THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION … · 2017-12-28 · BROOKLYN BARRISTER THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION ©2013 Brooklyn Bar Association

BROOKLYN BARRISTERT H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E B R O O K L Y N B A R A S S O C I A T I O N

©2013 Brooklyn Bar Association October 2013 VOL. 65 NO.12

Drew M. Gewuerz is an associate attorney atIrwin & Streiner LLC, a general practice law firmthat specializes in “No-Fault” litigation. GeraldLebovits is a New York City Civil Court judge andan adjunct professor at Columbia Law School,Fordham University School of Law, and New York

University School of Law. The authors thank DavidS. Streiner, Esq., for his suggestions to this articleand Natalie J. Puzio, an undergraduate student atVillanova University, for her research. This articleexpands on Judge Lebovits and Kimberly Schirri-pa’s no-fault article published in volume 61, page 1,of the Brooklyn Barrister in May 2009.

Jane, who was injured in a motor vehicle acci-dent involving the use or operation of an insuredmotor vehicle, seeks treatment at MedicalProvider X. Jane is insured by Insurance CarrierY under an insurance policy that provides for “No-Fault” Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) medicalbenefits. In exchange for her treatment, Jane as-signs her right to receive these benefits to MedicalProvider X. After treating Jane, Medical Provider

X submits directly to Insurance Carrier Y claimsfor payment for the health-related services it per-formed on Jane. Insurance Carrier Y does not payMedical Provider X, and Medical Provider X suesInsurance Carrier Y in the New York City CivilCourt. What happens at trial depends on numer-ous factors, including what reason, if any, Insur-ance Carrier Y had for non-payment, in which ju-dicial department the suit was brought, and some-times which judge is presiding in Civil Courtwhere the case is heard.

Litigation based on Article 51 of the New YorkInsurance Law and its supplemental regulations, 11N.Y.C.R.R. 65, otherwise known as the “No-Fault”Insurance Law, dominates the court calendars of theN.Y.C. Civil Courts.i This litigation is unique fromother forms of civil litigation; it arises purely fromstatute and has no parallel in the common law. Dueto the litigation arising from this relatively new andsometimes ambiguous statute, the trial and appel-late judges who hear and rule on “No-Fault” casesare often left to interpret the statute and its regula-tions and fill in the blanks to arrive at fair and justresults that are consistent with the rules of evidenceand other areas of law.ii From this, the burdens ofproof and evidentiary rules differ by judicial depart-ment, by courthouse, and even by the individualtrial judges within the courthouses. In other words,depending on the case’s venue and trial judge,plaintiffs’ and defendants’ jobs at trial will be sig-nificantly different because the judicial departmentshave formed different evidentiary requirement andbecause the individual trial judges interpret thoserequirements differently.

This Article aims to describe with particularityhow a no-fault trial proceeds with a focus on how itcan and does proceed in different ways dependingon venue and judge. Part I of this Article discusseshow the medical providers-plaintiffs establish theirprima facie case at trial and how the requirementsdiffer in the judicial departments. Part II discusseshow insurers-defendants establish their defenses at

trial and how the trial judges significantly affectthat. Part III of this article discusses what theproviders-plaintiffs’ options are at trial once an in-surer-defendant has established its defense.

1. Provider-Plaintiff’s Prima Facie CaseAno-fault trial can proceed in several ways de-

pending on the insurer-defendant’s defense(s) fornon-payment, but it always begins with theprovider-plaintiff’s bills. Due to the volume of no-fault cases and to limit the triable factual issues tothose legitimately in dispute, plaintiffs and defen-dants will stipulate that the plaintiff has estab-lished its prima facie case. Stipulating to the plain-tiff’s prima facie case means that the plaintiff willnot have to put forth an initial case. In exchangefor that stipulation, the plaintiff will often stipulatethat the defendant issued timely denials pursuantto N.Y.C.R.R. 65-3.8iii preserving its defenses,and to the qualifications of the defendant’s expertwitness if there is one. If the trial involves a de-fense that the provider-plaintiff’s services were not“medically necessary,” the parties may also stipu-late to admitting into evidence relevant docu-ments, such as the expert’s written report, whichdiscusses why the services at issue were allegedlynot “medically necessary,” and the injured-in-sured’s medical records the expert reviewed whenforming an opinion about the medical necessity ofthe services at issue. When these types of stipula-tions are in effect, a plaintiff may rest upon thestipulations, and the trial immediately proceeds tothe defendant’s defense(s).

To begin an unstipulated no-fault trial, theprovider-plaintiff must establish its prima facie casethrough witness testimony, documentary evidence,or, depending on the judicial department, formal ju-dicial admissions. Under N.Y.C.R.R. 65-2.4(c)ivand applicable caselaw, a provider-plaintiff estab-lishes at trial its prima facie entitlement to paymentof no-fault PIP benefits by showing by a prepon-derance of the evidence that it submitted a claim or

bill to the defendant insurance carrier and that theclaim or bill remains unpaid.v If the plaintiff failsto prove its prima facie case, the trial is over and theplaintiff loses. If the plaintiff succeeds, however, apresumption of medical necessity attaches to thebilled-for services, and to prevail the insurer-defen-dant must prove an affirmative defense.

How a plaintiff proves its prima facie case de-pends on the case’s venue. Most of the time, aplaintiff can establish the necessary facts throughthe testimony of one or two witnesses and by mov-ing the relevant documents (bills, proof of mail-

Please turn to page 3

No Fault, No Foul: Litigating First-Party-Benefit Cases-Part II

No Fault, No Foul Litigating First-Party-Benefit-CasesCompiled by Gerald Lebovits, Esq.And Drew M. Gewuerz ......................................Pg. 1

The DocketCompiled by Louise Feldman ............................Pg. 2

New Members, September 2013 ...................Pg. 2

Legal BriefsBy Avery Eli Okin, Esq., CAE ................................Pg. 2

Respectfully SubmittedBy Andrew M. Fallek, Esq. ....................................Pg. 3

Committees and Sections 2013-14 ...Pg. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12

Take Me Out To The Ball Game .......................Pg. 6

Introduction to the Courts of MadagascarBy Barbara Grcevicl, Esq. .....................................Pg. 7

What’s Inside

Gerald Lebovits Drew M. Gewuerz

On Thursday night of July 18, this past summer, members of theBrooklyn Bar Association, their family and friends went to Coney Is-land to watch a baseball game. One hundred and twenty-five ticketswere sold to our colleagues, to watch the Mahoning Valley Scrappersplay the Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park.

Scheduled for 7:00 p.m., everyone arrived clad in their finest BBApolo shirts, tee shirts and hats, prepared for a night of studiously ob-serving the art of our national pastime, baseball. But wait, it was atleast 100 degrees! How would we brave this heat? We consumedlarge quantities of water and ice cream! We chatted, laughed, tradedstories, took pictures and enjoyed the heat wave together.

I can’t tell you who won the game —you can look it up on line, butI can tell you that this was one of the best ways to enjoy what was oneof the hottest nights of the summer. Our members and their friendsand families were relaxed, casual and enjoying a beautiful outdoorevening, in which baseball was the back-drop. And then we all racedhome to enjoy some well deserved air conditioning. We can't wait fornext year, to do it again.

Brooklyn Bar Association on the MCU Score Board. See pages 6 for more.

By Aimee L. Richter, Esq.

Take Me Out to The Ball Game 2013

Brooklyn Bar Association 5th Annual Brooklyn Cyclones Outing

Page 2, BROOKLYN BARRISTER OCTOBER, 2013

THE DOCKET

IFYOU HAVE ITEMS FOR INCLUSION IN THE DOCKET, PLEASE MAILOR FAXOR EMAILTHEM TO LOUISE FELDMAN, BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION,

123 REMSEN STREET, BROOKLYN, NEWYORK 11201. FAX NO.: 718-797-1713 • E-mail: [email protected]

BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION 2012-2013Andrew M. Fallek, PresidentRebecca Woodland, President-ElectArthur L. Aidala, First Vice-President

Hon. Frank R. Seddio, Second Vice PresidentAimee L. Richter, SecretaryDavid M. Chidekel, Treasurer

Avery Eli Okin, Esq., CAE: Executive Director

CLASS OF 2014Theresa CiccottoJoseph R. CostelloPamela ElisofonFern FinkelDewey GolkinDino MastropietroSteven H. Richman

CLASS OF 2015Frank V. CaroneFidel F. Del ValleLara GenovesiRichard S. GoldbergJaime LathropAnthony W. Vaughn, Jr.Glenn Verchick

CLASS OF 2016Elaine N. AveryAemena D. GayleDavid J. HernandezRichard KlassAnthony J. LambertDeborah LashleyJoseph S.Rosato

Roger Bennet AdlerVivian H. AgressAndrea E. BoninaRoss M. BrancaRose Ann C. BrandaGregory T. CerchioneMaurice ChaytSteven D. CohnHon. Miriam CyrulnikLawrence F. DiGiovanna

David J. Doyaga, Sr.Joseph H. FarrellAndrew S. FisherEthan B. GerberDominic GordanoPaul A. GolinskiGregory X. HesterbergHon. Barry KaminsMarshall G. KaplanAllen Lashley

Mark A. LongoDomenick NapoletanoJohn. E. MurphyJohn LonuzziManuel A. RomeroHon. Harold RosenbaumBarton L. SlavinHon. Jeffrey S. SunshineHon. Nancy T. SunshineDiana J. Szochet

TRUSTEES COUNCIL (Past Presidents)

TRUSTEES

NEW MEMBERSMONTH SEPTEMBER 2013

ALISON ATTANASIOTHOMAS CILLILLIPEGGY COLLENCARL COTTONE

CURLINA EDWARDSBRIAN ESSER

NICHOLAS FITZGERALDTRACEY GRANT

TRYPHENA GREENECYNTHIA LANEROGER LEVYENEALIA NAU

JESSICA PARRAGEOFFREY SCHOTTER

TING YAN WU

STUDENT MEMBERSDANIEL ALTARAS

ERIC BROWNJONATHAN HAUPTMAN

GABRIELLE HUNTER-ENSORALEX KADOCHNIKOV

SHANTHI-SREE NANDAM

MICHAEL NYKUA

LEGAL BRIEFS

Included below are events which have been scheduled for the period October 9, 2013 through December 31, 2013

Compiled by Louise FeldmanOctober 9, 2013 Wednesday BBA Board & Foundation Meetings

Board of Trustees Room, 5:15 PM

CLE – Land UseAuditorium, 6:00 PM

October 10. 2013 Thursday VLP CLE – Child SupportAuditorium, 6:00 PM

October 14, 2013 Monday In observance of Columbus Day, the Brooklyn Bar Association Building, the Foundation Law Library, the Lawyer Referral Service and the Volunteer Lawyers Project will be closed.

October 15, 2013 Tuesday BWBA Board MeetingBoard of Trustees Room, 5:30 PM

BWBA CLEAuditorium, 6:00 PM

October 16, 2013 Wednesday Joint Screening of Judicial Candidates City Bar & BBA Judiciary CommitteesAuditorium, 6:00 PM

Pro Bono Committee MeetingCenter Conference Room, 6:00 PM

October 17, 2013 Thursday Kings County Criminal Bar Association – MeetingAuditorium, 6:00 PM

October 21, 2013 Monday Volunteer Lawyers Project Gala DinnerSteiner Studios, 6:00 PM

October 22, 2013 Tuesday Nathan R. Sobel Inns of Court meetingAuditorium, 5:00 PM

October 30, 2013 Wednesday Cervantes Society Awards Ceremonysponsored by the BBA

Auditorium, 6:00 PM

November 1, 2013 Friday NYS Academy of Law CLE – The Annual Up-date Co-Sponsored by the BBA

Auditorium, 9:00 AM

November 4, 2013 Monday CLE – Elder Law ProgramAuditorium, 6:00 PM

November 6, 2013 Wednesday CLE - Collecting the DebtAuditorium, 6:00 PM

November 7 & 8, 2013 Thursday/Friday CLE – Bridge the Gap SeriesAuditorium, 9:00 AM

November 8, 2013 Friday CLE – Bridge the Gap SeriesAuditorium, 9:00 AM

November 11, 2013 Monday In observance of Veteran’s Day, the Brooklyn Bar Association Building, the Foundation Law Library,the Lawyer Referral Service and the VolunteerLawyers Project will be closed.

