New York office puts ‘giving back’ on the agendaFor attorneys and staff in the firm’s New York City office,

charitable endeavors take many forms. Whether it’s helping dis-advantaged women, special needs children or soldiers in Iraq,there is a common theme … giving back.

A case in point is Thomas W. Hyland, Managing Partner ofthe New York Office. Tom has a long history of supporting theCatholic Home Bureau, an organization that helps New York Citywomen and children in need. The organization does whatever ittakes to strengthen families.

“We are in a complicated society in which the family has bro-ken down,” Tom said. As a result many women, particularly single mothers, do not have

Vo l u m e 1 7 I s s u e 2 , S u m m e r 2 0 0 6 wilsonelser.com

Wilson Elser is a member of a lot of commu-nities and we strive to be contributing members.Beginning with the Wilson Elser communityitself, in this issue you will read about mentoringprograms, a Women’s Networking Event and aspecial project of a mother whose daughter isserving in Iraq.

As members of the legal community, we areactive on the international, national and local lev-els. Included in this issue are but a few examplesof our involvement, from the ABA’s Back toBusiness Project to various committees of stateand local bar associations. With 20 domesticoffices, you will find Wilson Elser attorneysactive across the country working with andthrough legal associations to support endeavorsto improve the legal system and the quality of ser-vice it provides.

Our attorneys are also active in many associa-tions and industry groups that represent the inter-ests of our clients. In this issue you will readabout some of our involvement with the AviationInsurance Association, the National Associationof Railroad Trial Counsel and the InternationalInstitute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution.

In addition to our roles as lawyers, we are alsomembers of the broader communities in whichwe live. Our people are involved in a myriad oforganizations that try to build better, strongercommunities by helping those with special needs;be they single mothers who do not have an ade-quate support system, children with disabilities orwomen attempting to re-enter the workforce –our people are trying to make a difference. g

A letter from the Chairman…

Firm’s aviation practice really taking offA diverse group of attorneys, some just coming onboard,

is taking Wilson Elser’s already thriving aviation practice togreater heights. New attorneys and new clients herald thefirm’s entry into a new practice discipline, one that is growingwith the force of jet propulsion.

The addition of five attorneys to the aviation group, andthe promotion of one attorney already practicing in this area topartner, has positioned the firm to serve virtually all the legalneeds of clients in this dynamic industry, according to FranklinF. Bass, the New York City Partner who heads the aviationpractice. The firm can answer those needs in any part of thecountry, and across the globe.

Franklin said that Wilson Elser is seeing business growth in this sector at a time

Continued on page 4

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Wilson ElserWilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP

WemediaWilson Elser hosts 4th annual women’s event

The women attorneys of Wilson Elser hosted the 4thAnnual Women’s Networking Event at the Princeton Clubin New York City in May. Attorneys and clients fromaround the country attended the event. Prior to the recep-tion, Wilson Elser hosted the Women Partners’Symposium where networking and career developmentwere the focus.

Ricki E. Roer (Partner-NY), a member of the firm’sExecutive Committee, said the annual gathering “gives ourwomen attorneys the opportunity to interact with col-leagues and clients from around the nation in the more relaxed environment of thereception.”

Thomas W. WilsonChairman of the Executive Committee

Franklin F. Bass

Ricki E. Roer

Julie R. Evans

Photos on page 6

2 Wemedia

when most other law firms’ aviation prac-tices are stalled. “North America has nothad a major commercial aviation accident innearly five years,” Franklin pointed out. Solegal work related to in-flight aviation acci-dents is significantly reduced. Moreover, thecompetition for this kind of work is fierceamong the small number of firms that handle it.

Certainly our attorneys have worked onthe headline-generating crashes that weremarked by high death tolls and extensivedamage. But there are many other aspectsof the industry that demand the services oflawyers who concentrate in this area.Wilson Elser does it all, Franklin said, fromhandling large and small accidents in flight,in the terminals, and on the tarmac, toassisting with the many business needs thatarise in the aviation industry.

