Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section

Save the Date!
Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section and Trial Lawyers Section 2026 Fall Destination Meeting
November 12–14 | Nashville, Tennessee

Registration opening soon!

Who We Are

Welcome to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law (TICL) Section of the New York State Bar Association! We are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the practice of legal professionals in torts, insurance and compensation law. Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer or just starting out, we’re here to help you succeed and advance your career.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to provide our members with a wealth of resources, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network, so that our members can stay a step ahead of their competition. We are dedicated to boosting your career and expertise in these specialized fields.

What We Offer

MCLE Programs: Participate in a wide range of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, both virtual and in-person, ensuring you stay updated on the latest developments and best practices. NYSBA members get free access to these resources!

Networking Events: Connect with peers, mentors, and influential figures at our regular gatherings and receptions. The TICL Section is committed to helping you build professional relationships and spark collaborations.

Resources: Access our comprehensive journals, newsletters and legal updates, publications, eBooks and forms, which provide insights, analyses, and case studies relevant to torts, insurance, and compensation law. NYSBA members get free access to these resources!

Committees and Divisions: Engage in specialized discussions and contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge through our 15 committees and two divisions, all with no mandatory time commitments.

More Reasons to Join TICL

Awards: The TICL Section is proud to celebrate our outstanding members! Our various awards and accolades inspire excellence and foster a culture of success.

Community Engagement: Get active in our TICL online community forum. Engage with the broader legal community, share your expertise and help shape our initiatives and advocacy efforts. Access to expert colleagues is just a click away.

Career Development: TICL membership provides a platform for professional growth and advancement with mentorship opportunities, access to job postings, and resources to enhance your skills.

Advocacy and Influence: Joining the TICL Section allows members to play a proactive role in shaping legislative policies, advocating for reforms, and influencing decision-making processes that impact the practice and administration of tort law, insurance regulations, and compensation systems.

Why Join?

Joining the TICL Section is a smart move for any legal professional. Expand your professional horizons, stay on top of the latest trends, and make meaningful connections within the legal community. Our flexible participation model encourages active involvement without any mandatory time commitments.

Become a Section Member Today!

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join the Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law Section today and become part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to excellence in legal practice. Embrace the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to the field of torts, insurance, and compensation law. We look forward to welcoming you!

CONTACT US
To learn more about this Section, please contact Gina Bartosiewicz
gbartosiewicz@nysba.org
(518) 487-5671

Please do not contact the Section liaison with a request for legal advice or an attorney referral. You can instead visit our ‘Public Resources’ or ‘Lawyer Referral Service’ page for this type of request.

Donald R. Gerace
Utica, New York

DONALD R. GERACE has been a solo practitioner with offices in Utica and Inlet New York since 1990. He is a graduate of Siena College (B.A. 1976) and Albany Law School (J.D. 1979). Prior to becoming a solo practitioner, Mr. Gerace was associated with the Law Offices of Anthony J. LaFache. He has served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney for Oneida and Jefferson Counties as well as a Special Prosecutor for Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties. Mr. Gerace served as Counsel to the Utica City School District from 1988 to 2023 and as Counsel to the Holland Patent School District and Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES since 1999. His practice includes the representation of individuals, municipalities and corporate entities in all aspects of general, business, criminal, constitutional, labor and education law matters regarding the public and private sector. Mr. Gerace is admitted to practice in New York State, the U.S. District Courts in New York State and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He has tried cases in all levels of New York State and Federal Courts and has practiced before numerous agencies including but not limited to the New York State Division of Human Rights, the New York State Public Employment Relations Board, the National Labor Relations Board, the American Arbitration Association, the New York State Education Department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and various other agencies. Mr. Gerace has successfully sued and defended individuals, school districts, public employers, private employers and the State of New York in all aspects of litigation. He has argued appeals in both State and Federal Courts. Mr. Gerace is the owner of Central Adirondack Land Title Agency and serves as a Title Agent and Examiner for Old Republic Title Insurance Company. He has been a member of the Oneida, Herkimer and Jefferson County Bar Associations, the New York State Bar (NYSBA), New York State Defender’s and Federal Defender’s Bar Associations as well as the Oneida County Women’s Bar Association. He has previously served as the President of the Oneida County Bar Association and chairperson of said bar association’s Judiciary and By-Laws committees. He also previously served as a Delegate to the House of Delegates for the NYSBA, as a Member of the NYSBA Membership committee, as a Member of the NYSBA Membership Subcommittee on Diversity and as an Executive Member of and a District Representative to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section of the NYSBA.

