Attorneys

• Boston University School of Law, J.D., 1986
• Dartmouth College, cum laude with Distinction in Government, B.A., 1982

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York, all U.S. District Courts of New York and the First and Second Circuit Courts of Appeals

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association, Litigation, Tort and Insurance Law Section
• Defense Research Institute
• Transportation Lawyers Association
• Trucking Industry Defense Association
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Kevin is a trial lawyer and appellate advocate who spends most of his time defending professional/legal malpractice, motor vehicle, trucking, construction, premises and product liability cases. Kevin began his career at Palmer & Dodge, a large firm in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was involved in approximately five complex trials, ranging from a large construction dispute to a multi million dollar satellite explosion. He has defended Ford Motor Company and several other large product manufacturers.

Since returning to Syracuse in 1989, he has tried over a hundred cases, including all types of matters ranging from automobile and premises liability to commercial, products, medical malpractice, professional and legal negligence and other liability matters. He regularly defends construction companies, trucking companies, product manufacturers and municipalities with an outstanding record of success.

• Albany Law School of Union University, J.D., 2000
• State University of New York College at Brockport, B.S. 1995, Criminal Justice & Sociology

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Western Districts of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Kristen is a trial lawyer and appellate advocate.  Kristen first gained experience while in law school participating in moot court competitions.  She was a Regional Quarterfinalist for the National Trial Team Competition and received the Overall Best Advocate Award for the intra-school 2000 Senior Prize Trials Competition.  After working at Smith Sovik as a summer clerk, Kristen joined the firm as an associate in April 2001 and was elected to partnership in December 2009.

Kristen represents individuals, businesses and municipalities defending all types of matters ranging from automobile and premises liability to products liability, trucking, medical and professional malpractice, commercial, Labor Law, construction and employment litigation.  She has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict with excellent results.

Kristen also represents farmers as part of the New York State Farm Bureau’s panel counsel program as well as New York No-Fault and Social Security Disability matters for the firm.

• University of Iowa School of Law, J.D., 1996, Special Honors/With Highest Distinction
• University of Iowa, B.A., 1992

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York, the U.S. District Court for Northern District of New York and the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Tony is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in civil motion practice and appellate advocacy. Tony’s experience includes working as an associate for many years with Martin, Magnuson, McCarthy & Kenney in Boston, Massachusetts, where he concentrated on civil motion and appellate practice.  He also served as a judicial law clerk to Justice Anne L. Kilbane of the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth Appellate District in Cleveland, Ohio, from February 2000 through September 2004.

• Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1994
• LeMoyne College, B.S., 1990

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York, the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Western Districts, and the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Trucking Industry Defense Association
• National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

• Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 2013
• State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, B.S. cum laude , 2010

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association

[email protected]

315-474-2911

315-474-6015

Christopher is a 2013 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, where he received the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers John C. Cherundulo Award for Leadership & Advocacy. He received the College of Law’s Robert W. Miller Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and the CALI Award for highest overall performance in Trial Practice. At Syracuse, Christopher was a member of the National Civil Trial Team. His team received the Ethical Advocacy Award in 2011 during the National Civil Trial Competition and went on to become National Tournament Champions in 2012.

Before joining Smith Sovik, Christopher had the opportunity to extern with former Acting Supreme Court Justice John C. Cherundulo and spent summers working as a law clerk for the Albany County District Attorney’s Office and an insurance defense firm in Albany, N.Y.

• Albany Law School, Union University, J.D., 1992
• Boston University, B.A., English, 1989

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and all U.S. District Courts of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association

[email protected]

315-474-2911

315-474-6015

In 2014, Karen rejoined Smith Sovik as a partner after working as a principal law clerk for sixteen years for the Hon. Norman A. Mordue, United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York.

While working for Judge Mordue, Karen researched and wrote hundreds of decisions and assisted in numerous criminal and civil jury trials on issues including employment discrimination, civil rights, federal agency regulatory matters, patent and copyright disputes, and all other types of civil litigation falling under the court’s diversity jurisdiction.