The heart of the firm’s aviation prac-tice is in the New York City office, whereFranklin works. “With the addition of thenew people, we will have 13 attorneysworking full time in New York, and will belooking to add one or two more before theend of the year,” he said. The firm also hasan attorney working full time in SanFrancisco on aviation cases, and othersworking part time on such matters in firmoffices across the country.

In fact, aviation cases have been han-dled in the firm’s offices in Boston, NewJersey, Miami, Dallas, Las Vegas, Houston,San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago,Connecticut and Philadelphia. Not bad fora firm whose aviation practice only startedin 1998, when Franklin came to WilsonElser.

“Eight years ago the aviation practicewas me,” Franklin said, half-jokingly.Fascinated with airplanes and flight fromthe time he was a child, Franklin got a pilot’slicense and bought a plane as soon as he wasable. Already an attorney, he pursued hispassion for flight by starting his own aircraftcompany, Paladin Aircraft, Inc. He and apartner based the business at a New Jerseyairport and purchased five more planes.“Paladin gave flying lessons, did point-to-point flying and some aerial photography,”he said. Other career paths, in law and theinsurance industry, ultimately took prece-dence, and he sold the flight business.

But this loss was Wilson Elser’s gain, asthe firm’s aviation practice benefits from aleader who has flown planes, run an aviationbusiness, and worked as a trial attorney forthe Port Authority of New York and NewJersey. Franklin took numerous jury trials toverdict while working for the Port Authority,which operates the New York metro area’sairports.

Experiencing turbo-charged growth

Among the new additions to WilsonElser’s aviation practice are other versatileattorneys, some of whom have attainednational and international reputations in thisarea of legal practice. The firm announcedrecently that effective September 1, a father-and-son team prominent in aviation practice

will be coming onboard. George N.Tompkins Jr. and George N. Tompkins IIIwill join the firm as Of Counsel and Partner,respectively, in the New York City office.The two attorneys are experienced in allaspects of the aviation industry. “Theirpractice will bring significant clients in theAsian market,” foresees Franklin.

George Jr. has practiced aviation law formore than 40 years. He is considered by manyto be a pre-eminent lawyer in this field. Hisreputation has been earned defending air-lines against passenger lawsuits in major air-craft accidents around the world. George Jr.was lead counsel for Korean Air in the 1983shoot-down of Flight 007 by Soviet jets. Hisstanding in the industry led the SouthAfrican government to ask for his help ininvestigating the 1987 South AfricanAirways 747 explosion and crash in the

Indian Ocean. George Jr. has also been aninstrumental player in bringing aboutchanges in international law regarding theliability of airlines.

“He brings a dimension to the firm thatwe don’t have now,” said Franklin. “He hasclients in the Asian marketplace, particularlyChina, opening up real opportunities in anarea where we haven’t been working.”

George III will also focus his practiceon aviation law. He has defended a foreigncommercial airline in wrongful death actionsarising out of a major air crash. Additionally,he has represented both domestic and for-eign airlines and aircraft manufacturers inpersonal injury, wrongful death, premisesliability and other negligence-based actions.

Talent on both coasts

Another key addition to the aviationgroup is Stephen L. Nelson, who joinedthe San Francisco office as a Partner inApril. Steve is taking the lead in the firm’saviation work in California and throughoutthe western region of the country. LikeFranklin and several other attorneys in thefirm’s aviation practice, Steve is a pilothimself. “He’s very experienced,” saidFranklin. “He’s an ATP – AirlineTransport Pilot – which is the highest FAAcertification you can get. Commercial air-liner pilots have that designation.”

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Stevewas chief operating officer and generalcounsel for Mather Aviation, an aircraft ser-vice company in Sacramento, CA. Beforethat, for many years, he was the managingpartner of an aviation boutique law firm inits Sacramento office. “He is a well-knownand respected attorney,” said Franklin.