November 12, 2013 Tuesday CLE – Money LaunderingAuditorium, 6:00 PM

November 13, 2013 Wednesday BBA Association & Foundation Board MeetingsBoard of Trustees Room, 5:15 PM

November 14, 2013 Thursday CLE – Lawyers Helping Lawyers ProgramAuditorium, 6:00 PM

November 19, 2013 Tuesday BWBA Board MeetingRear Conference Room, 5:30 PM

VLP – Board MeetingBoard of Trustees Room, 5:30 PM

November 21, 2013 Thursday Kings County Criminal Bar Association meetingAuditorium, 6:00 PM

November 26, 2013 Tuesday Nathan R. Sobel Inns of Court meetingAuditorium, 5:00 PM

November 28 & 29, 2013 Thurs & Fri In observance of Thanksgiving, the Brooklyn Bar Association Building, the Foundation Law Library,the Lawyer Referral Service and the VolunteerLawyers Project will be closed.

December 9, 2013 Monday BBA Foundation Annual DinnerMarriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge, 5:30 PM

December 10, 2013 Tuesday BWBA Holiday PartyAuditorium, 6:00 PM

December 11, 2013 Wednesday BBA Association & Foundation Board MeetingsBoard of Trustees Room, 5:15 PM

JUDICIALRECOGNITION

Congratulations to Brooklyn Bar Asso-ciation member Hon. Esther Morgensternwho is informing the bar that Brooklyn's In-tegrated Domestic Violence Court was se-lected as a domestic violence mentor courtby the United States Department of Justice,Office on Violence Against Women. Assuch the Brooklyn Court and Judge Kingwill play an important role in the nationaleffort to strengthen the court response todomestic violence.

KUDOS AND PROFESSIONALRECOGNITION

Congratulations to Brooklyn Bar Asso-ciation member Hon. Elizabeth Boninawho was selected to the Top 10 MediatorList and was voted the #1 Arbitrator in theNew York Law Journal annual survey. Jus-tice Bonina has served for the past severalyears as the chair of the Brooklyn Bar As-sociation Alternative Dispute Committee.

Word has reached the Brooklyn Bar As-sociation that Presiding Justice RandolphEng has appointed Robert Gershon as amember of the Advisory Committee of theAssigned Counsel Plan. For several yearsRobert Gershon had been the chair of theBrooklyn Bar Association Assigned Coun-sel for Criminal Cases committee.

Congratulations to Brooklyn Bar Asso-ciation member Hon. Lew Fidler, a mem-ber of the New York City Council, who hasbeen selected to receive the Bernard Catch-er Memorial Award, which will be present-ed at the Thomas Jefferson DemocraticClub Dinner Dance on Sunday, November3, 2013 at the El Caribe Country Club.

PROFESSIONALANNOUNCEMENTS

Word has reached the Brooklyn Bar As-sociation that after 30 years of practice at16 Court Street, Joyce David has relocatedher law office to a storefront located at 664Flatbush Avenue, near Hawthrone. She willcontinue to concentrate in the area of crim-inal defense. She can be reached at 718-875-2000. Email: [email protected]

Brooklyn Barrister Editorial Boardmember Shelly K. Werbel, the president ofthe New York City Trial Lawyers Associa-tion, has announced that the 79th AnnualBanquet will be held on Wednesday, Octo-ber 23, 2013 at the Tribecca Rooftop locat-ed at 2 Desbrosses Street, New York.

BEREAVEMENTS The Brooklyn Bar Association extends

its deepest sympathy to the Gelfand familyon the passing of long time member Sey-mour Gelfand on August 20, 2013 follow-ing a lengthy illness. Seymour Gelfand wasadmitted to practice and had joined theBrooklyn Bar Association in 1950.

The Brooklyn Bar Association extendsits deepest sympathy to Joseph R. Costelloand his family on the passing of his step-fa-ther Joseph Cook on September 23, 2013.

The Brooklyn Bar Association extendsits deepest sympathy to Hon. Sylvia O.Hinds-Radix on the passing of her brother-in-law Clarence Gibbons on September 17,2013.

The Brooklyn Bar Association extendsits deepest sympathy to Bruno Codispatiand family on the passing of his mother-in-law Margaret V. Rizzi on October 5, 2013.

_____________________Legal Briefs is compiled and written by Avery Eli Okin, Esq.,CAE, the Executive

Director of the Brooklyn Bar Association and its Foundation. Items for inclusion in“Legal Briefs” should be sent to [email protected], faxed to 718-797-1713 ormailed to 123 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201-4212.

OCTOBER, 2013 BROOKLYN BARRISTER, Page 3

Brooklyn Barrister is published by Everything Brooklyn Media, LLC, under the auspices of the Brooklyn Bar Association. For advertising information call (718) 422-7410. Mailing address 16 Court Street, Suite 1208, Brooklyn, New York 11241.Vol. 66 No. 2 October, 2013. The Brooklyn Barrister (ISSN 007-232 USPS 066880) is published monthly except in August and December by the Brooklyn Bar Association. Office of publication is: Brooklyn Bar Association, 123 Remsen Street,Brooklyn, New York 11201-4212. Telephone No. (718) 624-0675. Periodical postage is paid in Brooklyn, New York and at additional mailing offices. Subscription price is $11.00 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Brooklyn Bar-rister, 123 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201-4212.

BROOKLYN BARRISTER EDITORIAL BOARDGlenn VerchickEditor-in-Chief

Diana J. SzochetManaging Editor

Aimee L. RichterArticles Editor

Cecilia N. AnekweHon. Bruce M. BalterJaime J. BorerMark DiamondJason EldridgePaul S. ForsterJason D. Friedman

Anthony LambertiHemalee J. PatelRobert P. SantoriellaMichael TreybichAlexis VigilanteShelly WerbelGregory Zenon

I can barely contain my enthusiasm. If youcame to the Brooklyn Bar Association on Sep-tember 23rd you had the opportunity to hearand meet United States Supreme Court Asso-ciate Justice Antonin Scalia. Forgive me if Isound a bit giddy and star struck. As the pres-ident of a bar association in the “coolest cityin the world,” some might expect me to be alittle more, well, “cool.” But the notion thatany Supreme Court Justice, let alone JusticeScalia, the rock star justice of the court, wouldmake a dedicated trip to 123 Remsen Streetand spend more than three hours with ourmembers represents a true milestone for thisorganization. Just in case you thought youknew something about Justice Scalia, I willtell you that he was friendly, engaging, gra-cious and that he made everyone feel comfort-able in his presence. It was a truly greatevening.

None of this could have happened – and Ido mean this quite literally— without BBAFirst Vice-President Arthur Aidala, who metJustice Scalia in Italy over twenty years agoand has maintained a close relationship withthe Associate Justice. Arthur invited JusticeScalia to come to the Association to do a CLEand a book signing for the Justice’s new work,Reading Law: The Interpretation of LegalTexts. The book’s co-author, legal lexicogra-pher and editor of Black’s Law Dictionary,Professor Bryan Garner, jumped at the chanceto come and the visit was arranged in recordtime—maybe a little too quickly. But I amhappy to say that Executive Director AveryOkin, CLE Director Meredith Symonds andthe BBA staff proved up to the task. Hosting aSupreme Court Justice presents a unique set ofchallenges, which include many security con-cerns, and Avery ran “no huddle” for a fewweeks. Even an unexpected blitz on RemsenStreet by a loud music playing Chabad“Sukkamobile” on Monday afternoon did not

shake them. When the last bomb sniffing dogleft the building on late Monday afternoon andofficers from the NYPD counterterrorism unitstationed themselves in front of the building,we were ready to start.

After a brief reception in the Board ofTrustees room, Justice Scalia and ProfessorGarner appeared seated side by side on thestage in the sold out Meeting room and main-tained what can best be described as an opendialogue with each other. Scalia and Garnerhave obviously spent a lot of time together,and their entertaining faux bickering hadshades of stand-up duos like Tommy and DickSmothers and Burns and Allen with some Ci-cero thrown in for good measure. It was anextraordinary performance. First Vice-Presi-dent Aidala added a comedic touch when (inreversed roles) he jovially pressed JusticeScalia to answer written questions from theaudience.

We learned about textualism, which is the

R E S P E C T F U L L Y S U B M I T T E D

President Andrew M. Fallek, Esq.

By Andrew Fallek, Esq.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE


ing) into evidence through the witness(es). De-pending on the trial’s venue, the contents of thetestimony will be different, and a witness may noteven be required.

In the First Department, witness testimony isnot necessarily even required. The use of a noticeto admit under C.P.L.R. 3123 and formal admis-sions made in response to interrogatories havebeen deemed sufficient to establish the necessaryfacts that constitute the plaintiff’s prima faciecase.vi A typical no-fault notice to admit seeksadmissions on two facts: (1) the insurer-defendantreceived the subject claims or bills; and (2) pay-ment is overdue in whole or in part.vii Provider-plaintiffs can establish their prima facie cases bysimply reading the admissions into the record.viiiEven if a defendant denies or objects to the so-licited admissions in the First Department or failsto respond to a duly served notice to admit, aplaintiff may still establish its prima facie case be-cause the failure to respond or deny with speci-ficity is inappropriate to address a notice to admitand might constitute an admission.ix

The use of formal judicial admissions to estab-lish a plaintiff’s prima facie case is possible be-cause of a split between the First and Second De-partments as to the Second Department’s rule thatthe contents of claims or bills are hearsay and canbe admitted into evidence only by establishing thatthey are business records. In the First Department,if a plaintiff elects to instead use witness testimo-ny to establish its prima facie case rather than byformal admissions, the testimony must includemerely that a claim or bill for services was gener-ated and submitted to the insurer and is overdue.

If the case is being tried in the Second Depart-ment, however, the Notice to Admit by itself willnot be sufficient to establish a prima facie case. Incontrast to the First Department, the Second De-partment requires proof that that the overdue billconstitutes a business record under C.P.L.R. 4518of the provider of services. The Second Depart-ment formally added this requirement to the primafacie case in Dan Medical, P.C. v. New York Cent.Mut. Fire Ins. Co.x Due to Dan Medical, theplaintiff’s witness must be able to testify to the

provider’s general business practices regarding thegeneration of bills for no-fault reimbursement, andthat the actual bill or bills in dispute was or weregenerated pursuant with these business practices.Specifically, a witness must have personal knowl-edge and be able to testify that the bills or claimforms at issue were made in the regular course ofbusiness and that they reflect a routine, regularlyconducted business activity, needed and relied onin the performance of the functions of the busi-ness, that it was in the regular course of businessto make the bills/claim forms, and that thebills/claim forms at issue were made at the time ofthe acts, transactions, or occurrences or events de-scribed therein.xi Without that testimony, the con-tents of the bills/claim forms are inadmissiblehearsay and cannot be used to establish the plain-tiff’s prima facie case.xii

In addition to establishing that the services indispute were performed, a plaintiff must establishthat it submitted the bills/claims in dispute to theinsurer-defendant and that full payment has notbeen made. The plaintiff need not establish thetimeliness of the bills or the whether the assign-ment of no-fault benefits was proper. Those factsconstitute affirmative defenses and are not part ofa provider plaintiff’s prima facie case.xiii

Because the majority of no-fault cases are lit-igated years after the billed for services were per-formed, and the bills were generated and mailed,the witness(es) might not have personal knowl-edge of the generation and mailing of the specificbills in dispute. Witness(es) can overcome thislack of specific knowledge by establishing eitherthat the provider-plaintiff’s billing and mailingpractices were the same in earlier years as they arenow or when the witness was trained, or that thebilling practices at the time of the subject bill’sgeneration and mailing were likely adhered to be-cause it was the company’s general business prac-tice of the company to do so at that time.

