PORTER THOMAS GRABELL & BAUMWOLL - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• of Counsel

Alan Thomas has been practicing law for almost forty years, and he says he's enjoyed almost every minute of it. The best part, he says, is getting to know the clients and their businesses as well as striving to give them the best legal advice and services we can. Now with gray hair, Mr. Thomas prefers to advise and advocate in a straightforward manner and to the point whether he's talking to colleagues, clients, adversaries, or judges. Mr. Thomas began his legal career at McCarter & English, New Jersey's oldest and largest law firm. He has been with PTG&B (or its predecessors) since December of 1994. In the course of his career, he has appeared in both the trial and appellate levels of the New Jersey courts and of the federal courts that serve New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. He served as a Special Fiscal Agent for the Chancery Division, as a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the Rutgers Law School in Newark, and as the coach of the Rutgers Law School's award-winning Appellate Moot Court Team. He was or is a member of many county, State, and national bar associations and well as local Chambers of Commerce. He also was a leader at times of the alumni associations of his law school, college, and fraternity. He is proudest of being a founding member of the Nutley Lawyers Club. He served as Vice President and President of the Club for many years. Mr. Thomas's non-legal time is spent mostly with his family. He and his wife, Fran, are particularly proud of their son, Michael, who is a teacher at a public high school in the Bronx, and of their daughter-in-law who is a medical doctor at an inner city hospital in Brooklyn.

Job Titles:

• Managing Partner
• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• Chairman of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Porter has represented various commercial enterprises, manufacturing companies, real estate developers, general contractors, condo associations and high net worth parties in complex litigations, shareholder disputes, labor negotiations, arbitrations, and mediations. Mr. Porter is a member of the Bergen County Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, Association of Justice and he serves on the Board of Directors of several privately-held corporations. Mr. Porter is a graduate of the Syracuse University Law School, and received his M.P.A. at Syracuse's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and his B.A. from Bard College. Mr. Porter is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts in New York and New Jersey and has an active trial and appellate docket. Mr. Porter has also litigated matters in Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and Utah. On the international front, Mr. Porter has led the firm to become a correspondent law firm to the LawExchange International. The firm now actively represents diverse clients around the world and has assisted many clients in obtaining trusted and qualified legal representation internationally. Outside of the law, Mr. Porter now serves as Chairman of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, a business association with over 1,100 company members. In prior years, Mr. Porter was the General Counsel to the Urban League of Bergen County, Board Member of the Tenafly Business Improvement District, and member of the Board of Governors of Bard College.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• of Counsel

Dan Wohlfarth practices in the areas of real estate, commercial transactions and trust and estates. He handles a wide variety of transactions involving the sale, acquisition, leasing and financing of commercial and residential real estate, including tax deferred exchanges, mezzanine financing and transactions involving environmentally challenged properties, and serves as counsel to cooperative and condominium boards in New York City. Mr. Wohlfarth is also experienced in estate planning, probate and other proceedings in the Surrogate's Courts of New York and New Jersey and the administration of complex estates and trusts. His expertise in the commercial realm includes asset transactions, the sale and acquisition of business enterprises and professional practices, and the negotiation and preparation of joint venture, licensing and other sophisticated business agreements. Mr. Wohlfarth participates in litigated matters relating to his areas of practice and was a partner at Schwartzman Garelik Walker & Troy, P.C. in New York City before opening his own law office and later becoming Of Counsel to Fischer Porter & Thomas P. C. He is a graduate of St. John's University School of Law (J.D. 1979) and Queens College of the City of University of New York (B.A. cum laude 1976). He is admitted to the Bar in the States of New York and New Jersey, including the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey.

Job Titles:

• Legal Administrator for Porter Thomas Grabell

Danielle Kim works as the Legal Administrator for Porter Thomas Grabell and Baumwoll. She is a recent graduate of Rutgers University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in English and Economics. Her unique academic background equips her with exceptional analytical and communication skills, complemented by practical experience from past internships. Danielle is preparing for law school and aims to specialize in criminal justice law, aspiring to be a compassionate and effective attorney.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• Partner

David Baumwoll is an experienced litigator and transactional attorney who is driven by a passion to serve clients and get them results. David focuses his practice on commercial litigation, general litigation, employment litigation, contract disputes, estates, and transactions such as real estate and business acquisitions. Mr. Baumwoll began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Bronx County District Attorney's Office, handling cases from intake through trial. He investigated and prosecuted matters ranging from DWIs and illegal gambling to human trafficking, gun trafficking, and police/corrections officer misconduct. Mr. Baumwoll then served as Associate Counsel in the New York City Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ). Prior to joining Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll, Mr. Baumwoll worked as an Associate Attorney with the law firms of Gordon Rees, Martin Clearwater, and Strauss Law Offices, working on matters ranging from medical malpractice to products liability. As a civil litigator, Mr. Baumwoll has zealously represented clients at numerous depositions and mediations, successfully argued on behalf of clients during court hearings and trial proceedings and negotiated hundreds of favorable settlements and resolutions. Mr. Baumwoll prides himself on getting to know his clients and their goals, communicating with them frequently and transparently, and advocating effectively on their behalf. In 2023, David was selected as one of sixty "Presidential Leadership Scholars" from around the nation, which recognizes "bold and principled leaders who are committed to facing critical challenges, both at home and around the world." The Presidential Leadership Scholars are selected annually by the United States Presidential Centers of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon Johnson. Outside of the law, David was the co-founder of a GovTech company called Rep'd designed to enhance communication and responsiveness between city governments and the constituents they serve. David is also the co-founder and current Board President of the Student Movement Against Cancer (SMAC), Inc., an award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to "empower, encourage, and inspire the generation that ends cancer" and has raised millions of dollars for various cancer causes since its founding in 2001. Prior to law school, David also served as an elementary school teacher and basketball coach in Newark, New Jersey through Teach for America. Education Rutgers Law School, Juris Doctorate (2013)

Job Titles:

• Law Clerk

Elana Burk works on a wide range of general and commercial litigation matters, as well as a variety of transactions. A gifted writer and editor, Elana brings great intelligence, diligence, and attention to detail to all the work she undertakes at PTGB Law. While pursuing her J.D., Elana served as a law clerk with Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll, and with a separate plaintiff-side employment litigation firm. She also participated in the Rutgers Child Advocacy Clinic where she worked as a student attorney on immigration, government benefits, and special education matters. PTGB is thrilled to have Elana as part of the PTGB team.

Job Titles:

• Law Clerk

Eugene Kashinsky seeks to focus his practice on general litigation, commercial litigation, and real estate transactions. Born in Ukraine, Eugene immigrated to the United States at the age of 11. His early experiences of assisting in handling his family's legal process inspired him to pursue a career in law, with a focus and passion on helping others navigate the complex world of litigation. Prior to joining Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll, Mr. Kashinsky interned at the Office of the Attorney General of New Jersey, for the Hon. Annette Scoca, J.S.C. at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex Vicinage, and as a Certified Legal Intern at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, PA. Currently serving as a Law Clerk at Porter Thomas Grabell and Baumwoll P.C., his strong legal research and communications skills have been an asset to the firm. In addition, as a Clerk Mr. Kashinsky has drafted legal briefs and memoranda, prepared materials for trials, and handled discovery matters. PTGB is pleased to announce that Mr. Kashinsky will return to the firm in August of 2024 as an Associate.

Job Titles:

• Office Administrator / Paralegal
• OFFICE MANAGER & PARALEGAL

Marcus Davis is the Office Administrator/Paralegal at Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll, P.C. Marcus works with Mr. Porter, the firm's managing partner, to operate the business aspects of the firm and he works as a paralegal assisting the other attorneys with all legal matters. He has worked as a Paralegal for 4 years prior to working at Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll, P.C. and has a unique expertise in Estate matters. Joining Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll, P.C. helped expand his knowledge to grow beyond just Estate matters as he works directly with attorneys assisting with Litigation, Real Estate, and other legal fields of law.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• Partner