Also helping to propel the aviationpractice forward is Deborah A. Elsasser,who joined the firm in February as a Partnerin the New York City office. She startedher career at a law firm with offices in NewYork and Los Angeles that is internationallyrecognized for handling aviation litigation.In fact, Deborah worked under GeorgeTompkins Jr. in that firm in the early 1990s.Eventually, when George Jr. left that firm,Deborah followed, and became part of a newfirm that George and his son established.

It is not surprising that three members

Firm’s aviation practice really taking off from page 1

Members of the Aviation Practice Team

3

of that firm have made their way to WilsonElser’s aviation practice. “There are only afew large firms that do this business…weare the up-and-coming player,” saidFranklin. “Most law firms in the aviationworld are struggling for business or shrink-ing,” given the lack of major crashes inrecent years. “I believe we’re the only firmin this market in this area of the country onthe upside.”

Also strengthening the aviation practiceis the elevation of Kimberly M. Jagodzinskito Partner in the New York City office.Kim’s background includes working ascounsel in the U.S. Department of the Navyon aviation matters, and a stint with the U.S.Department of Justice Aviation Tortsbranch. As an expert on air traffic controllitigation, among other matters, sheworked on the Korean Air 747 crash onGuam in 1997, when the U.S. govern-ment was sued over air traffic controlissues.

Navy background a definite plus

The new attorneys on the rostershare a practice with veteran lawyers whohave handled a multitude of cases andtransactions for the aviation industry.Among those stalwarts is New YorkPartner Gary A. Gardner, a former U.S.Navy pilot.

“I met Gary when he was workingfor another major aviation firm,”Franklin recalled. The two were on oppo-site sides of litigation stemming from acommercial airliner crash in Brazil.

In fact, Gary has been involved in liti-gation surrounding news-making airlinecrashes in the U.S., Europe and SouthAmerica. Like Steve Nelson, he holds anAirline Transport Pilot’s license. A U.S.Naval Academy graduate, Gary had an excit-ing military career before turning to thepractice of law. During his time in the Navy,he was both a plane and mission comman-der and had responsibility for a 12-mancrew. He was commended for disruptingmaritime smuggling of marijuana andcocaine into the United States and for hisefforts in search and recovery operationsafter the explosion of the space shuttleChallenger. If all that weren’t enough, Garyis also an engineer, and brings this expertiseto aviation cases involving product liability.

A product liability suit was the first avi-ation-related case for another New YorkPartner in the group. Approximately a yearinto Franklin’s tenure with the firm,Kenneth J. Gormley joined Wilson Elser.Ken immediately began assisting Franklin indefending a product liability suit resultingfrom an aircraft crash that killed seven peo-ple. The pair successfully represented acompany that had overhauled a componentpart in the aircraft. Also during this earlytime period, Franklin and Ken successfullydefended a foreign-owned airline in a caseinvolving theft of platinum, invoking theWarsaw Convention at trial in regard to lia-bility issues.

Indeed, liability issues figure promi-nently in many aviation cases. Maynard M.

Kirpalani, a Boston Partner who works withthe aviation group, said he handles many ofthose kinds of cases. He has been withWilson Elser since 2000, when the firmopened its Boston office. Maynard startedworking on aviation cases early in his career.“In my first five years, I worked on twomajor airliner crashes in Boston; most attor-neys don’t even handle one in their entirecareers.” He pointed out that while onesuch crash can lead to headlines and years oflitigation, there are many more cases involv-ing less dramatic aspects of the industry.“Not all the work is dependent on planescrashing,” he explained.

With such a diverse group of attorneys,Wilson Elser is able to include on its clientroster not only major airlines, but also man-ufacturers of aircraft, engines and othercomponents, as well as airport facilities.

