Elmsford, NY

Lisa J. Black

Lisa provides creative, cost-effective, and resolution-focused solutions to her clients. As an insurance and litigation defense attorney with 25 years of experience, she handles litigation defense of property and casualty matters in both Federal and New York State courts, including trials and appeals. Areas of focus include construction and property damage-related litigation, premises and professional liability, retail, insurance-related litigation, and general personal injury and negligence. Lisa is also a certified mediator. She previously served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Special Federal Litigation Division of the New York City Law Department. In that capacity, she defended the NYPD, FDNY, and NYC Department of Corrections against Federal Civil Rights claims. Lisa is active in several professional organizations, as well as with her alma mater. Leadership roles have included serving as Vice-Chair of the DRI Construction Law Conference 2021-2022, Chair of the DRI Construction Law Bootcamp 2019, Secretary of the USLAW Network National Construction Practice Group for 2016-2017, and Chair of the USLAW Network Women’s Connection Practice Group for 2015-2016. She is also a co-founder of the New York Law School Moot Court Alumni Organization Support Network and serves on the Board of Directors of the NYLS Alumni Association since 2020 and serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors in 2023. As a firm founder, Lisa creates an inclusive and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and excellence. On a personal level, she is motivated by a drive to help students and younger professionals find their own passion for the law and volunteers as an alumni-student mentor for New York Law School and Binghamton University. Outside the professional realm, Lisa has served as the Commissioner of the Scarborough Fire District since 2009. In addition to having coached Little League softball, she plays recreational volleyball and softball and is an avid New York Yankees fan.

Sheryl A. Sanford

Sheryl is dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive, high-quality, detail-oriented representation. She concentrates on the defense of claims concerning New York Labor Law, premises liability, civil rights, construction, environmental, motor vehicle, and hospitality matters. For over 20 years, Sheryl has handled complex litigation in both New York State and federal courts from inception through motion practice and trial. In particular, she has handled negligence claims, class actions, and Federal Civil Rights actions brought pursuant to 42 USC § 1983 Law. An experienced and skilled appellate practitioner, Sheryl has argued and repeatedly achieved success before the Appellate Division, First and Second Departments. She has obtained several favorable decisions in cases involving the residential exclusion of the New York Labor Law. Previously, Sheryl was employed for 11 years at a national law firm where her legal talent was recognized with a promotion to partner and she was entrusted to serve as lead counsel on a number of high-exposure cases. Prior to that, Sheryl served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Special Federal Litigation Division of the New York City Law Department. In this capacity, she successfully litigated many federal civil rights cases. Outside the firm, Sheryl is an active parishioner in her church, where she enjoys assisting in all facets of Sunday school and is involved in a broad array of endeavors to benefit charities. She enjoys playing volleyball, spearheading adult volleyball tournaments, and watching the New York Mets.

Dana K. Marjieh

Dana is a skilled litigator with experience representing clients at all stages of state and federal court proceedings. Her areas of focus include professional liability, premises liability, commercial litigation, and general liability. In addition, Dana’s background includes contract drafting and handling Article 78 proceedings. Drawing upon over fifteen years of experience, Dana provides strategic representation by developing a thorough understanding of clients’ present and anticipated needs. Dana has amassed a broad range of experience handling various commercial, business, and civil matters for her diverse and international clientele. She has represented fortune 500 companies in personal injury and premises liability actions and oversaw discovery in national arbitrations. Dana’s experience includes the provision of legal assistance and counsel to U.S. companies in relation to the establishment of local branches in countries throughout the Middle East. With a keen eye for detail, she is particularly skilled in handling case evaluation and risk assessment. Dana is inspired to help build a firm environment where clients, attorneys, and staff work together as a cohesive team to inform the best possible outcomes. She is committed to fostering community, both inside and outside of the office. In addition to being a routine contributor to food pantries, Dana enjoys making holiday baskets to benefit those less fortunate than herself and also provides pro bono legal services to those in need in relation to family court matters, housing, and immigration. She also enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Steven R. Lau

Steven’s practice encompasses New York Labor Law, premises liability, product liability, professional liability, catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, general liability and insurance coverage claims. He has depth of experience defending construction accident claims on behalf of owners, general contractors, construction managers and trade contractors. Steven handles all aspects of litigation, from inception through trial. He has tried cases to verdict in New York State courts and, in addition, has successfully argued appeals in the First and Second Departments. In his free time, he enjoys sailing and playing tennis.

Nicholas O. Paslow

Nick’s practice focuses on New York State Labor Law, along with construction defect, general liability, professional liability, property damage, motor vehicle and premises liability claims. He has represented a wide range of owners, construction managers and contractors. Nick prides himself on his ability to adapt and solve problems. Prior to law school, Nick was a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, working in the company’s assurance practice. During his time in public accounting, he worked with an array of clients, including public pharmaceutical companies, major hospitals and colleges. Nick carries his attention-to-detail into the practice of law and is focused on providing effective and cost-efficient legal services to his clients. Nick has a life-long love of baseball. He played baseball through college and continues to enjoy playing softball with friends and colleagues.

James J. Lofrese

Jim has over 25 years of experience as a trial attorney and has tried over 50 cases to verdict throughout many counties in New York State. Over the past 20 years, he has been engaged in the field of insurance defense litigation at prominent defense firms. His practice emphasizes the importance of risk-transfer opportunities in the context of personal injury and property damage claims. Jim’s civil trial background involves the representation of defendants in construction-related accidents, premises liability claims, motor vehicle accidents and professional malpractice claims. Early in his career, Jim served as an Assistant District Attorney in Orange County, New York, conducting over 20 criminal jury trials and working in multiple felony prosecution units. As a trial attorney, Jim is energized by being front and center defending his clients’ rights. His approach encompasses carefully structured strategy, as well as the ability to think fast and react to evolving circumstances within the courtroom. One of seven children raised by a WWII veteran, Jim has a strong work ethic, a love for competition, and a strong commitment to family values. His mother taught him piano at the age of 4, and Jim’s daughter now carries that tradition forward. He loves the Yankees and the Giants, but enjoys watching his son excel at sports above all else.

Jennifer N. Johnson

Jennifer is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience handling a high volume of civil cases, including personal injury, N.Y. Labor Law, product liability, and premise liability. She is also experienced in the areas of criminal defense, commercial litigation, tort, contract, personal injury, medical malpractice, bankruptcy, and family law. Jennifer is an effective advocate for her clients and understands the importance of working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes. When not serving her clients, Jennifer enjoys teaching yoga and ice skating.