Beacon Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

Leilani Rodriguez has a diverse legal background having practiced in both the private and public sectors in state and federal court. Her practice focuses primarily on medical malpractice, personal injury, civil rights, criminal defense and professional liability. She is well versed in both trial and appellate litigation. Prior to transitioning to the private sector, Ms. Rodriguez worked for the New York State Attorney General’s Office defending the State in various lawsuits, including general negligence, medical malpractice, municipal law and automobile accidents. She also worked in the Federal Habeas Corpus Unit and has briefed and argued numerous cases...

Medical malpractice defense, personal injury and appellate attorney Ellen A. Fischer has extensive experience in state appellate and motion practice. She also is well versed in mental hygiene law, including involuntary retention and medication hearings; federal motion practice; defense of physicians in civil rights actions by prisoners; and defense of premises liability actions. Mrs. Fischer graduated with honors from Binghamton University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and General Literature. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law in 1993. She has more than twenty-five years of experience as an attorney. Mrs. Fischer has practiced primarily...

Mr. Lissauer, who specializes in appellate advocacy, joined Finkelstein & Partners in 1996. He is considered by his peers to be one of the premiere appellate advocates in regard to construction accidents and trial appeals. Mr. Lissauer has argued appeals in all four Appellate Divisions within New York State and has handled cases of first impression before the highest Court in New York, The Court of Appeals. He successfully argued the matter of Riglioni v. Chambers Four Tractor Sales Inc., 2005 08243, 2006 01746 where summary judgment was denied to a distributor and a retailer in a strict products liability...

Brooke Dana Youngwirth represents both employees and private and public-sector employers before state and federal agencies, including the New York State Division of Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Brooke also defends private and public employers against employment harassment and discrimination, labor violations, and various other federal and state claims.

In addition, Brooke frequently provides counsel to individuals, school districts, police departments, and other private employers on a range of topics such as wrongful termination, student disciplinary matters, employment discrimination, and the implementation of employment policies and handbooks. Brooke has held client training sessions and continuing legal education seminars...

Attorney Andre Sedlak received his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. Before he studied law, he spent 21 years working with the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer and Corrections Sergeant. His legal experience includes internships with the Westchester County D.A.’s office and Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, an Associate Attorney with Klein Varble & Associates, P.C., and The Law Office of Andre Sedlak in Poughkeepsie New York.

The Diederich Law Office focuses on helping victims of illegality and bias in employment and civil rights cases, particularly wrongful termination and job discrimination cases, and negotiating severance packages. Cases include wrongful discrimination based upon age, gender / sex, national origin, race, pregnancy or disability. I also served as a "citizen soldier" (US Army reservist), with tours of duty in the combat zones of Iraq (2004-05) and Afghanistan (2012), as an Army lawyer. I retired in the rank of lieutenant colonel. We handle cases from Long Island, through New York City and into the Hudson...

Michael Martens is an accomplished attorney with significant litigation experience practicing in the Hudson Valley. After graduating from George Washington University and Brooklyn Law School, he began his legal career in Manhattan and Brooklyn, working for prominent law firms before ultimately settling in New Paltz with his wife and daughter, where he worked for a highly respected Hudson Valley law firm. Throughout his career, Michael has gained a reputation as a highly skilled litigator, representing individuals and businesses alike. He has previously served as appellate counsel and dispositive motion counsel for a prominent Manhattan litigation firm, honing his skills in complex...

CONRAD E. POLLACK is the Managing Partner of Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP. He heads the firm’s immigration department. He graduated from New York University in 1981 and from Brooklyn Law School in 1984 with great honors. He was admitted in New York in 1985. Over the course of his career, Mr. Pollack has acquired experience in all aspects of immigration law, including deportation & removal matters, work, trainee and seasonal visas, family-based visas, political asylum and citizenship matters. He is a member of the New York Court Lawyers Association, ILW.com, American Bar Association...

New York Criminal Defense Lawyer, with offices in Poughkeepsie and NYC, fighting for the rights of the accused. I have over 35 years expertise in criminal law. I am a former prosecutor of Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes. I handle federal and state cases, DWI - DUI, Larceny, Gun and Drug Crimes. I am available to my clients and for emergencies 24/7. I've handled thousands criminal defenses from drug cases, DWI drunk driving arrests, DUI, domestic violence, child pornography, abuse, sex crimes, theft, burglary, fraud, homicides, sealings, Desk Appearance Tickets “DAT.” No case is too big or small. Tenemos abogados...