Other clients include commercial helicopteroperators; fixed base operators, which fueland service aircraft; aviation mechanics;ground handlers; and cargo operators.

Flying wing with the aviation group

These aviation clients draw on theexperience of a national, full-service legalteam. Among the Wilson Elser partnersinvolved in aviation-related matters are RickiE. Roer (Partner-NY), who tackles employ-ment cases; Michael J. Case (Partner-NY),who deals with environmental matters; andJerry B. Black (Partner-NY), who handlessophisticated corporate and transactionalwork. “Clients do like the breadth of ser-vices that the firm offers public and privatecompanies in the aviation field,” saidFranklin.

Still, it is the claims that stemfrom accidents that are the primarysource of business for the aviationpractice, according to Franklin.There are the ‘in-flight’ accidents,that is, the aircraft crashes, but thereare also many ‘rampside’ accidents.Such accidents could involve the bag-gage conveyor belt, or equipmentsuch as cargo loaders and forklifts,among other things.

With the many incidents involv-ing airports and aircraft that can leadto legal cases, the attorneys need tomaintain contacts with all kinds of

consultants. Our attorneys keep a databaseof expert witnesses in areas from accidentreconstruction to weather to air traffic con-trol. “When we need a consultant, we knowwho to call,” said Franklin.

The attorneys also have wide experi-ence with the government agencies thatinvestigate airline accidents and enforcerules for the aviation industry. “This is avery regulated industry,” said Franklin.“You can’t do business without a lot of con-tact with the Federal AviationAdministration, National TransportationSafety Board and U.S. Department ofTransportation.”

With the legal talent and wide experi-ence that Wilson Elser brings to aviationclients, it is no wonder the practice isexpanding. In fact, you might say we’reexperiencing a ‘sonic boom’ of our own. g

4 Wemedia

the support they need. “It’s hard to raisechildren; it is easier in the context of thefamily,” he said. But many disadvantagedwomen don’t have spouses or extended fam-ilies to help with child rearing and otheraspects of making a home.

That’s where the Catholic HomeBureau steps in. The organization helpswomen deal with family basics, “how to par-ent, how to mother, how to support andraise children,” Tom explained. While teach-ing these life skills, the organization alsoprovides the women all kinds of support, hesaid. “A lot of these women needeverything, from prenatal care tohousing to food to education.”

In short, whatever the womenand children need, the CatholicHome Bureau provides, according toTom. “They try to make these fami-lies self-sustaining units.”

Putting families first

A charity devoted to the inter-ests of families was a natural for Tom.He is the father of five: two adult chil-dren and three little ones. “I was luckyenough to have two great loves in mylife. My first wife died and I marriedagain and now have three childrenunder the age of three. I know howdifficult it is to raise children, the thingsyou have to juggle.”

Tom recalled that he had a greatdeal of support from his mother andextended family when raising his first twochildren. Now with a new young family, hewatches his wife, who is also a lawyer, meetparenting challenges that are even moredemanding than legal work. “Being a momis much harder than my job,” he said.

Tom, who has been with the firm threedecades, first came in contact with theCatholic Home Bureau while doing litiga-tion work on an adoption arranged by theorganization. He successfully defended theorganization in the litigation, but the charityhad trouble paying the resultant bills. Theactual resolution and its costs were paid bysupporters of the Catholic Home Bureau.

Rather than turning him off to theorganization, the experience actually drewTom in. He established a strong tie with the

Catholic Home Bureau and, ultimately, withthe Roman Catholic Archdiocese of NewYork. “I helped to clean up some litigationfor the archdiocese and became an adviserto the cardinal [Edward Egan] during somedifficult times.”

As a result, the bureau approached Tomto accept its Child of Peace Award, anhonor bestowed on loyal supporters of theorganization. He will be accepting theaward at an upcoming dinner sponsored bythe organization. “The dinner is to raisefunds for a very worthy cause,” he said.

