Jon Ward, chair of the Firm's litigation and appeals practice group, serves as a member of the board of directors and the secretary of Challenger Athletics, Inc., a charitable organization that he helped form in 2013. The Firm also serves, pro bono, as Challenger's general counsel.
Challenger sponsors and conducts sporting clinics and summer camps for children with disabilities. The clinics include lacrosse, soccer, tennis, basketball, and flag football. Challenger also runs an annual surfing camp, as well as a summer sports camp at St. Anthony’s High School. Our Assistant Office Manager, Stephanie Goodwin, helps fundraise for Challenger and has lifeguarded at the surf camp. Our Controller, Brian Sales, serves as the assistant to the Treasurer and helps to maintain Challenger's financial books and records.
To learn more about Challenger Athletics, click here.
English as a New Language ("ENL") is a New York State mandated program for students with limited English proficiency. The program ensures that English language learners have equitable access to educational opportunities.
"As a Marine Corps Veteran and practicing attorney, I believe mentoring America’s youth is essential in moving forward as a nation. The Schreiber High School Mentoring Program allows high school students in the ENL program to get a small glimpse of what awaits them in the future", said Alexis Majano. "As a college student I chose the unique path of attending college, enlisting in the Marine Corps, and subsequently completing law school while enlisted. I hope that my experiences throughout the years can provide a unique insight on how to tackle life’s challenges and overcome them".
To read Mr. Majano's biography, click here.
Various Partners, Special Counsel, Associates, and law clerks serve as volunteer mentors to elementary, middle, and high school students through the Nassau County Bar Association's Student Mentoring Program. Many of the students that are selected to participate in this program are identified by school guidance counselors as having difficulties with their academics, social skills with their peers, or potential challenges at home. Mentors provide guidance, discuss shared interests, and serve as a consistent and positive presence in the students' life.
Adam Koblenz volunteers for Island Harvest, which is the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island that helps to provide meals and groceries for local families in need. Adam volunteers by delivering food, produce, and groceries to those in need in our local community.
To read more about Island Harvest Volunteer Services, click here.
Sahn Ward is proud that our Partner, Joshua Brookstein, established the School Engagement Sub-Committee as part of the Nassau County Bar Association's Community Relations and Public Education Committee. The sub-committee is charged with making meaningful connections between lawyers and students in grades 1-12 throughout Nassau County. Under Josh's leadership the sub-committee has launched the County's first elementary school mock trial program with the Roslyn School District, created a mentor program at Uniondale's Grand Avenue Elementary School, and established a high school mentor program for students in the English as a New Language program at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington.
To read Mr. Brookstein's biography, click here.
Again this year, Tom McKevitt, Joshua Brookstein, and Ralph Branciforte are coaching Nassau County high school teams in the New York State Mock Trial Tournament. The Nassau County Bar Association administers the tournament to encourage and motivate students to consider careers in the legal profession. The tournament gives students the opportunity to prepare and present an actual case before Judges who also volunteer their time. This is the 25th year that Tom McKevitt has coached a team, the last 23 years with Holy Trinity Diocesan High School. Joshua Brookstein and Ralph Branciforte are coaching the Crescent High School team. Tom, Josh, and Ralph recognize the need to impart a respect and understanding of the law and the legal process to their students.
"Passing along real world experience in the litigation field where students can seek and develop a passion for the law and shaping young minds through mentorship and development has been very rewarding" said Ralph Branciforte.
To read more about our attorneys, click here.
The Boys and Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich strives to enable all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. "It is very gratifying to serve as a Trustee of the Boys and Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich and work to provide a variety of recreational, cultural, social, and sports-oriented experiences for children. " said Elisabetta Coschignano. Elisabetta also provides pro bono legal services to the organization.
To read Ms. Coschignano's biography, click here.
Partners, John Parker and Joshua Brookstein joined Baldwin's Youth Change Leader Collaborative program. John and Josh meet weekly with high school students and mentor them as they develop action plans to enact change on issues of interest. John is advising a cohort of students on developing and implementing environmental action initiatives to help their school and community combat environmental issues. Josh, along with representatives from Northwell Health, are advising a cohort of students that are developing initiatives to prevent targeted violence.
"The opportunity to work with Baldwin's Youth Change Leader Collaborative and specifically the Climate Justice Initiative, addresses the essence of pro bono work" said John Parker. "The YCLC program presents an opportunity to address climate issues with students who will become the next generation of leaders. Students today will be more impacted by climate and climate justices than any other generation that came before them".
To read more about our attorneys, click here.
We are honored that Super Lawyers has recognized sixteen of our attorneys, representing seven practice areas, for exceptional accomplishments and expertise.
To read the full release, click here.
Sahn Ward was honored to have our Partner, Danny De Voe, recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by Long Island Business News. Danny earned this distinction for her dedication to her clients, the Firm, and her colleagues.
To read Ms. De Voe's biography, click here.
Partner, Joshua Brookstein was recently re-elected to serve as a Director of the Nassau County Bar Association’s Board of Directors. In this role, Josh will help to set policies for the Bar Association, oversee its finances, and guide the various programs that work to support the Association’s mission.
To read Mr. Brookstein's biography, click here.
Sahn Ward is proud that we were named a Top Long Island Law Firm and our Members, Michael H. Sahn, Jon A. Ward and, Partner, Erika L. Conti have been named as Top Lawyers of Long Island, by Richner Communications, Inc./ The Herald Community Newspapers.
To read more about our attorneys, click here.
Firm Associate, Stelios E. Karatzias, who was honored at the Long Island Business News 30 under 30 award ceremony to recognize his hard work and dedication to community service and his career accomplishments. Stelios was joined by his colleagues, family, and friends.
To read about Mr. Karatzias's achievement, click here.
For the third consecutive year, Sahn Ward was named to the Top 3 list of law firms by the Long Island Business News 2022 Reader Rankings in the areas of real estate law, matrimonial law and litigation law.
Read more about the reader rankings here.
Once again, Sahn Ward was a supporting sponsor of this year's Marcum Workplace Challenge, which was held on August 2nd at Jones Beach State Park. A large contingent of the Firm took part in the 3.5-mile run/walk, and enjoyed a BBQ dinner together.
We are proud to announce that Partner John Parker has been named as Vice Chair of the Environmental Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association. John leads the firm’s burgeoning Environmental, Energy, and Resources Practice Group which represents clients on a number of environmental issues including brownfield redevelopment, contaminated site remediation, environmental litigation, enforcement compliance, and in real estate transactions, among others. John looks forward to taking an active leadership role for the Committee. The Nassau County Bar Association is made up of private and public sector attorneys, judges, legal educators, and law students and addresses legal issues in 50 law committees for its 4,000 members.
To read Mr. Parker's biography, click here.
Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano was a proud sponsor of the 47th Annual Golf & Tennis Charity Classic benefitting the Children's Medical Fund of New York. The event was held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, New York. Adam H. Koblenz, Firm member and partner is a member of the Children's Medical Fund of New York’s (CMF) Board of Trustees. For this year’s event, Mr. Koblenz served as Co-Chair of the Tennis Committee. The Children’s Medical Fund of New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York. Through a wide network of friends, volunteers and deeply committed donors, CMF has raised over $90 million to help build, equip and secure ongoing funding for programs that are vital to the needs of seriously ill children and their families.
Partner, Joshua Brookstein, attended the Nassau County Bar Association’s Annual Gala. The Firm was proud to sponsor the Honoree VIP Reception, recognizing Hon. Janet DiFiore, the Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals and other honored guests.
Partner, Joshua D. Brookstein, and Associates Stelios E. Karatzias and Christopher R. DeNicola, serve as volunteer mentors to middle school students through the Nassau County Bar Association. Many of the students that are selected to participate in this program are customarily identified by school guidance counselors as having difficulties with their academics, social skills with their peers, or potential disruptions at home.
To learn more about our attorneys, click here.
Long Island Business News named Elaine Colavito as one of The Power 25 in Law. This elite group of legal leaders was based on their achievements and standing in the legal community. To learn more about Elaine and all the honorees read more below.
To read Ms. Colavito's biography, click here.
At an Installation Dinner ceremony, held on March 25, 2022, Elisabetta T. Coschignano, was sworn in as President of the Columbian Lawyer's Association of Nassau County. The Columbian Lawyers Association is a nonsectarian, legal and professional organization whose purpose, goals and objectives are the enhancement and awareness of Italian-American culture as it applies to the development of law and furtherance of justice and equality.
To read Ms. Coschignano's biography, click here.
Danny D. De Voe was named as a Premier Business Women of Long Island in the legal category during a gala event held on March 23rd. The Awards Gala celebrates high-level female business leaders who are making an impact on Long Island in their given fields. The event was hosted by RichnerLIVE in conjunction with Herald Community Newspapers.
To read Ms. De Voe's biography, click here.
The New York Times recognized Danny D. De Voe as one of 2022 Power Lawyers recognized for excellence in the practice of law.
To read Ms. De Voe's biography, click here.
On March 18th, 2022, Partner, Joshua Brookstein, recently participated in Harlem Prep Elementary School's 6th Annual Virtual Career Day. Mr. Brookstein spoke to three different classes throughout the morning regarding his path to becoming an attorney. Mr. Brookstein engaged with students about his career journey and the importance of hard work, believing in yourself and the power of goal setting.
To read Mr. Brookstein's biography, click here.
The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has re-appointed Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC, with Adam H. Koblenz as lead counsel, as pro bono counsel for 2022. The Nassau County SPCA is dedicated to the rescue, care and placement of animals that have been displaced or harmed. The Firm is proud to support this terrific organization.
To read Mr. Koblenz's biography, click here.
Elaine Colavito continues to serve as a delegate to the Nassau Women’s Bar Association and Secretary to the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association Foundation. Elaine also Co-Chairs the Family and Matrimonial Law Committee of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York.
To read Ms. Colavito's biography, click here.
Again this year, Tom McKevitt, Josh Brookstein and Ralph Branciforte are coaching Nassau County high school teams in the New York State Mock Trial Tournament in Nassau County. The Nassau County Bar Association administers the tournament to encourage and motivate students to consider careers in the legal profession. The tournament gives students the opportunity to prepare and present an actual case before Judges who also volunteer their time. This is the 25th year that Tom McKevitt has coached a team, the last 23 years with Holy Trinity Diocesan High School. Josh Brookstein is in his 5th year of coaching, and this year is mentoring the East Meadow High School team in conjunction with Ralph Branciforte. Tom, Josh and Ralph have dedicated their time and efforts, and this year, more than ever, recognize the need to impart a respect and understanding of the law and the legal process to their students.
To read Mr. McKevitt's biography, click here.
Adam Koblenz actively volunteers to serve the Bowery Mission in Lower Manhattan. According to its Mission Statement, “[t]he Bowery Mission serves homeless and hungry New Yorkers and provides services that meet their immediate needs and transforms their lives from poverty and hopelessness to hope.” Adam dedicates time to prepare meals, feed the homeless, provide maintenance work in the building and assist in other facets during his community service time.
Learn more about the Bowery Mission Here.