East Setauket Lawyers

Clients and colleagues call Barry Barnett an “incredibly gifted lawyer” (Chambers and Partners) who is “magic in the courtroom” (Who’s Who Legal), “the top antitrust lawyer in Texas” (Chambers and Partners), and “a person of unquestioned integrity” (David J. Beck, founder of Beck Redden). Barnett is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and Lawdragon has named him one of the top 500 lawyers in the United States three years in a row. Best Lawyers in America has honored him as “Lawyer of the Year” for Bet-the-Company Litigation (2019 and 2017) and Patent Litigation (2020) in Houston. Based in...

Partner

David is a graduate of the State University of New York at Farmingdale and obtained his law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. He studied immigration in law school and was a two time participant in the immigration clinic. He also worked for a summer at the largest immigration firm in the country. Before joining Gottfried & Gottfried, LLP, David worked for a small personal injury firm on Long Island as a trial attorney. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York.

Presentations / Conferences

David has been...

Ms. Shkolnik is an associate with the firm’s Product Liability, Pharmaceutical Department. Prior to joining the Pharmaceutical Department, she focused on premise liability, products liability, labor law, intentional torts as well as civil suits involving victims of sexual assault and/or battery.

Rachel focuses on premise liability, products liability, labor law, intentional torts as well as civil suits involving victims of sexual assault and/or battery.

Mr. Phemister has been practicing law in New York since 1998. Since then, he has been fortunate enough to have handled several thousand cases and taken well over a hundred verdicts at trial.

Initially, his practice focused on personal injury but over the years, he began working on cases where people were claiming they were assaulted by the police, or wrongfully arrested and held against their will.

As time went on, Craig began seeing more and more of these cases until he had the eye-opening experience of seeing a judge in New York declare that a man who spent nearly 18 years...

Robert Gitelman is a partner in the firm’s Products Liability and Asbestos Department, based in our New York City Office. Mr. Gitelman was an integral part of the Environmental team that helped obtain a $52 million settlement for contamination of municipal water suppliers with MTBE by petroleum refiners and retailers. Mr. Gitelman also worked on the In Re: World Trade Center Disaster Site Litigation, which resulted in more than $850 million dollars in settlements of injuries sustained by rescue and recovery workers at Ground Zero from toxic contaminant exposures.

Prior becoming an attorney, Mr. Gitelman worked in various capacities in the...

Bill Sipser has been a leading practitioner in the area of Labor Law and Employment Law Discrimination for almost thirty years. His practice is focused on representing clients in age discrimination, race discrimination, disability discrimination, and other matters involving employee rights. Bill has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, and before several governmental agencies involving representation of individuals and labor unions. Bill has prosecuted significant cases, including appeals before the Appellate Division of the State of New York as well as the federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He argued a critical employment discrimination issue before the...

Divorce Done Differently. Choose Vacca Family Law Group for Court-Free Creative Family Law Solutions. At Vacca Family Law Group, we focus on resolving family and divorce-related legal disputes through non-adversarial methods, avoiding the emotional and financial turmoil associated with courtroom proceedings. Our approach centers on mediation and collaboration, allowing our clients to maintain more control over the outcome of their cases and reach innovative solutions that are tailored to their family’s needs. As a leading family and divorce law firm in New York, we know that each family’s situation is unique. We have seen the damaging effects of traditional, litigated divorces and...

Mr. Crispi was born and raised in the New York City area. He received an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Rollins College and juris doctor from Fordham University. Mr. Crispi is active in many professional and community organizations including the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America; and is a current member of the Judiciary Committee of the Bronx County Bar Association. The father of four daughters, he is also a member of the Board of the local youth basketball program and a youth basketball coach.

With over 20 years of experience, Dustin Bowman is committed to providing skilled and knowledgeable legal representation. His practice areas include Landlord Tenant, Real Estate, Construction, Consumer, Municipal Law, Government & Administrative, Divorce, Family, and Personal Injury Law matters. Whether in or out of the courtroom, Mr. Bowman is dedicated to both outstanding service and zealous advocacy. He has built a strong reputation as an effective and efficient attorney for New Yorkers with legal needs.

