Committee on Law Practice Management

Craig S. Brown, Esq.

Bridgeline Solutions

New York, NY

Craig Brown is CEO of Bridgeline Solutions and Principal of its sister company, Lateral Link. Craig is one of the pioneers of the contract attorney industry and he and his team specialize in contract attorney placements, lateral partner placements, group placements and law firm mergers. Prior to co-founding Bridgeline Solutions, Craig was the president of national legal staffing companies. Craig started his legal career with the Federal Government, as he served, during law school, as a law clerk in the U.S. Department of Justice, and then after graduation, as a judicial clerk for Judge Lawrence E. Gray of the U.S. Department of Labor. Thereafter, he served as an antitrust & litigation associate with Kaye Scholer and as a litigation partner with McLaughlin & Stern. Craig obtained his B.S. degree, cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Washington College of Law, American University.

He lives in Westchester County with his three children and French Bulldog, Elvis.

 

Patrick J. Burke, Esq.

Phillips Nizer LLP

New York, NY

Patrick Burke is a Partner at Phillips Nizer LLP in New York City, where he chairs the firm’s Data Technology & Cybersecurity Practice. Prior to that, he served as a Deputy Superintendent at the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”), where he founded its Office of Financial Innovation. In that role, he supervised the Department’s specialized Cybersecurity Examination team, which examined banks, insurance companies and other licensed financial institutions pursuant to DFS’s first-in-the-nation Cybersecurity Regulation. He also administered DFS’ BitLicense program pursuant to the Department’s Virtual Currency Regulation.

Burke brings two decades of experience counseling technology companies on cybersecurity, data privacy and, most recently, implementations of blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations in regulated environments. His practice includes representing companies and financial institutions at the intersection of fintech innovation and regulatory compliance. He is an active member of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance and its Legal Working Group.

Bridget Choi, Esq.

Kivu Consulting

New York, NY

Bridget Choi is a cyber insurance claims expert with extensive experience in guiding policyholders through immediate and comprehensive responses to data breaches and network intrusions.

Based in New York, Choi is responsible for ensuring that Kivu’s response services are closely aligned with the needs of clients, their insurance carriers and breach coaches. Choi has been involved with implementing departmental standards and procedures related to the handling of cyber incident responses, including the creation of protocols for operations, coverage communications and claims handling guidelines for specific and common cyber incidents.

Before joining Kivu, Choi worked as claims counsel at various major insurance companies, including Sompo International and most recently, Navigators, a brand of  The Hartford.

Past responsibilities have included partnering with underwriting teams to assist with policy drafting and new cyber product development, as well as providing legal and claims trends analysis to better inform underwriting decisions.

 

Lisa E. Cleary, Esq.

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler

New York, NY

Lisa Cleary, Patterson Belknap’s Co-Chair and Managing Partner, works closely with a broad range of corporations and tax-exempt organization clients on employment issues related to their highest level executives and other key employees. A thoughtful strategist, she brings valuable insights to clients beyond the law and the facts, anticipating the responses an employer might expect when taking employment action, and how to limit that action’s disruptive impact on the organization. Her clients benefit from her big-picture understanding and insightful perspectives, which allows clients to implement the most effective strategies for their organizations.

For over 20 years, Ms. Cleary has regularly advised boards of directors on issues including the negotiation of executive compensation, performance evaluation, transition and employment termination of CEOs. She provides this sensitive advice for public companies, private entities and tax-exempt organizations and foundations, all of which operate under the same rules in these circumstances. Her work with a significant number of tax-exempt organizations has given her a deep understanding of the interplay between their specific legal requirements and the employment issues they face, such as tax rules on compensation and addressing whistleblower complaints.

Ms. Cleary often assists companies in navigating difficult situations where CEO termination occurs in the midst of critical litigation or other corporate crises. She also advises in-house counsel, human resources personnel, and line managers on minimizing the legal risks of individual employee terminations beyond executives, as well as counseling clients to ensure compliance with applicable laws. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, she has helped numerous clients prevent and address claims arising out of the movement, and regularly conducts internal investigations relating to these and other whistleblower and employment discrimination claims.

Her practice includes assisting clients in employment-related litigation matters before administrative agencies, state and federal courts. She frequently advises and defends clients facing EEOC, Department of Labor, and New York City Human Rights Commission charges, audits and inquiries. She counsels clients with respect to employment contracts and regularly defends clients in wrongful discharge cases. In addition, Ms. Cleary provides training on a broad range of employment matters, drafts and vets personnel policies and handbooks, and also provides advice on employer recordkeeping requirements.

