BLOCK O'TOOLE & MURPHY - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Associate / Location: New York, New York

Aaron Fishkin graduated cum laude from SUNY Oneonta in 2012 with a major in Business Economics and a minor in Business Communications. At Oneonta, Mr. Fishkin was a member of the men's lacrosse team and was awarded SUNY Athletic Conference All-Academic Team Honors. In 2011, before Mr. Fishkin began his junior year of college, he interned at Block O'Toole & Murphy, where he gained an appreciation and understanding for the law and advocacy. The following year, Mr. Fishkin interned in the Early Case Assessment Bureau at the Kings County District Attorney's office, where he interviewed civilians and members of law enforcement, analyzed a myriad of legal issues, and drafted criminal complaints. Following his experiences at the firm and the district attorney's office, Mr. Fishkin was determined to pursue a career in law to fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves. In 2015, Mr. Fishkin earned his Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo Law School. While attending law school, Mr. Fishkin interned at the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of New York. While there, he worked alongside federal prosecutors and performed a direct examination of a law enforcement witness who observed an individual obstructing a border patrol stop. Mr. Fishkin also honed his advocacy skills as a top member of the school's trial team and spent time giving back to his community as President and Co-founder of Future Advocates in Training (F.A.I.T.). Through F.A.I.T., Mr. Fishkin partnered with a local high school to have SUNY Buffalo Law School students teach courtroom procedures, trial advocacy, and the rules of evidence. Mr. Fishkin graduated cum laude. At his graduation, he was selected as the Student Commencement Speaker by the law school faculty and his peers. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Fishkin served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney's Office. While at the District Attorney's Office, Mr. Fishkin investigated and prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases, including identity thefts and financial frauds, armed robberies, serious felony assaults, attempted murders, manslaughters, and felony possession of weapons. Mr. Fishkin presented over 100 cases to the grand jury, including dozens of violent felonies and the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. Additionally, Mr. Fishkin zealously cross-examined defendants and defense witnesses during trial, and over 10 defense witnesses during grand jury presentations. As a Brooklyn Prosecutor, Mr. Fishkin was lead counsel on numerous high-profile, serious cases that garnered local press attention. Mr. Fishkin tried several cases to verdict in New York State Supreme Court and served as second chair in a successful gunpoint robbery and homicide prosecution. He conducted over fifteen pre-trial suppression hearings involving substantive legal issues, and adeptly cross-examined professional expert witnesses. Mr. Fishkin was promoted to Senior Assistant District Attorney in 2020 in recognition of his superior investigative and trial advocacy skills. Ten years after Mr. Fishkin was a college intern at the firm, he returned as a highly motivated attorney with a dogged work ethic. Mr. Fishkin is dedicated to fighting for his injured clients in their greatest time of need.

Job Titles:

• Associate ( Pending Admission ) Location: New York, New York

Job Titles:

• Trial Lawyers Association, past President

Job Titles:

• Attorney / Location: New York, New York

Christina (Mark) Mercado graduated from New York University with a degree in journalism and earned her juris doctor from Notre Dame Law School. She joined Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP as an associate, after demonstrating exceptionally strong legal research and writing skills, an industrious work ethic, and a heartfelt dedication to fighting for clients' rights as a summer intern for the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Mercado worked in the Appeals Bureau of the Nassau County District Attorney and in the chambers of the Honorable Joan O'Dwyer of Queens County Supreme Court. At Notre Dame, she worked as a devoted advocate for clients at the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic and served as the Executive Articles Editor of the law school's prestigious Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy, after receiving accolades for her brief-writing skills. Ms. Mercado also previously worked as a professional writer and reporter in New York City. Since joining Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP, Ms. Mercado has handled a wide range of cases including wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, labor law and construction accidents. Ms. Mercado is known for her superior writing and analytical skills. She is the lead associate in the firm's appellate and complex motion practices, and regularly writes briefs to the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals. She is also heavily relied upon to research and brief critical legal issues in substantial cases across all of the firm's practice areas.

Job Titles:

• Co - Chairman of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association Labor Law Committee

Mr. O'Toole is the Co-Chairman of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association Labor Law Committee, a committee that fights to preserve and enact laws to promote worker safety at construction sites. He is committed to championing laws that protect workers and all New Yorkers.