Karen now focuses her work on insurance coverage issues, complex federal and state litigation and appellate advocacy in all areas of civil litigation including Labor Law and employment discrimination matters, civil rights actions, breach of contract, professional malpractice, premises liability, products liability, toxic tort and motor vehicle accidents.

Recently, Karen has been successful in obtaining summary judgment on a number of complex, multi-party matters in State and Federal court for an engineering firm, a trucking company, a school district and a state agency.

• Marshall-Wythe School of Law of the College of William and Mary, J.D., 1986
• Colgate University, Cum Laude, B.A., 1983

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

• Albany Law School of Union University , J.D., 1995
• State University of New York at Oswego, B.A. Cum Laude, 1992

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association, Board of Directors
• New York State Bar Association, Executive Committee of the Trial Lawyers Section
• Defense Research Institute

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Brandon is a trial lawyer who spends most of his time defending products liability, motor vehicle negligence, professional malpractice, construction and premises liability claims.  Brandon began his career at the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society where he defended indigent people in various criminal and civil matters, spending most of his time in court.  Prior to joining Smith Sovik in 2006, Brandon was a partner at the Sugarman Law Firm.

He regularly defends construction companies, trucking companies, design professionals, product manufacturers, nursing homes, hospitals, medical professionals and individuals in courts throughout the State of New York with an outstanding record of success. Brandon has successfully tried numerous cases involving all types of matters ranging from automobile, trucking and premises to commercial, construction, medical malpractice and nursing home cases.

• Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1973
• Boston College, Cum Laude, B.A., 1969

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Western and Southern Districts of New York and the U.S. Supreme Court

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Jim focuses his practice in medical malpractice defense litigation and in defense of physicians’ and other medical providers’ administrative matters such as defense of licensure proceedings, credentialing and hospital staff privileges.  Jim has over 35 years of experience defending all types of medical malpractice lawsuits including all medical specialties, dentistry, podiatry, chiropractic, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses with an outstanding record of success.

He also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in civil litigation cases, having successfully completed the requisite course work through the American Arbitration Association. He has lectured extensively to professional organizations, medical and surgical departments within hospitals and state and county bar associations in the field of civil litigation.  He began his litigation experience at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office as Assistant District Attorney and, eventually, Chief Assistant District Attorney.

• Case Western Reserve University, J.D., 1999
• Case Western Reserve University, M.A., Biomedical Ethics, 1999
• University of Rochester, B.A., Political Science, 1996

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and all U.S. District Courts of New York

• New York State Bar Association
• Onondaga County Bar Association
• Oswego County Bar Association
• President, House Corporation Board of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at Syracuse University
• Board Member, Helping Hounds Dog Rescue

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Kristin joined Smith Sovik in October 2000 and was elected to partnership in 2008.

Kristin is a trial lawyer and appellate advocate.  She has successfully tried numerous cases in the areas of premises liability, Labor Law and motor vehicle accidents in courts throughout the State of New York.

• Syracuse University College of Law, J.D. 2004
• State University of New York College at Fredonia, B.A. Magna Cum Laude, English and Spanish, 1999

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and all U.S. District Courts of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• Federal Bar Council
• Board Member, Project CAFE, Inc.
• Board Member, Cazenovia Childrens House, Inc.

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

• Albany Law School of Union University, J.D., 1999
• Siena College, B.A., Cum Laude, 1996

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York, all U.S. District Courts of New York and the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

• New York State Bar Association
• Onondaga County Bar Association

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Dan joined Smith Sovik in 2006 after working as an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department. There he handled cases involving alleged violations of civil rights by the NYPD and Department of Corrections. These cases were handled exclusively in federal court, and Dan’s first trial victory involved allegations of excessive force and unlawful arrest by a pair of NYPD patrol officers. The case was tried in the Southern District of New York. After hearing the case, the jury deliberated for less than half an hour before finding in favor of the defendants.

Dan then transitioned to prosecuting juvenile sex offenders in Bronx County Family Court. As a member of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, Dan worked with NYPD detectives to investigate and prosecute juvenile offenders who committed sex crimes against other juveniles. These difficult and volatile cases were tried in front of a single Family Court Judge and resulted in numerous convictions.