Mr. Bowman received his B.A. from the University of New Hampshire in 1995. He earned his J.D. from the Hamline University School of Law in 1998....

Steve has extensive and varied experience within the education sector. Prior to law school, Steve was a high school mathematics teacher in New York for seven years. He received his M.S.Ed. from Hofstra University, and he studied philosophy and politics at The George Washington University and Pembroke College, Oxford University.

Steve earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was the Executive Development Editor of the Michigan Law Review, Vice President of the Education Law and Policy Society, and Event Coordinator for Legal Advocates for Children and Youth. Steve spent his final semester at...

Jacqueline Newman joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP in 1998 and is now the managing partner of the firm. Ms. Newman's practice consists of litigation, collaborative law and mediation. She specializes in complex high net worth matrimonial cases and negotiating prenuptial agreements. Ms. Newman has taught the Collaborative Family Law class for The NY Association of Collaborative Professionals and the Center for Mediation in Law, as well as the Introduction of Matrimonial Law for Collaborative Divorce Professionals for the New York State Unified Court System. At Fordham University School of Law, she taught Family Law Practice with Barry Berkman....

To Jonathan S. Damashek, the best part of his job is being able to stand up for people who deserve their day in court. “I like fighting for the little guy against the large corporate defendants and insurance carriers to help them recover what they lost in their lives,” he says.

In this regard, Damashek seeks to recover monetary compensation for his clients that covers their past and future pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings and benefits, and loss of their enjoyment of life. After graduating from New York Law School in 1997, Damashek started his career...

Deborah Hrbek has a niche practice with specific expertise in providing legal support to independent creative professionals in the art, entertainment and media industries. Essentially, Hrbek provides general counsel services to small businesses in the creative sector, on all sides of the table. She represents independent publishers as well as writers, photographers as well as photography agencies, visual artists and fine art galleries, indie record labels and professional musicians, makers and ceramics / stained glass studios, venues, promoters and performers and more. Most of our work involves the review, drafting and negotiation of contracts. We also help business partners form...

My firm represents clients with all their real estate needs (sales and purchases, commercial leasing and representing co-op and condo boards) and estate planning needs, including wills, health care proxies, probate of wills and administration (the court process after a loved one passes away and the administration of the decedent’s estate).

Elise G. Liebowitz has been practicing law for 36 years, with a wide range of experience, including having practiced at some of New York’s prestigious Wall Street law firms (Proskauer Rose and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan).

Ms. Liebowitz is a native New Yorker, born, raised and educated in...

Martin P. Skolnick is the founder and Managing Attorney of the Skolnick Legal Group. Martin represents general contractors, subcontractors, and owners in construction litigation and arbitration matters. Martin also counsels construction companies and their senior management teams with the numerous legal issues construction companies encounter on a daily basis, including change order disputes, contract disputes, construction lien preparation and filing, permit issues, and employee issues. Martin also has substantial experience handling a wide range of commercial, real estate, and personal injury matters.

Martin has a rare combination of skills, experience and incredible determination that enables him to obtain exceptional results for...

Edgar M. Rivera is an aggressive and zealous advocate for employees who have been subjected to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wage-and-hour violations. Edgar has represented hundreds of employees in individual, multi-plaintiff, collective- and class action litigation before state and federal courts in New York, New Jersey and Florida.

I have practiced business law for two decades, and have significant experience in counseling companies from their start-up phase through a sale. My experience includes negotiating strategic transactions and advising on day to day business issues. I have significant experience in technology transactions, from SaaS to Agile development and traditional software licensing.

Nikki attended Mississippi University for Women, and obtained her B.A. in Political Science in 2013. She also attended Missouri University of Science & Technology where she obtained her B.A., summa cum laude, in History in 2015.

