New York, NY Uniondale, NY Shrewsbury, NJ FIRM RESUME

Transcription

1 CALLAN, REGENSTREICH, KOSTER & BRADY, LLP Attorneys and Counselors at Law One Whitehall Street New York, N. Y FAX New York, NY Uniondale, NY Shrewsbury, NJ FIRM RESUME Headquartered in Lower Manhattan for almost twenty years, Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady, LLP provides superior legal services in the fields of civil, criminal defense and commercial litigation on behalf of individuals, self-insured corporations and insurance companies. We are a full service law firm that offers counseling and litigation services for insurers, commercial and habitational property managers and owners, manufacturers, common carriers and professional service providers. We provide insurance coverage opinions, litigate coverage disputes and offer both risk management analysis and supervision of local counsel on behalf of excess carriers and reinsurers GENERAL BACKGROUND The firm of Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady was formed in October, 1981, to provide legal services of the highest quality in the field of civil defense litigation. The members of the firm have extensive experience as trial attorneys in defending individual, corporate and institutional clients in a wide variety of situations. The firm is experienced in the litigation of complex federal matters and has represented corporate clients in federal civil RICO cases. In addition to

2 traditional litigation defense services, the firm provides counseling services to its clients on such topics as risk management, coverage analysis, fiduciary obligations, coverage litigation and oversight of local counsel on behalf of excess insurers. Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady has established expertise in all phases of trial and appellate practice on both the Federal and State levels. The firm's attorneys are also experienced litigators in matters before non-judicial forums such as the American Arbitration Association. Originally based in New York, Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady expanded its practice in 1989 by opening its Monmouth County, New Jersey office. An additional office of the firm is located in Uniondale, Long Island. The firm currently provides services in the five counties of New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster counties in New York and all counties in New Jersey. Most of the firm's attorneys are admitted to the bar in both states. The firm has acted as national counsel to companies supervising the work of local counsel in jurisdictions across the United States. In addition to the legal staff, the firm's professional staff includes certified legal assistants. The firm has enhanced its efficiency by the extensive use of computer technology for case management, docket control, word processing and accessing national databases for legal, medical and financial research. FIRM PHILOSOPHY Each member of Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady is dedicated to maintaining excellence in all phases of the services the firm provides. The firm's approach is to provide a thorough and frank assessment of the merits of each claim at the earliest possible stage in the litigation process. Emphasis is placed on regular and informative reporting. With escalating litigation expenses, the firm recognizes that the most cost effective approach is often a prompt resolution of each claim. However, when the decision is made to contest on the merits, or when a reasonable disposition cannot be achieved through negotiation, the firm provides a tenacious and aggressive defense at trial. All four of the name partners began their careers as prosecutors in New York City and are seasoned trial attorneys accustomed to trying cases to verdict. They have established reputations as tough but fair-minded adversaries.

3 AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady has particular expertise in the defense of claims involving commercial liability, construction accident claims/labor law violations, fraud, motor vehicle negligence, medical malpractice, insurance coverage, products liability, environmental liability and other general liability matters. The firm prides itself on representing professionals accused of malpractice, malfeasance and negligence in a wide variety of occupations. Our trial skills have been utilized in cases involving age, sex and other forms of alleged discrimination in employment related matters. We have represented physicians, attorneys, corporate officers, elected public officials and other professionals with sensitivity and discretion. The firm is also experienced in the litigation of complex federal civil and criminal matters. Members of the firm have been active in the supervision of local counsel in situations where excess or umbrella coverage is involved. PARTNERS PAUL F. CALLAN Received a Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School in 1975 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from Seton Hall University in While at Seton Hall, Mr. Callan represented the United States in international debate competition as one of two members of the United States Debate Team. In that capacity he debated at the Oxford Union. He was also Student Body President and Debate Society President. Mr. Callan began practicing law as a prosecutor in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office where he achieved the position of Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau. His duties included trial work, administrative tasks and the supervision of all murder investigations and trials in Brooklyn, one of the largest jurisdictions in the United States. He was one of the prosecutors on the case of People v. David Berkowitz, the "Son of Sam" case, and he