The Law Office of Terry D. Horner specializes in civil and criminal appeals in all New York State appellate courts. A practicing attorney for 38 years, he is admitted to the New York Bar, the federal District Courts in New York State, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Horner has represented civil and criminal clients in 150 appeals in the New York courts, with successes in the Court of Appeals, all four Appellate Divisions, and the Appellate Term. Mr. Horner has been approved to handle assigned criminal appeals by the Appellate Division, Second...

Robert P. Firriolo holds a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School, where he was a Dean's Merit Scholar and a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. Rob also hold a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the Cooper Union School of Engineering in New York City. Before practicing law, he performed project management and construction oversight for the New York City Departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation. Rob has been recognized by his peers as "AV Preeminent™" Peer Review Rated, issued by Martindale-Hubbell. AV Preeminent® is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number...

Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated civil rights lawyer situated in Orange County, New York. Practice concentrated in employment discrimination (including sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination and wrongful discharge) as well as constitutional issues (including First Amendment, due process and whistleblower protection). Extensive experience litigating claims from administrative level to appellate practice. Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney, 2015. Named Hudson Valley "Super Lawyer" in 2013-2015. Has litigated and argued numerous civil rights precedents in Second Circuit Court of Appeals and Southern and Northern Districts of New York, including Back v. Hastings School District, 2d Cir. 2004, which held for the first time that caregiver...

My dedication to immigration practice began many years ago when my mother and I adopted a Chinese refugee family from Vietnam. Then newly admitted to the New York Bar, I learned immigration law in order to assist all of "my family" to become U.S. citizens and then to sponsor other family members through the maze of the legal immigration process. They have flourished and I have developed a passion for assisting others to achieve legal status in the U.S.
For over twenty-five years I have practiced primarily immigration law...

Matthew Weinick is a Long Island employment lawyer. Since the beginning of his career, Matt has been fighting for his clients’ workplace rights before Federal and State Court judges and administrative law judges. He has tried employment discrimination and retaliation cases before juries in Federal Court, represents clients at mediation and arbitration, and has argued appeals before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the New York Appellate Divisions, First and Second Departments. Matt’s success has been recognized for five consecutive years by Super Lawyers Magazine which listed him as a Rising Star from 2012-2016, a recognition reserved for...

Jason A. Richman , Esq., Construction worker injury; medical malpractice; car accidents; wrongful death; other serious personal injuries. Since 1997.

Peter is a passionate and dedicated advocate. Peter has represented clients in various forums, including the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, as well as in New York State Courts in the region. Throughout his career that has spanned more than a decade, Peter has served as defendants' and Plaintiffs' counsel in single and class action employment related litigation. Most recently, Peter won a jury trial on a First Amendment retaliation case in Federal Court. Additionally, Peter has appeared extensively in cases before arbitration tribunals and administrative agencies, including...

Shawn Barnett is a skilled litigator and trial attorney who is dedicated to helping those who have been victimized by law enforcement or correctional officers. He has received multiple million-dollar settlements for his clients and has been recognized as an Illinois Rising Star multiple times. During his time as an attorney, Shawn has represented numerous clients who have been injured by those who have abused their authority. He has vigorously pursued a wide variety of claims on behalf of his clients, including false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, wrongful death, and sexual assault. Shawn has a particular focus on police involved...

Steven M. Silverberg is a founder of the firm and Of Counsel to Silverberg Zalantis LLC. He has extensive experience in representing developers and municipalities in land use, zoning and environmental law matters including litigation and appeals in the New York State and Federal Courts. Starting his career as an assistant district attorney and then working as a town attorney, providing counsel in such diverse areas as contracts, construction, telecommunications and employment law, prepared him for the services he has provided to businesses, municipalities and individuals. In addition to his experience with the approval process for residential and commercial developments...

Christie Tomm Addona is a Partner at Silverberg Zalantis LLC. She has extensive experience working on Litigation and Appeals, Land Use Applications, and Municipal matters. She represents clients on Article 78 Proceedings, defending and challenging administrative decisions. Additionally, Christie also counsels on Employment Law and Commercial Litigation issues.

Christie has prior experience in several Civil Litigation firms. She has worked from the beginning of lawsuits through trials and appeals for Insurance Defense, Tort, Maritime, Contract and Employment Law cases. Christie has represented a vast array of clients including individuals, large corporations, and non-profit corporations.

In 2005, Christie received...

Klose & Associates offers various legal services to individuals and businesses, including business entity formation, contract preparation and negotiation, litigation, buying and selling personal and business assets, and wills and estate matters. Our clients have sought representation for business, environmental, insurance, intellectual property trademark and copyright), personal injury, professional malpractice (accountant, legal, medical), real estate and probate or estate matters. Clean Sweep Divorce. (www.cleansweepdivorce.com) I didn’t set out to become a divorce coach, but looking back, I realize my passion for problem-solving and helping others guided me to this promising and rewarding profession. As a lawyer, I enjoy the intellectual challenge of untangling...

Land Use and Zoning, Environmental and Municipal Law Real Estate Litigation Commercial Litigation Civil Rights (Property Rights) Litigation

Bernard D’Orazio is a native New Yorker who has lived in New York City for more than 35 years. He served for eight years as an appointed member of Manhattan Community Board No. 1, which participates in City planning processes and other issues facing lower Manhattan. In addition, he was for many years a member of the Board of Managers of his 261-unit condominium building located in the Tribeca neighborhood in Manhattan and also served as its President. Mr. D’Orazio is presently a Public Member of the Business Conduct Committee (formerly known as the Adjudication Committee) of The CME Group,...

"When representing clients, I am consciously aware of the stress associated with any type of litigation. I try to reduce that stress by being available on a nearly 24/7 basis to answer questions and head off potential problems. I pride myself on prompt return of telephone calls, and I am also sensitive to the importance of the cost considerations of effective representation." My work focuses on all aspects & types of Family Law including High Net-Worth/High Income Divorce, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Child Relocation, Alimony/Spousal Support/Spousal Maintenance, Property...

Ephraim Jacob (‘E.J.”) Fink has been litigating in the Connecticut and New York Courts since 2000. After representing hundreds of carriers and their policy holders as well as corporations, product manufacturers and healthcare facilities from negligence and contract claims, EJ practiced at a boutique in the areas of personal injury, family law/divorce, estate and trust litigation. EJ graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in journalism and thereafter obtained his JD at New England Law-Boston where his dean’s list grade average earned him an associate editor position on the New England Journal on Criminal...

Daniel H. Erskine, a New York and Connecticut admitted attorney and solicitor of England and Wales, represents U.S. individuals, companies, joint ventures, foreign businesses, and foreign nationals on complex legal matters under U.S. and U.K. law. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Erskine served as a shareholder and counsel to a business involved in relocating large scale production facilities from either US or foreign locations. Mr. Erskine also completed a judicial clerkship at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. He now operates a solo practice focused on international business transactions, advising on US and English...

I have been a solo practitioner since 1999, after having worked for two historic maritime law firms in New York City. My practice now consists almost exclusively of federal litigation, including maritime and constitutional law. I am perhaps best known for my own pro se constitutional challenge to New York's ban on the in-home possession of the martial-arts weapon known as the nunchaku ("nunchucks"), a case that has been in litigation since 2003 (and continues as of November 2015, when this passage was last edited). Over the years, I have represented numerous individuals in state and federal...

Robert M. Schechter focuses much of his practice in the areas of gun rights, civil and criminal litigation, contract law, appeals, as well as helping startups. He enjoys the courtroom and has always wanted to be a litigator. A significant portion of his practice is spent helping clients navigate the various licensing authorities that New York has involved in deciding to grant or deny CCW (gun) Licenses. He takes an individualized approach to each and every appeal and Article 78 proceeding. Additionally this has further opened his eyes to clear disparate treatment many members of our country face. This unique...

Steven is a seasoned litigator with more than 30 years of experience litigating commercial matters in federal and state courts. He has litigated a wide array of matters, including high value collection, breach of contract, fraud, and common carrier cases.