Although it is helpful to have supportive doc-umentary proof of mailing, that proof is not nec-essary if a witness can establish standard officepractice or procedure designed to ensure thatitems are properly addressed and timelymailed.xiv A certified mail receipt or post-officeledger alone is insufficient to give rise to the pre-sumption of proper mailing and receipt.xv The

No Fault, No Foul...Continued from page 1


CALLING ALL WRITERSIt’s Time for the Third Annual

Barrister Fiction Writing ContestThe Rules are as Follows:1. All submissions must be received no later thanJanuary 30, 2014 at 5:00 pm by e-mail to GlennVerchick, Editor-in-Chief, Brooklyn Barrister [email protected] in pdf format.2. All submissions must be works of fiction. Itcan be a short story or chapter from a novel andcannot exceed 10,000 words.3. Contest limited to lawyers, judges, court per-sonal, law firm employees and bar associationemployees, who hold said position in the State ofNew York at the time of submission. Not limitedto Brooklyn Bar Association members.4. Brooklyn Bar Association Editorial Boardmembers are excluded.5. The winner will be judge by the BBA EditorialBoard and the winner will have his or her pieceof fiction published in a 2014 issue of theBrooklyn Barrister.

GOOD LUCK!

EDITOR’S NOTE: For space reasons, the regular monthlyState of Estates column authored by Hon. Bruce M. Balterand Paul S. Forster, could not be included in this issue. Lookfor that feature to resume in the November issue.


ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COMMITTEE

Considers law and procedure of administrative bodiesand makes recommendations to the Association. Also,screens candidates for appointments as Administra-tive Law Judges.

Chair: Fidel F. Del Valle26 Court Street, Suite 1405Brooklyn, NY 11242(718) 834 [email protected]

Members:Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Charles CapetanakisHon. Martin E. ConnorEthan B. GerberAdam Kalish

ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE

Co-Chair: Hon Elizabeth A. Bonina9201 Shore Road, Apt. #B301Brooklyn, New York 11209(917) [email protected]

Co-Chair: Steven Jeffrey Harkavy12 Metrotech, 28th FloorBrooklyn, New York 11201(718) 250-1100 [email protected]

Members:Catherine CanadeHon. Martin E. ConnorIra CureHon. Robin GarsonHon. Ira B. HarkavyMargaret J. LeszkiewiczLawrence N. RothbartHon. Jules SpodekCharles Sporn

ANNUAL AWARD COMMITTEEPresented at Annual Dinner to a member of the legalprofession for outstanding achievement in the law orin public service.

Chair: Steve D. Cohn16 Court StreetBrooklyn, New York 11241(718) [email protected]

Class of 2014Steven D. CohnRoseAnn C. BrandaHon. Frank Seddio

Class of 2015Gregory T. CerchioneEthan B. GerberHon. Ellen Spodek

Class of 2016Arthur L. AidalaDavid M. ChidekelAimee Richter

ANNUAL DINNER COMMITTEE

Chair: Rebecca WoodlandLonuzzi & Woodland, LLP60 Sackett Street, Suite 2002Brooklyn, New York 11231(718) [email protected]

Chair Emeritus: Domenick Napoletano351 Court Street,Brooklyn, NY 11231(718) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Arthur L. Aidala8118 - 13th AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11228(718) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Hon. Frank R. Seddio9306 Flatlands AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11236(718) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Aimee L. RichterBender, Rosenthal Isaaacs & Richter, LLP451 Park Avenue South, 8th FloorNew York, NY 10016

Vice Chair: David M. Chidekel575 Madison Avenue, Suite 1006New York, NY 10022(212) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Gregory T. Cerchione150 Broadway, 23rd FloorNew York, NY 10038(212) [email protected]

Members:Daniel AntonelliElaine N. AveryAndrea E. BoninaRoseAnn C. BrandaSteven D. CohnFern J. FinkelSteven Jeffrey HarkavyPerry KrinskyHemalee PatelMargherita RacanelliAnthony W. Vaughan, Jr.

ASSIGNED COUNSEL CRIMINAL CASESSCREENING COMMITTEE

Chair: Danielle Eaddy26 Court Street, Suite 312Brooklyn, NY 11242(718)[email protected]

Vice Chair: Andrew S. Rendeiro16 Court Street, Suite 3301 Brooklyn, New York 11241(718) [email protected]

Members:Wayne C. BoddenMichael CibellaMark DiamondCharles FinkelsteinHerb MosesCraig NewmanStephen A. Somerstein

ASSIGNED COUNSEL IN FAMILY ANDSUPREME COURT SCREENING COMMITTEE

Chair: Susan Iannelli26 Court Street, Suite 1805Brooklyn, New York 11242(718) [email protected]

Members:Curt ArnelJoel BorensteinPatrick GarciaMindy L. GressMichael R. MilsapMichael S. Somma, Jr.

AUDIT COMMITTEEAudits Association’s accounts and formulates AnnualReport.

Chair: Lara Genovesi360 Adams StreetBrooklyn, NY 11201(347-296-1527)[email protected]

Members:Arthur L. AidalaPamela ElisofonEthan B. GerberBart Slavin

BANKRUPTCY COMMITTEEConsiders all matters pertaining to bankruptcy and in-solvency.

Chair: David J. Doyaga26 Court Street, Suite 1002Brooklyn, New York 11242(718) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Gregory Messer26 Court Street, Suite 2400Brooklyn, New York 11242(718) [email protected]

Members:Rachel S. BlumenfeldTracia CallenderMary Jo EysterAlexander KeblishJohn C. KimMichael F. KingWilliam R. LizarragoRobert J. MussoHon. Elizabeth S. StongAnthony VassalloBruce WeinerRandolf E. WhiteMarvin Wolf

BROOKLYN BARRISTER EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor in Chief: Glenn Verchick1465 Rockway ParkwayBrooklyn, New York 11236(718) [email protected]

Managing Editor: Diana J. Szochet45 Monroe Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 923-6300 [email protected]

Articles Editor: Aimee L. RichterBender, Rosenthal Isaaacs & Richter, LLP451 Park Avenue South, 8th FloorNew York, NY 10016(212) [email protected]

Members:Cecilia N. AnekweHon. Bruce M. BalterJaime J. BorerMarye A. DeanMark DiamondJason EldridgePaul S. ForsterJason D. FriedmanAnthony LambertiHemalee J. PatelRobert P. SantoriellaMichael TreybichAlexis VigilanteShelly WerbelGregory Zenon

BUDGET COMMITTEE

Chair: Aimee L. RichterBender, Rosenthal Isaaacs & Richter, LLP451 Park Avenue South, 8th FloorNew York, NY [email protected]

Members:Lawrence F. DiGiovannaDavid ChidekelRebecca WoodlandHon. Miriam CyrulnikAndrea Bonina

BYLAWS COMMITTEE

Chair: Ethan B. Gerber26 Court Street, Suite 1405Brooklyn, NY 11242(718) 834 [email protected]

Members:Arthur L. AidalaDavid ChidekelDomenick NapoletanoAimee L. RichterHon. Frank R. SeddioRebecca Woodland

CIVIL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORKCOMMITTEEConsiders the practical workings of the Civil Court ofthe City of New York.

Chair: Jeffrey Miller32 Broadway, Suite 1301New York, NY 10004(212) 227 [email protected]

Members:Marc AronsonHon. Reginald BoddieMary A. CallaghanTheresa M. CiccottoHon. Alfred D. Cooper, Sr.Joseph G. Costello

Joseph R. CostelloAlice Fisher RubinHon. Pamela L. FisherHon. Robin GarsonEthan B. GerberHon. Ingrid JosephRichard KlassRobert R. KoeppelHon. Sarah L. KraussHon. Katherine A. LevineRobert E. MalchmanHon. Gary F. MartonHon. Richard J. MontelioneMartin S. NeedelmanHal RoseOleg RybakAlan J. Wohlberg

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEEReviews procedure, policies and appropriate legisla-tion concerning transactional business relationships.

Chair: Dewey Golkin55 Liberty Street, #17CNew York, New York 10005(212) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Jeffrey Miller32 Broadway, Suite 1301New York, New York 10004(212) [email protected]

Members:Justin AuslaenderHon. Ariel BelenPamela ElisofonEthan B. GerberJonathan GinsbergAdam KalishRobert LaReddolaHon. Jules L. SpodekRandolph White

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Co-Chair: Gregory T. CerchioneSubin Associates150 Broadway, 23rd FloorNew York, New York 10038(212) [email protected]

Co-Chair: David Chidekel575 Madison Avenue, Suite 1006New York, NY 10022(212) [email protected]

Members:Elaine AveryDiana SzochetArthur L. AidalaAnthony Vaughan, Jr.Rebecca WoodlandSteven H. Richman

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Co-Chair: Andrea E. BoninaBonina & Bonina, P.C.16 Court Street, Suite 1800Brooklyn, New York 11241(718) [email protected]

Co- Chair: Daniel Antonielli225 Broadway, Suite 1200New York, NY 10007(212) 227 [email protected]

Members:Hon. Elizabeth BoninaRon D’AddarioHelen GaletteColin A. LiverpoolMeredith Symonds

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CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION COMMITTEERecommends programs and improvements in legaleducation.

Co-Chair: Steven D. CohnGoldberg & Cohn 16 Court StreetBrooklyn, New York 11241(718) 875-2400 [email protected]

Co-Chair: Richard Klass16 Court Street, 29th FloorBrooklyn, NY 11241(718)[email protected]

Vice Chair: Hon. Howard Golden303 Beverly Road, Apt. 10FBrooklyn, New York 11218(718) 633-4646

Vice Chair: Diana J. Szochet45 Monroe Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 923-6300 xt.303 [email protected]

Members:Gregory CannataMarye DeanScott KleinHon. Lorraine S. MillerMarcel SagerBarton SlavinCharles SpornCarol S. Tiernan

COURT FACILITIES COMMITTEETo improve physical conditions in the courthouse.

Chair: Hon. Donald Scott KurtzSupreme Court, Kings County360 Adams StreetBrooklyn, NY 11201(347) 401 [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Stephen Jeffrey Harkavy12 Metrotech, 28th FloorBrooklyn, NY 11201(718) 250-1100 x [email protected]

Members:Jon L. BesunderHon. Alfred D. Cooper, Sr.Hon. Robin GarsonJohn LonuzziNicholas P. MamounisCharles J. MarchelloHon. Wayne P. SaittaLisa Schreibersdorf

CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEWYORK COMMITTEEConsiders the practical workings of the Court; alsoconsiders the Kings County District Attorney’s Officeand investigates any complaint against an attache ofthereof.

Co-Chair: Arthur L. Aidala8118 - 13th AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11228(718) [email protected]

Co-Chair: George Farkas32 Court Street, Suite 408Brooklyn, NY 11201(718) [email protected]

Members:Marianne BertunaMaurice BrillHon. Alfred D. Cooper, Sr.Hon. Deborah A. DowlingMichael FarkasRobert S. GershonKenneth W. GerverRichard J. HowardIsiris IsaacAdam KalishBryan KolbNoah Levenson

Henry A. MartuscelloHon. Richard MontelioneHon. Micky MorgensternJoseph Mure, Jr.Eric NelsonAndrew S. RendeiroPaul Leonard SassHon. Matthew A. Sciarrino, Jr.