Online Community

Access Here

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section Publications

Newly released issues are restricted to Section & Committee Members only for the first 90 days, after which they become available to all members.

Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Journal - Vol. 50 No. 1

View Latest Issue

TICL Journal Archive

TICL Journal

The Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section (TICL) Journal features peer-written substantive articles relating to the practice of torts, insurance and compensation law on various topics including workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, products liability, depositions and trial preparation. Edited by David A. Glazer, Esq., the TICL Journal is published by the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and distributed to Section Members free of charge. The TICL Journal is published as a benefit for members of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and is copyrighted by the New York State Bar Association.

The Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section (TICL) Journal encourages article submissions on topics of interest to members of the Section. Writing an article for a NYSBA Section publication is a great way to get your name out in the legal community and advertise your knowledge. Our authors are respected state-wide for their legal expertise in such areas as workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, products liability, depositions, and trial preparation.

Submit an article for future publication

Deconstruction- Vol. 50 No. 1

View Latest Issue

Deconstruction / Construction and Surety Law Newsletter Archives

Deconstruction

Deconstruction features decisions and statutes relating to the practice of torts, insurance and compensation law. Edited by Patricia A. Rooney, Esq., Deconstruction is published by the Construction and Surety Division of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and distributed to Section Members free of charge.

Deconstruction is published as a benefit for members of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section and is copyrighted by the New York State Bar Association.

Article Library

Looking for specific articles from our issues? Explore our library of individual articles, available from current and past editions.

View article library

Bylaws

TICL Workers’ Comp. 1 – S6087/A7435

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section Committee

2026 Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Awards

Join us as we honor excellence in the field!

The Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section will celebrate the 2026 award recipients during the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section & Trial Lawyers Section Awards and Networking Cocktail Hour on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the New York Hilton Midtown.

2026 Honorees for Outstanding Jurist:

Hon. James G. Clynes
Supreme Court, New York County
Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino
United States District Judge, Northern District of New York
Hon. Richard E. Sise
Presiding Judge, New York State Court of Claims

2026 Honoree of the Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

Kaitlyn M. Guptill, Esq., Lynn Law Firm, LLP, Syracuse, New York

Event Details
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: New York Hilton Midtown, 1335 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Room: Sutton South, 2nd Floor

The awards reception is complimentary, and guests are welcome. Please feel free to share the registration link below:

Guests who are not attending any CLE programs may select the “Annual Meeting 2025 Non-CLE Meal Function Only” option when registering.

Registration is required to attend.

Outstanding Jurist Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County

Honorable James P. Murphy
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the Courts Outside New York City
Supreme Court, Onondaga County

Honorable Douglas J. Hayden
Village Justice, Village of Floral Park

Honorable Lawrence S. Knipel
Administrative Judge for Civil Matters, Second Judicial District (2013–2024)
Supreme Court, Kings County

2026 TICL Awards

2026 Honorees for Outstanding Jurist:

Hon. James G. Clynes
Supreme Court, New York County
Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino
United States District Judge, Northern District of New York
Hon. Richard E. Sise
Presiding Judge, New York State Court of Claims

2026 Honoree of the Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

Kaitlyn M. Guptill, Esq., Lynn Law Firm, LLP, Syracuse, New York

2025 TICL Awards

Outstanding Jurist Awards Winners 2025

Honorable James P. Murphy
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the Courts Outside New York City
Supreme Court, Onondaga County

Honorable Douglas J. Hayden
Village Justice, Village of Floral Park

Honorable Lawrence S. Knipel
Administrative Judge for Civil Matters, Second Judicial District (2013–2024)
Supreme Court, Kings Count

2024 TICL Awards

The TICL Young Lawyers Award
In recognition of dedication and contributions to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section as a young legal professional

Jacob W. Petterchak, Esq., Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York

Professor David D. Siegel Awards

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the study of New York Law

Michael A. Simons, Dean and John V. Brennan Professor of Law & Ethics, St. Johns University School of Law

Mary M. Russo-John Sciortino Award
In recognition of outstanding contribution to the practice of law in the field of Workers Compensation

Clarissa M. Rodriguez, Esq., Chair and Commissioner of the New York State Workers Compensation Board

Outstanding Jurist Award
In recognition of outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County

Associate Justice Barbara R. Kapnick, Appellate Division, First Department

TICL Outstanding Service Award

In recognition of exceptional contributions to the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section

Brendan F. Baynes, Esq., The Baynes Law Firm PLLC, Ravena, New York

2023 TICL Awards

Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions as a young lawyer to the practice of law in the field of insurance

Brian D. Barnas, Esq., Hurwitz Fine, PC, Buffalo, New York
Abigail A. Dean, Esq., Albany, New York

Professor David D. Siegel Awards

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the study of New York Law

Prof. Patrick M. Connors, Albany Law School, Albany, New York

John E. Leach Memorial Award

In recognition of the outstanding service and distinguished contributions to the legal profession as a member of the TICL Section

Saul Wilensky, Esq., Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, New York, New York

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Awards

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts

Hon. George J. Silver (ret.), Silverstar Mediation and Arbitration
Recognized for his outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts.

Hon. Denis J. Butler, Supreme Court, Queens County
Recognized for his outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County.

Hon. Anthony Cannataro, New York Court of Appeals
Recognized for outstanding contributions while Citywide Administrative Judge for the New York City Civil Court.

Hon. Vito C. Caruso, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City
Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the courts statewide outside of New York City.

2022 TICL Awards

Award Winners:

Patrick D. Leavy, Esq., Vahey Law Offices, PLLC

Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions as a young lawyer to the practice of law in the field of insurance

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County

Hon. Anthony Cannataro

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Citywide Administrative Judge for the New York City Civil Court

Hon. Vito C. Caruso

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the courts statewide outside of New York City

Alyssa Pantzer, Esq, Assistant Attorney General

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Executive Committee Member Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while a member of the NYSBA TICL Executive Committee

NYSBA TICL Section Outstanding Jurist Award

Recognized for outstanding contributions while Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts

Committee Chair of the Year

To recognize an outstanding TICL Section Committee Chair. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2018 Joanna M. Roberto, Esq. 2017 Kathleen Feroleto Chetta, Esq. 2016 A.G. Chancellor, III, Esq. 2016 Diana Neyman, Esq. 2014 Robert J. Permutt, Esq. 2013 Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick, Esq. 2012 Mirna M. Santiago, Esq. and Joanna L. Young, Esq. 2011 Heath J. Szymczak, Esq. 2010 Christopher R. Lemire, Esq. 2009 Robert F. McCarthy, Esq. 2008 Glenn A. Monk, Esq. 2007 Jean F. Gerbini, Esq.

John E. Leach Memorial Award

To recognize outstanding service and distinguished contributions to the legal profession as a member of the TICL Section. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Tiffany & Co. crystal paperweight

Award Recipients

2020 Timothy J. Fennell, Esq. 2019 Hon. George J. Silver 2018 Jonathan A. Dachs, Esq. 2017 Jean F. Gerbini, Esq. 2017 Laurie A. Giordano-Vahey, Esq. 2016 Glenn A. Monk, Esq. 2016 Robert F. McCarthy, Esq. 2015 Thomas J. Maroney, Esq. 2014 Charles J. Siegel, Esq. 2013 Dan D. Kohane, Esq. 2012 Hon. Douglas J. Hayden 2011 Paul J. Suozzi, Esq. 2009 Eileen E. Buholtz, Esq. 2008 Sharon Stern Gerstman, Esq. 2007 William N. Cloonan, Esq. 2006 Edward B. Flink, Esq. and Dennis R. McCoy, Esq. 2005 Louis B. Cristo, Esq. 2004 Prof. Michael J. Hutter, Jr. 2002 William S. Yaus, Esq. 2001 James D. Gauthier, Esq. 2000 Hon. Anthony J. Mercorella 1999 David M. Gouldin, Esq. 1998 Richard J. O’Keeffe, Esq. 1997 Maxwell S. Pfeifer, Esq. 1996 Thomas N. Trevett, Esq. 1995 Robert C. Minion, Esq. 1994 Sheldon Hurwitz, Esq.

The Professor David D. Siegel Award

To recognize outstanding contributions to the study of New York Law.

