Clearing the Air: Asbestos Litigation Issues from Both Sides

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.

George J. Silver created and runs Silverstar Mediation and Arbitration LLC. He previously served as the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts and is the Chair of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. He created an Alternative Dispute Resolution program that encourages presumptive mediation in all cases litigated within the city and developed blockbuster settlement conferences throughout the city, resulting in the reduction of backlogs through early resolution. He also handled malpractice matters and was in charge of the litigation involving the Child Victims Act cases. Silver obtained his B.S. degree in Accounting and Management from New York University (NYU), an MBA in Finance from NYU, and a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Joseph W. Belluck is widely recognized for his outstanding representation of his legal clients, high ethical standards, and public service. He has been advocating for cannabis legalization since 1985. Joe has a national reputation for excellence in mesothelioma, truck accidents and other serious injury litigation. He is a dedicated, compassionate attorney who has spent his entire life and legal career advocating for injured consumers and workers. He has settled over $1 billion of asbestos and personal injury lawsuits. He was appointed as a trustee of The State University of New York (SUNY) in 2010. In 2017, Joe was appointed to the advisory committee of the Rockefeller Institute of Government's Center for Law and Policy Solutions. He previously served as a member of New York's Medicaid Redesign Team and advised the State of New York on cannabis legalization. He is a founding member of Belluck & Fox, LLP and a graduate of SUNY Binghamton and University at Buffalo Law School.

Kerryann Cook is the Managing Partner and founding member of The Cook Group. As one of the premier products liability defense attorneys in the United States, Kerryann has managed, tried, or resolved thousands of cases across the country. Kerryann was chosen by her peers to currently serve as one of four defense liaison counsel to the New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL). She has also served as a member of the NYCAL Case Management Committee, is liaison counsel for active docket cases, and is also a member of the defense medical liaison group. Kerryann received her undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University, and her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis School of Law.