Job Titles:

• Counsel to
• of Counsel / Location: New York, NY

David B. Lever is Of Counsel to Block O'Toole & Murphy and Senior Partner at the law firm of Lever & Ecker, PLLC. As part of the Block O'Toole & Murphy team, he leverages his 30-plus years of personal injury experience as a plaintiff's lawyer. Mr. Lever obtained a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Ithaca College before attending Pace University School of Law and receiving his Juris Doctor in 1989. He started his career working for a plaintiff's personal injury firm in New York City, before deciding to open his own plaintiff's personal injury law practice. He is proud to say that throughout his entire career, he has always advocated for the plaintiff's side; never for the defense and never for insurance companies. His goal is not only to get the plaintiff the recovery they are entitled to, but help guide them through a process that is likely very foreign to them, with the goal of helping them get back on their feet and live a productive life. His areas of practice include: motor vehicle accidents, slip/trip and fall accidents, wrongful death, construction accidents, workers' compensation, product liability, and medical malpractice. Throughout his career, Mr. Lever's passion for this work has never wavered, partially due to his own accident experience. Years ago, Mr. Lever suffered a neck injury in a motorcycle accident. Years later, as a result of his accident, he had to undergo spinal surgery. Because of his own personal injury experience, Mr. Lever understands the exact position many of his clients are in, which only makes him more committed to helping them. When a client comes to him and tells him their story, he understands what they are going through. Although he wishes that his accident-and those of his clients-never happened, he believes it helps him to not only have a better relationship with his clients, but also to be a better advocate on their behalf when fighting for their rights. Mr. Lever is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. His other bar admissions include: the United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the United States District Court of New Jersey, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Lever's professional associations and memberships include: the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA), the Westchester County Bar Association, the Bronx County Bar Association, the White Plains Bar Association, and the New York State Bar Association. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee for the Justice Brandeis Law Society 9th Judicial District. He has been named on multiple occasions to the Metro New York "Super Lawyers" list and as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York by The National Trial Lawyers organization. In addition to supporting his clients, Mr. Lever aims to support others who may be disadvantaged or struggling. He recently joined the Board of Trustees for Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD). ACLD is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of support in Nassau and Suffolk counties to children and adults with autism, intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families.

Job Titles:

• Partner / Location: New York, New York

Frederick C. Aranki has been practicing law since 1996. Mr. Aranki is licensed to practice law in the State and Federal Courts of New York. He is also admitted to practice law in the District and State Courts of Colorado and in Washington, D.C. He is an active member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Aranki has a wide variety of legal experience but has spent most of his career practicing in the area of personal injury. He has vast experience in the courtroom, spending a great deal of his career focusing on the litigation of complex matters with significant and catastrophic injuries. He is fortunate to have experience on both sides of the law, starting his personal injury law practice working for several years with defense firms that predominantly represented large insurance companies. Mr. Aranki joined the firm in May 2008 and has found his calling as a plaintiff's attorney, litigating construction site accident cases, wrongful death actions, serious motor vehicle accidents and premises liability cases. Since joining the firm Mr. Aranki has assembled an impressive array of results, particularly in his tireless representation of people injured at construction sites. Along with partner Daniel O'Toole, Mr. Aranki's results include a $15,000,000 settlement in a wrongful death case for the family of a man who was fatally crushed in a construction accident; a $9,000,000 settlement for a student who was injured in a wall collapse; $6,400,000 settlement for an ironworker in a construction accident; $6,000,000 settlement for a seriously injured union construction worker; $5,000,000 settlement for the estate of a deceased tourist in a landmark wrongful death action; $4,925,000 for a young man seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident; $4,750,000 Settlement for a union labor foreman who suffered injuries to his pelvis and lower back after being hit by flying rock during blasting operations; $4,475,000 settlement for the two young children of a construction worker killed in a jobsite accident; $3,400,000 settlement for a man struck by a NYC Parks Dept. vehicle; $3,285,000 verdict for a man struck by a forklift; $3,000,000 settlement for an 80 year-old woman injured in a motor vehicle collision; $3,000,000 settlement for a man injured in a motor vehicle accident; $2,925,000 settlement for a man who suffered back injuries in a motor vehicle accident; $2,825,000 settlement for a bricklayer injured in a 12-15-foot fall on a Brooklyn job site; $2,500,000 settlement for a woman injured while riding on an MTA bus; $2,500,000 for a man injured in a motor vehicle accident; $2,400,000 award for a man who suffered a neck injury in a motor vehicle accident; $2,270,000 Verdict against the New York City Transit Authority for a woman who suffered neck and knee injuries while a passenger in a bus involved in an accident; $2,225,000 award for a man who suffered multiple injuries in a motor vehicle accident; and a $2,150,000 settlement for a carpenter that injured his neck while working at a construction site. Mr. Aranki was also pivotal in reaching a $2,550,000 settlement for four victims that sustained injuries in an automobile accident. He also helped to secure a $2,000,000 resolution in a wrongful death action against the City of New York and another $1,500,000 from the State of New York in a settlement arising out of the same accident; $1,900,000 settlement for a woman who suffered back and neck injuries in a slip and fall accident; $1,500,000 settlement for a man who sustained back injuries in a motor vehicle accident; $1,500,000 for a woman who suffered neck and knee injuries when she was struck by NYPD tow truck; $1,400,000 settlement against the New York City Transit Authority for a woman that sustained an aggravation to a preexisting neck injury that required surgery; $1,198,000 Verdict for a man injured in a rear-end collision motor vehicle accident; $1,850,000 for a worker who suffered injuries to his ribs, neck, and back when he slipped and fell six feet from a wet pipe scaffold. Suffice to say, Mr. Aranki has proven to be a friend to anyone that is the victim of an accident and is honored to represent the good, hard-working people who come to our firm for help. The results speak for themselves.