In addition to her active legal practice, Ms. Cleary dedicates significant time to pro bono service, including serving as chair of NYCLA’s Pro Bono Committee since 2007 and as a member of the Boards of Directors of Mobilization for Justice, including a term as Board Chair, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in which she Chairs the Development Committee and previously served on the Executive Committee, and Volunteers of Legal Service, Inc.  Ms. Cleary chaired Patterson Belknap’s Pro Bono Committee from 1994 to 2014. Under her leadership, the Firm has had 100% lawyer participation in its pro bono practice for the past 17 consecutive years, which was first achieved and sustained during her entire tenure as Committee Chair.

 

M. Elizabeth Coreno

The Law Offices of M. Elizabeth Coreno, Esq. P.C.

Saratoga Springs, NY

M. Elizabeth “Libby” Coreno provides counsel and consulting services to individuals, regional businesses, and international corporations in the real estate and construction industries. She is currently General Counsel to Bonacio Construction, Inc., the preeminent development and construction company in the Capital-Saratoga region of New York State. Libby also manages a small boutique practice (Law Office of M. Elizabeth Coreno, Esq. PC) for clients who need expertise in zoning, planning, and real property development; complex commercial and real estate transactions; land use and SEQRA actions; environmental law; condo/HOA matter and municipal law.

Libby also brings a personal passion to her daily engagements and it changes conversations in her industry. Routinely asked to speak around New York State on matters affecting attorney wellness, Libby is a champion for her profession and endeavored to form the first-ever Attorney Wellbeing Subcommittee at the New York State Bar Association. In addition to her legal work, Libby provides consulting and mentoring services to lawyers looking for strategic professional guidance infused with ways to live, practice, and make life transitions mindfully, authentically, and creatively. Libby is a member of the New York State Bar Association, serving as the Attorney Wellbeing Subcommittee Chair, member of the Law Practice Management Committee, and member of the Mental Health Task Force. She is a past president of the Saratoga County Bar Association and achieved the SCBA’s establishment of the Lawyers Assistance Committee during her term – currently serving as the Committee’s chair. In her community, Libby and a team of volunteers secured a $3 million investment by NYS in the Roosevelt II building in Saratoga Spa State Park for the establishment of a wellness retreat center known as Coesa. (www.coesa.org)

Libby is a Saratoga TODAY™ Women of Influence, Honoree (2016), a 2003 cum laude graduate of Albany Law School, and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky. She has served on numerous non-profit boards of directors in the Saratoga region, including President of the Leadership Saratoga Alumni Board for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Libby maintains an active speaking and publishing schedule for real estate development law (zoning and planning), as well as professional leadership and wellness.

Her topics include:

• “Zoning and Planning Case Law Update,” Saratoga County Regional Zoning &
  Planning Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY (annually 2010-present)
• “Mindful Leadership”, Leadership Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, NY (annually
  2013-present)
• “Managing Difficult Conversations”, New York State Bar Association, Women on
  the Move 2017 – Talking While Female, Larchmont, NY (2017). NYSBA video of
  event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_3AyR687Cw
• “Law Practice Management – Attorney Wellness”, New York State Bar
  Association, New York, NY (2017)
• “Empowered Conversations”, Northeast NY Employee Assistance Professionals
  Association (2016)
• “Mindful Practice, Mindful Life”, New York Bar Association, LAP Annual Retreat
  (2015)
• “Never Alone: Addiction, Recovery & Community.” New York State Bar
  Association Journal (December 2018 Vole 90, No. 10)
• “Attorney Wellness: The Science of Stress and the Road to Well-Being.” New
  York State Bar Association Journal, pp.26-30 (October 2018 Vol 90, No.8) with
  Murray O’Hara, Kerry.
• “What Makes Lawyers Happy.” New York State Bar Association Women’s
  Community Newsletter, p.9 (Fall 2015)

 

David C. Djaha, Esq.

Ropes & Gray LLP

New York, NY

David Djaha is managing partner of Ropes & Gray and a member of the firm’s management committee. Most recently, he led the firm’s global real estate investments & transactions group.

David focuses his practice on complex core and distressed acquisitions and dispositions as well as asset- and mortgage-backed finance. David has almost 30 years of experience representing clients in both U.S. and international transactions. He has extensive experience advising investment banks, private equity funds, and domestic and international developers and investors in all of their real estate transactional needs. Additionally, David regularly advises clients on matters involving capital markets, asset-based and mezzanine finance, as well as warehouse lending and construction lending, real estate private equity, and joint ventures involving domestic and international transactions.