Representing clients in industries as diverse as logistics, insurance, finance, construction, and consumer products, Steven has conducted jury and non-jury trials, argued many appeals, and engaged in all aspects of managing and handling complex commercial litigation matters. Recently, Steven was co-lead counsel in a three-week, state court jury trial where he and his team won a multi-million dollar verdict for clients...

I spent over 20 years in the trenches as a trial attorney, but my passion is in the areas of special education and disability law. Wanting to help clients in a more sustainable way, I have transitioned into a new type of practice.

My goal is to empathize, collaborate, and advocate for clients to find them resolutions, in special education, discriminatory conflicts, and other areas. I am a trained mediator, and have extensive experience in negotiations. I offer services to anyone looking to mediate a dispute, or who may benefit from training in conflict resolution. I offer consulting services to school...

Patrick W. Begos is a founding member of the firm and senior partner in the Westport office. He heads the firm's trial and appellate group. Pat brings 19 years of litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation experience to the firm. Prior to forming Begos Horgan & Brown, Patrick was a partner in the New York City litigation firm Molton & Meekins (1995-1998), and he was previously associated with Weil, Gotshal & Manges (1990-1995); and Lane & Mittendorf (1988-1990). He is a current member of the Trial Tactics and the Life, Health and Disability Sections of the Defense Research Institute, and a member...

Mr. Castro is a dedicated attorney with a strong team of professionals around him. Angel's law firm, A. A. Castro C.L.A.N. PLLC, has attorneys available to represent clients all over New York State with Offices in Manhattan and Syracuse, New York. Hablamos Espanol!

Mr. Castro's focus is on Education Law (Special Ed., General Ed. and Higher Ed.) including issues surrounding educational placement, related services, accommodations, discrimination, discipline/suspension/expulsion, personal injuries, and criminal cases related to education institutions.

Angel has also launched a new practice group solely focused on issues related to higher education (University, College, Professional Schools) including grade appeals, overturning dismissals from...

I wear many hats in the legal industry. As a lawyer, I provide freelance legal research and writing services to other lawyers through Lisa Solomon, Esq. Legal Research and Writing. As a business owner, I am a partner in The Billable Hour Company, which sells humorous gifts and greeting cards for lawyers and legal professionals. And as a consultant, through Legal Research & Writing Pro, I help lawyers improve their legal writing skills, and I also teach other lawyers how to start and run successful practices as freelance (a/k/a contract) attorneys. Lisa Solomon, Esq. Legal Research and Writing Comprehensive Legal Research and...

Troy A. Smith focuses his legal practice in the area of Criminal Defense in the State of New York, Federal Courts and all Military Courts. With more than 19 years of litigation and appellate experience as both a former New York City homicide prosecutor and a criminal defense counsel in the United States Army, Mr. Smith has served as lead counsel on more than one hundred trials on charges to include murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicides, armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, drug distribution, rape, child molestation, child pornography, rape and aggravated sexual offenses, grand larceny, embezzlement and fraud on the...

Though skilled in all areas of litigation, Edward primarily practices in the areas of civil litigation, trusts and estates, commercial law, elder law, entertainment law, constitutional law, and civil rights law.


Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, he graduated in the first class of the Science Academy of South Texas in 1996. Edward earned his B.A. (Pre-Law/Theatre) in 2001 from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. He earned his J.D. from St. John's University School of Law in 2019. While there, he was the recipient of the Dean's Scholarship, was three times awarded the Dean's Excellence Award, and was frequently named...

My background combines experience both as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, as well as experience as an academic, concentrating on appellate practice and civil and criminal procedure. After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School, I served a clerkship to a federal judge; thereafter, I was a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office for 5 years. Following a tour as a full time law professor at Washington & Lee University, I entered private practice in 1975, where I have remained to date; my areas of practice consist mainly of criminal and civil litigation with a specialty in appeals; family...

Mr. Willstatter is a criminal defense lawyer. He represents people in the New York state and federal courts. He has been a criminal defense attorney for nearly thirty years and has been in private practice since 1989. He serves as Vice President of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. As a partner at the Law Office of Green & Willstatter in White Plains, New York, he handles criminal cases in the Westchester County courts and those of the surrounding counties, including New York City. He also represents people who are accused of offenses in the United States...