Dan then moved on to work as a litigation associate in a large firm located in New York City. There he handled general negligence, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and complex tort litigation.

At Smith Sovik, where he became a partner in 2011, Dan handles numerous complex cases involving municipal liability, medical malpractice, general liability, and professional malpractice. Dan regularly represents clients in federal and state courts. Dan also has appeared for clients in administrative hearings before the New York State Office of Professional Discipline and Office of Professional Medical Conduct where he has successfully defended doctors, dentists, social workers and other licensed professionals against claims of negligence and misconduct.

• Boston University School of Law, J.D. 1990
• St. Lawrence University, B.A. Cum Laude in Government, 1986

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and all U.S. District Courts of New York

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association (Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section)
• Defense Research Institute (Product Liability Committee)
• American Association for Justice (Products Liability Section)
• New York State Trial Lawyers Association
• New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
• The American Indoor Air Quality Council
• Camillus Swim Club, President

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Ted joined Smith Sovik Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C., as a partner in January 2008. Prior to joining Smith Sovik, he was a litigation partner at the Syracuse law firm of Hancock & Estabrook, LLP. He brings to Smith Sovik over 25 years of trial experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits involving personal injuries caused by defective products, fire and propane explosions, motor vehicle accidents, negligent roadway design and maintenance, construction and work place accidents and liability claims involving municipalities. He has won numerous trials in state and federal courts throughout New York State.

As a strong advocate for his clients, Ted adopts a proactive winning strategy from the first meeting with any potential client. As a seasoned litigator, he has learned the art of listening and counseling clients, many of whom are consulting with an attorney for the first time. The true hallmark of excellence as a litigation attorney is to find the difficult balance in giving frank, honest advice to clients and then devising a winning trial strategy. Ted strongly believes the key to excellent advocacy and representation is good, clear and consistent communication with clients; who are a true and indispensable partner in developing an overall winning strategy.

At Smith Sovik, his practice includes all aspects of civil litigation, more particularly the defense of personal injury lawsuits involving medical malpractice, legal malpractice, civil rights, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, construction and labor law, toxic tort and premises liability. He also has extensive experience in handling complex commercial cases involving shareholder disputes, debt instruments, contract disputes, insurance claims, labor and employment matters.

• California Western School of Law, J.D., 1990
• SUNY Cortland, B.A., 1986

• Admitted to practice before all Courts of the State of New York and California, all U.S. District Courts of New York, the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and the Court of Military Appeals

• Onondaga County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• California Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Labor and Employment Practice Group
• Tort and Insurance Practice Section

[email protected]

(315) 474-2911

(315) 474-6015

Steve is originally from the Buffalo area, but ultimately graduated from Saratoga Springs High School.  He earned his B.A. from Cortland College and then worked in the New York State Legislature as a writer.  He attended law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California.  There he was named Best Advocate of his graduating class. He was also the 1990 recipient of the Richard D. Westbrook award for scholarship and advocacy. Steve was admitted to the California Bar in 1990 and the New York Bar in 1994.

After law school Steve served as an officer in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. There he gained valuable trial experience. He was promoted to the position of Senior Trial Counsel (i.e., senior prosecutor), where he supervised a staff of prosecutors. He specialized in handling some of the Navy’s most complex and high profile cases. In 1994, Steve was assigned as counsel to Rear Admiral F. M. Dirren, Jr. Steve advised the Admiral on a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to, labor and employment, tort law and criminal law. Steve was twice awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.

Steve joined Smith Sovik in 1995 and was made a partner in 1997. Since joining the firm, Steve has earned a reputation as an excellent trial lawyer. He has tried cases throughout New York State, as well as in New Jersey and Texas. He represented a foreign businessman in a defamation claim that was tried in the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn.  The jury awarded Steve’s client the largest defamation verdict in our nation’s history.  More recently, Steve completed a three week trial in Houston, Texas where he represented a Bahamanian corporation in a breach of contract claim. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the Bahamian corporation, and in so doing, awarded Steve’s client a judgment in excess of one billion dollars.