Amygdala Hijack: Using Neuroscience to Save Your Witness

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.

Carolyn Rankin is a trial attorney who specializes in defending insured clients in casualty, motor vehicle, and construction accident cases. Ms. Rankin is best known for her successes in the courtroom. Over her 26-year career, her unorthodox approach to litigation has earned her clients many unexpected favorable verdicts. In 2005, Ms. Rankin joined an established Nassau County insurance defense firm as a senior trial attorney and was quickly promoted to partner in 2007. There, she continued to specialize in trials involving premises, automobile, trucking, construction, and insurance claims, trying over 35 cases to verdict. Her talents have earned her a reputation as the "go-to" person for troubled cases. Ms. Rankin was among the first attorneys in New York to use biomechanical experts at trial. She is now a specialist and leader in the field, having obtained numerous defense verdicts in damages trials involving the surgical repair of soft tissue injuries. In 2015, Ms. Rankin founded her own firm, and in 2017, she was joined by Edward J. Savidge. Since then, the firm has steadily grown to serve a multitude of preeminent insurance carriers, self-insurers, and private corporations across all boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. At Rankin Savidge, PLLC, Ms. Rankin continues to represent and defend clients in personal injury cases. Additionally, she counsels and represents insurers in trials involving insurance coverage and contract disputes.

Chris Joslin has spent the past twenty-eight years working for the same firm, representing clients who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. He has obtained verdicts in significant personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Military Experience: United States Marine Corps; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; United States Marine Corps Reserve; National Defense Service Medal; Selective Marine Corps Reserve Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation.