Triggering Snowflakes: Diversity in the Legal Profession

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.

Dr. Fritz Galette is a New York State Licensed Psychologist. As the Director of Positive Psychology Associates PLLC, he leads and collaborates with a team of 15 clinicians, resident counselors, and clinical interns to provide psychotherapy, counseling, and coaching to dozens of individuals, couples, and families each week. He also consults with Loeb Leadership as a group facilitator and trainer for executive coaching services to all levels of leaders and managers in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Teaching the course “Fundamentals of Legal Practice”. This is a hands on practical course teaching law students the skills of new client interviewing, client counseling and negotiation.

Brian is a personal injury trial attorney with Avanzino & Moreno and a graduate of Brooklyn Law School. Prior to joining the firm, Brian was an award-winning trial attorney for the New York City Law Department where he routinely handled high-stakes civil rights and catastrophic injury matters. Outside of law, Brian is an active member of his Brooklyn community and an avid fan of the Yankees, Knicks and Titans. He enjoys traveling with his wife, and he also serves on the Academy's Associate Board.

The Law Office of Jesse D. Capell was founded by one of New York City's leading complex litigators. Jesse Capell, our founding partner, set out to build a firm with the tenacity and sophistication to handle complex and high-profile litigation while offering clients the personal attention of a boutique firm. With a diverse background representing large institutions, small businesses, and individuals, Capell has consistently delivered for his clients. Capell has served as a partner at a private law firm, in-house counsel at a multibillion-dollar healthcare corporation, and as a loyal public servant. Most importantly, Capell has tried multiple complex matters to verdict and has a distinguished history of securing results for his clients. The Law Office of Jesse D. Capell is fueled by Capell's prowess in the courtroom and the tireless energy of our talented staff. We pride ourselves on our unwavering support for our clients, and our work product reflects our dedication, fearlessness, and encyclopedic knowledge of the law.

Erin Peake is an Associate Attorney at Slater Slater Schulman, advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. Erin’s unwavering dedication to her clients is a testament to her compassionate advocacy. She not only understands the traumatic journey her clients face during litigation but also provides steadfast guidance, ensuring their path to justice and healing is well-supported. Erin is a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Associate Board of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, and was honored with the Doris S. Hoffman Outstanding New Lawyer Award from the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York in May 2024. She has proudly taught a CLE on School Liability in Personal Injury Cases through the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Additionally, Erin volunteers as a moot court judge for high school students at the Charter High School for Law and Social Justice in the Bronx through the Street Law program. Prior to joining the firm, Erin worked for three years as an Associate Attorney at a plaintiff firm advocating for adult and child survivors of sexual abuse in litigation against major institutions, including churches and colleges. She also completed an internship at the United Nations with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict, where she monitored international news publications, disseminated relevant updates to the office, and managed the organization’s online presence. Erin received a B.A. in Political Science and American Studies with minors in Leadership and Human Rights from Christopher Newport University. She received her J.D. from New York Law School, where she served on the Student Editorial Board for the American Bar Association’s publication, Family Law Quarterly. Erin joined Slater Slater Schulman in April 2024 and is licensed to practice in New York state courts and the United States District Courts of the Eastern, Southern, and Northern Districts.

Mehjabeen Rahman, J.D., is a versatile legal professional and currently a law graduate at Gutman, Mintz, Baker & Sonnenfeldt. She has served as a staff writer and legal blog author for the Expert Institute since September 2015, conducting expert interviews and writing advisory articles for the legal community. Her hands-on legal experience includes internships at the Kings County District Attorney's Office in the Special Victims Bureau and the Community Legal Assistance Law Reform Advocacy Clinic. At the DA's office, Mehjabeen assisted in case preparation and trial observation, and at the Advocacy Clinic, she managed litigation for a civil action case and argued pretrial motions. Additionally, during her internship at Renfro, Driscoll & Foster, LLP, she gained experience in criminal defense and motion drafting. Mehjabeen earned her Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where she was a member of the Mock Trial Team, a clinic student, and an associate editor for the Hofstra Labor and Employment Law Journal. Her legal education and practical experience underscore her expertise in legal research, writing, and trial preparation.