Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC

Attorney Michael Lamonsoff

Michael Lamonsoff is the founder and owner of the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC.  He is known as “The Bull” because of his relentless and forceful approach in fighting for his client’s rights to win them the compensation they deserve.  As one of the top-rated personal injury attorneys in New York City, he is licensed to practice law in all State Courts of New York and the Federal District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. His legal prowess and success has been recognized by his attorney peers.  He has been inducted to the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and has been consistently elected to the prestigious Super Lawyers membership.

Mr. Lamonsoff is self-made. He is the proud son of his career United States Army officer father, Robert Benjamin Lamonsoff. His father’s rise through the ranks from “grunt” to officer was similar to his own. His father grew up during the Great Depression; his family was so poor that they had to rely upon government relief at times. Similarly, Michael had minimal resources to rise to his position. During Michael’s quest to become one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, there wasn’t a job too hard, challenging or humbling. To afford college and his future endeavors, he worked as a construction worker, bar bouncer, farm hand, bartender, garbageman and porter, amongst many other jobs. Through a combination of hard work, and sweat he was able to pay for his education, earning him a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona. He then attended Columbia University, where he was awarded a meritorious scholarship. He graduated with dual post-graduate degrees: A Master of Arts and Master of Education in Psychology. He went on to attend Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

In 1994, Mr. Lamonsoff founded the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC. He opened his firm in a tiny windowless office, with one employee; himself.  As a result of his aggressive and results-based litigation style, he has built his law firm to become a powerhouse in New York.  The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff one of the largest and most successful personal injury law firms in New York. His firm concentrates its representation of victims in construction, premises and motor vehicle accidents as well as all other types of accidents caused by the negligence of others.

Attorney Craig Phemister

Craig Phemister has been litigating cases in New York since 1998.  Having grown up in the Midwest, Mr. Phemister graduated college at the University of Nebraska and received his law degree from Creighton University.   

In the past 25 years, Mr. Phemister has represented thousands of clients with life changing injuries to get them the justice and compensation they deserve.  Having always represented plaintiffs, Mr. Phemister has taken over 200 verdicts at trials on cases where defendants have refused to fairly compensate his clients for their negligence.  His compassion and zealous advocacy for his clients has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.

For his entire career, Mr. Phemister has consistently focused on helping people with debilitating injuries stemming from the negligence of others.  He has a life-long passion for fighting for the underdog.  He has successfully obtained winning verdicts and settlements on cases involving premises accidents, automobile accidents, medical malpractice and civil rights violations.

Mr. Phemister is admitted to practice in all New York State courts as well as federal courts in the Eastern District and Southern District of New York.  He has also been admitted pro-hac vice to represent clients for cases in several other states including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey.

Attorney Beth Kirschner

Beth Kirschner is the Assistant Managing Attorney of The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff PLLC. She is also a results-driven litigator, dedicated to vigorously advocating on behalf of negligence victims. Throughout her career, Ms. Kirschner has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for her clients.

Beth has dedicated her career to holding insurance companies accountable and working to ensure injured victims get the compensation they deserve. She believes that, although she cannot erase the harm suffered by her clients, she can help ensure they have the compensation they rightfully deserve and need to move forward with their lives after an accident.

Ms. Kirschner’s prior experience litigating negligence cases from inception through trial gives her a unique perspective on the management of the firm. She understands the importance of moving a case expeditiously through the system all while making sure the client never settles for less than he or she deserves.

Attorney Romina Tominovic

Romina Tominovic is a trial attorney and the head of the Labor Law Unit at the Law Offices of Michael Lamonsoff, PLLC, having handled many very significant construction accident cases as well as other catastrophic injury matters that have resulted in multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.

After graduating from Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Tominovic began her training as a trial lawyer in the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. She handled thousands of serious cases, resulting in a promotion to the prestigious Street Narcotics and Gang Bureau. While with that bureau, Mr. Tominovic focused on prosecuting criminals that were involved in violent crimes and gang related activities. She handled cases involving drug, robbery, burglary, assault, attempted murder and did so with tremendous success. It was at the District Attorney's Office where Ms. Tominovic developed a reputation for being an ethical but formidable adversary. Most importantly, her experiences solidified her desire as a lawyer to impact people in a positive way.

