Cullen and Dykman Welcomes Seven Attorneys to its Growing Litigation Practice

Garden City, NY -- October 11, 2019 -- Cullen and Dykman, one of the New York region’s most well-renowned law firms, is pleased to announce the addition of seven commercial tort litigators who will be resident throughout several of the Firm’s regional offices including Garden City, Wall Street and Hackensack.  

Brian J. Donnelly, along with six other lawyers specializing in tort litigation defense for large corporate business entities, join Cullen and Dykman from New York-based Ahmuty, Demers & McManus, where Mr. Donnelly had been a partner for over 25 years.  The new group will bring along their team of tort litigation associates and paralegals.

“We are very pleased to have Brian and the full team of talented litigators join our General Liability, Tort and Insurance Defense practice,” stated Christopher H. Palmer, Managing Partner of Cullen and Dykman. “This team will add to the growth of our strong litigation group as we continue to expand and serve our client base.”

Brian Donnelly said, “We are delighted to be joining Cullen and Dykman, where we will have the opportunity to provide our clients with a full array of services. The firm has a top-tier reputation for all aspects of commercial and tort litigation.”

Brian Donnelly, partner, has handled many high-profile cases, including many cases that have drawn attention in the national news media.  He also coordinates the response of self-insured retail and transportation clients after catastrophic events, acting as supervising partner for some of the largest such companies in those sectors. After graduating from Brooklyn Law School, Mr. Donnelly served as an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County.  

Nicholas Cardascia, partner, concentrates on the defense of real estate developers and managers and construction companies in labor, premises liability, property damage and products liability cases. A graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, he has also maintained an extensive appellate practice, drafting over 100 appellate briefs in both New York and federal cases.  

Erin Frost, partner, focuses on construction site and premises liability, products liability and property damage litigation. She earned her J.D. from St. John's University.  

Andria Simone Kelly, partner, has over 20 years’ experience handling a wide variety of cases. She represents large retailers in premises liability, construction, labor law and property damage cases. Ms. Kelly also handles high-exposure automobile cases and frequently lectures on related issues such as uninsured motorist and no-fault insurance matters. She holds a J.D. from St. John's University. 

Gary P. Muhlstock, partner, has 30 years of experience handling high-exposure cases, including premises liability, construction site accidents, wrongful death, professional liability (including claims involving healthcare professionals) and property damage claims. Many of his clients are in the retail and hospitality industry. A former Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, he earned his J.D. from Touro Law Center. 

Daniel I. Winter, partner, specializes in construction site and premises liability, products liability and property damage litigation. He also has also handled toxic tort, asbestos and environmental matters. He is a graduate of New York Law School where he earned his J.D. degree. 

Melissa Manna, associate, focuses on professional and general liability defense, including construction site accidents, premises liability, products liability and property damage matters. She holds a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. 

About Cullen and Dykman’s General Liability, Tort and Insurance Defense practice

Cullen and Dykman’s tort litigation attorneys represent corporations in general liability, tort and insurance defense matters ranging from personal injury, asbestos and insurance coverage disputes. Clients frequently engage our litigators to act as trial counsel in high-exposure cases and we have extensive experience in appellate litigation involving liability and insurance matters. In addition to our general liability, tort, and insurance defense practice, we maintain a full-service construction litigation practice.

About Cullen and Dykman 

Cullen and Dykman (www.cullenanddykman.com) has been providing legal services to institutional clients since 1850. The firm represents a wide range of clients, including banks and other financial institutions; energy, telecommunications and water companies; construction companies, insurers; large and small businesses; educational institutions; religious organizations; municipalities and not-for-profits. With over 170 attorneys in seven offices strategically located throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic regions, Cullen and Dykman is strategically positioned to meet the changing needs and demands of our clients.