Marilyn Nelson-Cashman

A former senior trial attorney of major felony cases for the Criminal Defense Division of the Legal Aid Society, as well as a trial attorney for a prestigious insurance defense firm, Marilyn brings more than a decade of trial experience to our firm. She is a fixture in all courthouses of the City, and tries numerous cases to verdict each year. Marilyn received a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law, where she was recognized with several prestigious honors, served as President of the student bar association, and competed on behalf of the Hofstra Law School National Trial Team. She earned a B.F.A. from New York University. Marilyn is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and the United States Supreme Court. She is an annual guest lecturer on legal issues at Queens College. Marilyn is fluent in Spanish.

Erik L. Gray

Erik has experience in every aspect of personal injury litigation, from inception through trial. Prior to joining our firm he operated his own successful personal injury practice as a solo practitioner for five years. Before entering law school Erik was a police officer with the Fort Lee, New Jersey police department for seven years. He was awarded numerous awards and was elected to The Honor Legion of the Police Departments of New Jersey. Erik received a J.D. from Quinnipiac College School of Law, where he was an associate editor of the Quinnipiac Probate Law Journal, was awarded the Best Advocate Award from the Mock Trial Society and was elected to Burns Inn, an honors chapter of Phi Delta Phi. Erik received his B.A. from William Paterson College. He is admitted to practice in New York and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Joanne Porcelli

An associate with the firm since 2002, Joanne offers an unyielding devotion to our clients. She handles all aspects of pre-trial and trial litigation, and is a recognized figure in the courthouse. Additionally, Joanne is a tireless negotiator, and has obtained countless favorable settlements on behalf of our clients. She received a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, and a B.S. from St. John’s University College of Business Administration. Joanne is admitted to practice in New York. She is conversant in Romanian.

Andrea Krugman Tessler

As our firm’s most senior associate, Andrea is our chief appellate and federal court practitioner. Her legal arguments have persuaded appellate courts to change interpretations of several New York laws. Additionally, Andrea handles all aspects of pre-trial litigation. Andrea earned a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of International and Comparative Law. She received a B.A. from the University of Maryland. Andrea is admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.