MORRIS DUFFY ALONSO FALEY & PITCOFF - Key Persons
ALLYSON P. LUBELL became associated with MDAFP in 2007 and became a partner in 2016. She concentrates her practice in the defense of all aspects of premise liability litigation, including security cases, construction and labor law cases, and property loss cases. Ms. Lubell manages her caseload from inception of case to trial and has successfully defended clients for numerous high exposure cases. Ms. Lubell's prior legal experience includes working for a major insurance company as in-house counsel, where she was involved in all aspects of premise liability defense and insurance defense, including personal injury suits, complex labor law litigations, products liability actions and property damage suits. Her prior experience also includes serving as a Senior Assistant District Attorney/Senior Trial Attorney at the Kings County District Attorneys Office where she has tried all types of criminal cases to verdict including numerous murder trials. Ms. Lubell has successfully represented clients at trial in both criminal and civil litigation.
AWARDS
Ms. Lubell was selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers list for excellent in insurance defense. Each year no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Law Office of Robin, Schepp, Yuhas, Doman, Harris
Senior Assistant District Attorney at Kings County District Attorney's Office
AMANDA M. ZEFI joined MDAFP as an associate in 2015 and became a partner in 2022. At MDAFP, Ms. Zefi concentrates on the defense of municipal clients in cases involving civil rights, employment discrimination, and other personal injury claims.
AWARDS
Ms. Zefi was selected to the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Super Lawyers New York City Metro Area Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
ANDREA M. ALONSO has been associated with Morris Duffy Alonso Faley & Pitcoff since 1981 and became a named partner in 1992. Ms. Alonso concentrates her practice in apellate litigation. She has argued in the Appellate Terms and Apellate Divisions of the State of New York, the New York Court of Appeals, and the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She is a frequent lecturer at insurance companies, bar associations, claims associations, and law schools. Ms. Alonso is fluent in Spanish.
AWARDS
Ms. Alonso was selected to the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Super Lawyers list for excellence in insurance defense. Each year, no more than 5% of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
Ms. Alonso has received a rating of AV Preeminent 5 out 5, the highest peer review rating available from Martindale-Hubbel.
Ms. Alonso has received the Jerome Belson Medal from St. John's University School of Law and the James S. Conway Award from the Defense Association of New York in 2024.
Ms. Alonso has received the Dean John J. Murphy Award from St. John's University School of Law in 2025.
Ms. Alonso served as appellate counsel in the matter O'Toole v. Greenberg. In that matter, it was alleged that following a tubal ligation procedure, plaintiff gave birth to a healthy child. Prior to the birth, plaintiffs (husband and wife) commenced a malpractice suit seeking, inter alia, damages for the expenses incurred during pregnancy and the expenses involved in caring and rearing the expectant child. The trial court dismissed plaintiff's claim for damages stemming from the expenses involved in caring and rearing the expectant child, which order was upheld by the Appellate Division, Second Department. The Court of Appeals affirmed the decision, holding that the birth of a healthy child does not constitute a cognizable legal harm for which an action in tort is available.
BRIAN R. O'CONNOR joined MDAFP as an associate in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. O'Connor was an associate at O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP, where he had experience in automobile liability, premises liability, construction accidents, and municipal liability. At MDAFP, Mr. O'Connor focuses primarily on general liability, vehicular negligence, property damage and premises liability.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP, Partner
CHARLES M. KERR joined MDAFP as an associate in 2016 and became partner in 2024 and has defended numerous insurance companies, landlords, contractors, subcontractors, and security services businesses in all types of liability claims. Mr. Kerr also has experience in representing physicians and nursing/senior homes in medical malpractice suits.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Mount Sinai Innovation Partners
Advokatfirman Lindahl
CHRISTOPHER M. ROGERS joined MDAFP as a partner in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Rogers was a partner at O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP. Mr. Rogers has extensive trial experience in the areas of premises liability, construction accidents, automotive liability, property damage, municipal and public authority tort litigation, and medical and dental malpractice. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association. At MDAFP, Mr. Rogers focuses primarily on general liability, premises liability and construction accidents.
CRISTINA A. SOLLER joined MDAFP as an associate in 2017 and became partner in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Soller represented the City of New York on a wide variety of tort matters including NYPD false arrest and excessive force, premises liability, Department of Education school supervision and assault, and motor vehicle accident cases. At MDAFP, Ms. Soller concentrates on the defense of municipal clients in cases involving civil rights, employment discrimination and other personal injury claims.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Assistant Corporation Counsel at the New York City Law Department - Tort Division
AWARDS
Ms. Soller was Editor-in Chief of the Moot Court Honors Board at Touro Law School.