Nikki received her J.D., magna cum laude, in 2018 from the University of Mississippi School of Law with a concentration in Entertainment & Sports Law. Nikki served as a member of the Mississippi Law Journal, Federal Courts Law Review, and Mississippi Sports Law Review. Nikki was selected as a member of the Phi Delta Phi Honor Society and served as the President of the...

Joel R. Brandes, of the New York Bar, concentrates his practice in New York divorce and family law appeals. He also consults with and advises attorneys on appellate, trial court and international child abduction matters in all of the New York state and federal courts. He has been recognized by the New York Appellate Division as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce .” He is the author of the treatise Law and the Family New York 2024-2025 Edition (12 Volumes), Law and The Family New York, 2d (9 volumes), Law and the Family...

Samantha has established a remarkable reputation for consistently delivering unmatched results with speed. Clients admire her fearlessness in the courtroom and unwavering dedication to their cause. She firmly believes in the lawyer's ability to make a positive impact on the justice system and uphold the constitutional ideals that underpin our society. Central to Samantha's approach is empowering her clients and offering them the necessary support and guidance to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. As a fierce advocate for individuals accused of crimes, she recognizes the unique challenges they face and is fully committed to safeguarding their rights and...

The managing partner at Phillips & Associates, William K. Phillips dedicates his practice to protecting the rights of employees in the workplace. His firm has handled thousands of employment cases, including discrimination and sexual harassment claims. Mr. Phillips has been recognized as one of the “10 Best Labor and Employment Attorneys in New York” by the American Institute of Legal Counsel and among the “Top 100 Labor & Employment Lawyer in New York” by the American Society of Legal Advocates.

My name is Elliot Green. Born and raised in Brooklyn, I am proud to serve as a family law attorney for people throughout New York City. I am dedicated to using my experience to help people like you get through very stressful times.

I am not just a family lawyer — I am a family man. As husband and father of three, I know the value of family. I understand what is at stake and will work to protect you during highly emotional legal situations.

Brittany A. Stevens has considerable experience representing employees in a wide range of employment discrimination matters. She manages a variety of cases involving sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, caregiver status, and sexual orientation. She has handled numerous cases from inception through settlement.

Ms. Stevens zealously advocates for women's rights and is committed to helping women in the workplace. Ms. Stevens is a passionate litigator who believes strongly in civil rights and fairness throughout the work environment.

Ms. Stevens has obtained significant awards and settlements for her clients. Remarkably, Ms. Stevens received a...

David J. Dean is a senior trial attorney at Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. who is responsible for trying some of the firm's largest and most challenging cases.

Scott is an experienced New York Tax Law Attorney with an international clientele. His practice encompasses a full range of tax needs including International Individual Income & Estate Tax Planning & Advisory, Individual Tax Advocacy & Related Services, and International Individual Income & Estate Tax Compliance. With over 20 years of experience, Scott provides a powerful combination of legal and tax accounting expertise. He is dedicated to exceptional advocacy for your tax law needs.

Scott received his Bachelor of Laws with Honours, from the University of Warwick, UK in 1988. He obtained his Association of Taxation Technicians Examination, UK in...

International business attorney licensed to practice law in Ukraine, New York & the US Supreme Court, having over 15 years of professional legal experience, including a decade with top multinational law and consulting firms, such as Baker McKenzie, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Schoenherr

Andrew’s first job as a lawyer was with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, where he was a Deputy Attorney General for approximately seven years. As a government trial attorney, he learned “his way around a courtroom” as well as how to effectively and persuasively write legal documents. As a Deputy Attorney General, Andrew gained invaluable litigation experience in both State and Federal Courts, arguing motions before judges, negotiating settlements before mediators, taking and defending over 800 depositions, and trying both bench and jury trials.

After working with the New Jersey Attorney General, over the next eight years, Andrew further honed...