CRIMINAL LAW SECTIONArrange substantive programs and sponsor luncheonand dinner events.

Chair: George Farkas32 Court Street, Suite 408Brooklyn, New York 11201(718) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Mark DiamondBox 287356 Yorkville StationNew York, NY 10128(917) [email protected]

CLE Vice Chair: Scott H. Klein26 Court Street, Suite 600Brooklyn, New York 11242(718) [email protected]

Members:Judith AaronsRoger B. AdlerCecilia N. AnekweHiram L. Bell IIIJon L. BesunderHon. Maurice BrillCorey BriskinFrank V. CaroneDavid M. ChidekelMichael V. CibellaJoyce B. DavidDanielle V. EaddyMichael FarkasRobert GershonKenneth W. GerverRichard J. HowardHon. John G. IngramAdam KalishLeo J. KimmelNoah LevensonHon. Micky MorgensternJoseph Mure, Jr.Eric NelsonCraig NewmanAndrew S. RendeiroPaul Leonard SassLisa SchreibersdorfHon. Matthew Sciarrino, Jr.Gregory Zenon

DECEDENTS’ ESTATES SECTIONArrange substantive programs and sponsor luncheonand dinner events.

Chair: Paul S. ForsterP. O. Box 61240Staten Island, New York 10306(718) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Frank T. Strafaci569 Bay Ridge ParkwayBrooklyn, New York 11209(718) [email protected]

Members:

Judith AaronsRoger B. AdlerLouise AlbendaCecilia N. AnekweDaniel R. AntonelliHon. Bruce BalterHiram L. Bell IIIJon L. BesunderAndrew BokserDavid A. BondyAdam BravermanHon. Maurice BrillJames H. Cahill Jr.Frank V. CaroneMichael V. CibellaMichael S. DaiellJoyce B. DavidMark DiamondDanielle V. EaddyWilliam EllertonDominic J. FamulariJohn D. FamulariMichael Farkas

Maureen P. FontiRichard H. FreemanHelen GaletteArmena D. GayleRobert GershonAngelo GiordanoGregory X. HesterbergYvette A. Hinds-WillsRichard J. HowardHon. John G. IngramAdam KalishJoseph G. KennyLeo J. KimmelHarry L. KleinScott H. KleinConnie Yik KongIra KopitoAnthony J. LambertiJoan C. LenihanNoah LevensonHon. Lorraine S. MillerIra K. MillerHon. Micky MorgensternJoseph Mure, Jr.Eric NelsonCraig NewmanBarbara S. OdwakLynn S. OkinLaura OutedaTrazana PhillipAlan PodhaizerVlad PortnoyAndrew S. RendeiroMarcel SagerPaul Leonard SassLisa SchreibersdorfHon. Matthew Sciarrino, Jr.Gregory Zenon

ELDER LAW COMMITTEEChair: Anthony Lamberti

435 - 77th StreetBrooklyn, New York 11209(718) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Fern J. Finkel41 Pierrepont StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201(718) [email protected]

Members:Roger B. AdlerLouise S. AlbendaGlenn D. BellShoshana BrenensonJames Cahill Jr.Mary A. CallaghanAnthony CaroneHon. Anthony J. CutronaMichael S. DaiellJoseph DirksWilliam EllertonDominic J. FamulariMaureen P. FontiHelen Z. GaletteArmena D. GayleRobin N. GoemanHon. Howard GoldenCharles GoldfarbJudith D. GrimaldiLeonard HerbstGregory X. HesterbergKathleen HigginsSusan IannelliAlexander KeblishJoseph G. KennyMichael F. KingConnie Yik KongJoan C. LenihanNoah LevensonHon. Lorraine S. MillerIra K. MillerPearl Olwen MurphyBarbara OdwakBlaise ParascondolaLaurice PearsonVlad PortnowMargarette RacanelliMarcel A. SagerHon. Frank R. SeddioScott ShostakHon. George J. SilverHon. Ellen M. SpodekHon. Jules SpodekCharles M. SpornZvi StorchKaty SverdlovCarol S. TiernanJoseph R. VasileBartholomew M. Verdirame

EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW COMMITTEEChair: Pamela A. Elisofon

26 Court Street, Suite 2515Brooklyn, New York 11242(718) [email protected]

Members:Tracia CallenderIra CureCyrus DuggerAntonia KousoulasJoan C. LenihanHon. Katherine A. LevineAlan PodhaizerMatthew PorgesBrigette RenaudNancy Mottola Schacher

ENTERTAINMENT, ART & SPORTS LAWChair: Sanaa Harris

479A Hancock Street, #3Brooklyn, NY 11233(646) 247 [email protected]

Members:Daniel AntonelliSidney CherubinBruno CodispotiJeannie CostelloDean DelianitesEmily FagiolaRobin GoemanMichelle HuaOmar JohnnyJaime LathropRebecca LockwoodPamela MattaAlan PodhaizerAllegra SelvaggioAaron SolomonAndrew SonponRobert Thony

FAMILY COURT COMMITTEEConsiders and makes recommendations as to thestatutes, practice and procedures in family law andthe work of the courts in Kings County and considerscomplaints against attaches thereof.

Co-Chair: Hon. Micky Morgenstern320 Jay StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201(347) [email protected]

Co-Chair: Robert A. Ugelow26 Court Street, Suite 2403Brooklyn, New York 11242(718) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Hemalee PatelSupreme Court of Richmond County25 Hyatt Street, Room 621Staten Island, NY 10301(718) [email protected]

Members:Curt Arnel Helene BernsteinMindy L. Blatt Melissa BonaldesMary L. CainTraci CallenderSaul EdelsteinCharles L. Emma Rachel FreierArmena D. Gayle Karen R. Goldberg-Sager Yvette A. Hinds Wills Susan Iannelli Randi KarmelJoshua KatzHailey KaufmanLeo J. KimmelHon. Sarah L. Krauss Trazana PhillipBrigette RenaudLawrence RothbartKaren G. SagerSteven ScavuzzoOlatokunbo Sofola Michael S. Somma, Jr. Rick SteinZvi Storch

COMMITTEES & SECTIONS 2013-2014Continued from page 4



Lainey and Andy Fallek

Hon. Frank R. Seddio, BBA Second VP

Secretary Aimee L. Richter with Immediate Past PresidentDomenick Napoletano

Former Trustee Steven Jeffrey Harkavy

Brooklyn BarAssociation

On the MCUScore Board

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Harry Foad, Nick Foad, Past President Andrea Bonina, Charlie Foad BBA Young Lawyers Section leader Daniel Antonelli, Adam Kalish and guest

President Andrew M. Fallek, Past President Diana J. Szochet,Trustee Hon. Frank Carone.

Brooklyn Cyclones official greeter with BBA young guests Roseann Hiebert, LRS Director; Gina Irizarry, LRS stafferwith her son Julian, Massiel Ventura, BBA staffer


An Introduction to theCourts in MadagascarMadagascar is an island nation, nearly the

size of Texas, off the southeastern coast ofAfrica. Approximately 85% of the verte-brate and plant species living on the islandare found nowhere else. After trekkingthrough rainforests in search of variousspecies of lemurs and other wildlife, a week-day visit to the courts became another high-light of a June 2013 trip there.

The Malagasy courts were bustling withattorneys and their clients. Both counsel and

judges wore robes. During my visit, I spokewith various attorneys, including the chiefadvocate of the Malagasy bar, le Batonnierde l’Ordre des Avocats du Barreau de Mada-gascar, Hubert Raharison, who gave me abrief overview of their judicial system. Ialso observed trials and other courtroom pro-ceedings which were conducted in French,although judges sometimes spoke Malagasywhen directing remarks to defendants.Madagagascar was a French colony from1897 to 1958 and thus its legal system isbased on French civil law as well as tradi-tional Malagasy law.

Attorneys described ajudicial system that is notdissimilar to ours. Thenational Constitutionprovides for an inde-pendent judiciary. It alsogrants defendants theright to a full defense atevery stage of the pro-ceedings and to a publictrial. Defendants havethe right to be present attheir trials, to confrontwitnesses, and to presentevidence. They aregranted the presumptionof innocence.

Madagascar has threelevels of courts. TheCourts of First Instancehear civil and criminalcases which carry limitedfines and sentences. TheCourt of Appeals, locatedin the country’s capital,Antananarivo, includes acriminal court of first in-stance for cases eligiblefor sentences of fiveyears or more. TheSupreme Court, also inAntananarivo, reviewscases on appeal from theCourt of Appeals and isthe country’s highestcourt. The Constitution-al High Court is au-tonomous and overseesthe constitutionality oflaws, decrees, and ordi-nances and certifies elec-tion results. Militarycourts, reserved for thetrial of military person-nel, handle all cases thatinvolve national securityand are presided over bycivilian magistrates, usu-ally with a panel of mili-tary officers. In addi-tion, the Constitutionprovides for informal,community-organizedcourts (Dina) in certainrural areas of the coun-try. The Dina handlecivil disputes on matterssuch as cattle rustling.Cases heard by the Dinaare not afforded thesame procedural protec-tions of the formal courtsystem and decisionshave occasionally beenchallenged at the appealscourt level.

While I was not ableto determine in a shortvisit if the rights provid-ed by Malagasy lawwere actually enforced,the system I observedfunctioned in an orderlyand predictable fashion.

BY: Barbara H. Grcevic


key is to establish the standard office-mailing pro-cedure and that the bills in dispute were mailed tothe insurer defendant in a manner consistent withor pursuant to that standard procedure.xvi

Sometimes, the medical provider outsources thegeneration and mailing of the bills to a third-partymedical billing company or law firm. In thesecases, the third-party biller, despite not having per-sonal knowledge of the medical provider’s businesspractices and procedures, can overcome the bill’shearsay problem by testifying that the informationcontained in the bill was transferred from the med-ical provider to the third party and incorporated intothe third-party’s company records or that the infor-mation received from the medical provider is usedin the third-party’s day-to-day operations.xvii

In some cases, the insurer-defendant’s denials,in and of themselves, can prove that the bills, ifspecifically identified and referenced, were sub-mitted. Logically, if a denial of a particular bill isissued, the bill must have been mailed and re-ceived.xviii Similarly, a delay letter can be used asproof that the bill was submitted, but only if thedelay letter specifically identifies the bill.xix Attrial, both of these scenarios require in practice thatthe denial and delay letter can be authenticated orare stipulated into evidence.

In both departments, a provider-plaintiff neednot establish that the services in dispute were med-ically necessary. A presumption of medical neces-sity attaches to the billed for services once theplaintiff establishes that it generated and mailedthe bill or bills.xx

2. Insurer-Defendant’s Initial Burden & Affir-mative Defenses to Non-Payment

After a provider-plaintiff establishes its primafacie right to reimbursement of first-party no-faultbenefits, an insurer-defendant must prove that itcomplied with the regulations and issued a denialthe plaintiff’s claim in a timely fashion —30 daysfrom the date of receipt of the plaintiff’s claimxxi—or had a legal justification for not doing so beforebeing able to put forth an affirmative defense. Theinsurer-defendant’s requirements for proving gener-ating and mailing a denial are the same as theprovider-plaintiff’s in the respective judicial depart-ments. To give rise to the presumption of propermailing, the defendant must establish that the insur-ance company generated and mailed the denialforms, or set forth a sufficiently detailed descriptionof the standard office generation and mailing proce-dures.xxii Depending on the judicial department,the defendant can accomplish this via formal judi-cial admissions or testimony establishing that thedenials are business records under C.P.L.R. 4518.