Job Titles:

• Treasurer of the Emerald Association of Long Island

George A. Freitag is a seasoned advocate with extensive litigation experience. Mr. Freitag appears in the courtrooms of the City of New York on a daily basis and is well known and respected for his zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients. A 1992 graduate of Brooklyn Law School, Mr. Freitag has been practicing law for over 20 years with experience that includes personal injury, trust and estates, real estate and criminal defense. His reputation for integrity and service has led to numerous appointments by the Surrogate and State Supreme Courts to positions of fiduciary responsibility wherein he has represented the needs of those unable to represent themselves. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Mr. Freitag was called upon to serve as a mediator in a program initiated by Governor Cuomo to settle claims made by homeowners adversely affected by this natural disaster. Mr. Freitag is the current Treasurer of the Emerald Association of Long Island and Brooklyn, a 175 year old organization dedicated to providing financial support to needy children through the Roman Catholic Orphan Asylums of Brooklyn, the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He is an active member of the Brehon Law Society of New York City. Mr. Freitag has recently been honored by the Institute for Jewish Humanities for his dedication to his community and the legal profession. Mr. Freitag is admitted to the State and Federal Bars and is an active member of the of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Torts, Insurance, Compensation Litigation Section of the New York State Bar Association and the Defense Association of New York.

Mr. Murphy, along with his colleague Daniel O'Toole, persuaded a Suffolk County jury to return a record-setting verdict of $32,756,156 on behalf of a 60-year-old man in a traumatic brain injury case. The verdict, covered extensively by the local media, is the largest negligence verdict ever in Long Island and was featured in a cable television documentary entitled "The Good Samaritan." In addition, the result was also recognized by the New York Law Journal as the second highest negligence verdict in New York State for 2007 and one of the top 100 verdicts that year for the entire United States.