 

Stephen Fullington

Supervisory Special Agent – Cyber Branch FBI

New York, NY

Stephen Fullington is the FBI Supervisory Special Agent with responsibility for investigation of criminal cyber-attacks targeting the financial sector in the New York area. Mr. Fullington has been an FBI Agent for over 16 years. Mr. Fullington spent his first 13 years with the FBI investigating and then leading a team that investigated complex counterintelligence and espionage cases. Mr. Fullington now leads a team of 20 Special Agents, Task Force Officer and Intelligence Division personnel who focus on the investigation of computer intrusions and complex cyber fraud. Mr. Fullington also served over 7 years as a Team Leader of an FBI Evidence Response Team. In this capacity Mr. Fullington lead evidence collection teams that responded to several domestic and international terrorist attacks. Mr. Fullington has received the Attorney General’s Award and the Director of National Intelligence – Director’s Award for his contributions to the National Security of the United States. Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Fullington was a Manager for Compliance and Risk Management at Prudential Financial.

 

Sarah E. Gold, Esq.

Gold Law Firm

Albany, NY

Sarah Gold has always been a part of the Capital District of New York, having grown up in Guilderland, and attending Schenectady County Community College, University of Albany, and Albany Law School. She was a paralegal and legal secretary prior to going to law school and was admitted as an attorney in New York in 2007. After passing the Bar, she was an associate where she worked extensively in the hedge fund industry, negotiating and drafting contractual agreements with some of the largest banks in the world. Her firm, Gold Law Firm, was created in 2011 to work locally with small for-profit and not-for-profit businesses to help them with their legal issues. She forms companies, drafts and negotiates employment contracts, and helps businesses exercise their legal rights. She is also a part-time professor at Rensselaer (RPI) teaching Business Law and Ethics and the advisor to the Rensselaer Pre-Law Association.

She is extensively involved with the New York State Bar Association. She is a past Chair of the Business Law and Young Lawyers Sections, co-chair of the Law Practice Management Committee and has been named a Fellow of the New York State Bar and American Bar Foundations. She is also the Co-Chair of the Small and Solo Committee of the Albany County Bar Association.

 

Stephen E. Goldman, Esq.

Robinson & Cole LLP

Hartford, CT

Steve Goldman is the managing partner of the firm and a nationally recognized trial lawyer with over 35 years of experience litigating and trying a diverse range of cases throughout the United States. He has tried cases and/or argued appeals in jurisdictions as diverse as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Among the more significant cases Steve has handled are The Standard Fire Insurance Company v. Knowles (Supreme Court of United States holding that plaintiff’s stipulation cannot defeat federal jurisdiction under Class Action Fairness Act); Travco v. Ward (Virginia Supreme Court upholding trial court’s judgment that property insurance policies do not cover losses caused by presence of Chinese drywall); Sher v. Lafayette Insurance Company (Louisiana Supreme Court upholding the flood exclusion in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina); Landry v. Louisiana Citizens Insurance Company (Louisiana Supreme Court holding Louisiana’s Valued Policy Law inapplicable to certain Katrina-related claims); Johnson Gallagher Magliery LLC v. Charter Oak Fire Ins. Co. (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York granting partial summary judgment in favor of insurer in applying flood exclusion to loss of electrical power in lower Manhattan and precluding business income losses related to Superstorm Sandy power interruption) and Streamline Capital v. Hartford Insurance (refusing to adopt the time necessary to rebuild the World Trade Center as the “period of restoration” for WTC tenants).

Steve has handled numerous high-impact cases arising from catastrophes such as Superstorm Sandy, Hurricanes Katrina and Andrew, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the anthrax scare in 2001. He has tried many high-exposure cases throughout the Northeast and in jurisdictions as diverse as Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Iowa.

Steve also has significant experience litigating class actions, especially those based on insurance coverage issues and insurer market conduct. In addition to the Knowles case, he has successfully argued class action related appeals in three federal circuits and in state appellate courts, and has successfully defeated class certification in many state and federal trial courts.

Steve is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and is a prior chair of the Connecticut State Committee for that organization. He is also a prolific speaker on insurance coverage, litigation, and ethics matters and has published numerous papers on these subjects. In addition, he contributes to the firm’s Property Insurance Coverage Insights blog. Steve has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Insurance Law since 2006, and was named the Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford in the area of Insurance Law for 2011, 2016, and 2018. He also has been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2006 to 2020 and the Top 50 Connecticut Super Lawyers for 2009.

 

Sean B. Hoar, Esq.