“The Catholic Home Bureau is the real man-ifestation of Christianity. They providesolace, love, affection and assistance.”

Getting suited up

Helping women in need is the focus ofanother charity that has caught the attentionof the New York office. There was a terrif-ic response when Associate Alicia Silverdecided to collect good used clothes fromher female colleagues for New York’s Dressfor Success.

The organization collects used clothingthat women job-seekers can wear on inter-views. The women who make use of theprogram are generally from economicallydisadvantaged backgrounds and cannotafford professional work clothes. Women

are referred to Dress for Success by home-less shelters, immigration services, job train-ing programs and domestic violence shelters.

Each Dress for Success client receivesone suit when she has a job interview and aweek’s worth of separates when she gets thejob, Alicia said. Her own effort with theorganization started when she saw an adver-tisement earlier this summer for “SOS,”Send One Suit week.

“I wanted to donate some of my oldwork clothes where they would be put to

better use,” Alicia recalled. “I sawonline that New York Dress forSuccess was having a campaign. Idid a little research and found thatall these large companies, likePfizer, were donating, so I thought,‘Why not Wilson Elser?’”

Alicia set up a collection areain her office and the donationsstarted rolling in. “We had a greatresponse, 158 items … $16,000worth of merchandise.” Therewere suits, yes, but also other kindsof clothing, including dresses, sep-arates and shoes. “One man evenbrought in maternity clothes hiswife didn’t need,” she said.

During the course of the five-day drive, people from both theNew York City and White Plainsoffices donated neat, professionalclothing. “I even had a womanfrom White Plains interoffice three

boxes worth of clothes,” Alicia noted.

Alicia, who is monitoring claims coun-sel for the employment practices group, saidshe would love to do another clothing drivefor New York Dress for Success in the fall.“I think it would be good, so that we geteven more than we got last time…it’s a greatorganization that gives women opportunities.”

Seeing them smile

Providing opportunities for childrenand adults with special needs is the focus ofthe charitable efforts of another member ofthe New York City office. JamesDiBenedetto, who is the AdministrativeDirector for the New York metro offices, isa longtime supporter of Easter Seals. Infact, he has been involved with the organiza-

New York office puts ‘giving back’ on the agenda from page 1

Thomas W. Hyland (Managing Partner-NY), Julie R. Evans (DeputyManaging Partner-NY), Alicia Silver (Associate-NY) and James

DiBenedetto (Administrative Director-NY)

5

tion for some 23 years. He has served onthe New York State board of Easter Sealsfor the past 10 years, including three years aschairman.

When asked what drew him to theorganization, Jim was quick to answer: “Itwas definitely working with kids.” He saidthat nothing warms him more than “seeingthe smiles on the kids’ faces.”

Among the many ways that Easter Sealshelps children with disabilities is the opera-tion of early intervention schools, Jim said.The schools offer a resource over and abovethe kinds of state government-funded pro-grams that help these children. “State pro-grams can only take it to a certain level…wewant to bring that extra hour of learning, orwhatever is needed to allow these kids to go outin the community and really live like others.”

Some of the partners at Wilson Elserhave been out to see the Easter Sealsschools in the New York area. Jim said heapproaches individual partners for dona-tions to events like golf outings, softballgames and walks, and he is often successfulin collecting money for his favorite cause.The events spark an interest in the schools.“Quite a few partners have gone out to theschools to see what goes on; some haveplayed in softball games against the kids.”

Jim, who is a 27-year veteran withWilson Elser, also gets his children involvedin some of the fund-raising activities ofEaster Seals, like softball games andwalkathons. “I have four daughters andthey are all involved. They have worked onthe walks, distributed T-shirts … and my 23-year-old is even on one of the regional oper-ational boards.”

Deciding on the opening of newschools and other uses of the Easter SealsNew York budget keeps Jim busy. Servingon the state board is a very responsible posi-tion, as the budget has gone from $2 million10 years ago to $26 million today. In the lastdecade, Easter Seals has opened a numberof schools targeting disabled children onthe preschool and kindergarten level in NewYork City.

Easter Seals serves both adults and chil-dren with autism, developmental and physi-cal disabilities. The organization often“takes on individuals that other schools andnonprofits would give up on, like childrenwith fetal alcohol syndrome,” Jim said.

The emotional investment one makeswhen working with a charity like EasterSeals is considerable. Jim compared it toadopting a child. “Sometimes you just gethooked on an individual kid. You kind ofgrow up with these kids. There have beenprobably three children I was particularlyclose to … it was satisfying to play a role intheir growth.”

A little piece of home

While Tom, Alicia and Jim focus theircharitable endeavors in the New York metroarea, it is the global arena that attractsanother member of Wilson Elser’sManhattan office. Partner Theresa Harrishas been collecting magazines and otheritems for the soldiers fighting in Iraq.

For the past couple of years,Theresa has been conducting maga-zine drives as a morale-booster forthe troops. Getting the maga-zines to soldiers so far fromhome gaveT h e r e s agreat satis-faction, andshe decidedto add somegoodies tothe boxesb e i n gshipped out.“We also sentbeef jerky,Kool-Aid, power bars and granola bars,” shesaid.

The endeavor has taken on more mean-ing recently, since Theresa’s daughter is nowstationed in Iraq, close to Baghdad. She is asecond lieutenant in the 62nd EngineersBattalion of the U.S. Army, and her momhopes to see her home by Christmas.

The soldiers are thrilled to get anythingfrom home, but magazines with Americannews and features seem particularly wel-come, said Theresa, who has been with thefirm about 12 years and concentrates onmedical malpractice cases. “Everythingfrom Time and The Economist to Maxim andLadies’ Home Journal is appreciated becausethese magazines are difficult to get.”

Back in June, five boxes of magazines andother goods donated by Wilson Elser folkswere shipped overseas. Along with the maga-zines, people gave Girl Scout cookies and otheritems that would be reminiscent of home.

“People want to do something. They respond-ed to the drive,” Theresa remarked.

Another drive began in August, andTheresa is seeking some additional items toput in with the magazines. “Drink mixes, lipbalm and sunscreen with high SPFs,” wouldbe appreciated, she said.

Giving to one’s own

For yet another New York partner, ‘giv-ing back’ means helping those in her ownprofession. Julie Evans, who is DeputyManaging Partner in the New York office,recently became involved with a new orga-nization, Back to Business Law. In her 20years with the firm, a consistent theme hasbeen mentoring. So it was not surprisingthat she got involved with an organization

dedicated to helping women lawyers easetheir way back into work after spendingtime raising children.

“I have three children, 11, 14and 17 years old. Eighteen

years ago when I startedhaving kids, therewas no maternityleave policy. Therewas no mentor forme. That’s why Ihave tried to be amentor, especially toworking women.”

Before a formalmentoring program

was established at Wilson Elser, Julie hadextended herself informally to youngerwomen associates. Julie also helped orga-nize the associate orientation program thatis held every fall. Most recently, she hashelped develop the firm’s new peer mentorprogram, which begins this September. Inthe program, experienced associates volun-teer as mentors helping new associates learnthe ins and outs of the firm.

Over the last few years, the firm has ini-tiated flexible, creative and part-timeoptions for working parents. The firm hasalso linked up with a business that offersoff-site emergency child care just a coupleof blocks from the Manhattan office. Allthese endeavors have made it easier forWilson Elser’s working moms and dads.When Julie heard that the Business Law sec-tion of the American Bar Association wasputting together a group to help women

Continued on page 7

Theresa Harris (Partner-NY) organizes collection for UStroops in Iraq

6 Wemedia

7

Pomerantz co-chairs NYSBA event

Frederick J. Pomerantz (Partner-NY)served as a co-chair of a New York StateBar Association seminar in May featuringNew York State Superintendent ofInsurance Howard Mills. The program wasconducted in the New York City offices ofWilson Elser.

