SILVER & KELMACHTER - Key Persons
Aaron S. Halpern is a seasoned litigator and trial attorney, who over the course of his career has earned an excellent reputation for successfully litigating and achieving outstanding results for his clients. He concentrates his practice in the litigation of personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, products liability, and complex mass tort cases.
Aaron has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation in both state and federal court forums as well as arbitrations, including trials, appellate practice, motion practice, depositions, and pleadings.
Prior to joining Silver & Kelmachter, Aaron was a partner at another prominent personal injury law firm and was an associate at a major "Big Law" firm. Aaron also clerked for the Honorable Burrell I. Humphreys in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Passaic County.
While in law school, Mr. Halpern served as the managing editor of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal, and was a law clerk for the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Outside of the practice of law, Aaron serves as a board of Trustee member for his village in Great Neck, and is an active member of his community.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Ariella M. Colman, an attorney at Silver & Kelmachter has, for the past 25 years, been committed to the steadfast and compassionate representation of victims of negligence in medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.
Ms. Colman began her career in 1995 at a health care law firm where she represented physicians and other medical professionals in disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of medical malpractice as well as administrative and statutory violations. This experience has provided her with insight and understanding of different perspectives which she draws upon to zealously and thoroughly advocate on behalf of clients injured by medical malpractice.
Ms. Colman is a native New Yorker, graduating from SUNY Albany, cum laude, and Brooklyn Law School with awards. She is admitted to practice in New York State and before the United States District Court for the Southern District.
When not practicing law, Ms. Colman is an avid runner and hiker and loves to spend time with her family.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Frances L. Garfinkel, an associate at Silver & Kelmachter has practiced law in the State of New York for over 30 years and during that time has primarily focused on medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Before attending law school at Fordham University School of Law, Ms. Garfinkel obtained an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration from Baruch College/Mount Sinai School of Medicine and worked in various positions centered on healthcare administration and medical education.
Ms. Garfinkel is an experienced litigator having worked at both plaintiff's and defense firms in addition to working in-house for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Since 2017, she has zealously represented victims of the negligent acts of others. Her experience in hospital and medical school administration, as well as medical and personal injury defense provides her with a unique perspective in handling her cases for those victims. She has tried numerous cases to verdict and she enjoys an excellent reputation among her peers.
Ms. Garfinkel is admitted to practice in New York State and before the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Outside the office, she has been a staunch advocate for the Alzheimer's Association having raised funds for that organization by participating in the Manhattan Walk to End Alzheimer's yearly since 2009 and by being a member of the planning committee for the Walk to End Alzheimer's since 2021. In addition, she has supported animal rescue organizations since 2012 when she "was rescued" by her dog Lulu.
Practice Areas
Medical Malpractice
Leslie D. Kelmachter, Esq. received her Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Albany Law School. She is an accomplished and highly respected trial attorney. During the 2011 and 2012 term, she served as President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Today, she is a Director of the Association's Board. She was a past Chair of the Tort Litigation Committee, New York City Bar Association and past Member of the Judiciary Committee, New York City Bar Association.
Ms Kelmachter has achieved outstanding results in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Product Liability cases often securing substantial compensations for her clients. Herself a mother of two, she adamantly represents children who are injured or disabled whether as a result of birth trauma and other medical mistakes, lead poisoning or other accidents.
Leslie D. Kelmachter, Esq. is also an author and has been featured in several reputable magazines. Her publications include a Chapter in an important attorney reference - The Plaintiff's Personal Injury Action in New York (published by the New York State Bar Association).
Furthermore, she is frequently asked to lecture for other attorneys on a wide range of legal subjects related to victim's rights, in addition to serving as a legal expert.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Perry D. Silver, Esq. graduated from the State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law in 1979. Only a year later, he was admitted to practice law in all four federal district courts in the State of New York, as well as in the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Mr. Silver gained a valuable professional experience by working for one of the top personal injury law firms Schneider, Kleinick & Weitz in 1992. During this period, he obtained what was then the third largest award nationally for a Childhood Vaccine Injury case in the United States Court of Federal Claims. He is a seasoned lawyer who is well-versed in all areas of personal injury and medical malpractice law.
For over 30 years, he has been a member of The American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly known as the American Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Silver is also a member of the Labor Law Committee of the New York State Trial Lawyer's Association.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury