Liakas Law, P.C.

Happy #PresidentsDay from the team at Liakas Law P.C.

Supervising Partner, Scott Steinberg, reached a settlement after mediation for a client who tripped and fell over a depressed cellar door in Brooklyn. Associate, Paul Bitetti, of the Liakas Law Trial Team, resolved a ceiling collapse on the eve of trial for a 70 year-old woman who was injured in the bathroom of her apartment.

Congratulations to Adam Wolk for securing a settlement after opening on damages during a bifurcated trial for a laborer who fell from a ladder during a new construction job at 611 West 56th Street in Manhattan. Adam previously won liability after the jury delivered a verdict (unanimously) approximately 15 minutes into deliberations. Interestingly, the defendants and the insurance carrier threatened to pull their “final” settlement offer if it was not accepted - which it wasn’t - and eventually paid more than 21x what was originally extended.

Liakas Law P.C. is pleased to announce that Craig Phemister has joined the firm as a partner. Craig Phemister has been litigating cases in New York for nearly 30 years. Having grown up in the Midwest, Mr. Phemister graduated from college at the University of Nebraska and received his law degree from Creighton University in Omaha. After an internship with the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Office at Offutt Air Force Base, he moved to New York City where he believed his career interests could best be met. For the past 28 years, Mr. Phemister has represented thousands of clients, focusing on personal injury and civil rights violations – which are often closely tied together. His fascination with civil rights started when he was selected to help litigate a case where it was proven that the client was actually innocent but had been falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of murder; then served 18 years of his life in prison. It was beyond shocking that something like that could happen – and destroy numerous lives in the process. Mr. Phemister went on to become the Practice Chair of Civil Rights at a national law firm in Manhattan where he continued to represent victims of police abuse, excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and wrongful conviction. Craig has always worked simultaneously on civil rights cases and personal injury cases with life-changing injuries. Both types of cases have truly caused his clients tremendous harm and Mr. Phemister loves to fight to get them what they deserve. Having always represented plaintiffs, Mr. Phemister has taken over 200 verdicts at trials on cases where defendants have refused to fairly compensate his clients for their negligence and recklessness. His compassion and zealous advocacy for his clients have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Craig has a life-long passion for fighting for the underdog. He has successfully obtained winning verdicts and settlements on cases involving premises accidents, automobile accidents, medical malpractice as well as both minor and major civil rights violations. He has been selected as a “Super Lawyer” and “The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100” for the past several years – awards that reflect his leadership, reputation, and qualifications. Although he focuses primarily on New York cases, Mr. Phemister has also been admitted pro-hac vice to represent clients in several other states including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey.

Liakas Law P.C. is proud to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth!

Liakas Law P.C. is pleased to announce that Jenny Xu has been named Junior Partner. Jenny Xu grew up in Los Angeles, California, where she attended the University of California, Los Angeles and earned a degree in Political Science and Chinese. The Big Apple won her heart, which prompted her to move to New York City, where she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. After law school, Jenny practiced in the insurance defense industry, which allowed her to learn the ins and outs and strategical practices of the insurance industry. This knowledge and experience equipped her with great insight in fighting for plaintiffs. Jenny focuses her practice on construction accidents and has immense knowledge of Labor Law. She zealously fights for those who have been wronged and injured by negligent and greedy companies taking shortcuts to keep more money in their pockets. She is a strong and passionate litigator, who works endlessly for her clients.

Liakas Law P.C. is pleased to announce that Jenny Xu has been named Junior Partner. Jenny Xu grew up in Los Angeles, California, where she attended the University of California, Los Angeles and earned a degree in Political Science and Chinese. The Big Apple won her heart, which prompted her to move to New York City, where she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. After law school, Jenny practiced in the insurance defense industry, which allowed her to learn the ins and outs and strategical practices of the insurance industry. This knowledge and experience equipped her with great insight in fighting for plaintiffs. Jenny focuses her practice on construction accidents and has immense knowledge of Labor Law. She zealously fights for those who have been wronged and injured by negligent and greedy companies taking shortcuts to keep more money in their pockets. She is a strong and passionate litigator, who works endlessly for her clients.

Liakas Law, P.C. is honored to be a preferred law firm for numerous dedicated New York unions. From firefighters to steamfitters, we are committed to defending the rights of those who contribute so much to the construction and safety of our city.

At Liakas Law P.C., we are dedicated to fighting for what is right for clients — and our commitment extends to communities across New York. The successful food drives our team sponsored in 2024 will continue in the new year, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to help so many families.

Please join us in support of a very deserving and experienced candidate. Alexis has served as the principal law clerk to the Hon. Wayne P. Saitta for over seven years and will be a tremendous addition to the bench! Hon. Mark Partnow (Ret.) Stephen Liakas Dean Liakas