4 represented the Estate of Nicole Brown Simpson in the civil suit against O.J. Simpson. Since founding Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady, Mr. Callan has refined his expertise in the litigation of cases involving medical malpractice, products liability, construction accident and other general liability claims. He has also a skilled criminal defense lawyer handling cases of complexity in both state and federal matters. Mr. Callan's expertise in the fields of both civil and criminal litigation has been recognized by the Courtroom Television Network, CNBC, Fox, MSNBC, CNN and WCBS, where he serves as a consultant and regular guest commentator. Mr. Callan has been honored with election to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is also a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the New York County Lawyers Association, the New Jersey Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Society of Medical Jurisprudence. He has been a frequent lecturer and instructor for the New York State Trial Lawyers' Institute. Mr Callan has published numerous articles in professional journals on various aspects of trial practice. Mr. Callan is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the District of New Jersey and the Supreme Court of the United States. BRUCE N. REGENSTREICH Received a Juris Doctor degree from St. John's University School of Law in Admitted to practice in 1976, Mr. Regenstreich entered private practice after spending several years with the Kings County District Attorney's Office, the last few years prosecuting major homicides. He has specialized in the areas of automobile,

5 medical malpractice, construction, and commercial litigation. He has lectured extensively in the area of underinsured, uninsured and personal injury protection benefits at insurance company seminars. Mr. Regenstreich is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is also admitted to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Association and the Monmouth County Lawyers Association. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at William Paterson University in New Jersey. WARREN S. KOSTER Received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia in 1975 after graduating with honors from The American University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in After law school, Mr. Koster joined the Kings County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor. As Deputy Bureau Chief of the Trial Bureau, Mr. Koster had extensive litigation, administrative and negotiating experience. His responsibilities included the supervision of 55 trial attorneys, 10 trial supervisors and a staff of detectives. In continuing his public service, Mr. Koster served as Counsel to the Criminal Justice Coordinator for the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York. He was intimately involved in the drafting and promotion of the Mayor's legislative program concerning the criminal justice system. Mr. Koster has also served as Special Consultant for criminal justice policy to New York Gubernatorial Candidate Lewis Lehrman.

6 As a general partner in the law firm of Regenstreich and Koster, Mr. Koster had extensive civil litigation experience in the areas of general liability, insurance coverage, construction, malpractice, products liability, motor vehicle and property loss claims. Since founding Callan, Regenstreich, Koster & Brady, he has broadened his expertise to include all areas of insurance defense litigation. Mr. Koster shares this expertise in a series of lectures and memoranda exploring various aspects of New York law and practice, which he presents regularly to clients of the firm. Mr. Koster is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers' Association and the District of Columbia Bar Association. He is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, the District of Columbia, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the Supreme Court of the United States. BRUCE M. BRADY Received a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1975 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College in Mr. Brady began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorneys Office where he distinguished himself as Deputy Bureau Chief of the Criminal Court Bureau and Trial Supervisor of the Rackets Bureau. He was responsible for the investigation and trial of cases involving organized crime and official corruption, as well as the training and supervision of over 50 assistant district attorneys. After completing his public service and before founding Callan, Regenstreich, Koster and Brady, Mr. Brady was a partner and lead trial attorney at another major New York City defense firm. He has established a widespread reputation as one of the premier medical malpractice defense lawyers in the New York Metropolitan area. Mr. Brady is a charter member of the New York State Medical Defense Bar Association, a member of the American Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the

7 New York State Trial Lawyers Association,, the New York County Lawyers Association and the Bergen County Bar Association. Mr. Brady has taught and lectured extensively on the topic of trial techniques and the defense of medical malpractice cases for the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute and Law Journal Seminars. Mr. Brady has also served as an occasional legal commentator on Court TV. Since 1994, he has served annually as a judge for the Northeast Regional Finals of the National Appellate Advocacy Competition conducted by the American Bar Association. Since 1992, Mr. Brady has served on the Executive Board and as Legal Advisor to Children's Aid and Family Services, Inc., a non-profit agency which provides residential and counseling services to abused and neglected children and troubled families in northern New Jersey. In that capacity, he regularly advises the agency on regulatory, risk management and confidentiality matters. Mr. Brady is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, the State of New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the Supreme Court of the United States. WILLIAM L. BRENNAN Received a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law in Since that time, Mr. Brennan has been involved in all phases of criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Brennan earned a reputation as an accomplished trial attorney at the Kings County District Attorney's Office, rising to the level of Trial Supervisor. During his tenure as an assistant district attorney, he was assigned to the elite homicide bureau. Since entering private practice, Mr. Brennan has been primarily engaged in insurance defense litigation involving

8 personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability and complex multi-party construction claims. His prosecutorial experience has also enabled him to successfully represent individuals accused of white collar offenses on the federal level. Mr. Brennan is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey. He also has served as the Police Commissioner and Borough Councilman in the Town of Rutherford, New Jersey. Mr. Brennan is a frequent guest commentator on Court TV. Mr. Brennan presently serves as a Municipal Judge for the town of Westfield, New Jersey. VINCENT A. NAGLER Mr. Nagler is a magna cum laude graduate of the Pace University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor in Mr. Nagler finished fourth in his class and served as an editor of the Law Review. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Adelphi University in Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Nagler worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney's office. In this capacity, he prepared and conducted numerous felony trials and hearings. He was also active in supervising police investigations and was assigned to a specialized unit investigating and prosecuting gang members. Mr. Nagler was subsequently associated with the law firm of Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander and Ferdon, where he handled a wide variety of complex State and Federal civil litigation including products liability, anti-trust and intellectual property. He is currently involved in a wide variety of civil litigation including products liability, medical malpractice, construction accident, RICO and general tort litigation.