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP

Portland, OR

Sean Hoar is a partner in the Portland office of Lewis Brisbois and chair of the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice. He has extensive experience managing responses to digital crises and effectively marshaling resources to contain and remediate information security incidents. He served as the lead cyber attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oregon, and he worked closely with the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section in Washington D.C. He holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the Global Information Security Professional (GISP), and the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credentials. His work on behalf of corporate clients includes:

• General information security consulting
• Incident response planning
• Table-top exercises
• Incident response services
• Data breach-related defensive litigation
• Employee/Board/Senior Executive training
• Facilitating system vulnerability testing and penetration testing
• Facilitating digital forensic services
• Drafting information security policies and procedures
• Data privacy compliance consulting

As a veteran security and privacy attorney and an accomplished litigator prosecuting cybercrime, identity theft, Internet fraud, and other matters for the U.S. Department of Justice, Sean managed compliance with the Fourth Amendment, the Stored Communications Act, and other constitutional and regulatory frameworks for federal law enforcement. He trained federal investigators and prosecutors about the acquisition and use of digital evidence, and he trained foreign officials, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, about anti-terrorism and cybercrime awareness. He also taught courses in cybercrime and privacy law and serves as the executive director of the Financial Crimes & Digital Evidence Foundation. A frequent author and speaker on privacy and security matters, Sean has received numerous accolades from the FBI, the Secret Service,  the IRS, and the DEA throughout his career.

 

Noreen Kelly, Esq.

McGuireWoods

New York, NY

Noreen is the Managing Partner of the New York office and a part of the Firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. As a  member Financial Services Litigation Department, Noreen focuses her practice on commercial litigation and regulatory enforcement matters in the securities and financial services space.

Noreen has represented a variety of clients – financial institutions, broker dealers, investment advisors, and other businesses – facing regulatory and criminal investigations by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, as well as state attorneys general. She has conducted internal investigations on behalf of major investment banks, audit committees and other entities involving allegations of securities fraud or other violations of securities rules and regulations, accounting fraud, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and embezzlement. She also regularly represents individuals (traders, bankers, and other executives) facing regulatory scrutiny or who are required to provide testimony. She also represents clients in complex litigation, typically in parallel with related investigations, in state and federal courts, including in bankruptcy courts.

 

Steven G. Kobre, Esq.

Kobre & Kim

New York, NY

Steven G. Kobre, co-founder of the firm, is an experienced litigator who has served as lead counsel in numerous government enforcement defense matters and high-value financial arbitrations and litigations. He has represented clients in front of government regulators including various departments of the U.S. Department of Justice (both the Antitrust and Criminal Divisions, including the Fraud Section and Health Care Fraud Unit), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Attorney General. Mr. Kobre focuses on complex civil litigation, particularly disputes among commercial entities, Fortune 500 companies and other large institutions.

Mr. Kobre is repeatedly recognized in leading industry publications. Chambers & Partners acknowledged his experience in a range of white-collar investigation and civil litigation matters and clients praised him for being “unruffled under pressure,” “brilliant at keeping the big picture in mind” and “really at the top of the field.”

Before establishing Kobre & Kim, Mr. Kobre served as a prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice (as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York). Prior to that, Mr. Kobre worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office.

 

Theresa B. Marangas, Esq.

Meier Law Firm, PLLC

Latham, NY

Theresa B. Marangas is an attorney who addresses the needs of her clients with compassion and integrity. She is a certified Article 81 Guardian, Supplemental Needs Trustee, Counsel to Guardian, 17A Guardian Ad Litem, Attorney for Alleged Incapacitated Person and Court Evaluator through the New York State Unified Court System for matters in Surrogate’s Court and Supreme Court. Ms. Marangas serves clients in estate planning, probate and estate administration.

Ms. Marangas is a certified NITA trial instructor who represents clients in a variety of civil litigation, employment and regulatory compliance matters. During her career she has litigated claims for wrongful death, personal injury, professional liability and commercial damages. In the employment realm, Ms. Marangas has represented clients in Federal Court and before the NYS Division of Human Rights and EEOC. She has resolved government investigations triggered by NYS and CT Departments of Labor.

Ms. Marangas has defended governmental entities, non-for-profits, financial organizations, management companies, educational institutions and international corporations. Her substantial trial experience qualified her for the Teacher Advocacy Skills Program conducted at Harvard Law School by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Ms. Marangas has tried cases throughout New York in federal and state courts. She also has substantial experience in the administrative and arbitration arena. The New York Law Journal has published articles focused on Ms. Marangas’ defense of an international hotel chain and a county correctional facility targeted in a civil rights class action.

The role of outside general counsel to minority and women owned businesses and Homeowner’s Associations has created opportunities for Ms. Marangas to handle a variety of business formation, dissolution and succession matters, along with employment related issues.

