Handling Heavy Client Conversations with Confidence

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.

John is the senior trial attorney for the firm and has been making a difference for clients since his first trial win over 20 years ago. Significant verdicts include a $4,646,000 award for the wrongful death of a woman due to a delayed diagnosis of lung cancer; a $2,500,000 award for the family of a woman who bled to death while awaiting emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm; and a $1,646,000 award for the family of a man who died due to a delayed diagnosis of lung cancer. His success extends beyond verdicts, with numerous multi-million-dollar settlements in cases involving injured construction workers, catastrophically injured children, and other New Yorkers harmed by negligence or malpractice. Under John's leadership, the firm has secured over $200 million in combined settlements and verdicts. He credits the firm's success to a blend of old-fashioned hard work and innovative trial techniques. Due to his skill and empathy for clients, John has frequently lectured with the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Brooklyn Bar Association. The respect from his peers has earned him a place in The Best Lawyers in America and in New York Magazine's Best Lawyers in the New York Area.

Amber Wright is the managing partner at Powers & Santola, LLP. She has dedicated her life to helping people with life-threatening conditions and injuries. Amber has held national certificates and registrations in Cardiac-Interventional Radiology and General Radiology for nearly twenty years. A native of Upstate New York, Amber was a radiologic technologist in top cardiac catheterization labs in Colorado and Florida before moving to Albany. After having children, Amber chose to use her medical training and experience differently. She enrolled in Albany Law School, graduating magna cum laude. Amber received the Selma Mintz Memorial Prize, awarded to a student who graduated with honors while raising a family. Amber immediately put her legal education and medical experience to work fighting for people who had been severely injured. Her extensive background in medicine gives her a unique perspective and expertise in all personal injury matters.