Ms. Soller was selected to the 2022 and 2023 Super Lawyers New York City Metro Area Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
DANIELLE J. REISS joined MDAFP as an associate in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Reiss focused her practice on premises liability, products liability and trademark law, providing services to a unique sector subject to intense regulation, alongside defense of class action lawsuits. At MDAFP, Ms. Reiss concentrates on the defense of municipal clients in cases involving civil rights, employment discrimination, and other personal injury claims.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Pisciotti Erdreich Lallis - Associate
Fishman McIntyre, P.C. - Associate
DAVE SINGH joined MDAFP as an associate in 2022. At MDAFP, Mr. Singh focuses primarily on matters involving motor vehicle accidents and general liability.
DAWN C. FAILLACE-DILLON joined MDAFP as a partner in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Faillace-Dillon was a partner at O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP, where she was manager of the firm's no-fault department. Ms. Faillace-Dillon has experience in all aspects of litigation in the areas of medical malpractice, dental malpractice, automobile and uninsured/underinsured motorist liability, premises liability, municipality, school district liability, and no fault claims. At MDAFP, Ms. Faillace-Dillon focuses primarily on general liability and motor vehicle liability.
DONNA M. WHITE spent ten years at MDAFP as an associate and became a partner in 2015. She has practiced insurance defense for her entire career. Mrs. White has focused in municipal law in the northern New York counties over the past six years, in both state and federal court, with a focus on cases involving premises liability, labor law, property damage, auto, flooding and drainage, special duty, pursuit cases, improper highway design and assumption of risk in sporting activities. Ms. White has obtained countless dismissals on behalf of municipalities under the prior written notice law, one of the strongest immunities available to municipalities in the State of New York.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Hoey King Toker & Epstein
Krez & Peisner LLP
DORIS RIOS DUFFY joined MDAFP as a partner in 2019. She has spent her career defending complex personal injury and property damage suits in the New York metropolitan area for major insurance companies. She has extensive experience in complex matters including products liability, construction/Labor Law, premises liability and trucking in both federal and state court.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Kowalski & DeVito
Law Offices of Edward Garfinkel
Lawlor & Caulfield
EDWARD J. HARRINGTON joined MDAFP in 2006 and became a partner in 2014. Prior to that, he worked for a number of years as staff counsel for two major insurance carriers handling both automobile and premises liability matters. At MDAFP he concentrates on all aspects of litigation and trial work but focuses his practice on premises and construction litigation with some high exposure motor vehicle and products liability cases. Mr. Harrington has tried numerous cases in the various New York City Courthouses but also upstate and Western New York Courthouses as well and has obtained multiple defense verdicts. In addition to being a partner at MDAFP, he is a Lieutenant Colonel in the New York Air National Guard and is presently the Staff Judge Advocate for the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh, New York.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Moore & Lafferty
Law Offices of Robin, Schepp, Yuhas, Doman, & Harris
FRANK H. FOSTER joined MDAFP as an associate in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Foster focused his practice on civil rights matters concerning excessive force and wrongful death cases. At MDAFP, Mr. Foster concentrates on the defense of municipal clients in cases involving civil rights and other personal injury claims. While in law school, Mr. Foster was an Articles Editor for Pace Law Review.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Newman Ferrara LLP
AWARDS
Mr. Foster was selected to the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Super Lawyers New York City Metro Area Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
GAIL S. KARAN has been involved in all aspects of personal injury litigation for over twenty years. Since joining MDAFP, her practice focuses on motor vehicle accidents, including private individuals, car rental companies, trucking companies, municipal liability, property damage and insurance coverage issues.
GARY M. SUNSHINE joined MDAFP as an associate in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Sunshine was an associate at O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP. Mr. Sunshine has extensive litigation experience, including trial work and all aspects of litigation, encompassing the areas of automobile liability, premises liability, construction accidents, and municipal tort litigation. At MDAFP, Mr. Sunshine focuses on automobile accidents, premises liability, and municipal liability.
