Mastering Pattern Jury Instructions

The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.

David Demarest was a justice for the Franklin County Supreme Court and the St. Lawrence County Supreme Court in the 4th Judicial District of New York. He was first elected as a justice of the court in 1994. He was re-elected in 2008. Demarest retired from the bench on July 29, 2015. Demarest received his B.S. degree from St. Lawrence University in 1970 and his J.D. from the Albany Law School of Union University in 1973, respectively. Demarest began his career in 1974 as a private practice lawyer. He worked under the title "David Demarest, Attorney at Law," until 1983. He then served as a principal law clerk through 1993. In 1994, Demarest was elected to the Franklin County Supreme Court.

Effective July 10, 2023, the Honorable Deborah Karalunas was appointed Administrative Judge of the Fifth Judicial District. In 2002, Justice Karalunas was elected to serve as a Supreme Court Justice in the 5th Judicial District. She presides over a wide range of civil cases including commercial, personal injury, medical malpractice, intellectual property, constitutional, and environmental. In 2007, Justice Karalunas was appointed Presiding Justice of the Supreme Court, Commercial Division, Onondaga County, and in 2017, she was appointed to the New York State Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions. Justice Karalunas is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Central New York Women’s Bar Association, Onondaga County Bar Association, and Armenian Bar Association. In addition to leading various committees and sections, Justice Karalunas served on the Board of Directors of the Onondaga County Bar Association and the Central New York Women’s Bar Association. She was President of the Central New York Women’s Bar Association, Presiding Member of the Judicial Section of the New York State Bar Association, Trustee of the Onondaga County Bar Foundation, and President of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. Justice Karalunas teaches New York Civil Practice at the College of Law. She was Editor of the Judicial Dispatch and author of a chapter in the treatise Commercial Litigation in New York State Courts. Justice Karalunas is a longstanding faculty member of the New York State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Trial Academy, and lectures frequently on many substantive law and trial practice topics.

The Honorable Bernice Siegel is a respected judge who presides over a guardianship part in Queens County. With extensive experience in guardianship law, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection and legal representation of vulnerable individuals. Judge Siegel is actively involved in shaping best practices for guardianships as a member of the Appellate Division's Second Department Task Force, where she contributes to updating and improving guardianship procedures. Her dedication to justice and advocacy has earned her notable recognitions and awards, including: The Women's Bar Association Judith Kaye Award for Access to Justice. Recognition as a "Friend to the Section" by the New York State Bar Association Elder Law & Special Needs Section, acknowledging her active participation in legal programs and section activities. Through her work, Judge Siegel continues to make a significant impact in guardianship law and elder justice.