FOUNDING PARTNERS


Bill Vaslas:

Bill specializes in representing hospitals and physicians in the trial of complex medical malpractice actions, as well as in administrative and regulatory hearings before the Department of Health, Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Bill has also acted as trial counsel in products liability cases in both Federal and State court actions in the areas of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and consumer goods and has represented corporations in intellectual property actions involving copyright infringement.

Richard Lepowsky:

Richard is the head of the firm's corporate department and has particular expertise in the areas of hedge fund regulation and formation, representation of Private Equity funds; representation of companies and investors in venture capital financing; and debt and equity private placements. Richard has represented companies in connection with licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreements and has represented partnerships and corporations in connection with formation and shareholder issues. Richard has also represented advertising agencies and corporations in negotiations with television personalities and professional athletes in connection with spokesperson and product promotion agreements. Richard is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bars.

Karen Hauss:

Karen specializes in representing hospitals and physicians in all phases of medical malpractice litigation in both State and Federal courts. Karen also represents physicians, nurses and other health care workers at State licensure hearings; professional misconduct trials, hearings and inquiries; and before Hospital Boards and Quality Assurance Committees. Karen also has extensive experience in representing corporations and professional clients before governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Health, IPRO, and the NASD.

Paul J. Danke, Jr.:

Paul, a founding partner and trial attorney, has focused his practice on the defense of physicians, hospitals and healthcare providers in medical malpractice cases. He handles all phases of litigation from inception to trial. Paul, who has an undergraduate degree in biology, handles a wide range of the firm’s medical and healthcare clients. His other practice areas include the defense of general liability actions, appellate practice and representing healthcare professionals in professional disciplinary proceedings.

Paul received his Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University, School of Law in 1990. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Manhattan College in 1986, where he was a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. He is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey and in the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York, the Eastern District of New York and the District of New Jersey.

Paul is a member of several professional organizations including the New York State Bar Association and the Richmond County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences – Staten Island Museum.

OF COUNSEL:

Michael Present:

Michael is a member of the firm’s corporate and real estate departments and represents a diverse clientele, including broker/dealer firms, hedge funds, medical practices and manufacturing companies. Michael represents businesses and individuals in the acquisition and sale of commercial and residential properties, lease transactions and condominium conversions. In addition to his corporate and transactional practice, Michael has represented numerous securities firms in industry and customer arbitrations before the NASD, New York Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange. Michael also has extensive experience in Surrogate’s Court practice and has represented Executors and Administrators in Will contests, Accounting Proceedings and general Estate administrative matters.