9 SCOTT W. BERMACK Received his Juris Doctor degree from The American University, Washington College of Law in 1989, after earning a B.A. in Economics from Brandeis University in Before joining the firm, Mr. Bermack served as Judicial Intern to the Honorable Eric G. Bruggink of the United States Claims Court in Washington, D.C. In addition to his State and Federal Bar admissions, he holds a professional license in property and casualty insurance brokerage. Mr. Bermack is a skilled trial attorney who specializes in the defense of claims involving environmental exposure, medical malpractice, construction and labor law, products liability, premises liability, toxic torts and vehicular/common carrier negligence. He also has broadbased experience identifying and resolving insurance coverage issues. He is admitted to practice before the Courts of the States of New York and New Jersey and the District of Columbia, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey. He is a member of the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law and Trial Lawyers Sections of the New York State Bar Association, The American Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar, and RIMS. KENNETH S. MERBER Received a Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University, National Law Center in This was preceded by a Bachelor of Arts degree awarded to him by the State University of New York at Binghamton in While at The George Washington University, National Law Center, he served as a member of the Moot Court Board Honor Society and President of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Merber served as a

10 Judicial Intern for the Honorable Eric G. Bruggink at the United States Claims Court in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he was associated with a major construction law firm in New York City, which specialized in federal and state multi-party complex litigation as well as arbitration construction claims and appeals. Since his admission to the New York and New Jersey Bars in 1989, Mr. Merber has specialized in the areas of commercial and insurance defense litigation, including defense of insurance coverage litigation, construction and surety law, medical malpractice claims and contractual law, both governmental and private. Mr. Merber is admitted to practice before the Courts of the States of New York and New Jersey, the District of Columbia, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and for the District of New Jersey. MICHAEL P. KANDLER Received a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1988 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Colgate University. While at Fordham, Mr. Kandler was selected as a member of the Fordham Urban Law Journal. Prior to joining the firm, he was associated with another major litigation firm in New York City where he specialized in construction litigation, products liability defense and commercial litigation. Since becoming associated with the firm, Mr. Kandler has continued to specialize in defense litigation in the areas of products liability, medical malpractice, construction and general liability. Mr. Kandler is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

11 BETH S. BLOCK Received a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law in Prior to joining the firm, she was associated with another major litigation firm in New York City where she specialized in insurance defense litigation including products liability, multi-party tort claims, insurance coverage litigation and general liability. Since joining the firm, her areas of practice have included automobile, premises, insurance coverage and general liability litigation. Ms. Block is admitted to practice before Courts of the States of New York and New Jersey, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. ASSOCIATES VINCENT D. FINNEGAN Received his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in He also attended Stonehill College as an undergraduate and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Prior to joining the firm, he was associated with a Long Island firm that specialized in the defense of personal injury actions. He also served as an intern at the Nassau County District Attorney's Office in Mr. Finnegan is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York, as well as the United States District courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. STEPHANIE C. PALERMO Received a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law in 1995 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Rutgers University in Since joining the firm, Ms. Palermo has

12 been involved in all aspects of insurance defense litigation including products liability, automobile, commercial and other general liability claims. Ms. Palermo is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. She is a member of the American Bar Association, New York County Lawyers' Association and the Columbia Lawyers Association. MARA J. SIBLEY Received a Juris Doctor degree from the Washington School of Law, The American University in Ms. Sibley received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Michigan in Following her graduation from law school, Ms. Sibley worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney's office as a senior trial attorney, where she prepared and conducted numerous trials and hearings for various felonies, including homicides and armed robberies. Ms. Sibley handles general liability, medical malpractice and complex tort cases. She is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York. PAMELA PATTON FYNES Received her Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law in Her undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science awarded by the State University at Buffalo in Prior to her association with this firm, Ms. Fynes served as a Senior Trial Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney's Office. As an Assistant District Attorney, Ms. Fynes prosecuted a large number of complex felony