Ms. Marangas has promoted diversity in the law throughout her career and has partnered with the Albany County Bar Association to promote mentoring of law students through the diversity internship program. Ms. Marangas has handled significant exposure civil litigation matters while leading a practice group for an international law firm for thirteen years. She has also worked in-house for fortune 500 companies and for a NYS agency. Her current role with a boutique law firm focusing on estate planning, estate administration and business law allows her to embrace the firm’s motto of “counsel without judgment” to meet her client’s individual needs in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Awards and Distinctions
• Upstate New York Super Lawyers
• Women’s Employment and Resource Center – Harriet Rifkin Leadership Award, 2011

Professional Associations
• NYS 3rd Dept. – Judicial Screening Committee
• New York State Bar Association, Committee Member – Law Practice Management,
Trust & Estates Nominated for Task Force on Attorney Wellbeing
• YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., Member – Board of Directors
• Women Against MS, Member – Planning and Honorary Committees
• Estate Planning Council of Eastern New York – Past Member
• Women in Insurance & Financial Services – Past Member and Speaker
• Arbonne International, Inc. – Independent Consultant and Health & Wellness Coach
• Women Presidents’ Organization – Past Member 2008 – 2014
• Women@Work, Ambassador and Advisory Board Founding Member
• South End Children’s Café – Volunteer prior to and throughout COVID-19

Admissions
• Supreme Court of the United States
• United States District Courts -Southern, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of
New York -District of Vermont
• United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
• State of New York, Second Department – admitted to practice, April 1986

Education
• B.A., State University of New York at Albany, 1982
• J.D., Quinnipiac University School of Law, 1985
• Certified Trial Instructor, Master’s and Trial Programs: National Institute of Trial
Advocacy, Harvard Law School and Hofstra University
• Certified NYS Part 36 Guardian Ad Litem, Supplemental Needs Trustee and Counsel
to Guardian.
• Certified NYS Part 36 MHL Article 81 Guardian, Court Evaluator and Attorney for
Alleged Incapacitated Person.
• Certified Whole-Life Leadership
Speaking Engagements
• Lawyer Well-Being: Ethical Considerations -New York State Bar Association LPM Day
– Annual Meeting
• M/WBE Certification Webinar -Savvy Professional Women of Saratoga
• Guardianships: The Impact on Wealth Management -Women in Insurance & Financial

Services
• Meet Your Mentor: Bizwomen Mentoring Monday Event, -Albany Business Review
inaugural speed networking and coaching event.
• Pleading the Case for Social Media; Thinking Through Your Company’s Approach to
Tweets, Posts and Shares -Albany Business Review
• Advanced Insurance Coverage, -New York State Bar Association
• “May it Please the Court” – Effective Case Presentation at Trial, -NBI, Inc.
• Taking Depositions, -Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
• State Court Pleadings, -Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
• Evidence and Expert Testimony Best Practices: Supporting Your Case, -NBI, Inc.
• Ethics and Professionalism, -New York State Bar Association
• Legal Ethics: Solutions to the Most Common Challenges, -NBI, Inc.
• The Lawyer as Employer, -New York State Bar Association
• Testimony of the Economist at Trial, -Capital District Trial Lawyers Association, Inc.

Publications
• “Monitoring Every Move”: The New York Law Journal, special section on litigation;
2/27/2012
-Co-authored and published article on the constitutionality of the use of GPS by law
enforcement, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court decision, United States v. Jones, 132
S.Ct. 945 (2012) and addressing the use of GPS to track individual’s movements outside
of criminal investigations.

 

Kerry M. O’Hara, Psy.D

DBT Wellness & Psychological Services

Saratoga Springs, NY

Dr. Kerry Murray O’Hara is the Director/Founder of DBT Wellness & Psychological Services in Saratoga Springs, NY, which she opened in 2018. She has over 20 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings including; inpatient, residential, forensic, outpatient, and academic settings. Her area of expertise is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a highly researched evidenced based treatment. Dr. O’Hara’s new DBT Wellness Center provides individual, family, & group therapy. In addition, she provides clinical trainings, wellness consultation services for business, and program development.

Prior to starting DBT Wellness & Psychological Services, Dr. O’Hara has served as the Director of Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Services at Four Winds Hospital and the Director of Training for Community and Hospital DBT Programs for past 17 years. Dr. O’Hara was a member of Senior Leadership at Four Winds Hospital and served on numerous community based mental health and substance abuse coalitions.

As a member of Four Winds Senior Leadership, she oversaw the supervision and training of all clinical staff, physicians, and nursing staff for adult services. She was responsible for the oversight of evidenced based treatment practices and delivery of services and the coordination/collaboration with numerous hospital departments: finance, human resources, medical records, utilization management, medical staff, nursing staff, IT, and all levels of administrative staff.