GREGORY S. NELSON has long been recognized by his peers and clients alike as a talented and successful trial attorney. Mr. Nelson has taken over 250 verdicts over the course of his career and has tried cases in every borough of New York City, as well as the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. He has handled matters in a range of practice areas, including construction, Labor Law, premises liability, products liability, and motor vehicle accidents.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Rivkin Radler LLP
Ahmuty, Demers & McManus
INNA V. TERES joined MDAFP as an associate in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Teres focused on New York Labor Law, premises liability and automobile liability. At MDAFP, Ms. Teres continues to focus her practice on defending claims involving New York Labor Law, premises, and motor vehicle accidents.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Fabiani, Cohen & Hall LLP
Stonberg Moran, LLP
Kubick & Associates
JAMES A. PANNONE joined MDAFP in 2006 and became a partner in 2011. Prior to that, he spent the majority of his career defending medical malpractice actions and other complex matters at several established New York firms. In addition, he has served as General Counsel to a large New York City scaffold & hoist company. Mr. Pannone has successfully represented hospitals, doctors, nurses, and companies in all stages of the litigation process. He is an experienced trial attorney and has tried cases in all boroughs of New York City. Mr. Pannone is married with four children and enjoys skiing.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Amabile & Erman
Dwyer & Taglia
General Counsel to Atlantic-Heydt
Ronan, Tuzzio & Giannone
JENNA L. MASTRODDI first joined MDAFP as a paralegal while attending law school. She then transitioned into an attorney position immediately upon passing the New York and New Jersey bar examinations. She focuses her practice on defending claims involving premises liability and construction/Labor Law claims.
JOAN M. COCHA joined MDAFP as an associate in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Cocha represented victims who were seriously injured due to the negligent or intentional acts of others. At MDAFP, Ms. Cocha concentrates on the defense of personal injury claims.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Hess & Leibowitz, PLLC
AWARDS
Ms. Cocha was selected to the 2022 and 2023 Super Laywers New York City Metro Area Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
JUSTIN E. ANGELINO joined MDAFP as a partner in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Angelino was a partner at O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP. Mr. Angelino has litigation experience in the areas of general negligence, automobile liability, no fault law, and also has extensive experience in real estate transactions. At MDAFP, Mr. Angelino focuses primarily on general liability, automobile liability and no fault law.
KEVIN F. MAHON was a senior staff trial attorney for the Traveler's Insurance Company following law school. He was then in private practice for several years concentrating on personal injury litigation. Mr. Mahon joined MDAFP in 1998 and became a partner in 2007. Mr. Mahon specializes in litigation and trial work with an emphasis on complex construction litigation. He has tried cases in State and Federal court involving premises liability, products liability, medical malpractice and insurance coverage issues.
L. JOSH CORTAVARRIA joined MDAFP as an associate in 2023. Mr. Cortavarria received his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School, where he was a member of Brooklyn Law School's moot court honor society, trial team and a member of Brooklyn Law School's Journal of Law and Policy. Mr. Cortavarria received his B.A. in Economics from The University of Maryland-College Park. At MDAFP, Mr. Cortavarria concentrates on the defense of matters involving premises liability, construction and Labor Law. Mr. Cortavarria is a native Spanish speaker; he migrated from Peru to the United States in the 1990s. In his spare time, he enjoys practicing martial arts and performing magic. /p>
LAUREN CASPARIE joined MDAFP as an associate in 2023. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Casparie's practice focused on civil litigation with an emphasis on premises liability, municipal liability, New York Labor Law, contracts, civil rights, and automobile liability. At MDAFP, Ms. Casparie focuses primarily on matters involving municipal liability, premises liability, and New York Labor Law.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
LaRocca Hornik Rosen & Greenberg, LLC
Marshall Dennehy Warner Coleman & Goggin
Assistant Corporation Counsel, New York City Law Department-Tort Division
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Adjunct Professor of Law at the New York Law School
LAWTON W. SQUIRES joined MDAFP as a partner in 2022. Prior to joining MDAFP, Mr. Squires worked with the Nationwide Insurance Trial Division as a Director of Quality Assurance, Ethics & Training from April 2017 through November 2022. His duties included: the analysis and research of ethical inquiries from Trial Division members; the preparation of webinars, iDrives and on-line learning materials, job aids, practice guides and live classes for Trial Division associates; teaching attorneys trial practice and trial tactics at the Trial Division's quarterly Trial Schools; consulting on complex trial and litigation matters; and protecting Trial Division members from potential ethical pitfalls, that might arise in the course of their legal practices.
He has handled complex litigation matters from inception through trial to verdict in the State and Federal Courts for over thirty-nine (39) years. His practice has encompassed: commercial litigation, legal malpractice, products liability, labor law, construction accidents, premises liability, general liability, attorney and judicial disciplinary proceedings, professional malpractice, medical malpractice and motor vehicle accident matters.