Attorney Stacey Haskel

Stacey Haskel is an accomplished appellate attorney at MSL (Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff PLLC) and serves as the firm’s General Counsel. Her practice is focused on advocating cases on appeal before state and federal appellate courts. She also provides counsel and assistance to our firm’s trial lawyers in framing issues at trial and preserving the record for appeal.

Ms. Haskel is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied psychology. She subsequently graduated from Fordham Law school.

Stacey Haskel has successfully briefed many appeals, which have resulted in decisions favorable to our clients being upheld and decisions that were not in our favor being overturned. In one of Ms. Haskel’s appellate victories, she convinced the Second Department to reinstate actions against the City of New York and the New York City Board of Education, holding them responsible for negligently hiring a teacher who abused several of his students.

When she is not researching and writing in the office, Stacey Haskel expresses her creativity by singing lead in a rock cover band. Ms. Haskel is married to a lawyer and has two children.

Attorney Jason Lesnevec

Mr. Lesnevec was a prior Assistant Prosecutor in Newark, New Jersey, where he fought on behalf of victims of tragic violence. In his practice, he tried fourteen cases, ranging from theft to murder. Through all of his jury trials, Mr. Lesnevec became very comfortable in the courtroom and has achieved some of his best results by way of jury verdict.

Mr. Lesnevec’s interest in protecting victims led him to the plaintiff’s bar where he continues to fight for those who suffer. Although Mr. Lesnevec has successfully negotiated hundreds of complex cases, he believes in going to trial. Mr. Lesnevec realizes that the clients have suffered at the hands of others, which motivates him to work tirelessly to ensure that they are given the zealous representation that they deserve. He believes in the jury deliberation process and prefers the generosity of juries over the greed of defendants.

In his very first civil jury trial, in February 2020, Mr. Lesnevec achieved a jury verdict of 9 million dollars on behalf of clients of the Law Office of Michael S. Lamonsoff. In that case, the City of New York offered $50,000 to settle the case at the hour before trial. Knowing that one of the clients suffered a serious Traumatic Brain Injury for 13 years preceding trial, Mr. Lesnevec litigated the case to a verdict, ultimately securing justice for the Plaintiffs.

Attorney Hannah Joly

Hannah Joly is an Associate Attorney at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff. Her educational and legal background make her uniquely qualified to represent victims injured by the negligence of others, as well as survivors of sexual abuse.

Prior to earning her Juris Doctor degree from Elon University School of Law in North Carolina, Ms. Joly, an aggressive academician, earned her 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in 2 years. Ms. Joly subsequently earned her Juris Doctor degree, traditionally taking 3 years, in just 2.5-years.

After her admittance to the New York State Bar Association, Ms. Joly started her career in Civil Rights. Ms. Joly primarily focused on representing prison inmates who were the victims of abuse and injuries inflicted by correctional officers, correctional employees, and/or other inmates. Afterwards, Ms. Joly joined a well - known insurance defense firm. Here, Ms. Joly defended individuals who were alleged to have negligently caused the injuries of others. This experience gave her powerful insight into how insurance companies litigate and value the worth of a case. With this knowledge, Ms. Joly has a comprehensive understanding of the litigation of a personal injury case.

Additionally, Ms. Joly has a deep understanding of the emotional damages suffered by survivors of molestation and/or sexual assault and abuse. Her knowledge and passion to represent these victims and survivors dovetail with her aggressive litigation style, making her a zealous advocate in the litigation of their cases.

Attorney Jerome Bivona

Jerome began his career as an Assistant District Attorney at the King’s (Brooklyn) County District Attorney’s Office. He was a Felony assistant where he Prosecuted and managed a rotating caseload of over 100 felony criminal cases from arraignment to final disposition. Jerome presented felony cases and evidentiary investigations in the Grand Jury, including but not limited to attempted murder, gun possession, reckless endangerment, robbery, burglary and assault. Jerome conducted numerous pre-trial evidentiary hearings and trials to verdict. He also conducted one of the first virtual criminal trials in the State of New York during Covid-19 pandemic and drafted indictments, internal memoranda’s, search warrants, and subpoenas for DNA and digital evidence.

