Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLP

Congratulations to KBR attorneys Thomas J. Gerspach and Ryan Gerspach on a Defense Verdict in Westchester County!   Plaintiff alleged that our client, a surgeon, failed to diagnose and treat a post-bariatric surgery condition. Despite the complexities of this difficult case with high jury appeal, Tom and Ryan skillfully fought and secured a favorable outcome. Great work, Tom and Ryan!  #medicalmalpracticeattorney #defenseverdict #kbrlaw

KBR attorney Diana-Marie Laventure has been appointed to the Garden State Bar Associations Board of Directors! This notable appointment recognizes her dedication, expertise and commitment to the legal profession. Congratulations Diana-Marie on this well-deserved honor! #gardenstatebarassociation #boardofdirectors #kbrlaw

On July 11th, KBR proudly sponsored the Corporate Fun Run Westchester 5K at the Westchester Community College.   KBR took home 1st place for best t-shirt design and secured 3rd place in the female team division!   The Corporate Fun Run Westchester 5k was a fantastic event that brought together our team and community together for a fun night of fitness and camaraderie. Thanks to everyone who came out to support and made this event a success! #corporatefunrun #teambuilding #kbrlaw

KBR partner Brian Margolies recently presented at The Society Of Environmental Insurance Professionals, Inc.(SEIP) Conference in Aurora, CO. The presentation titled “Field of Claims: Will Artificial Turf be the Next Source of PFAS Claims”, went over topics such as the presence of PFAS in artificial turf, regulatory concerns, trends and issues in defending and PFAS-related products liability claims, and issues affecting insurance coverage for such claims. Brian spoke alongside Christopher C. De Carlo, CHMM, LSRP from Vertex, Kanan Sheth from Distinguished Programs Insurance Brokerage LLC, Kathleen Olear from Berkley, and Robin Kelliher from USI Insurance Services. #kbrlaw

Congratulations to KBR partner Daniel Schilling on securing summary judgment in a high-exposure construction litigation!   The underlying contractual dispute arose out of a construction-related incident on a project in Queens. The Owner and General Contractor sought contractual and common law indemnity from our client based upon a non-descript reference to a future indemnity agreement within the governing proposal. Dan successfully argued that, under New York law, there must be clear and unmistakable intent of both parties in order to enforce an indemnity obligation. The one-line reference to a future agreement was too vague and ambiguous to constitute an enforceable agreement. As such, the Owner and General Contractor could not maintain their contractual indemnity claim. The Court also dismissed the common law indemnity claim based upon evidence that our client did not direct, control or supervise the Plaintiff’s underlying work. #summaryjudgment #constructionlitigation #kbrlaw

KBR welcomes Monika Olowska to our NYC office!   Monika will be practicing in our Employment and Workplace Management Group. #welcometotheteam #employmentlaw #kbrlaw

KBR partner Jonathan Rubin recently spoke at the Risk Management in Obstetrical Care Seminar hosted by Northwell Health, presenting on the topic “Preparation for Deposition and Trial”.   The session focused on equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills for deposition and trial, covering legal procedures, the importance of thorough documentation, and the need for clear and factual communication during testimony.   KBR attorneys, Betsy Baydala, Christine E.F. Rockwell, Alexander Sikoscow, Janine Luckie, Rebecca Rychik and Stephen Schmitt, joined Jonathan for a productive day, contributing valuable insights and engaging with attendees to enhance their understanding and preparedness. #riskmanagement #obstetricalcare #kbrlaw

KBR partner David Bloom recently secured summary judgment in a legal malpractice case in Nassau County.   The case involved allegations of legal malpractice and violations of New York State Judiciary Law § 487 arising from our client's defense of an attorney in a disciplinary proceeding instituted by the New York State Grievance Committee. Our client’s client, an attorney, was suspended from the practice of law after admitting to escrow violations, misappropriation, and other misconduct. In support of our client’s motion for summary judgment, David secured the favorable affidavit of a legal ethics expert who opined that our client appropriately exercised his professional judgment in advising his client to pursue a mitigation strategy in the disciplinary proceeding. David also successfully argued that our client’s handling of the disciplinary matter was not the “but for” cause of the attorney’s suspension.   Congratulations, David! #summaryjudgment #legalmalpractice #kbrlaw

Happy Independence Day from KBR! We wish you all a safe and happy holiday. #IndependenceDay #kbrlaw

Several KBR attorneys recently attended DRI Seminars.   Krupa Weslosky, Kurtis McManus, and Diana-Marie Laventure attended DRI’s Diversity for Success Seminar and Corporate Expo, and KBR associate, Daniel Ishoo, attended DRI’s Young Lawyers Seminar, both of which were held in Nashville, Tennessee. The seminars were filled with important, and timely, sessions such as Authentic Diversity, AI and Implicit Bias, Shaping the Law Firm Associate, Defending Diversity, and Best Practices for Preparing, Taking, and Defending a Deposition, amongst others.   Kurtis also presented on the topic of “Handling Difficult Conversations with Lawyers, Clients, and Pro Se Litigants” at the Young Lawyer Seminar and on the legal landscape of Tennessee’s Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the Diversity for Success Seminar, which were well-received and opened dialog as to generational and discriminatory issues that are prevalent today. #DEI #diversityseminar #younglawyers #kbrlaw