Prior to moving to Saratoga Springs, Dr. O’Hara served as the Director of Child and Adolescent DBT Programs and Supervisor of Adolescent DBT clinical training at McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Dr. O’Hara has completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship specializing in DBT and Trauma Assessment & Treatment. Dr. O’Hara also has significant experience with the Chronically Mentally Ill, Sex Offenders and Dual Diagnosis. She has presented on a variety of topics in numerous clinical and academic settings throughout the Northeast and has held clinical positions at Boston University School of Medicine, McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Harvard Medical School and has served as an adjunct professor at Sage Graduate School. Dr. O’Hara has received the Intensive Certification in DBT and Advanced Intensive Certification in DBT from Marsha Linehan and the Behavioral Technology Transfer Group.

 

Alexander Paykin, Esq.

The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P.C.

New York, NY

Alexander Paykin immigrated from Russia at the age of nine and lived in four different countries during that year. By the time he was 16, Mr. Paykin was already employed full time and developing his own ideas for an IT start-up. Before graduating from college, Alexander was already a senior software developer for the IT company he co-founded. Mr. Paykin’s life experiences have certainly helped him understand different mentalities, cultures, and points of view, making him an effective advocate for quite a few complex issues. Mr. Paykin’s business experiences have allowed him to offer more than the average commercial lawyer, as he can understand his client’s position from a businessman’s perspective, rather than a lawyer’s point of view. Alexander continued with his entrepreneur’s visions, running three different companies by the time he graduated law school and six companies by the time he was admitted practicing law.

Since being admitted to practice law, Mr. Paykin has worked as an associate at a small firm, a managing director for another small firm, and is now the Managing Director and sole owner of his own firm. With professional interests primarily focused on business and real estate, Mr. Paykin handles all forms of business and property related transactions and litigation, as well as various related matters.

 

Marian C. Rice, Esq.

L’Abbate Balkan Colavita & Contini, LLP

Garden City, NY

For more than 35 years, Ms. Rice has concentrated her practice on the representation of attorneys and risk management for lawyers. Ms. Rice holds the AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability, has been designated a Super Lawyer annually since 2008 and was assigned a “superb” AVVO rating. In 2012, Long Island Business News named Ms. Rice as one of the 50 most influential women on Long Island.

Ms. Rice is a Past President of the 5,000 member Nassau County Bar Association, the largest suburban bar association in the country, and is presently Chair of NCBA’s Judiciary Committee. In 2014, Ms. Rice was awarded the NCBA President’s Award for service to the Association and in 2015, she was honored by the St. John’s Law School Alumni Nassau Chapter. In addition to having authored a column for the American Bar Association Law Practice Management Magazine, Ms. Rice is the co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association Law Practice Management Committee and an alternate member of the NYSBA Nominating Committee.

Ms. Rice also served as an ABA Presidential appointee to the ABA Standing Committee on Lawyer’s Professional Liability from 2009 through 2012 and was Chair of the New
York State Bar Association – Committee for Insurance Programs from 2008 to 2013. Ms. Rice is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society; the Defense Association of New York and the Defense Research Institute.

In addition to being a New York State Bar Association Presidential appointee to the Task Force on Non-Lawyer Ownership and the Special Committee on Legal Specialization, Ms. Rice has served on the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section. Her prior roles at the Nassau County Bar Association include President 2012-2013, President Elect 2011-2012, First Vice President 2010-2011, Second Vice President 2009-2010, Treasurer 2008-2009, Secretary 2007-2008, Director 2004-2007, Judiciary Committee (Chair 2006-2007) Vice-Chair (2005-2006), Strategic Planning Committee (Chair 2005-2006) (Vice-Chair 2003-2005), Nassau Lawyer/Publications Committee (Editor in Chief 2006-2007) (Co- Managing Editor 2005-2006). She is also a member of Nassau Suffolk Trial Lawyers and the Suffolk County Bar Association. Ms. Rice has authored materials for numerous publications and newsletters including the New York Law Journal, BNA publications, the New York State Bar Journal and Nassau Lawyer, and has lectured for the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, the ABA Standing Committee on Lawyer’s Professional Liability, PLI, the National Legal Malpractice and Risk Management Conference, the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations, the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar and the American Conference Institute, as well as for various law firms, insurers, law schools and trade associations, at seminars covering such diverse topics as Risk Management and Loss Prevention for Attorneys, The Elements of and Defenses to a Legal Malpractice Action, Legal Malpractice Principles and Trial Strategy, The Anatomy of a Disciplinary Proceeding, What Damages are Recoverable and What are the Limitations?, What Makes Lawyers Happy?, Representing the Client with Greater Concerns, Ethical Issues with Email, Cyber-Security and Law Firms, Federal Statutes Affecting Attorneys, Preparing, Defending and Preventing Claims Stemming From Tax Shelter Advice, Social Media and Ethics, Whither Privity?, Defending Attorneys with Psychological Difficulties, Can the Jury Award That? Beyond Out of Pocket Damages in Professional Liability Cases, Avoiding Malpractice and Client Grievances, Protecting Your Practice, Top Ten Traps (resulting in malpractice claims and grievances), Disqualification of Legal Malpractice Experts, Identification and Resolution of Conflicts of Interest, Risk Management for Defense Attorneys, Ethics in the Wake of the New Rules of Professional Conduct; Law Practice Management under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct; Ethics in the Profession, Anatomy of a Legal Malpractice Action, Don’t Make Malpractice Your Nightmare, Improving Communication Skills with Clients, Legal Malpractice Issues and Trends, Risks Presented by Law Firm Mergers, Risk Management Techniques for Real Estate Attorneys, Risk Management Techniques for Matrimonial Attorneys, Risk Management Techniques for Trust and Estate Attorneys, Starting Your Own Law Practice, Ethical Issues Confronting Claims Attorneys in Handling and Evaluating Claims and Attorney Liability under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

