Explore mediation strategies and litigation techniques for resolving Child Victims Act cases with emotional sensitivity and legal expertise.
Ten thousand Child Victims Act cases are currently progressing through the court system. The Hon. Elizabeth Bonina (Ret.), Jordan K. Merson, Esq., and Lewis R. Silverman, Esq. will share their respective mediator, plaintiff, and defense perspectives on the use of ADR to resolve these cases.
Topics include determining case value, roles of key stakeholders, assessing liability, evaluating damages, and the importance of mediator selection.
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.
NATIONAL ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION
Judge Bonina is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Kings County. She has been on NAM's panel for nearly 15 years, and has experience mediating and arbitrating matters involving high-profile sexual abuse cases, as well as other personal injury cases. Since 2010, she has been consistently ranked among the top 10 mediators and arbitrators in NY by the NY Law Journal, and in 2020 was ranked the #1 arbitrator and #1 mediator in New York. Prior to her judicial career, Judge Bonina was a partner at Bonina & Bonina, P.C. She is a proud graduate of Villanova University and Brooklyn Law School.
Founder of Merson Law
Recognized as one of the top lawyers in New York and the United States, Jordan Merson specializes in cases involving injured children, handling issues ranging from birth injuries and medical malpractice to the devastating aftermath of sexual abuse, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice for the most vulnerable. Dubbed the "trial lawyer to the stars," Merson has also been recognized as the "go-to lawyer nationally" for high-stakes cases, having fearlessly taken on Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Larry Nassar, and others. In recent years, he twice secured the largest personal injury jury verdict in New York County. Notably, he secured a $28 million verdict for a former New York Giants player in a medical malpractice case. This landmark victory underscored Merson’s legal prowess and garnered widespread media attention, highlighting his ability to command both courtroom and public discourse. Merson has been described as the legal equivalent of Patrick Mahomes in football, Pete Sampras in tennis, and Bill Bradley in both basketball and politics.
Law Secretary to Hon. Leonard Steinman at Nassau County Supreme Court
- Adjunct Professor of Law Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University Aug 2024 - Present · 7 mos United States - Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Leonard Steinman Nassau County Supreme Court Apr 2019 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mos New York, United States
Attorney at Silverman & Associates
Experienced trial lawyer specializing in the defense of cases alleging employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and civil rights violations. Additionally, experienced in defending general liability and professional liability claims in state and federal courts. Specialties: Insurance defense, general liability, employment liability defense, professional liability, civil rights, and constitutional law.