Jeffrey A. Block founded what is now known as Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP in 1989, after graduating from Brooklyn Law School. Early on, Mr. Block was determined to make his mark in the courtroom, practically sprinting up the courthouse steps as a young lawyer to wage a battle on behalf of the underdog. Since then, his career has been marked by a series of highlights and remarkable results, yielding more than one-hundred resolutions that exceed one-million dollars. His successes have been underpinned by two consistent themes: outwork your adversary and prepare every case like it is the most important case in the office. This dogged approach has served the clients of this gifted trial lawyer quite well. Today, Mr. Block is highly regarded by the bench and bar. He is often called upon by fellow trial attorneys to serve as trial counsel on their most significant cases. He has handled cases for clients that were referred to him by both judges and courthouse employees that respect his legal acumen. Over the last several years, in recognition of his achievements, Mr. Block has been elected as a "Super Lawyer" in New York State, identifying him as being among the top 5% of New York personal injury trial lawyers. He also has been recently honored as one of the "Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New York State" by The National Trial Lawyer. Mr. Block has also been selected by his peers to be included in the New York's Best Lawyers since 2014. Mr. Block handles some of the firms most significant construction accidents, tractor trailer accidents, medical malpractice cases, premises liability cases and motor vehicle accidents. While his practice is not confined to any particular area of personal injury law, there is industry-wide respect for Mr. Block's efforts and achievements on behalf of injured construction workers. Some of his recent results for injured workers include: $10,875,000 settlement for a union laborer that suffered internal injuries while constructing a rooftop $10,500,000 settlement for the family of a union laborer who tragically died in a construction accident $7,000,000 settlement for a union carpenter struck in the face by a falling pipe scaffold clamp $6,800,000 verdict for an injured laborer that fell on top of an uncapped rebar $5,000,000 settlement for a laborer that suffered injuries from an electric shock $5,000,000 verdict for a laborer that fell from a scaffold $5,000,000 verdict for an injured laborer that sustained a heel injury after falling through a soffit $5,000,000 verdict for an injured worker that sustained back and ear drum injuries $4,995,000 settlement for an injured laborer who sustained ankle fractures after falling from a height $4,750,000 settlement for a 51-year-old union worker who suffered multiple injuries that required surgery after he was struck by an NYC sanitation vehicle $3,800,000 award in Suffolk County case for a delivery driver injured when a trailer step he was standing on broke, causing him to fall $3,750,000 settlement for a laborer that was struck by a falling beam $3,700,000 settlement for a construction asbestos laborer that fell from a scaffold $3,250,000 settlement for a laborer that fell from a temporary train platform $3,000,000 settlement for 30-year-old electrician's helper who suffered knee and spinal injuries during a work site fall at a commercial space $2,700,000 settlement for a concrete laborer that sustained ankle injuries $2,600,000 settlement for a construction laborer that required back surgery after falling from a scaffold $2,500,000 settlement for a demolition worker injured in a work fall $2,500,000 settlement for mail clerk who suffered back and shoulder injuries after a rear-end accident involving a tractor trailer $2,300,000 settlement for a construction worker struck by concrete truck $2,250,000 settlement for a union carpenter struck by a falling door $2,200,000 settlement for a plumber who suffered severe back injuries in a ladder fall on a Queens construction project $2,200,000 settlement for an undocumented construction laborer in Queens $2,195,000 settlement for a laborer injured after falling through a hole on an Orange County site $2,000,000 settlement for 49-year-old non-union painter who sustained spinal and brain injuries after falling backwards from a ladder at work $1,850,000 settlement during trial for a construction worker that injured his fingers during a hoisting accident $1,750,000 settlement for a construction worker who suffered multiple right arm fractures in a fall $1,750,000 settlement for man who suffered worsening lower back pain as a result of a rear-end collision involving a company-owned car $1,475,000 settlement for laborer who fell from scaffold at a construction site $1,400,000 settlement for a union laborer who sustained leg injuries in a construction accident On occasion, Mr. Block has taken on challenging cases that other lawyers have turned down and generated eye-opening results. For instance, he convinced a jury to return a $4,100,000 verdict on a non-surgical herniated disc case. In an unprecedented case, he also persuaded a judge to award his client summary judgment in a bad-faith action against an insurance company, which he then settled for more than 30 times the insurance policy. While meeting and overcoming challenges has always motivated Mr. Block, helping folks that are down on their luck is what he finds most rewarding. A $14,000,000 result in Nassau County, reported to be the highest non-medical malpractice verdict ever in Nassau County, is one of the results that brings him the most satisfaction because he was genuinely able to impact the life of a man that truly needed it. A verdict in excess of $9,000,000 in Kings County is another example of Mr. Block waging a battle for someone that needed a fighter at his side. Convincing a insurance company to pay a young boy $12,000,000 rivals any accomplishment because of the impact he was able to make on this child's life. A $5,500,000 result in an elevator accident also makes him proud. The result, while excellent, matters much less when compared with the strong bond and mutual respect Mr. Block now shares with this particular client. This relationship is one he now cherishes. Defense attorneys and powerful insurance companies fear Mr. Block as an adversary because of his unparalleled results; they also respect him because he truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to get them justice. In the past five years, along with his partners, Mr. Block has been instrumental in raising in excess of $5,000,000.00 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Mr. Block and his partners are major donors to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, The Frances Pope Memorial Foundation and Candlelighters of New York City. All of these charities focus on aiding the families of children with cancer.

Job Titles:

• Associate / Location: New York, New York

Joshua Stern joined Block O'Toole & Murphy in May of 2021. He has been practicing law since 2011, after graduating from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center cum laude. Mr. Stern went to law school knowing he wanted to become a trial attorney. He tailored his curriculum and activities to this goal, which included acting as the associate editor-in-chief of the Moot Court Honor Society and clerking for Honorable Justice Michele Woodard. In this role, he gained valuable insight into his current trial attorney practice. Following law school, Mr. Stern began his career as a defense attorney and worked his way up to partner at a large international defense firm, handling numerous catastrophic injury cases and commercial cases on behalf of some of the largest insurance companies in the world. He represented many different defendants in personal injury cases, including construction companies, professional athletes in the NFL and NBA, municipalities, landlords, and businesses. To build upon his skills handling workplace accidents, he obtained OSHA 10 and 30 certifications in order to be part of a construction accident rapid response team. After observing the devastating effects of construction, trucking, and other accidents on victims and their families, Mr. Stern commenced employment at a longstanding and respected plaintiff's personal injury firm, where he honed his skills representing accident victims. It was here, settling and trying cases for plaintiffs, that he found his calling. The trust in his skills to handle technical and catastrophic injury cases for defendants and plaintiffs speaks volumes about Mr. Stern's abilities as an attorney. His work has been recognized by the organization Super Lawyers; in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 he was selected as a "Rising Star," an accolade reserved for less than 2.5% of attorneys in New York State. Likewise, he was recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 in 2021, a distinction for attorneys under the age of 40 that exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership. In his spare time, Mr. Stern enjoys furthering and sharing his legal knowledge. In 2013, he was called upon to give a guest lecture at his alma mater regarding "The Art of Taking a Deposition." In 2019, he presented a webinar to claim representatives and defense attorneys regarding "Understanding the Importance of Contract Provisions within the Context of New York Labor Law." Armed with knowledge of the inner workings of defense firms, municipalities, private and public companies, and various large insurance companies, Mr. Stern now only represents accident victims on the Plaintiff's side. His defense experience has been incredibly helpful in obtaining favorable results for his clients. Although he has only exclusively worked representing injured victims for a short time, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he has successfully obtained nearly $15,000,000 for his clients via trial and settlements. His results at Block O'Toole and Murphy include a $2,500,000 million settlement for a demolition worker who suffered serious injuries after falling from scaffolding while he was in the process of removing an HVAC duct; a $1,000,000 settlement for a trip and fall accident for an unemployed pedestrian that injured his neck; $750,000 for a 56-year-old unemployed passenger in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in a knee arthroscopy; and $699,000 for a 20-year-old HVAC technician that fell from a ladder injuring his shoulder, which required arthroscopic repair. Mr. Stern has tried many cases to verdict and has found success at both the trial and appellate level. His skilled, passionate, and unyielding approach to litigation continues to bring about favorable results for his clients.

Job Titles:

• Associate / Location: New York, New York

Kristian Krober is a native New Yorker and grew up in Brooklyn. He attended New York City public schools and graduated from Fordham University, cum laude, with a Bachelor's degree in History in 2011. Mr. Krober received Dean's List honors from 2008-2011, and was also a member of the Theology and History honor societies at Fordham. He was also a member of the men's ice hockey team and served as the team's captain during the 2010-2011 season. Kristian earned his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School in 2015. While in law school, Kristian served as an Executive Articles Editor for the Brooklyn Journal of International Law, where he edited and reviewed articles submitted by fellow students and law professors. He also completed internships in the office of Governor Cuomo's Counsel, where he wrote legal memoranda advising on policy and legal implications of recently passed legislation. Mr. Krober also interned with the Metropolitan Transit Authority, aiding the M.T.A. in the defense of negligence and wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Krober was also a member of the Student Representation Project and represented suspended New York City children at Department of Education suspension hearings. Mr. Krober served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office from 2015-2019. While at the D.A.'s office, Kristian investigated and prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases, including arson, burglary, shooting, gun possession, assault, and attempted murder cases. He also assisted in the prosecution of sexual crimes and homicides while at the D.A.'s Office. Mr. Krober drafted and executed over fifteen search warrants, including a search warrant involving the seizure of a 2,500 year old piece of art that was illegally possessed in Manhattan. The piece was eventually repatriated back to Italy. Kristian also presented dozens of violent felony cases in the grand jury and tried 12 cases to verdict. Mr. Krober conducted over ten pre-trial hearings involving substantive legal issues during his time as a prosecutor and received an "Exceptional" trial rating by supervisors for his work in the courtroom. Mr. Krober is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bars.

Job Titles:

• Partner / Location: New York, New York

Michael J. Hurwitz joined Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP in January 2013 and became a partner in 2020. Mr. Hurwitz handles catastrophic construction accidents and serious personal injury cases on behalf of the firm. He has been practicing law since 1998, exclusively representing injured victims. He has handled a wide range of cases, including labor law and construction accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, premises liability, and significant motor vehicle accidents from inception through trial. Mr. Hurwitz is well known for his dedication and commitment to his clients and their needs. Mr. Hurwitz's reputation as a trial lawyer has earned him various recognitions and awards. He is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, a recipient of the AVVO Client's Choice Award, and has been named to the prestigious New York Super Lawyers every year since 2015, recognizing him as being one of the top 5% of lawyers in his field.

Job Titles:

• Associate / Location: New York, New York

Olga Baginski joined the Law Firm of Block O'Toole and Murphy in August 2021. She is fluent in English, Polish, and Russian. Ms. Baginski was born and raised in Grodno, Republic of Belarus. While there, she successfully passed entrance exams and received a full scholarship to attend Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno School of Law. In 2011, she graduated in the top 15 percent of her class with a degree in Law. While attending law school, Olga participated in multiple scientific conferences where she discussed her articles regarding Criminal Law and Procedure, proving herself to be a keen young scholar. Her graduation project was recognized with an award from the President of the Republic of Belarus Special Fund of Social Support of Talented Youth and Students. During her final three semesters of law school, Ms. Baginski worked full-time in the Grodno District Court. She worked her way up from archivist and court clerk to consultant and was ultimately promoted to a leading specialist position after graduating from law school. As a leading specialist, she worked alongside judges and assisted pro se litigants facing complex legal issues that they otherwise would have been unable to handle without counseling. It was here that Olga recognized her passion for helping those in need of counsel. In 2015, together with her family, Ms. Baginski moved to the United States. She began her legal career here as a paralegal with a personal injury law firm in New York City, where she assisted attorneys and clients through the litigation process. At the same time, and with the benefit of her trilingual capabilities, Olga also worked as an immigration paralegal aiding those going through the immigration process. In 2019, following her passion to do more for innocent accident victims, Olga earned a Master of Laws from Fordham University School of Law. Despite the rigors of education, she continued working full-time as a paralegal, honing her skills. After graduation, Ms. Baginski began working at another longstanding, reputable New York City plaintiff's personal injury firm. There, she participated in the preparation of clients for depositions, attended mediations and court conferences, learned how to draft motions, assisted attorneys with pre-trial work and trial preparation, and even successfully negotiated full policy tenders with insurance companies on behalf of clients. Her work was integral to the millions of dollars recovered for the clients. At this firm, Ms. Baginski learned her craft from the ground up. Witnessing those immigrating to the United States for a better life suffer serious injuries due to the negligence of other parties impassioned Ms. Baginski to work with accident victims, using her trilingual abilities towards this goal. Ms. Baginski is dedicated to helping her clients recover the maximum compensation that they and their families deserve under the law.

Job Titles:

• Associate / Location: New York, New York

Job Titles:

• Counsel to the Law Firm of Block

Ravi Sattiraju is Of Counsel to the law firm of Block, O'Toole & Murphy, LLP. Mr. Sattiraju has over a decade of experience litigating in state and federal courts. His primary focus is employment related litigation. Mr. Sattiraju has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Employment and Labor Law. He has frequently lectured and published on various employment law topics for numerous organizations, including the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, National Employment Lawyers Association, New Jersey Lawyer Magazine and Practicing Law Institute. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association's Labor and Employment Section, and served as President and on the Board of Directors of the South Asian Bar Association's New Jersey chapter.

S. Joseph Donahue joined Block O'Toole & Murphy in 2005 and was named a Partner of the firm in 2012. Since joining the firm, Mr. Donahue has obtained in excess of $100,000,000 in jury verdicts and settlements, focusing his attention on significant personal injury cases involving construction accidents, motor vehicle accidents, tractor trailer accidents and medical malpractice cases. During his legal career, Mr. Donahue has earned a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer, first as a Brooklyn prosecutor handling violent felony offenses and then as a trial lawyer representing individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries. Mr. Donahue's reputation as a trial lawyer has earned him various recognitions and awards, including his selection to "New York Super Lawyers" from 2011-2019, recognizing him as being one of the top 5% of lawyers in his field, being named as "Top 1% Trial Counsel for Medical Malpractice" in New York State and earning membership into The Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Donahue is a 1994 graduate of Loyola University in Baltimore Maryland and a 1997 graduate of The City University of New York School of Law. Mr. Donahue is licensed to practice in the Federal and State Courts of New York and New Jersey.

Job Titles:

• Adjunct Professor in Trial Advocacy at the St. John 's University School of Law
• Partner / Location: New York, New York
• Partner at Block

Scott Occhiogrosso is a partner at Block O'Toole & Murphy, having handled many very significant construction accident cases as well as other catastrophic injury matters that have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. In April 2019, he won a $110,174,972.38 verdict from a Brooklyn jury for a catastrophically-injured cyclist against the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA). This result is believed to be the largest non-medical malpractice verdict in New York State. After graduating from law school, Mr. Occhiogrosso - - like several of his colleagues at the firm - - began his training as a trial lawyer in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. He handled thousands of serious cases and spent his days navigating the gritty, cavernous courtrooms in downtown Brooklyn. He had occasion to work side-by-side with now firm partners Stephen J. Murphy and S. Joseph Donahue and made a distinct impression on them while he honed his skills as a prosecutor. Mr. Occhiogrosso was recognized for his tenacity and skills, resulting in a promotion to the prestigious Brooklyn Gang Unit. While with the Gang Unit, Mr. Occhiogrosso focused on prosecuting criminals that were involved in violent crimes and gang related activities. He handled cases involving drug, robbery, burglary, assault, attempted murder and murder charges and did so with tremendous success. It was at the District Attorney's Office where Mr. Occhiogrosso developed a reputation for being an ethical but formidable adversary. Most importantly, his experiences solidified his desire as a lawyer to impact people in a positive way. He left the District Attorney's Office in 2005 determined to advance his skills and experience as a trial attorney, beginning as a defense attorney in the civil arena for the Port Authority. Mr. Occhiogrosso fought on behalf of police officers and other Port Authority employees, successfully defending hundreds of multi-million dollar cases through trial and settlement. He continued to gain valuable courtroom experience while learning the nuances of civil practice. In 2010, he left the Port Authority and joined a well respected, boutique plaintiff personal injury practice, continuing his career as a New York City trial attorney. In his brief but invaluable tenure with that firm, among other successes, he obtained a jury verdict of $5.5 Million in a fiercely contested medical malpractice case against a seasoned adversary in Manhattan. In 2013, Scott joined Jeffrey A. Block, Daniel P. O'Toole, Stephen J. Murphy and S. Joseph Donohue in being selected by his peers as a New York Super Lawyer, signifying that he is among the top 5% of attorneys in the field of plaintiff's personal injury law. Mr. Occhiogrosso is fluent in both Spanish and English. He lectures about worker safety and legal rights to Spanish-speaking laborers in New York. Scott works as an adjunct professor in trial advocacy at The St. John's University School of Law where he teaches trial techniques and has coached national and regional championship trial advocacy teams. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three young children.

Job Titles:

• Associate / Location: New York, New York

Shahar Azoulay is an experienced litigator devoted to providing his clients with the highest quality representation. Mr. Azoulay graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo where he received several awards, including the Outstanding Senior in American Studies Award. He went on to study at Yale Law School where he received his J.D. Mr. Azoulay took full advantage of Yale Law School's clinical programs. There, he represented workers and immigrants as part of the Workers and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic (WIRAC) and worked with the New Haven Public Defenders Office representing indigent defendants. Observing the harsh working conditions faced by the migrant workers he represented, and the pervasive disregard for workers' health and safety, motivated Mr. Azoulay to transition to representing workers and injury victims. Through these formative experiences, Mr. Azoulay gained an appreciation for how passionate, client-centered advocacy can lift the voices of the powerless and make a difference for those in need. Building on the hands-on practical experience of representing clients throughout law school, Mr. Azoulay devoted his career to fighting on behalf of individuals facing powerful opponents and facing difficult odds. At the Legal Aid Society, Mr. Azoulay honed his litigation skills in a high pressure, fast paced environment. He represented individuals charged with violating the conditions of their parole at administrative hearings on Rikers Island, through appeals, and at Article 78 proceedings throughout New York City. He went on to represent individuals in post-conviction proceedings and direct appeals in the Criminal Appeals Bureau of the Legal Aid Society. As an appellate attorney, Mr. Azoulay gained a wealth of experience analyzing and briefing complex issues. After years of service as a public interest lawyer, Mr. Azoulay was determined to pursue justice for injury victims who are often facing some of the most difficult crises of their lives. Mr. Azoulay comes to Block O'Toole & Murphy from a national plaintiff's firm where he was responsible for handling all aspects of plaintiff's personal injury matters. He looks forward to continuing to achieve justice for accident victims in his role at Block O'Toole & Murphy.