13 cases in including homicides. She has extensive jury trial experience. Ms. Fynes is admitted to practice in New York State. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Black Prosecutors Association and the New York State Bar Association. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Association of Black Women Attorneys. MEREDITH B. BORG Received a Juris Doctor degree from St. John's University School of Law in While attending St. John's School of Law, Ms. Borg received the award for Best Advocate in the Criminal Trial Competition. Ms. Borg received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Legal Studies from Brandeis University in Ms. Borg is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York. Ms. Borg has been involved in the all aspects of defense litigation including medical malpractice and other general liability matters. DAVID S. WEINRAUB Graduated from The College of Colorado with distinction in Philosophy in He then received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1998, where he worked as Associate Editor of the Colorado Journal of International Environmental Law and Policy, and as Rothgerber Teaching Fellow. He was the Don Sears Award recipient for academic year for his contribution to classroom learning and a member of the Colorado Chapter of the Order of the Coif. Mr. Weinraub is admitted to practice in the Courts of the State of New York State. He handles general civil litigation, including complex tort and commercial matters. He also issues coverage opinions addressing such issues as the application of commercial general liability policies to complex intellectual property claims.

14 JOSEPH F. HERBERT, III Received a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in Mr. Herbert received a B.S. in Communications with a minor in Business from St. John s University in Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Herbert worked for the firm of Zawacki, Everett, Gray & McLaughlin as an associate, specializing in general negligence, complex tort cases and plaintiff s cases. Mr. Herbert is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York and the State of New Jersey. He is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York and for the District of New Jersey. Mr. Herbert is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and New York County Lawyer Association. LANCE E. BENOWITZ Received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California Law School in Mr. Benowitz graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government in Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Benowitz was previously employed at the law firm of Rubin, Cooper and Schwartz, handling civil, commercial and matrimonial litigation. Mr. Benowitz is admitted to practice in the Courts of the States of New York and California. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and the State Bar of California. Since joing the firm, Mr. Benowitz has been involved in all aspects of defense litigation including automobile, premises and other general liability claims.

15 SHAWN KELLY Received a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School in 1999 after receiving a BA in Human Resources Management at Kings College in Since joining the firm, Mr. Kelly has been involved in all aspects of insurance defense litigation including products liability, automobile, commercial and other general liability claims. Mr. Kelly is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York and Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association, and the Lackawanna County Bar Association. STEPHEN A. HOFFMAN Received a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in 1997 after obtaining a Bachelors degree in Communications Arts from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Prior to joining the firm, he was responsible for the medical malpractice department at a plaintiff s firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice. Before entering law school, he was employed by the New York City Transit Authority s Law Department as a paralegal specializing in State Division of Human Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints. Mr. Hoffman is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York. MARK R. WILNER Received a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law in 1995 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the State

16 University of New York at Albany, graduating magna cum laude. Prior to joining the firm, he managed the New York City Satellite office of a Philadelphia based defense firm, specializing in toxic tort and general liability litigation. Mr. Wilner has been involved in all aspects of defense litigation including automobile, premises and other general liability matters. Mr. Wilner is admitted to practice before the Court of the State of New York and New Jersey, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey. DAVID B. VERMONT Received a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1996 and a B.A. in History from the State University of New York at Binghamton in After graduating from law school, Mr. Vermont served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney's office, where he rose to the level of felony trial attorney. As an ADA, he prepared and conducted numerous trials and hearings for felonies including armed robberies and felony assaults. Mr. Vermont handles criminal and white-collar defense matters, as well as general liability and complex tort cases. He is admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of New York and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS

17 The firm has represented in the past or is currently providing representation on behalf of the following clients: - American Independent Insurance Company - American Modern Home Insurance Company - The American Psychiatric Association Insurance Trust - Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company - Beacon Insurance Company of America - CGU Insurance Company - Colgate-Palmolive Company - Empire Insurance Company - Fireman's Insurance Company - FOJP Service Corporation - GAB Business Services, Inc. - Great American Insurance Company - Gulf Insurance Company - Hanover Insurance Company - Hertz Management Corp. - Investors Insurance Group - Lincoln General Insurance Company - The Maryland Casualty Insurance Group - Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company - Metropolitan Property & Casualty Insurance Company - Parkway Insurance Company - Pathmark Stores Inc. - Philadelphia Insurance Companies - Physicians' Reciprocal Insurers - Preferred Physician's Mutual Risk Retention Group - Prudential Bache Securities - Prudential Property & Casualty - Selective Insurance Company of America - Superior Insurance Company - TCI, Inc. - Tokio Marine Management, Inc. - Zurich-America Insurance Group REFERENCES The firm has achieved Martindale-Hubbell's highest "AV" Rating in the current edition. It is also listed in Martindale's Bar Register of Preeminent Law Firms and in Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys.