Property Pitfalls: Insider's Guide to First-Party Insurance

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Honorable Peter B. Skelos’ illustrious career includes 11 years spent as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Department, where he served until his retirement in 2015. Judge Skelos’ judicial career began in 1995 when he was elected to the District Court of Nassau County. Four years later, he was elected as Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 10th Judicial District, and in 2003, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, 9th and 10th Judicial Districts. The following year, Governor George Pataki appointed him as an Additional Justice to one of the busiest appellate courts in the United States: the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. Thereafter, he was appointed and reappointed as Associate Justice of the Appellate Division and as a member of the Constitutional Court. He was rated 'Highly Qualified' by the New York State Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission. Throughout his many years on the bench, he was known for his keen legal intellect and compassion for those who appeared before him. Judge Skelos has a reputation for treating others fairly and respectfully and for arriving at well-reasoned, legally sound decisions in the cases he has heard. During his time as a trial and appellate division judge, Justice Skelos presided over numerous medical and dental malpractice cases. Prior to joining the bench, he was a Senior Deputy Nassau County Attorney, where he successfully defended medical malpractice, civil rights, and personal injury matters. Thereafter, he was engaged in private practice where he handled a variety of cases, including commercial civil litigation, civil rights, medical malpractice, and personal injury in state and federal courts for both plaintiffs and defendants. Drawing from his experience, he has lectured to bar associations and the judiciary on medical malpractice and other personal injury matters, among other topics.

Johnathan C. Lerner is the proud founder of New York City law firm, Lerner, Arnold & Winston (LAW). He is dedicated to his clients, willing to stand for the rights of commercial enterprises, business owners, and residential property owners against insurance companies. Throughout his career, he has attained multiple multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients. The son of a former public adjuster, Johnathan has extensive knowledge of first-party insurance claim litigation. He uses this knowledge to help clients understand their insurance policy’s nuanced coverage and their right to receive appropriate indemnification for the losses or damages sustained. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, his deep understanding of wind and flood issues led him to assist many victims with their insurance claims. Johnathan’s expertise in insurance coverage issues also makes him a highly sought-after speaker on hot-topic matters in insurance litigation and property damage claims. Johnathan’s passion and commitment to the practice of law also extend to those in his community who need legal representation. He has assisted local homeowners with the preparation and submission of claims to flood insurance carriers. He also serves as board president of Long Island’s Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA), dedicated to helping men and women with developmental disabilities reach their highest potential of independence and lead purposeful lives. Johnathan is the proud dad of two boys, Nate and Jack, and provides advice and counsel as a dedicated Little League baseball and basketball coach.