Edward joined Leav & Steinberg LLP in 2016, bringing with him years of experience in personal injury and other matters. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2004, and obtained his law degree from New York Law School in 2008. While in law school, Edward interned in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. After graduating law school, Edward practiced law in Miami, Florida, before returning to New York to practice personal injury law in New York City.

Edward has successfully represented clients in State and Federal Courts. His experience includes trials, alternative...

Mr. Conroy's area of practice is immigration and nationality law. Most of his work involves litigation. He represents detained and non-detained clients in a wide variety of situations before U.S. Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Appellate and District Courts. With respect to Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals, for example, he represents non-citizens seeking asylum, cancellation of removal, waivers, adjustment of status, and (for detained clients) release on bond. In Federal Courts Mr. Conroy represents clients with regard to petitions for review, direct appeals from federal district court decisions, complaints for declaratory judgement and injunctive...

30 Years of Experience and Proven Results

Erdal Turnacioglu concentrates his practice in the area of employment law. He has substantial experience within the state and federal courts of New York and New Jersey. Over the course of my legal career, Erdal has been driven by a passion for employment law. After law school, he worked in-house for a major New York City insurance company, handling motor vehicle accident defense. While this job introduced him to the practice of law, Erdal never lost sight of his dream of one day assisting individuals and businesses with their employment-related issues. In 2010, Erdal attended a seminar entitled, “How to Handle...

We are a knowledgeable, experienced and aggressive law firm focusing on Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Wrongful Death and Divorce. Since our modest beginnings in a small law office in Atlanta in 2006, we have expanded to multiple locations in Georgia and New York. We offer experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation to the local community and will continue to do so for many years to come. You might not see a lot of billboards, radio ads or TV ads for our firm. That's because we believe our clients are our best form of advertisement. We treat all our clients with the...

I bring over 30 years of experience as a business counselor and litigator, focusing on the unique challenges faced by closely held businesses. As Chair of the Business and Corporate Law Department at Weiner Law Group, I have dedicated my career to safeguarding businesses and their owners at every stage of the business lifecycle. My knowledge extends beyond litigation. I am both a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), qualifications that underscore my ability to offer a comprehensive perspective on business challenges. By combining legal acumen with financial insight, I empower business owners to make informed...

Steven Fingerhut is a Partner at Phillips & Associates. He takes an aggressive approach to the representation of his clients and is proud to give a voice to those who may otherwise have none. Mr. Fingerhut has obtained over $10 Million in settlements for his clients in the past five years. Most recently, in January 2024, Steven Fingerhut received a Plaintiff’s verdict and an award of $260,000 for his client after successfully trying hostile work environment, retaliation, and defamation claims, in the Eastern District of New York. Smart v. USA Labor for Hire, Inc., et al., Case No.: 1:20-cv-5594 (TAM). The...

Carmen T. Rodriguez is an associate at Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. who specializes in complex litigation, mass torts, and 9/11 related injuries.

Gregory Calliste, Jr. is a New York employment discrimination attorney at Phillips & Associates. He possesses 13 years of experience handling civil, and criminal law matters, including employment law matters, at the federal, state and administrative levels.

If you are a victim of racial or national origin discrimination at work, you should be aware that there are federal, state, and local laws in place to protect you. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, for example, prohibited racial discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably due to their race or because of personal characteristics associated with race,...

Attorney Emre Polat is an experienced New York City employment attorney. He has substantial litigation experience in all aspects of employment law, including lawsuits arising out of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, medical leave violations, whistleblower claims, retaliation, non-compete agreements, and severance agreements. Mr. Polat has personally litigated countless matters from inception through trial. He has represented both employees and employers who need a discrimination attorney or assistance in other claims. His advocacy and experience has earned him notable recognition and respect. Mr. Polat has personally litigated countless matters from inception through trial. His advocacy and experience has...

Jim earned his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law in 2004, where he was a Julius H. Miner Moot Court competitor. In 2000, he received an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and English from Brooklyn College in 1997, where he was a Ford Foundation Fellow and Merit Scholar in Philosophy.