From 1999 to 2003, Ms. Rice administered the Attorney Loss Prevention Hotline Service for the broker responsible for the NYSBA sponsored professional liability insurer.

Ms. Rice received her Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law, Jamaica, New York in 1979 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham College at Fordham University in 1976. She was admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York in 1980 and is also admitted before the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, as well as several other jurisdictions on a pro hac vice basis. From 1984 to 2000, Ms. Rice was a Governor-appointed member of the Council for the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler.

 

Jonathan D. Schiller, Esq.

Boies Schiller Flexner LLP

New York, NY

Jonathan is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Boies Schiller Flexner. He has led the firm’s recent expansion in London; Washington D.C.; and California. His substantial litigation successes for the firm include co-lead counsel for the class action plaintiffs in the In Re Vitamins antitrust litigation, which the presiding judge determined “uncovered the illegal actions of vitamins manufacturers across the globe,” and in which a record antitrust settlement of $1.05 billion was achieved for the class. Who’s Who Legal recognized Jonathan as one of its most highly regarded individuals, naming him “the real deal” in their listing of the top 10 international commercial litigators for 2011. Who’s Who Legal has continued to recognize him as an international leader in litigation.

In 2020, Jonathan led the successful defense of Barclays in U.S. federal District Court in securing dismissal of In re: ICE LIBOR Antitrust Litigation lawsuit. From 2012-2018, Jonathan led the successful defense of Barclays in bankruptcy court in New York against a $13 billion claim from the Lehman Brothers Estate, stemming from its purchase of the North American operations of Lehman Brothers, and has recovered in excess of $9 billion for Barclays through 2018, including most recently £250 million from Lehman in the LBIE litigation through London courts.

On behalf of the Baltimore Orioles, Jonathan successfully obtained the dismissal in 2019 of a lawsuit brought by the Washington Nationals against the Orioles seeking to enjoin an AAA arbitration commenced by the Orioles. On appeal, Jonathan secured a unanimous affirmation of the trial court’s ruling by the Appellate Division in 2020. He has successfully represented the New York Yankees in litigation against Major League Baseball and StubHub, and in disputes with the New York Attorney General during the period 2015-2019.

He represents OPAP, a global gaming company, in ongoing disputes with the Hellenic Republic (Greek state). Jonathan successfully prosecuted an international arbitration claim in 2017 on behalf of OPAP in the Court of International Arbitration over the Greek state’s appropriation of valuable license rights in the Greek lottery.

Jonathan successfully represented claimants in an ICC proceeding in Zurich in a dispute concerning control of a Central European gaming company and breach by the respondent of the shareholder agreement. Following public evidence of allegations of the respondent’s corruption of public officials and the commencement of parallel criminal investigations against its officers, the arbitration was successfully concluded. Claimants were able to confirm their entire interest in and majority control over the gaming and casino company.

As appellate counsel in a high-profile divorce in New York, Jonathan achieved unanimous victories over attempts to confirm the fair and equitable trial court’s distribution of artworks valued at over $800 million.

Jonathan represents fantasy sports website DraftKings in various jurisdictions over the legality of the multibillion-dollar daily fantasy sports business. New York, Massachusetts, and other states subsequently legalized this activity.

Jonathan won a March 2014 FINRA arbitration award for Goldman Sachs in California that rejected $300 million in claims of fraud brought by co-founders of Marvell Technology Group Ltd. He successfully defended Goldman Sachs & Co in 2006 against New York Stock Exchange seat holders who sought to enjoin NYSE’s merger with Archipelago Holdings.

Jonathan was lead counsel in the successful defense of the Bank of New York Mellon against a $22.5 billion RICO claim brought by the Russian Federal Customs Service in the Moscow Arbitration Court. After two years of litigation, including a trial in Moscow, the case was settled for $14 million – less than 1 per cent of claimed damages. The result was hailed by the analyst community as a “grand slam home run.”

While maintaining full litigation and management responsibilities at BSF, Jonathan recently finished his five-year term as chair of the board of trustees of Columbia University. He is now Chair Emeritus.

 

Hal M. Stewart, Esq.

New York, NY

Mr. Stewart is a senior executive with international experience in the professional service and manufacturing industries. He focuses on growing shareholder value, has a passion for professional development, and develops highly effective leaders.

As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for two AMLAW 100 law firms, Mr. Stewart has been responsible for the business strategy and operations at both firms. He has served as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee at both firms and worked with the Chair and other Executive Committee members to create and implement the firms’ strategic plans. In addition, he has been responsible for all support functions at each firm including finance, human resources, information technology, international administration, business development and marketing, legal personnel and recruiting, and risk management.

Prior to entering the legal industry, Mr. Stewart held a public accountant/auditor position and a senior financial management role with a NYSE listed multinational manufacturer of private branded footwear. He also held the firmwide controller position for Arthur Young & Company, a Big 8 accounting and consulting firm.

Mr. Stewart is a CPA with additional certification in technology (CITP) and global cost accounting (CGMA).

Mr. Stewart has participated in Price Waterhouse Coopers/HSBC co-sponsored legal industry panel presentations and has written numerous articles for professional journals and magazines.

Specialties: diversity initiatives, international business operations, banking & international finance, human resources, cross cultural leadership, finance, technology, business process re-engineering and transformation, risk management, strategy, business development, negotiations, mergers & acquisitions, strategic planning for sustainable growth, business models, start-ups, and deal structures.

 

Miguel A. Zaldivar, Jr., Esq.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Washington, D.C.

Widely recognized as a guiding light in complicated international cross-border transactions, Miguel Zaldivar is a partner and serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) responsible for the firm’s overall global direction and strategic leadership. He became CEO in July 2020 and is one of only a handful of Latino leaders of any major global law firm.

Before taking up the role of CEO, he served as Regional Chief Executive for the Asia, Pacific Middle East region. He had been a member of the Global Board of Directors, served as Coleader of our Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects practice area and co-founded our Latin American Practice. Miguel’s versatility, determination and ability to rise to a challenge were evident throughout.

His leadership is focused on driving the firm’s vision to provide clients with valuable solutions and superior client service. As CEO, he puts an emphasis on delivering our vision by leveraging our global reach, industry sector knowledge, and unique capability to advice at the intersection of business and government. He is passionate about collaboration, actively listening to clients’ needs and mentoring lawyers to build deep and enduring relationships wherever they practice. Pro bono work, citizenship and the creation of a truly diverse and inclusive workplace are also among Miguel’s top priorities. He has put in place a plan to foster the development and progression of the firm’s diverse lawyers, and to increase the number of diverse lawyers the firm hires.

As a practicing lawyer he brings many years of experience in project development and finance, complex sovereign debt (including linked to commodity sales) and cross-border corporate transactions. He has facilitated multi-billion-dollar investments aimed at the development of projects across Latin America.

He has advised U.S., European, and Asian multinational corporations in business dealings in the Americas, as well as Latin American state-owned companies and governments in a wide variety of international matters. He has many years of hands-on experience with global export credit and development banks.

Miguel brings a strategic and unique approach to solving complex transactional problems, offering clients creative solutions that not only meet their legal needs, but also take into account business considerations. Miguel’s distinct background underscores his approach to conflict resolution. Miguel is trained as a lawyer in both the common and civil law systems. Recognizing that focusing on differences in law is not the single driver in negotiating cross-border deals, he appreciates the importance of culture and familiarity with each country’s unique political and legal systems.

Miguel taught the “Project Development and Finance in Latin America” course at the University of Miami School of Law from 2003 to 2010 and was a professor of law at Universidad Católica in Venezuela from 1991 to 1993. He has been a frequent lecturer at legal seminars and has published articles involving Latin American legal matters. He received the University of Miami Inter-American Law Review 2009 “Lawyer of the Americas Award”.

The Deal calls Miguel “a diplomat in a lawyer’s clothing” and Hispanic Executive praises his “legal prowess” and “innate abilities” that distinguish him from other lawyers in the field. Even among his peers, he has been acknowledged as “a very intelligent attorney and a leading cross-border corporate lawyer” in several industry publications like The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers, and Legal 500.