In addition to representing clients in the New York State and Federal Courts, Mr. Squires has represented clients before many of New York State's regional professional disciplinary agencies including: the Departmental Disciplinary Committee; the Grievance Committee; the Committee on Character and Fitness; the Commission on Judicial Conduct; the Office of Professional Discipline; and the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. He has also served as excess and monitoring counsel for numerous clients and major insurance carriers.
In September 2012, Seymour James, Esq., President of New York State Bar Association, named Lawton to serve as a member of the NYSBA Ethics Committee. The Committee is responsible for manning an attorney ethical hotline, for reviewing and analyzing attorney ethical inquires and the drafting and publication of the NYSBA Attorney Ethics Opinions that serve as an ethical guide for the State's practicing attorneys.
Mr. Squires has also served as the Managing Trial Attorney for United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company (USF&G), The St. Paul Insurance Companies and The St. Paul Travelers Companies in New York. He also has represented the Zurich American Insurance group as its New York City, Supervising Trial Attorney. In these roles he has managed New York City legal offices covering litigation matters in the City of New York and surrounding suburban counties, as well as supervised law firm staffs ranging from seven (7) to twenty (20) employees.
As an Adjunct Professor of Law at The New York Law School, Mr. Squires has taught Trial Advocacy since 1990. He has also taught practicing attorneys as a faculty member of the USF&G and The St. Paul Companies, National Trial Schools and as a continuing legal education lecturer for the Defense Association of New York, the New York State Bar Association, the Bronx Black Bar Association, The Black Women's Bar Association of New York and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. Mr. Squires' roster of courses includes classes on: Civil Trial Practice; Jury Selection; Opening Statements; Cross Examination; Effective Summations; Tort Litigation; Preparation for, Taking and Defending Depositions; Attorney Ethics; and Professional Discipline in New York State.
Mr. Squires co-starred as the lead defense attorney, opposite the Hon. Catherine Crier, of Court TV fame, who played the lead prosecutor in The Media Center at The New York Law School's production of The Trial of Travis Bickle, from the facts of the Martin Scorsese classic film, Taxi Driver, starring Robert De Niro and Jodi Foster, on January 28th, 2008. The NYLS Media Center annually produces mock trials to advertise and publicize The New York Law School's Trial Advocacy and Clinical Legal programs.
A graduate of The State University College at Oneonta, New York, and of The New York Law School, Mr. Squires served as a member of the National Mock Trial Team. He also was a member of the Executive Board of the Moot Court Association.
Mr. Squires is a past President of the Defense Association of New York and has served the Board in an Emeritus capacity for over a decade. He is also a member of the Executive Board of the New York State Bar Association's Tort, Insurance and Compensation Law Committee and also a member of the NYSBA's Trusts and Estates Section.
Mr. Squires also holds a certification as a Guardian ad Litem, and has also served the Courts and litigants and wards, in the roles of: Referee, Umpire and Guardian of the Property.
Prior to joining Nationwide Insurance and Morris, Duffy Alonso Faley & Pitcoff, Mr. Squires was a Member of Herzfeld & Rubin, P.C. for thirteen (13) years.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Herzfeld & Rubin, P.C., Partner
AWARDS
Mr. Squires holds the highest legal ability rating of "AV," granted by Martindale-Hubbell. This is a professional rating awarded only to attorneys who demonstrate the highest professional and ethical standards.
Thompson Reuters has also rated Mr. Squires as one of its Super Lawyers for over fifteen (15) years.
Additionally, the New York Times has selected Mr. Squires as one of its "Top Attorneys in New York," as selected by Peer Review and Professional Achievement beginning in October 2011.
The Black Law Students' Association of New York Law School has awarded Mr. Squires its Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Institute of Jewish Humanities also has recognized Mr. Squires with its Lawyer of Achievement Award.
LINA C. ROSSILLO has worked exclusively in the civil litigation field since graduating from law school. She became associated with Morris Duffy Alonso Faley & Pitcoff in October of 2001 and became a partner in 2011. She focuses her practice on construction litigation (including contract disputes, insurance coverage and priority, and the labor law), professional liability (including architects and engineers), premises liability and security issue cases.
AWARDS
Ms. Rossillo was selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers list for excellence in insurance defense. Each year no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Bournazos & Matarangas, P.C.