With a few exceptions, a defendant’s choice ofdefense at trial is limited to those grounds cited inthe denial.xxiii Moreover, many defenses arewaived and cannot be asserted at trial if not pre-served in a timely denial. For many defenses, adefendant will first have to establish that it issueda timely denial and the denial must have beenhighly specific as to the basis or reason(s) (defens-es) for the denial. If it cannot do so, the defendantwill be precluded from offering the defense(s) thatshould have been but were not preserved in a time-ly denial. But if it can, it then has the opportunityto present its defense(s).

Most defenses require testimony from an em-ployee of the insurance company or third-partyvendor, an investigator, or expert witness. The con-tent of the testimony depends on the basis or rea-son(s) for the denial. Between the insurance law,regulations, and caselaw, the insurer-defendant hasmany defenses to non-payment. The defenses fallinto two categories: those that must be preserved ina timely denial of claim, and those that do not needto be preserved and are non-waivable.

Common defenses, such as that the provider-plaintiff assigned a monetary value to its servicethat is higher than it is allowed to under the NewYork Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule, theprovider-plaintiff’s service(s) in dispute were not“medically necessary,” provider fraud (i.e., unnec-essary or excessive treatment or fraudulent or ex-cessive billing practices), services were providedby independent contractors,xxiv and untimelyproof of claim must be preserved and asserted in atimely denial of claim or the defendant cannotpresent them at trial.xxv Defenses relating to lackof coveragexxvi are non-waivable and do not needto be preserved in a timely denial to be asserted attrial. Examples of these defenses are, that the un-derlying motor vehicle accident was staged, amedical provider’s fraudulent incorporation,procuring of the insurance policy by fraud, and theclaimant is not an eligible injured person entitledto no-fault benefits under the PIP Endorsement

(failure to file a timely notice of claim).xxviiAdditionally, in the First Department, defenses

such as failure to appear at an examination underoath (“EUO”) and independent medical examina-tion (“IME”), are considered a breach of the insur-ance policy contract and thus do not need to bepreserved and asserted in a timely denial to be pre-sented at trial.xxviii In the Second Department,however, those defenses must be asserted in atimely denial or are waived.xxix

A defendant’s choice of evidence largely de-pends on which defense(s) it presents. For exam-ple, if a defendant denied the bills in dispute underthe 30 day notice-of-claim rulexxx or 45-day ruleto submit a claim,xxxi the defendant will typicallyhave a claims representative or other employeetestify to the defendant’s business practices andprocedures regarding the receipt of mail, and thatthe notice of claim and/or bills in dispute were nottimely received or received at all. If a defendantattempts to establish a fee-schedule defense (thatthe plaintiff overbilled for the services it per-formed), it will typically have a claims representa-tive who is certified in the Workers’CompensationFee Schedule testify to the proper rates of reim-bursement for the plaintiff’s geographic region. Ifthe defense is a policy violation, such as the as-signer’s non-appearance at an examination underoath (“EUO”) or independent medical examina-tion (“IME”), a claims representative or third-party scheduling vendor will typically testify to thegeneration and mailing of at least two schedulingletters to the requested individual. Additionally, adefendant will have a representative or employeeof the attorney/doctor who was scheduled to per-form the EUO/IME testify to the requested indi-vidual’s non-appearance. A “bust statement” issupportive but not required.

Although the Regulations mandate specific re-quirements for EUO’s and IME’s, such as thatthey must be at times and places reasonably con-venient to the applicant and inform them that theywill be reimbursed for any loss of earning and rea-sonable transportation expenses incurred in com-pliance with the insurer’s request,xxxii the insurer-defendant need not prove these facts at trial.xxxiii

If the defense is that there is outstanding veri-fication or that the insurance policy’s funds havebeen exhausted, a representative from the insureror underwriter will testify to those facts. If fraudis alleged, a defendant will typically have an in-vestigator testify regarding an investigation intothe fraud and its results.

Possibly the most commonly tried defense isthat the plaintiff was not entitled to reimbursementbecause the services it performed were not “med-ically necessary.” Under 11 N.Y.C.R.R. 65-3.8(b)(4), an insurer-defendant may deny claimsfor reimbursement of no-fault benefits based onmedical examination and “peer reviews.”xxxiv

The terms “medically necessary,” “medical ne-cessity,” or any other derivative are not specifical-ly defined by the Insurance Law or its Regula-tions. Due to the lack guidance on the issue, thejudges who decide this factual issue (the over-whelming majority of no-fault trials are bench tri-als) rely heavily on expert testimony and witnesscredibility when deciding whether the defendant’snon-payment was properly justified based on thisdefense.xxxv

Even though the plaintiff is not affirmatively re-quired to establish that its services in dispute were“medically necessary” when putting forth its primafacie case, a presumption of “medical necessity”attaches to those services once the plaintiff’s primafacie case is established.xxxvi From this, it is a de-fendant’s burden to prove, if not precluded fromdoing so, that the services in dispute were medical-ly unnecessary.xxxvii At trial, one or more “inde-pendent” doctors who are deemed experts by thecourt will testify to the injured insured person’sphysical health and overall medical condition at thetime that the services in dispute were rendered, andthen opine whether the treating physician should orshould not have performed the services at issue.The “independent” expert doctors could haveformed their opinions based on a review of the in-jured insured person’s medical records relating tothe injuries and treatment received from theprovider plaintiff and other medical providers aris-ing from the motor vehicle accident or from phys-ically examining the injured insured person at anindependent medical examination. A defendantmay call the reviewing or examining doctor as awitness to have the doctor offer opinion about themedical necessity of the plaintiff’s services, or havea substitute doctor testify to the original peer/IMEdoctor’s opinion if it is preserved in the written peerreview or IME report.

With regard to peer review reports, the defen-dant must pass a preliminary hurdle regarding thesufficiency of the report that before testimony ofits contents is permitted. The peer review report

must “set[] forth a sufficiently detailed factualbasis and medical rationale for the claim’s rejec-tion” to support a viable denial on grounds of med-ical necessity. xxxviii Plaintiffs can move to pre-clude the testimony based on the peer review re-port is being facially defective if it does not setforth a sufficiently detailed factual basis and med-ical rational regarding the alleged lack of medicalnecessity of the service(s) it reviewed.xxxix If thetrial judge finds that the peer review report itself issufficient, testimony may proceed and the trialjudge will determine if the testimony is adequateto establish a lack of medical necessity.

Typically, the expert’s testimony will closelyfollow the reasons set forth in the peer or IME re-port. Depending on which venue the case is triedin, who the presiding judge is, the defendant willhave different evidentiary restrictions. Many NewYork City Civil Court judges have no reservationsabout allowing substitute doctors to testify and thescope of the substitute’s testimony, in numerouspublished opinions, other Civil Court judges haveruled that substitute doctors may not testify in placeof the original.xl The ground behind not permittingsubstitute doctors to testify is that they cannot au-thenticate the original doctor’s peer review or IMEreport to admit into evidence. These judges haveruled that the peer report is inadmissible hearsay.xliAbsent a stipulation between the parties to the ad-mission into evidence of the peer review or IME re-port, there is no material in evidence upon whichthe expert’s opinion can be based.xlii

At least one Civil Court judge has ruled thatthe peer review report itself, in evidence, is suffi-cient to establish the defendant’s burden of proofof proving that the plaintiff’s services lacked med-ical necessity and that live testimony is not re-quired, particularly where the plaintiff does notoffer a witness or any evidence on rebuttal.xliii

A defendant may also face different hurdlesfrom different judges about the admissibility of themedical records the peer review/IME doctors usedwhen forming their opinion regarding medical ne-cessity. Although the medical records are hearsay,expert witnesses may testify that they relied uponspecific, inadmissible out-of-court material to for-mulate an opinion, provided (1) it is of a kind ac-cepted in the profession as reliable as a basis informing a professional opinion, and (2) evidencepresented to establish the reliability of the out-of-court material referred to by the witness.xliv Ad-ditionally, an expert witness may testify to the con-tents of the medical records in a non-hearsay pur-pose. The expert is not using the records for theirtruth to establish that the injured insured personsustained certain injuries and received certain treat-ment but is merely opining that assuming the factsset forth in the records are true and the treatment al-legedly provided was not medically necessary.xlv

Despite these rulings, Civil Court judges in-consistently apply these holdings that makes forunexpected results at trial. Although some judgesallow all the records’ contents to come into evi-dence, others only allow into evidence the con-tents of the medical records generated by theprovider-plaintiff to come. Notably, at least oneCivil Court judge requires a HIPAAAuthorizationfrom the injured insured person for a no-fault trialto proceed on the merits.xlvi

If the parties get past the evidentiary issues andan expert witness testifies on the defendant’s be-half about why the service in dispute was not med-ically necessary, plaintiffs will cross-examine thewitness to discredit the expert’s opinion. Peer re-viewers are routinely challenged on the adequacyand source of the documents they reviewed to pre-pare their reports. At least one Civil Court judgehas expressed doubt about the reliability of themethod by which peer review doctors are suppliedwith the records to review because they comefrom a third-party vendor, not from the treatingphysicians or insurance carriers.xlvii

3. Plaintiff’s Rebuttal CaseAfter an insurer-defendant rests, the provider-

plaintiff will have the opportunity to rebut the de-fendant’s evidence. Depending on the defendant’scase and defenses, a plaintiff can rebut the defen-dant’s case on procedural grounds and on the mer-its of the defense.

For example, if a plaintiff wants to rebut thedefendant’s submission that it issued a timely de-nial, the plaintiff, at this point in the trial, come for-ward with evidence that the denial was untimely.Although the insurer-defendant is entitled to thepresumption that, in the normal course of business,it will mail a denial on the date of the issuance ofthe denial,xlviii the plaintiff may submit evidenceto the contrary to rebut the presumption.

If a defendant establishes a defense, such as alack of medical necessity, by a preponderance ofthe evidence, the burden shifts to the plaintiff torebut that defense presumption. If a defendant es-

tablished that the services in dispute were notmedically necessary, the plaintiff may have thetreating physician/chiropractor/acupuncturist orrebuttal expert testify to rebut the presumption oflack of medical necessity.

If a defendant asserted and established a fee-schedule defense or defense based on outstandingverification requests, the plaintiff may have itsown fee schedule expert or employee of the plain-tiff testify to the compliance with the fee scheduleand verification requests.

An interesting scenario arises when a defendantdefends the action based on the 45-day rule. Aprovider plaintiff must submit its claim to the insur-er defendant within 45 days from the date of serv-ice(s) for which it is seeking reimbursement. Part ofthe plaintiff’s prima facie case is proving that thebills in dispute were mailed to the defendant. Theplaintiff must establish submission by a preponder-ance of the evidence to meet its prima facie burdenand shift the burden of proof to the defendant toprove a defense to non-payment. If the defendantjustifies non-payment based on the allegation thatthe bills in dispute were not served on it within 45days from the date of service(s), and establishes thisfact at trial by a preponderance of the evidence, theburden shifts to the plaintiff to rebut the defense. Asa matter of practicality, however, the plaintiff wouldnot be allowed to call its prima facie witness andhave the witness re-testify to the mailing of the bills;that testimony would be redundant. In this scenario,the fact-finder would have to assess the characterand truthfulness of both parties’witnesses, examineany supporting documentary evidence, and essen-tially rule based solely on credibility.

