Leverage insights from pivotal verdicts and appellate rulings to master case valuation. Learn to secure and sustain maximum damages through credibility and strategic proof.
Join us for this comprehensive update course covering a year's worth of changes to cases and statutes in the most popular topics for tort practitioners. Presented by experienced litigators Chris Holbrook and Christina Sonshire, this course moves beyond basic negotiation skills to provide a comprehensive analysis of recent case law, jury verdicts, and appellate court rulings throughout New York. By examining the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of recent decisions, legal professionals will gain crucial insights into the range of reasonableness defined by CPLR 5501(c) and understand how appellate courts are currently auditing damages awards.
The program dissects a wide array of case types, including personal injury, medical malpractice, labor law, and premises liability. The presenters analyze significant rulings from the First and Second Departments, as well as notable verdicts from Upstate New York, effectively debunking the myth that significant awards are impossible outside of the metropolitan area. Through detailed case studies—ranging from a massive product liability verdict against Harley Davidson to the dangers of bench trials in the Court of Claims—participants will learn how specific evidentiary details, such as life care plans and economic analysis, can make or break an award for future medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Key learning outcomes and topics include:
Whether you are a plaintiff's attorney aiming to protect a verdict or defense counsel seeking to minimize exposure, this course provides the data and decisional law necessary to navigate settlement negotiations and trial practice with confidence. Join us to understand the evolving landscape of civil damages and how to apply these precedents to your current caseload.
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.
Partner at Schwartzapfel Law
Chris is a partner at the Schwartzapfel Law Firm focusing on negligence cases with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, where he routinely returns multi-million dollar recoveries. He has been named a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers' "Top 100", and he serves on the Academy's Board as Vice President of the 2nd Department.
Partner at Ziff Law Firm
Christina Sonsire is a partner at the Ziff Law Firm in Elmira, New York where she represents plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Christina currently serves on the Academy's Board of Directors as Vice President for the Third Department. She also sits on the Judicial Screening Committee, responsible for interviewing candidates for the New York State Court of Appeals and making recommendations to the Governor. Christina attended law school at the University of Montana, was an undergraduate soccer star at Georgetown University and has always been involved with public service.