Anesh named to bar committeeMark K. Anesh (Partner-NY) has been

appointed to the New York State BarAssociation Law Practice ManagementCommittee. The committee is made up oflawyers and legal managers.

Leghorn named to ethics committee

Thomas A. Leghorn (Partner-WhitePlains) has been named to the New York StateBar Association Committee on ProfessionalEthics. His term runs to May 2007.

Schwartz certified as a mediatorDaniel S. Schwartz (Partner-Miami) has

been certified by the Florida Supreme Courtas a Civil Mediator. The state of Floridarequires all civil cases to be presented formediation before proceeding to trial.

O’Connor named to NJ committee Carolyn F. O’Connor (Partner-NJ) has

been inducted as Chairman of the ProductsLiability Committee of the New JerseyDefense Association. The chairmanship is atwo-year term.

Tobin speaks at NARTCThomas W. Tobin (Partner-NY and

White Plains) spoke on “The Miracle ofImplied Preemption in Passenger Rail CarLitigation” at the Annual Meeting of theNational Association of Railroad TrialCounsel (NARTC) in August in San Diego.

Cherry speaks at EuroForumseminar

Thomas R. Cherry (Partner-WhitePlains, NY and London) will present anadvanced claims handling seminar inGerman to manufacturers and their insurersat a two-day EuroForum conference inDüsseldorf in September. He will addressaspects of defending depositions, cost-effec-tive resolution strategies and mediation.

Moskowitz named to CPR executive committee

Harold J. Moskowitz (Partner-NY) hasbeen named to the executive committee ofthe International Institute for ConflictPrevention & Resolution (CPR). The missionof the organization is to serve as a globaladvocate and resource for developing ways ofmanaging and resolving disputes affectingbusiness.

Bass elected to board of AIAFranklin F. Bass (Partner-NY) has been

elected to the board of directors of theAviation Insurance Association (AIA) as aDirector-Elect. The AIA is a trade associa-tion dedicated to enhancing the aviationinsurance industry worldwide. g

In Brief...

New York office puts ‘giving back’on the agenda from page 5

lawyers get back into working life afterfull-time child rearing, she was mostinterested. In fact, she now serves onthe group’s advisory board.

“We’re faced with so many chal-lenges, trying to maintain careers andraise families,” she said. Leaving full-time legal work for family concerns canbe a particular problem for the estab-lished woman lawyer. “As you becomemore senior, and you have developedyour client base, you have to servethose clients, nurture a relationship.”Clients learn to rely on veteran attor-neys. So when those attorneys take abreak, even a temporary one, there is avoid.

These days, computers andBlackBerry devices help lawyers stayconnected, Julie said, but the numberone thing when taking a sabbatical is tohave a support system. That’s whatBack to Business Law offers, she said.

Back to Business Law is a pilotproject of the ABA providing periodiclegal education and informal network-ing for lawyers who temporarily leaveactive practice or a corporate setting,but remain interested in business law.While the primary focus of Back toBusiness Law is women lawyers, menwho temporarily leave active practice inbusiness law are also welcome to partici-pate.

The organization will be doing amonthly luncheon, with a speaker and anetworking session. Further informa-tion about the organization can beobtained at the website www.backto-businesslaw.org.

Giving back requires a generousheart. But for busy professionals, italso takes conscious planning andarranging priorities. The attorneys andstaff in the New York office havestruck that balance, and it’s making adifference in the lives of others. g

Pictured at the Freedom House Foundation Golf Outing on July 13, 2006 are (l-r): Joseph Laird (Partner-NY), Ronald Beck (RMTS Associates), Larry Lum (Partner-NY) and

Anne Buckley (RMTS Associates).