Matt also works with organizations that want to take a proactive approach to reduce the risk of claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. They are companies that understand the value of and invest in, enhancing their management skills to avoid the legal land mines that could cost them valuable time and money. He has also successfully trained management and staff at companies such as CBS Paramount Television, Wendy's, Actylis, ABC/Disney, Imagine Entertainment, MLB, Simon & Schuster, Showtime, AKA/NYC, DCH Auto Group, Wyndham Worldwide, Bergen Community College, Rising Pharmaceuticals, Showtime, Marvel and many more. He has also been a repeat presenter at The Garden State Council - SHRM Annual Conference and The Tri-State Human Resources Management Association Annual Conference as well as various local SHRM chapters.

Job Titles:

• of Counsel

Since 1980 Michael K. Eidman has been deriving immense satisfaction from working intimately with his clients, developing cases from the investigatory stages all the way to their conclusion. Many firms send investigators to "sign up" clients, but Mr. Eidman personally meets every potential new client. He takes the time to explain the legal process in detail; visits the site of the occurrence; takes photographs; prepares and reviews all documents; goes to court; and handles all communication with the adversary. Mr. Eidman personally returns all phone calls. Michael K. Eidman was raised in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, graduated magna cum laude and with honors in Political Science, from CUNY Queens College. He received his law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979. He is a member of the bar of the States of New York and New Jersey and maintains offices in both jurisdictions. Mr. Eidman is also admitted to practice before the various local federal courts and has been a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association for over 40 years. In 2016, he was honored to be sworn into practice before the U.S. Supreme Court by Chief Justice John Roberts. In private practice since 1980, Mr. Eidman concentrates in the areas of personal injury and medical malpractice litigation, on behalf of seriously injured people. He does not represent insurance companies, hospitals or corporate conglomerates. Mr. Eidman established and managed the personal injury departments of several firms in which he was a partner until 1998, then he opened his own solo-practice, devoted exclusively to the representation of victims of personal injury and medical malpractice. Mr. Eidman has tried cases in all of the local courts and serves on an "of counsel" basis to many firms and attorneys in New York and New Jersey who do not possess expertise in the field of personal injury. The vast majority of his cases are referred to him by other attorneys or by former clients. His cases have been covered in the New York Times and other local papers and he has appeared on various local television news broadcasts.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• of Counsel

Job Titles:

• Member of the Attorneys & Staff
• of Counsel

Reena Forst brings extensive expertise and dedication to her practice, focusing primarily on commercial and industrial real estate transactions across New Jersey and New York. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the intricacies of real estate law, she has established herself as a trusted advisor and advocate for her clients. Ms. Forst's practice encompasses a wide range of legal matters, including commercial litigation and collection issues. She is adept at handling diverse commercial real estate transactions, ranging from multimillion-dollar deals to high-end residential properties. Her transactional work involves navigating complex agreements and negotiations, ensuring that her clients' interests are protected at every step of the process. Whether it's a commercial lease, purchase, or refinancing, Ms. Forst's attention to detail and commitment to excellence set her apart in the field. In addition to her transactional work, Ms. Forst is well-versed in litigation matters. She has a proven track record of success in both prosecuting and defending litigation matters, drawing on her sharp legal acumen and strategic approach to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients. Whether it's resolving disputes over property rights, contractual obligations, or other commercial matters, Ms. Forst is a formidable advocate in the courtroom. Ms. Forst's dedication to her clients extends beyond the courtroom and boardroom. She is deeply involved in her legal community, serving as a member of the Bergen County Bar Association. Furthermore, her commitment to excellence is evident in her academic and professional background. Ms. Forst clerked for the Honorable Naomi G. Eichen of the Superior Court of New Jersey early in her career, gaining invaluable insights into the judicial process. She is a proud graduate of the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center of Touro College, where she honed her legal skills, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Queens College. In summary, Reena Forst is a seasoned legal professional with a proven track record of success in commercial real estate transactions and litigation matters. Her dedication to her clients, coupled with her sharp legal mind and strategic approach, make her a trusted advisor and advocate in the legal community.