4. Conclusion The no-fault statute is not a particularly long

one, and the sections relevant to the thousands of tri-als occurring in the Civil Courts each year are few.Yet each trial is a puzzle that can be put together innumerous configurations. Due to the volume ofcases, more new issues are discovered and new ar-guments made than possibly any other area of law.It is inevitable that more pieces will be added to thepuzzle, causing the law within and across the judi-cial departments to become either more or less uni-form as it is analyzed, debated, and decided.

i Mitchell S. Lustig & Jill L. Schatz, Overviewof No-Fault Litigation in New York State, N.Y. St.B.J. 50 (Nov./Dec. 2010) (stating that approximate-ly one-third of the entire New York City Civil Courtcalendar is composed of no-fault cases).

ii See Socrates Psychological Svcs., P.C. v. Pro-gressive Cas. Ins. Co., 7 Misc. 3d 642, 643, 791N.Y.S.2d 394, 396 (Civ. Ct. Queens County 2005)(stating that in no-fault actions “Civil Court judgesare the foot soldiers required to address, in the firstinstance, various novel legal issues, until their ap-pellate colleagues, often weighing the pragmaticconsequences of a particular holding, get the oppor-tunity to review decisions and thereby formulate abody of governing jurisprudence”).

iii This regulation provides that an insurer has30 calendar days after proof of claim is received ei-ther to pay or deny the claim in whole or in part. No-fault benefits are overdue if not paid within 30 cal-endar days after the insurer receives proof of claim,which shall include verification of all the relevantinformation requested.

iv This regulation provides that written proof ofclaim for payment of health services shall be sub-mitted to the insurer no later than 45 days after thedate services are rendered without reasonable justi-fication for delay.

v Mary Immaculate Hosp. v. Allstate Ins. Co., 5A.D.3d 742, 742-43, 774 N.Y.S.2d 564, 564 (2dDep’t 2004) (stating that plaintiff’s prima facie caseis no more than the submission of a bill that wasoverdue when an action was commenced. The Ap-pellate Division, First Department, explicitly fol-lowed Mary Immaculate. See Countrywide Ins. Co.v. 563 Grand Medical, P.C., 50 A.D.3d 313, 314,855 N.Y.S.2d 439, 440 (1st Dep’t 2008). So did theThird Department, See LMK Psychological Ser-vices, P.C. v. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 30 A.D.3d 727,728, 816 N.Y.S.2d 587, 589 (3d Dep’t 2006).

vi See Villa v. N.Y.C.H.A., 107 A.D.2d 619, 621,484 N.Y.S.2d 4, 5 (1st Dep’t 1985) (holding that“there was nothing improper in asking defendant toconfirm its written acknowledgement of the filingof that claim and its subsequent failure to indicateany defects in that notice”); Fair Price MedicalSupply, Inc. v. St. Paul Travelers Ins. Co., 16 Misc.3d 8, 9, 838 N.Y.S.2d 848, 848-49 (App. Term 1stDep’t 2007) (“Inasmuch as defendant’s verified an-swers to the interrogatories constituted admissionsof a party, which are admissible as evidence, defen-dant may not now be heard to argue that plaintifffailed to submit proof that the claims had been




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term Justice Scalia prefers to describe hismethod of interpreting statutes. Both authorsbelieve that the meaning of a statute (or a willor contract) is to be derived from the languageused. As they state in their book, “In their fullcontext, words mean what they conveyed to

reasonable people at the time they were written.”The authors have combed through ancient textsand more recent sources to create a compendiumof canons of interpretation to assist judges inreading text and they shared these canons withthe audience. Justice Scalia also talked aboutsome of the actual practices used to create and

publish so-called “legislative history” and force-fully explained why it cannot be relied on to ex-plain the meaning of a statute. We also learnedthat under no circumstances should you refer toJustice Scalia as a “strict constructionist.”

Contrary to what many people think, textu-alism is a methodology that often defies the ex-pectations of liberals and conservatives. JusticeScalia has voted to protect the rights of criminaldefendants and to permit flag burning as an ex-

ercise of the First Amendment. He would bethe first to tell you, however, that the wordsthemselves, and not his private opinions on thesubstantive issues, dictated the result.

A copy of the book was included in the CLEprogram and the Justice and the professor pa-tiently signed about 200 books before headingout to dinner with Arthur Aidala and his family.Thanks again Arthur for an unforgettableevening.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTEDContinued from page 3

mailed and received, and that they were overdue.”).For an in-depth discussion on the use of notices toadmit in no-fault litigation, see David M. Barshay &David M. Gottleib, Use of Notice to Admit in No-Fault Insurance Litigation, available at www.bak-ersanders.com/article/?0737 (last visited Aug. 1,2013).

vii Barshay & Gottlieb, supra note 6.viii See Fair Price Med. Supply, Inc. v. St. Paul

Travelers Ins. Co., 16 Misc. 3d 8, 9, 838 N.Y.S.2d848, 848 (App. Term 1st Dep’t. 2007) (holding thatplaintiff established its prima facie case by readinginto record that defendant’s formal admissions billsin dispute were received and partially paid, despiteno witnesses or documentary evidence submitted).

ix See Kowalski v. Knox, 293 A.D.2d 892, 893,741 N.Y.S.2d 291, 292 (3d Dep’t 2002) (holdingthat plaintiff’s prima facie case was establishedthrough defendant’s failure to respond to plaintiff’snotice to admit); see also Barnes v. Schul PrivateCar Service, 59 Misc. 2d 967, 968, 301 N.Y.S.2d907, 908 (Sup. Ct. Kings County 1969) (discussingthat failing to properly respond to Notice to Admitconstitutes admissions).

x Dan Medical, P.C. v. N.Y. Cent. Mut. Fire Ins.Co., 14 Misc. 3d 44, 47, 829 N.Y.S.2d 404, 406(App. Term 2d Dep’t 2006).

xi Lustig & Jill L. Schatz, supra note 1, at 51.xii Id.xiii See Hosp. for Joint Diseases v. Travelers

Property Cas. Ins. Co., 9 N.Y.3d 312, 319, 849N.Y.S.2d 473, 476 (2007) (holding that deficiencyin an assignment is not a coverage issue and thisfailure to timely address defect in assignment ofbenefits waives defense).

xiv See N.Y. & Presbyterian Hosp. v. AllstateIns. Co., 29 A.D.3d 547, 547-48 814 N.Y.S.2d 687,688 (2d Dep’t 2006).

xv Id. (“[C]ertified mail receipt and the UnitedStates Postal Service ‘Track and Confirm’ printoutdo not prove that the particular claim . . . was actu-ally received where . . . no evidence that this claimwas mailed to [defendant] under that certified mail

receipt number and no signed certified mail returnreceipt card has been produced.”).

xvi Gerald Lebovits & Kimberly Schirripa, NoFault, No Foul: Litigating First-Party-BenefitCases, 61 Brooklyn Barrister 1 (May 2009).

xvii In re Carothers v. GEICO Indem. Co., 79A.D.3d 864, 865, 914 N.Y.S.2d 199, 200 (2d Dep’t2010).

xviii Lawrence N. Rogak, Rogak’s New YorkNo-Fault Law and Practice 100 (2009 ed.) (citingDelta Diagnostic Radiology, P.C. v. ProgressiveCas. Ins. Co., 2007 N.Y. Slip Op 52453(U), *1(App. Term 2d Dep’t 2007); Magnezit MedicalCare, P.C. v. N.Y. Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2006N.Y. Slip Op 52515(U), *1 (App. Term 2d Dep’t2006)).

xix Id. (citing Boai Zhong Yi Acup. Servs., P.C.v. Travelers Ins. Co., 14 Misc.3d 129(A), 2006 N.Y.Slip Op 52516(U), *1 (App. Term 2d Dep’t 2006)).

xx A.B. Med. Servs. v. GEICO Ins., 2 Misc.3d 26, 27, 773 N.Y.S.2d 773, 773 (App. Term2d Dep’t 2003)

xxi N.Y.C.R.R. 65-3.8(c).xxii Lebovits & Schirripa, supra note16.xxiii State Farm Ins. Co. v. Domotor, 226

A.D.2d 219, 221, 697 N.Y.S.2d 348, 350 (2d Dep’t1999) (finding that insurance carrier’s defense muststand or fall on the reason appearing in its denial ofclaim).

xxiv Recently, the Appellate Division, SecondDepartment, overturned the Appellate Term’s hold-ing that an independent-contractor defense is non-precludable and that an insurer is not obligated toissue a denial to assert the defense. In A.M. Med.Servs., P.C. v. Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 101 A.D.3d 53, 56, 953 N.Y.S.2d 219, 221 (2d Dep’t 2012),the Second Department, held that the defendant in-surer was precluded from raising an independentcontractor defense by virtue of its failure to specifythe ground for denial in its denial of claim. Underthe doctrine of horizontal stare decisis, this is nowthe prevailing law until another judicial departmentor the Court of Appeals issues a contrary rule. SeeMountain View Coach Lines, Inc. v. Storms, 102A.D.2d 663, 664, 476 N.Y.S.2d 918, 920 (2d Dep’t1984).

xxv Lebovits & Schirripa, supra note 16.xxvi Central Gen. Hosp. v. Chubb Group of Ins.

Cos., 90 N.Y.2d 195, 199, 659 N.Y.S.2d 246, 248(1997) (stating that an untimely disclaimer or denaildoes not prevent the insurer from raising a lack ofcoverage defense “premised on the fact or foundedbelief that the alleged injury does not arise out of aninsured incident.”).

xxvii For a list of defenses that have been heldto constitute “lack of coverage defenses,” see Lustig& Schatz, supra note 1.

xxviii Unitrin Advantage Ins. Co. v. BayshorePhysical Therapy, PLLC, 82 A.D.3d 559, 560, 918N.Y.S.2d 473, 474 (1st Dep’t 2011) (holding thatdenial premised on breach of condition precedent tocoverage voids policy ab initio and that, in cases, in-surer cannot be precluded from asserting a defensepremised on no coverage).

xxix See Westchester Med. Ctr. v. Lincoln Gen.Ins. Co., 60 A.D.3d 1045, 1046-47, 877 N.Y.S.2d340, 342 (2d Dep’t 2009).

xxx N.Y.C.R.R. 65-2.4(b).xxxi Id. 65-2.4(c).xxxii Id. 65-3.5.xxxiii See Stephen Fogel Psychological, P.C. v.

Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 35 A.D.3d 720, 721, 827N.Y.S.2d 217, 219 (2d Dep’t 2006) (stating that de-fendant required to establish mailing of notices andsubject’s non-appearance); Crossbridge DiagnosticRadiology, P.C. v. Progressive Cas. Ins. Co., 20Misc. 3d 143(A), 2008 N.Y. Slip Op. 51761(U), *1-2 (App. Term 2d Dep’t 2008).

xxxiv A.B. Med. Servs. PLLC. v. Allstate Ins.Co., 2 Misc. 3d 127(A) (App. Term 2d Dep’t 2003)(stating that defense of lack of medical necessitymay be based on medical examination or peer re-view report, as implicitly provided by 11N.Y.C.R.R. 65-3.8(b)(4)).

xxxv See Behavioral Diagnostics v. Allstate Ins.Co., 3 Misc.3d 246, 249, 776 N.Y.S.2d 178, (Civ.Ct. Kings County 2004) (stating that definition of“medical necessity,” “determination of the issueturns on credibility, since courts cannot rely solelyon the examining physician, but must considerwhether the treatment had a ‘valid medical purpose’and resulted in an ‘actual medical benefit’”).

xxxvi A.B. Med. Servs. v. GEICO Ins., 2 Misc.