8 Wemedia

This is a quarterly publication of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP All Rights Reserved 2006 wilsonelser.com

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New York Partner Stephen Postelnek, 1940-2006

S t e p h e nPostelnek, 66, aPartner in ourNew York office,passed away May5. The EastHills, NY resi-dent was a 31-year veteran ofWilson Elser. Hewill be missed bylongtime col-leagues, as well as

newer members of the firm for whom hewas both role model and friend.

“Steve enjoyed his work and the peoplehe worked with,” recalled fellow PartnerMichael Glatt. “He considered Wilson Elsera part of his family. He enjoyed teachingassociates … and he was a good teacher.”

Steve’s focus was the defense of profes-sionals like architects and engineers. In fact,Steve was an engineer himself, havingworked for Grumman Corporation beforecoming to work for Wilson Elser in 1975.He was one of the deans of professional lia-bility defense.

You could say Steve had a hand in his-tory. While at Grumman in the 1960s, heworked on the development of the ApolloLunar Module for man’s first landing on themoon. “To me, he was practically an astro-naut,” said daughter Jill Karliner in her eulo-gy at Steve’s funeral.

Jill recalled that when she was younger,during a trip to the Smithsonian museums inWashington, D.C., her dad told her that the

module part he had worked on never actual-ly made it to the moon. “That didn’t matterto me though,” she said. “He was still myastronaut. The man he was, his character,his goodness, elevated him to the moon andbeyond.”

Steve’s family came first in his life. “Henever would allow his professional life tospill into his personal life,” said Michael.“He was devoted to his kids and grandkids.”

Steve met his future wife, Natalie, whilethey were undergraduates at Queens Collegein New York. Jill said her dad “fell in lovewith mom the moment he saw her twinklyeyes.” Natalie and Steve married and even-tually settled on Long Island. They had a lifeenriched by family connections and ground-ed in the Jewish faith.

Their two daughters are married withchildren of their own. Jill and her sister,Deborah Freedman, have given thePostelneks four grandsons. Jill said her dadwas a wise and loving grandfather – inHebrew, a Saba – who got to know each ofhis grandsons in a unique way. Jill’s sonJacob loved the fact that he and his Saba hadinterests in common, like sports and outerspace. Jacob’s twin, Elliott, enjoyed how hisgrandfather could always make him laugh.Deborah’s son Lev shared a love of comicbooks and superheroes with his grandfather,while his brother, Ethan, has told Aunt Jillthat he will just miss spending time with Saba.

For his colleague Michael, time spentwith Steve often meant sharing a joke whileworking together in the New York office.“He could sometimes surprise people with

his sense of humor. It was dry,” saidMichael. “He could enjoy a good story …he could laugh out loud. I think he was ableto laugh at himself … he didn’t take himselftoo seriously.”

Steve was born in 1940 in New YorkCity. He graduated from a joint program ofQueens College and Columbia University in1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree inmechanical engineering. In 1968, hereceived a master’s degree in mechanicalengineering from the Polytechnic Institute inBrooklyn. After working as an aerospaceengineer with Grumman for a number ofyears, he set his sights on the law. Hereceived his Juris Doctor degree from St.John’s University School of Law in 1974 andbegan working for Wilson Elser after beingadmitted to the bar the following year.

At Wilson Elser, Steve was known as aprofessional who earned the respect of hiscolleagues and the loyalty of his clients. Hewas also called upon to take a leadershiprole. When the firm decided to establishthree administrative groups in New York,Steve was chosen as one of the group lead-ers and served about seven years in that role.

Steve’s long tenure with Wilson Elserended with his retirement just three monthsbefore his passing. Reading and spendingtime with family were the things he had inmind for retirement, according to Michael.It’s not hard to imagine what would havecome first. One only needs to look up theentry on Steve in the annual face book pro-duced for the partners’ meeting. Steve’spiece ends with a personal observation:“Being grandparents is great!” g

Stephen Postelnek