Job Titles:

• Member of the St. Jude Children 's Hospital Fundraising Team

Stephen J. Murphy joined the firm in early 2005 after a successful and rewarding career as a homicide prosecutor working in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. Mr. Murphy is a lawyer who is best known for his work in the courtroom, now focusing on serious construction accidents and catastrophic personal injury trial work. Mr. Murphy's hard work and skill in the courtroom have earned him many accolades from his colleagues, opponents and judges. Mr. Murphy was named "2022 New York City Lawyer of the Year" for all Plaintiff Personal Injury Lawyers in New York City by Best Lawyers Magazine. Mr. Murphy was described on Z100 Radio as a "legendary trial lawyer." He has been featured on Fox News Radio as one of "America's Premier Trial Lawyers" and was described in The New York Times as one of the "Top Attorneys in New York." He has regularly appeared on local and national news shows as an expert commentator on civil and criminal cases and issues. Mr. Murphy's honors and accolades include: Recipient of Best Lawyers "2022 New York City Lawyer of the Year Award" for all Plaintiff Personal Injury Lawyers in New York City Being named as a "New York Super Lawyer", from 2010-2019 recognizing him as one of the top 5% of lawyers in the Metropolitan Area. ‘The National Trial Lawyer Award' honoring him as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in New York State for the last 9 years. Named to the ‘Best Lawyers in America,' list from 2013-2019. Recipient of the St. Jude Children's Hospital ‘Chairperson of the Year' Award in 2019 Named to the Irish Legal 100, recognizing the top Irish American lawyers in the United States in 2013-2016. Recipient of the St. John's School of Law P.T.A.I. ‘2014 Alumni Excellence Award.' Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for the last 9 years. Recipient of the Frances Pope Memorial Foundation ‘Man of the Year Award' in 2010. ‘Brooklyn to Alaska' Honoree 2017 Named as ‘Volunteer of the Quarter' by The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Brehon Law Society, 2015 Honoree. Mr. Murphy handles a wide range of cases including labor law and construction accidents, tractor trailer and truck collisions, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice and motor vehicle cases. With only 14 years in civil practice, Mr. Murphy already has an extremely impressive body of work, regularly returning verdicts and settlements in excess of a million dollars. He has amassed over $350,000,000 in results for his clients during that time period, including an average of well over $40,000,000 in settlements every year since 2013. Mr. Murphy is an attorney that members of the bar, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, frequently consult with on trial matters and refer their most significant cases to. Mr. Murphy has successfully negotiated a $15,500,000 settlement for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury. He also was able to persuade two insurance carriers to pay $9,950,000 to avoid a trial in Buffalo in a case where a young woman sustained an above-the-knee amputation. Mr. Murphy recovered $7,500,000 from the City of New York in a pedestrian accident case. He also was able to persuade an insurance company to pay his client, a union sheet metal worker, $7,400,000 on the eve of trial for back injuries he sustained in a construction site fall. Mr. Murphy has long been a fierce advocate on behalf of construction workers and their families. In another construction case, he fought and recovered $5,500,000 for an injured electrician who sustained a brain injury after falling from an extension ladder. Recently, Mr. Murphy was able to successfully negotiate a $7,525,000 settlement for a family after a devastating accident where a mother and a 7-year-old boy were killed and a $9,950,000 settlement for an upstate woman who lost her leg in a work accident. In Queens County, Mr. Murphy recently convinced a jury to return a verdict of $5,585,000 for an undocumented worker who sustained back and wrist injuries in a construction accident. He also convinced a large insurance company to pay $4,600,000 out of $5,000,000 in insurance coverage for an injured Rigger who sustained neck and back injuries. Mr. Murphy also secured $3,925,000 for an injured worker that tried to help a truck driver who was stuck at a railroad crossing. The truck was struck by a locomotive while the plaintiff was trying to assist the truck driver, resulting in serious orthopedic injuries to the plaintiff. This result was also listed by the ‘National Law Journal' as one of the Top 50 Settlements in the United States in 2013. Mr. Murphy served as an adjunct professor of law for eight years at the St. John's University School of law. He instructed students on trial advocacy and lectured on criminal and civil trial practice and evidence. Mr. Murphy also served as an instructor for their nationally regarded trial advocacy program. His students won national championships in trial competitions in five of the seven years Mr. Murphy was involved. In 2014, the St. John's School of Law honored Mr. Murphy with the P.T.A.I. ‘Alumni Excellence Award.' Mr. Murphy is a proud member of the St. Jude Children's Hospital fundraising team, helping raise well over $3,000,000 for this worthy cause. He also is a dedicated supporter of the Frances Pope Memorial Foundation, an important charity that assists families with a child that has been diagnosed with a pediatric disease such as leukemia and cancer.