3d 26, 27, 773 N.Y.S.2d 773, 773 (App. Term 2dDep’t 2003).

xxxvii Id., 773 N.Y.S.2d 773, 773.xxxviii Amaze Med. Supply v. Eagle Ins. Co., 2

Misc. 3d 128(A), 2003 N.Y. Slip Op. 51701(U), *1(App. Term 2d Dep’t 2003).

xxxix See generally Eagle Surgical Supply Inc.v. Mercury Casualty Co., 2012 N.Y. Slip Op51286(U), *1 (App. Term 2d Dep’t 2012) (holdingpeer-review report insufficient where doctor merelyasserted that he had insufficient documentation andinformation); Citywide Social Work & Psy. Serv.,P.L.L.C. v. Travelers Indem. Co., 3 Misc. 3d 608,616, 777 N.Y.S.2d 241, (Civ. Ct. Kings County2004) (A peer review report may be found insuffi-cient when unsupported or controverted by evi-dence of ‘generally accepted medical/professionalpractice).

xl See, e.g., Park Slope Med. & Surgical Supply,Inc. v. Metlife Auto & Home Ins. Co., 35 Misc.3d686, 687, 940 N.Y.S.2d 482, 483 (Civ. Ct. QueensCounty 2012).

xli Id. xlii Id. See also Wagman v. Brandshaw, 292

A.D.2d 84, 87, 739 N.Y.S.2d 421, 424 (2d Dep’t2002) (“Inasmuch as [a] written report is inadmissi-ble, logic dictates that testimony as to its contents isalso barred from admission into evidence.”).

xliii All Boro Psychological Svcs., P.C. v. GEICOGen. Ins. Co., 34 Misc. 3d 1219(A), 2012 N.Y. SlipOp. 50137(U), *2-4 (Civ. Ct. Kings County 2012).

xliv Id.xlv Urban Radiology, P.C. v. Tri-State Con-

sumer Ins. Co., 27 Misc. 3d 140A, 2010 N.Y. SlipOp. 50987(U), *1-2 (App. Term. 2d Dep’t 2010).

xlvi Eagle Surgical Supply, Inc. v. GEICO Ins.Co., 33 Misc.3d 1227(A), 2011 N.Y. Slip Op52142(U), *1-2 (Civ. Ct. Bronx Couty 2011).

xlvii See Consol. Imaging P.C. v. TravelersIndem. Co., 30 Misc.3d 1222(A), 2011 N.Y. Slip Op50159(U), *2 (Civ. Ct. Richmond County 2011).

xlviii State of New York, Insurance Department,Superintendent of Insurance, Opinion Letter of May24, 2004 (“It is presumed that, in the normal courseof business, a No-Fault insurer will mail a denial onthe date of issuance of the denial, subject to any ev-idence presented to the contrary.”).



FAMILY LAW SECTIONArrange substantive programs and sponsor luncheonand dinner events.

Chair: RoseAnn C. Branda7302 - 13th AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11228 (718) 680-5778 [email protected]

Vice Chair: Phil Brown 61 Broadway, Suite 2210New York, New York 10006 (212) 425-1999 [email protected]:[email protected]

Vice Chair: Aimee L. RichterBender, Rosenthal Isaaacs & Richter, LLP451 Park Avenue South, 8th FloorNew York, New York 10016(212) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Randi L. Karmel425 Park Avenue, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10022(212) [email protected]

Members:Curt ArnelElaine N. Avery Helene S. BernsteinAndrew BokserGrace BorrinoMary L. CainCatherine CanadeDavid M. ChidekelSteven D. Cohn Saul Edelstein Barry Elisofon Dominic J. Famulari Rachel FreirArmena D. Gayle Martin W. Gershon Karen R. Goldberg-Sager Hon. Howard GoldenYvette A. Hinds WillsSusan Iannelli Gerard A. Imperato Deborah B. Kahn Philip L. Kamaras Leo J. Kimmel Hon. Sarah L. Krauss Meredith A. Lusthaus Steven J. MandelDeborah MarshallMichael R. Milsap Michael J. Mondschein Hon. Micky Morgenstern Steven Z. Mostofsky Hemalee J. Patel Laurice PearsonDavid H. Perlman Trazana PhillipBrigette RenaudLawrence N. Rothbart Steven ScavuzzoSandra L. Schpoont Ilana R. SchwitzerOlatokunbo Sofola Michael S. Somma, Jr. Sherman F. Sosnow Charles S. Spinardi Rick Stein Chaim Steinberger Hon. Jeffrey S. Sunshine Robert A. Ugelow

FEDERAL COURTS COMMITTEEConsiders the practical workings of the courts and theUnited States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District;also, considers any complaints against an attache ofthereof.

Co-Chair: Gerald J. DiChiara404 Park Avenue SouthNew York, New York 10016 (212) 679-1958 [email protected]

Co-Chair: Allen Lashley16 Court StreetBrooklyn, New York 11241(718) 875-1128 [email protected]:[email protected]

Members:Roger B. Adler Andrew M. AyersHon. Dora L. Irizarry Ronald E. JosephRobert LaReddolaGregory LaSpinaRandolph E. White

FOUNDATION LAW PROGRAMS FOR THE PUBLICChair: Fern J. Finkel

41 Pierrepont StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201(718)[email protected]:[email protected]

Vice Chair: Hemalee J. Patel230 Jay Street, Apt 2ABrooklyn, NY 11201(646) [email protected]

Members:Sidney CherubinJeannie M. CostelloDavid J. Doyaga, Sr.Robin GoemanRichard Klass Jaime LathropHon. Katherine A. LevineJoan C. LenihanRobert SantoriellaJames P. SlatteryHon. Elizabeth S. Stong Diana J. Szochet

GENERAL PRACTICE SECTION(Includes Banking, Commercial Practices & Taxation)Arranges substantive programs and sponsosr lunch-eon and dinner events.

Chair: Michael Mondschein1684 Remsen AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11236(718) [email protected]

Vice Chair: Richard Klass16 Court Street, 29th FloorBrooklyn, New York 11241(718) [email protected]

Members:Hon. Alfred D. Cooper, Sr. Marye A. DeanBrian DoyleAndrew S. FisherHon. Pamela L. FisherHon. Robin GarsonSusanne Gennusa Martin GershonAngelo A. GiordanoAdam KalishAlexander KeblishHarry L. KleinScott KleinHon. Sarah L. KraussJaime LathropJohn J. Meglio Jeffrey Miller Laura OutedaBlaise F. Parascandola Trazana PhillipAlan PodhaizerOleg RybakHon. Nancy Mottola Schacher Ilana SchwitzerNissan ShapiroSheldon SiporinOlatokunbo Sofola Stephen A. SpinelliHon. Jules SpodekCarol TiernanMichael TreybichJoseph R. VasileKathleen C. Waterman

ANNUAL HON. THEODORE T. JONES, JR.,FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENTChair: Frank V. Carone

2626 National DriveBrooklyn, NY 11234(718) 272 [email protected]

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Chair: Steven H. Richman32 Broadway, 7th FloorNew York, New York 10004-1609 (212) 487-5338 [email protected]

Members:Jon L. Besunder Corey BriskinCharles CapetanekisTheresa M. Ciccotto Hon. Martin E. ConnorRory GreebelRobert LaReddolaDeborah LashleyHon. Katherine LevinePaul V. NuccioCharlotte OwensLisa Schreibersdorf Anne J. Swern Diana J. SzochetStephen Williamson

GRIEVANCE COMMITTEEConsiders and investigates complaints against attorneys.

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Vice Chair: Lara J. Genovesi360 Adams StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201 (347) 296-1527 [email protected]:[email protected]

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Members: Marc AronsonAndrew Bokser Phil Brown Theresa M. Ciccotto Hon. Alfred D. CooperJoseph R. CostelloGreg FontiHelen Z. GaletteEthan B. Gerber Steven Jeffrey Harkavy David J. Hernandez Anthony Lamberti Deborah Lashley Doron LeibyJeffrey Miller Hon. Edward M. RappaportJoseph RosatoRobert P. Santoriella George Sheinberg

GROUP INSURANCE COMMITTEEChair: Aimee L. Richter

Bender, Rosenthal Isaacs & Richter, LLP451 Park Avenue South, 8th FloorNew York, New York 10016(212) [email protected]

Members:Ira CureJoseph H. Farrell

HOUSE COMMITTEEChair: Frank V. Carone

2626 National DriveBrooklyn, New York 11234(718) [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]:

Andrea E. Bonina David M. ChidekelSteven D. Cohn Lawrence F. DiGiovannaJohn LonuzziDomenick Napoletano Hon. Frank R. Seddio

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMMITEEChair: Dayrel Sewell

599 East 2nd StreetNew York, NY 11218(347)[email protected]

Members:Andrew M. AyersDwane BartleyDavid A. BondyBruno CodispotiColin A. LiverpoolSheldon Siporin

JUDICIARY COMMITTEEEndeavors to secure the election of competent andproperly qualified individuals for Judicial Office andfor District Attorney. Considers the qualifications ofcandidates for such office.

Chair: Andrew M. Fallek1 Battery Park Plaza, 32nd FloorNew York, New York 10004 (212) 797-4700 xt.12 [email protected]

Vice Chair: Deborah Lashley33B James StreetNewark, New Jersey 07102 (718)250-3804 [email protected]:[email protected]

Members:Elaine N. Avery Jon L. Besunder RoseAnn C. Branda Gregory J. CannataGregory T. Cerchione Sidney CherubinDavid M. Chidekel Fidel Del ValleDavid J. Doyaga Andrew S. Fisher Andrew S. Garson Armena D. Gayle Ethan B. Gerber Robert S. Gershon Steven Jeffrey Harkavy Mark A. Longo John Lonuzzi Dino Mastropietro John J. Meglio Jeffrey Miller Martin S. Needelman Steven H. Richman Aimee L. RichterManuel A. Romero Joseph RosatoRobert RosenbergBarton L. Slavin Anne J. Swern

LAWYERS HELPING LAWYERS COMMITTEECo-Chair: Hon. Robin Garson

Supreme Court, Kings County141 Livingston StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201 (347) [email protected]:[email protected]

Co-Chair: John R. Urban 100 Church StreetNew York, New York 10007-2601 (212) 788-0485 [email protected]




Members:Kathleen HigginsHon. Sallie KraussBonnie S. KurtzJoanna LambridisLaurice PearsonAimee L. Richter Sheldon SiporinStephen B. TonerBart VerdirameKathleen C. Waterman

LAWYER REFERAL SERVICE COMMITTEEChair: Joseph Costello

5919 - 20th AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11204 (718) 331-4600 [email protected]:[email protected]

Members:Daniel AntonelliAndrea BoninaJaime LathropLeardo L. Lopez

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEEAdvocates for improvements in the administration ofjustice and the practice of law in the Legislative forum.

Chair: Hon. Frank R. Seddio9306 Flatlands Ave.Brooklyn, New York 11236(718) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Ethan B. GerberGerber & Gerber PLLC26 Court Street, Suite 1405Brooklyn, NY 11242(718) 834 [email protected]

Members:Hon. Frank V. Carone Hon. Martin E. ConnorHon. Alfred D. Cooper, Sr. Hon. Robin GarsonJonathan GinsbergGregory M. LaSpina Hon. Richard J. MontelioneAlan PodhaizerSteven H. Richman Stephen Williamson

MEDIATION-GRIEVANCE MATTERS COMMITTEEChair: Barbara S. Odwak

32 Court Street, Suite 804Brooklyn, New York 11201 (718) 875-1611 [email protected]

Members:Marc Aronson Theresa M. CiccottoMary Jo EysterHon. Sallie KraussSheldon SiporinEdward TantleffDonald M. Zolin

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE COMMITTEEChair John Bonina

16 Court Street, Suite 1800Brooklyn, New York 11241 (718) 522-1786 [email protected]

Members:Andrea E. Bonina Eleni Coffinas Hon. Gloria M. Dabiri Jason FriedmanAndrew S. Garson Johathan GinsbergAmy L. Insler Alexander KeblishBonnie S. KurtzLois OttombrinoHon. Gerard H. RosenbergCarmine RubinoRobert A. SgarlatoHon. Marsha Steinhardt Edward TantleffGlenn Verchick

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEERecommends means of both retaining and increasingmembership in the Association of lawyers practicingin the county.

Chair: David M. Chidekel575 Madison Avenue, Suite 1006New York, NY 10022(212) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Jaime Lathrop641 President Street, Suite 212Brooklyn, NY 11215(718) [email protected]

Members:Andrea E. BoninaFern FinkelArmena GayleAdam KalishDino Mastropietro Alan PodhaizerManuel A. RomeroRebecca Woodland

MEMORIAL COMMITTEEChair: Steven D. Cohn

Goldberg & Cohn16 Court StreetBrooklyn, New York 11241 (718) 875-2400 [email protected]

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MENTOR PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Matches mentors and mentees to participate in men-toring programs and arranges substitive programs,luncheons and dinner events.

Chair: Richard Klass16 Court Street, 29th FloorBrooklyn, New York 11241(718) [email protected]

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MILITARY LAW COMMITTEEChair: Charles L. Emma

8410 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, New York 11209(718) 232-3001 [email protected]

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NO FAULT COMMITTEEChair: Dean G. Delianites

Lozner & Mastropietro1901 Emmons AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11235(718) [email protected]

Members:Duane FranksonHon. Robin GarsonHon. Katherine A. LevineSara PankowskiOleg RybakKaren Goldberg SagerCarol Tiernan

PART 137 ATTORNEY-CLIENT FEE DISPUTERESOLUTION PROGRAMConsiders all matters pertaining to arbitration andprovides for arbitration of controversies betweenmembers and their clients.

Chair: Domenick Napoletano351 Court StreetBrooklyn, New York 11231 (718) 522-1377 [email protected]

Vice Chair: RoseAnn C. Branda, 7302 - 13th AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11228 (718) 680-5778 mailto:Email:[email protected][email protected]

Members:Abayomi AjaiyeobaMarc AronsonAndrew BokserJoseph R. CostelloJoseph H. Dirks Randi L. Karmel Doron LeibyPaul V. NuccioAimee L. RichterZvi StorchFrank T. Strafacci

PRO BONO COMMITTEECo-Chair: Jeannie M. Costello

123 Remsen StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201 (718) 624-3894 [email protected]

Co-Chair: John Michael Buhta59 Kermit Place, Apt. #2Brooklyn, New York 11218(773) [email protected]

Members:Daniel AntonelliHeather CarpenterSidney Cherubin Charles E. Coleman Brian DoyleMary Jo EysterRobin N. Goeman Adam KalishAlexander KeblishWilliam R. LizarragaGeorge S. Meissner Hon. Micky Morgenstern Martin S. Needelman James P. Slattery Hon. Ellen M. Spodek Hon. Elizabeth S. Stong Diana J. SzochetBruce Weiner

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS COMMITTEEPromotes and maintains ethical standards and an-swers all inquiries pertaining thereto.

Chair: Gregg X. FontiFonti & Fonti8516 - 23rd AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11214 (718) 837-0677 [email protected]

Members:Souren IsraelyanRandi KarmelBryan KolbHon. Sarah L. Krauss Joanna J. LambridisHon. Marsha Steinhardt Edward VilinskyStephen Williamson

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEEPromotes a better understanding of the lawyer’s rolein the community; friendly cooperation betweenpress and bar; considers statements in the press af-fecting the Association, bench and bar.

Chair: Alan Podhaizer601-A Surf Avenue, #22CBrooklyn, NY 11224(718) 946 [email protected]

Members:Dean DelianitesAdam KalishMargaret LeszkiewiczAnthony M. Vassallo

REAL PROPERTY SECTION(Includes Condemnation, Landlord & Tenant Cooper-atives and Condominiums) Arranges substantive pro-grams and sponsors luncheon and dinner events.

Chair: Mark J. Caruso 7302 - 13th AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11228 (718) 680-5778 [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Dayrel Sewell599 East 2nd StreetBrooklyn, NY 11218(347) [email protected]

Members:Judith AaronsMarc Aronson Justin AuslaenderAdam Leitman BaileyMary CallaghanStephen D. Chiaino Joseph R. Costello Ene E. CrooksMichael S. Daiell Lawrence D. GiovannaJohn D. FamulariSusanne GennusaAngelo A. GiordanoMichael GoldbergKathleen HigginsAdam KalishHarry L. KleinZRobert KoeppelCarl J. Landicino Jaime LathropMatthew Lawrence Jr.Doron LeibyNoah LevensonColin LiverpoolWilliam R. LizarragaHon. Gary MartonValerie Niosi Blaise ParascondolaHoward PochAlan PodhaizerFrank J. RioHal RoseOleg RybakMarcel SagerIlana R. SchwitzerNissan ShapiroScott ShostakOlatok Unbo (Toks) Sofola

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEECo-Chair: Diana J. Szochet

45 Monroe Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 923-6300 [email protected]

Co-Chair: Andrea E. BoninaBonina & Bonina16 Court Street, Suite 1800Brooklyn, NY 11241(718) [email protected]

Members:RoseAnn C. Branda Marye A. DeanFern J. FinkelHon. Robin GarsonRobin N. GoemanHoward GoldenStephen Jeffrey HarkavySusan B. MasterDino Mastropietro Matthew PorgesAimee L. RichterSheldon SiporinHon. Marsha Steinhardt

SUPREME COURTS COMMITTEEConsiders the practical workings of the SupremeCourt, Civil and Criminal Divisions and the AppellateCourts. Also considers and investigates any complaintagainst an attache thereof.

Co-Chair: Hon. Ellen Spodek360 Adams Street, Room 381Brooklyn, NY [email protected]




Co-Chair: Rebecca WoodlandLonuzzi & Woodland, LLP60 Sackett Street, Suite 2002Brooklyn, New York 11231 (718) 935-1010 [email protected]

Vice Chair: Hon. Mark PartnowSupreme Court, Kings County360 Adams Street, Room 476Brooklyn, New York 11201 (347) 296-1542 [email protected].

Vice Chair: Hon. Reinaldo E. RiveraAppellate Division, 2nd Dept.45 Monroe PlaceBrooklyn, New York 11201 (718) 722-6492

Vice Chair: Hon. Arthur M. SchackSupreme Court, Kings County360 Adams StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201 (347) 296-1518 mailto:[email protected]@courts.state.ny.us

Members:Hon. Deborah A. Dowling Ethan B. GerberAngelo A. GiordanoPaul A. Golinski Steven Jeffrey Harkavy Souren IsraelyanRonald E. JosephHon. Donald Scott Kurtz Gregory M. LaSpina John Lonuzzi Robert E. MalchmanCharles J. Marchello Hon. Lorraine S. Miller Angelique MorenoHon. Karen B. RothenbergManuel A. Romero Joseph S. Rosato Hon. Wayne P. Saitta Hon. George J. Silver Hon. Jules SpodekHon. Marsha Steinhardt Hon. David B. Vaughan Edward Vilinsky Alan J. WohlbergDonald M. Zolin

SURROGATE’S COURT COMMITTEEConsiders the practical workings of the court and in-vestigates complaints against any attache thereof andcomplaints relating to decedents’ estates.

Chair: Hon. Bruce M. Balter360 Adams StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201 (347) 296-1842 [email protected]

Vice Chair: Frank T. Strafaci569 Bay Ridge ParkwayBrooklyn, New York 11209 (718) 748-4848 [email protected]:[email protected]

Members:Louise S. Albenda Daniel AntonelliJames H. Cahill, Jr. Gregory CannataHon. Anthony J. Cutrona Michael S. Daiell Dominic J. FamulariJohn D. Famulari Steven R. FinkelsteinMaureen P. Fonti Paul S. Forster Richard H. Freeman Helen Z. GaletteArmena D. GayleWilliam J. Giordano Charles GoldfarbCharles E. GordonGregory X. Hesterberg Yvette A. Hinds Wills Joseph G. Kenny Ira KopitoAnthony Lamberti Ira K. Miller Hon. Lorraine S. Miller Pearl Olwen MurphyVlad PortnoyMarcel A. Sager Hon. Frank R. Seddio Barton SlavinPaula J. StylesHon. Margarita Lopez Torres

TAXATION COMMITTEEConsiders all matters relating to taxation.

Chair: Eugene L. Stoler60 West 13 StreetNew York, New York 10011 (212) [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Michael S. Daiell1401 Ocean Avenue,Lobby Ste. ABrooklyn, NY 11230(718) [email protected]

Members:Michael S. DaiellDewey GolkinPaul A. Golinski Anthony Lamberti

TORT LAW SECTION(Includes Insurance, Compensation & Negligence)Arranges substantive programs and sponsor luncheonand dinner events.

Chair: John LonuzziLonuzzi & Woodland, LLP60 Sackett Street, Suite 2002Brooklyn, New York 11231 (718) 935-1010 [email protected]

Vice Chair: Hon. Donald Scott KurtzSupreme Court, Kings County360 Adams StreetBrooklyn, New York 11201 (347) 401-9047 [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Steven Jeffrey Harkavy12 Metrotech, 28th FloorBrooklyn, NY 11201(718) [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Members:Henry J. AchironJohn Bonina Andrea E. Bonina Gregory CannataGregory B. CoburnRosario Marquis D’Apice Dean G. DelianitesLeslie J. Drossman Andrew M. FallekJason FriedmanHon. Robin Garson Ethan B. Gerber Angelo GiordanoRory GreebelMarc J. HeldHon. Allen Z. Hurkin-TorresRonald E. JosephEileen KaplanHon. Sarah L. KraussBonnie KurtzNina L. Kurtz Gregory M. LaSpina Margaret LeszkiewiczDino Mastropietro Jeffrey Miller Joseph MonacoTheodore PavlounisManuel A. Romero Joseph S. Rosato Hon. Karen B. Rothenberg Karen Goldberg SagerSheldon SiporinHon. George J. Silver Sheldon SiporinCharles M. Sporn Hon. Marsha Steinhardt Edward D. TantleffNicholas TimkoDeborah A. TrerotolaRebecca WoodlandDonald M. Zolin

UNLAWFUL PRACTICE OF THE LAW COMMITTEEInvestigates and prosecutes the unlawful practice ofthe law by corporations or individuals.

Chair: Gregg X. FontiFonti & Fonti8516 - 23rd AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11214(718) [email protected]

Members:Armena D. GayleRichard S. Goldberg Deborah LashleyMichael J. Mondschein James E. Pelzer Hon. Arthur M. SchackHon. Marsha Steinhardt

WORKER’S COMPENSATION COMMITTEEConsiders desirable changes and reforms in substan-tive law and procedures in the law of Worker’s Com-pensation.

Chair: Michael GruberBrecher,Fishman,Pasternack, etal335 Adams Street, 27th FloorBrooklyn, New York 11201(718) [email protected]

Members:Thomas S. BelloneAlexander KeblishBrigette RenaudHon. Nancy Mottola Schacher

YOUNG LAWYERS SECTIONSponsors substantive programs and social events.

Chair: Daniel Antonelli225 Broadway, Suite 1200New York, NY 10007(212) 227 [email protected]

Vice-Chair: Adam Kalish8 Melton DriveRockville Centre, NY 11570(516) [email protected]

Members:Justin AuslaenderGrace M. Borrino Corey BriskinHeather CarpenterDamian CorteseEne E. CrooksErin CummingsMarye A. DeanBrian DoyleCyrus DuggerRobin GoemanRory GreebelEve JordonneAlexander KeblishConnie Yik KongJoanna J. LambridisMatthew LawrenceNoah LevensonColin LiverpoolSusan B. Master Rachel NashJae NwaweCharlotte OwensMatthew PorgesMargerita RacanelliAdam RothDayrel SewellNissan ShapiroZvi StorchMichael TreybichAlexis Vigilante


Documents

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION … · 2017-12-28 · BROOKLYN BARRISTER THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION ©2013 Brooklyn Bar Association