the legal community, celebrating the dedication and impactful contributions that define the Trial Lawyers landscape. It’s a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude and admiration for those whose work has left a lasting impression on the profession.
This event is free to attend, but registration is required as space is limited.
Thank you to our Reception Sponsors!
Gold Reception Sponsor
Gold Reception Sponsor
Gold Reception Sponsor
Gold Reception Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Supporter
Supporter
Exhibitor
Exhibitor
- FAZ Forensics
- Premier Vocational Experts LLC
Robson Forensic
Exhibitor
Sponsorship Opportunities – 2025 NYSBA Trial Lawyers & TICL Sections Annual Meeting
Support the NYSBA Trial Lawyers & Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law Sections by becoming a sponsor at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Various sponsorship packages offer unique benefits, including visibility across our CLE programs, networking events, and marketing materials.
Sponsorship Levels:
- Gold ($2,500): Includes 3 complimentary CLE registrations, logo on meeting website and emails, ad on the website, 60-second company video during CLE breaks, and more.
- Silver ($1,000): Includes 1 complimentary CLE registration, logo on website and emails, social media mentions.
- Supporter ($500): Includes logo on signage and PowerPoint slides during the CLE event.
- Exhibitor Tables:
- Cocktail round ($500)
- 6-foot table ($1,000)
For more details, or to become a sponsor, please contact:
Gina Bartosiewicz, Program and Event Manager
Email: gbartosiewicz@nysba.org
Phone: +1 (518) 487-5671
Download the full sponsorship form and register today!