Award Recipients

2020 Dean Aviva Abramovsky, Esq

Sheldon Hurwitz Young Lawyer Award

In recognition of outstanding contribution to the practice of law in the field of insurance. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2026 Kaitlyn M. Guptill, Esq., 2022 Patrick Leavy, Esq., Vahey Law Offices, PLLC 2020 James T. Rellis, Esq. 2019 Kelsey W. Shannon, Esq. 2018 Matthew R. Bremner, Esq. 2017 Jennifer A. Ehman, Esq. 2017 David M. Knapp 2016 Martin A. Lynn, Esq. 2014 Steven E. Peiper 2011 Michael Paul O’Brien, Esq. 2010 Audrey A. Seeley, Esq. 2010 Mirna M. Santiago, Esq. 2009 John H. Snyder, Esq. 2009 Lisa Giovanna Berrittella, Esq. 2008 Matthew S. Lerner, Esq. 2008 Joanna L. Young, Esq. 2007 Jacqueline Phipps Polito, Esq. 2006 Anthony D. Martine, Esq. 2005 Laurie A. Giordano, Esq. 2004 Jason R. Waters, Esq. 2003 Daniel W. Gerber, Esq. 2002 Kevin T. Merriman, Esq. 2001 Jeffrey D. Present, Esq. 2000 Michael P. Dandini, Esq. 1999 Robert A. Glick, Esq. 1998 Kevin A. Lane, Esq. 1996 Patricia M. Curtin, Esq. 1995 Jonathan A. Dachs, Esq. 1994 Cecilia E. Norat, Esq.

Outstanding District Representative Award

TICL District Representative Award

To Recognize an outstanding TICL Section Executive Committee District Representative Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2020 Molly C. Casey, Esq. 2020 Kathleen A. Barclay, Esq. 2018 Darian A. Bryan, Esq. 2018 J.P. Delaney, Esq. 2017 Robert H. Coughlin, Jr., Esq. 2016 Terrence Lee Tarver, Esq. 2014 Ronald Balter and Michael P. O’Brien 2012 Sharon Stern Gerstman and Paul F. Jones 2011 Ronald Balter and Heath J. Szymczak 2010 Brian J. Rayhill

Mary M. Russo-John Sciortino Award

In recognition of outstanding contribution to the practice of law in the field of Workers’ Compensation. Presented by: Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Prize: Crystal award

Award Recipients

2019 William W. Crossett IV, Esq. 2018 Susan R. Duffy, Esq. 2017 John J. Cunningham, Esq. 2017 Thomas T. Walsh, Esq. 2016 Ronald Balter, Esq.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Paul Edelman 2011

Outstanding Jurist Award

Hon. Anthony Cannataro, New York Court of Appeals
Recognized for outstanding contributions while Citywide Administrative Judge for the New York City Civil Court.

Court Rules and Procedures

This page contains the websites of the Judicial Districts of the State as well as a link to the Future Court Appearances site and E-Court. Some of these sites contain the local rules and procedures of the local courts. We will update this page from time to time with additional sites.

If you become aware of a site and wish to have it posted, please email Gina Bartosiewicz at GBartosiewicz@nysba.org. Click on any link to go to that Website.

TICL District Representatives

Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section District Representatives

View List

The Insurance Expert Showcase Series: Roadmap for Early Mediation when Insurance Plays a Central Role

March 6, 2025

TICL and Trial Chairs, with NYSBA President Elect, Judge Sise and Judge Catherine Leahy-Scott

Trial Lawyers and TICL 2025 Annual Awards and Networking Reception

Trial Lawyers and TICL 2025 Annual Meeting

Dan Ecker, Award Winner Helene E. Blank and Angelique Moreno

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields

Name *

First Name Last Name

Company

Email *

Phone *

Comment *

Donald R. Gerace Utica, New York

Online Community

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section Publications

Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Journal - Vol. 50 No. 1

TICL Journal

Deconstruction- Vol. 50 No. 1

Deconstruction

Article Library

Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section Committee

2026 Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section Awards

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

TICL District Representative Award

Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Court Rules and Procedures

TICL District Representatives

The Insurance Expert Showcase Series: Roadmap for Early Mediation when Insurance Plays a Central Role

Contact Us

Connect with Torts, Insurance, & Compensation Law Section

Donald R. Gerace
Utica, New York