MARK A. HEALY concentrates his practice in the litigation and defense of complex civil cases, involving liability, indemnification, insurance coverage and damages issues. At MDAFP, Mr. Healy also focuses in all aspects of litigation and trial work with an emphasis on construction and premises litigation. He has obtained numerous defendant's verdicts and dismissals at trial in premises, motor vehicle, and general liability cases. Mr. Healy has extensive experience working with medical expert witnesses, engineering experts, accident reconstruction, and economic and vocational rehabilitation analysis.
MICHAEL V. CAMPANILE began his legal career at an established personal injury and medical malpractice. In 1995, he became an associate with the Law Office of Vincent P. Crisci, where he was staff counsel for Hanover Insurance Company. Mr. Campanile joined MDAFP in 2000 and became a partner in 2007. Concentrating in litigation and trial work, including municipal, premises and motor vehicle litigation, Mr. Campanile has tried cases in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and has obtained over twenty-five defendant's verdicts.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Bonina & Bonina, P.C.
Law Office of Vincent P. Crisci (staff counsel for Hanover Insurance Company)
PATRICK PRAGER first joined MDAFP as a paralegal while attending law school. He then transitioned in an attorney position upon passing the bar examination. He primarily focuses his practice on premises liability and construction/Labor Law cases.
RAKSHITA K. WEATHERS joined MDAFP as an associate in 2023. Prior to joining the firm, she defended business owners, municipalities, and religious institutions in state and federal court for claims involving premises liability, transportation and trucking accidents, and employment discrimination. Her prior experience also includes state and federal trial work, where she obtained favorable results including defense verdicts. At MDAFP, Ms. Weathers primarily handles claims involving premises liability and construction/New York Labor Law.
ROBERT E. O'CONNOR joined MDAFP as a partner in 2022. Prior to joining MDAFP, Mr. O'Connor was a founding member of O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP. Mr. O'Connor is an experienced trial attorney who handles large exposure negligence cases in areas including construction accidents, products liability, lead paint and food borne illness. He litigates a wide variety of insurance coverage disputes. He has also has argued many appeals before the Appellate Courts of this state. He has lectured frequently to clients on issues of insurance coverage, premises liability and New York State's Labor Law. At MDAFP, Mr. O'Connor focuses primarily on matters involving negligence and general liability.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz, & Deveney, LLP, Partner
O'Connor & Hayes, P.C., Associate
ROBERT J. REILLY joined MDAFP in 2019 with twenty years experience in insurance defense litigation, devoting more than fifteen years of his practice to medical and dental malpractice, representing the interests of physicians, nurses, dentists and helathcare facilities throughout the New York metropolitan area. With his expertise in pre-trial litigation, medical research and dispositive motion execution, Mr. Reilly has been able to obtain outright dismissals and has significantly circumscribed liability and damages claims in complex medical malpractice actions. Mr. Reilly began his legal career in the public sector as a law clerk to the Hon. Daniel Lamont, a now retired judge of the New York State Court of Claims and as an Administrative Hearing Officer for a major New York suburban school district, presiding over appellate petitions pursuant to the NYS Education Law. Prior to law school, Mr. Reilly taught high school history while attending New York University, where he continued his graduate studies toward a doctorate in medieval history after receiving a Masters of Arts in European History under the supervision of Norman F. Cantor, one of the eminent scholars of the European Middle Ages.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Gordon & Silber, P.C.
Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP
Bennett, Ayervais & Bertrand, P.C.
ROBERT MAROTTA joined MDAFP as an associate in 2019. Mr. Marotta concentrates on the defense of matters involving premises liability, construction and Labor Law. Prior to joining the firm, he worked at an insurance defense firm focusing on premises liability.
ROBERT S. WHITBECK joined MDAFP as an associate in 2019 and became partner in 2024. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Whitbeck's practice focused on civil litigation with an emphasis on premises liability and automobile liability. Mr. Whitbeck took many of these cases to verdict as trial counsel. At MDAFP, Mr. Whitbeck focuses primarily on matters involving premises liability and New York Labor Law, as well as appellate matters.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Pavlounis & Sfouggatakis, LLP
Held, Held & Held, P.C.
AWARDS
Mr. Whitbeck was selected to the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Super Lawyers New York City Metro Area Rising Stars list. Each year, no more than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected for this honor.
RORY MCMANUS joined MDAFP as an associate in 2021 upon passing the bar examination. At MDAFP, Mr. McManus focuses primarily on cases involving premises liability, construction/labor law cases, and motor vehicle accidents. Prior to MDAFP, Mr. McManus worked as a legal intern at STV Group focusing on cases related to architecture, engineering, and construction.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
STV Group