Upon leaving the DA’s office, Jerome joined a well - known insurance defense firm where he was an Associate in the Complex Tort & General Casualty Division. Jerome defended clients in preventing, mitigating and managing exposure to liability through risk, crises, claims while litigating these cases. Jerome represented individuals who were alleged to have negligently caused the injuries of others.

Attorney William Thonus

Mr. Thonus has dedicated himself to representing the injured in Personal Injury actions. He has successfully litigated hundreds of cases on behalf of Plaintiffs, focusing on motor vehicle and premises injuries. His ability to navigate litigation with a strong ethical compass married with aggression and compassion has led to millions of dollars of compensation for his injured clients throughout his career.

Mr. Thonus understands that every case is of the utmost importance to each client and handles each matter with the same passion, belief, and conviction. He is acutely aware of how the life of a victim of personal injury changes irrevocably and is committed to obtaining the best results for each one of his clients. His unwavering belief in getting justice for the injured is what drives his meticulous preparation and practical approach to every case.

Mr. Thonus spent time prior to becoming an attorney working in customer service, which has provided invaluable practical life experience and perspective that provides a foundation for his approach to his clients and their representation.

Mr. Thonus earned his Juris Doctorate from Pace University School of Law and is admitted to practice in the States of New York and New Jersey, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Attorney Jose Soriano

Jose A. Soriano, Esq. is an Associate at The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, licensed to practice in the State of New York, and admitted to the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York and Eastern District of New York. Jose focuses his practice on personal injury law, including motor vehicle, premises, and construction accidents.

Jose began as a messenger and worked his way up through the support staff ranks, then shifted his focus to legal matters, becoming a paralegal, and ultimately an Attorney.

Jose graduated from Pace University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, before receiving his Juris Doctor at New York Law School. Since a young age, Jose has dedicated himself to the law, and has focused on helping others through his passion.

Since graduating from New York Law School, Jose has been a Trial Attorney at multiple firms, and handled thousands of cases, and gained broad legal experience. He has worked on 42 U.S.C. § 1983 wrongful death actions, wrongful arrest and malicious prosecution actions, and real estate closings, before focusing on personal injury, and has appeared in Court in all five boroughs, Westchester County, and Long Island, in order to get favorable results on his clients’ behalf.

Attorney Shahar Azoulay

Shahar Azoulay is an experienced litigator devoted to providing his clients with the highest quality representation. Mr. Azoulay graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo where he received several awards. He went on to study at Yale Law School where he received his J.D. Mr. Azoulay took full advantage of Yale Law School’s clinical programs. There, he represented workers and immigrants as part of the Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic (WIRAC) and worked with the New Haven Public Defender's Office representing indigent defendants. Observing the harsh working conditions faced by the migrant workers he represented, and the pervasive disregard for workers’ health and safety in pursuit of profit, motivated Mr. Azoulay to transition to representing workers and injury victims. Through these formative experiences, Mr. Azoulay gained an appreciation for how passionate, client-centered advocacy can lift the voices of the powerless and make a difference for those in need.

 Building on the hands-on practical experience of representing clients throughout law school, Mr. Azoulay devoted his career to fighting on behalf of individuals facing powerful opponents and facing difficult odds. At the Legal Aid Society, Mr. Azoulay honed his litigation skills in a high pressure, fast paced environment. He represented individuals charged with violating the conditions of their parole at judicial hearings on Rikers Island, through appeals, and in Supreme Court proceedings throughout New York City. He went on to represent individuals in post-conviction matters and direct appeals in the Criminal Appeals Bureau of the Legal Aid Society. 

Attorney Andrew Davidow

Andrew Davidow is an Associate Attorney at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC. Mr. Davidow has a vast experience in representing injury victims in New York, specializing in helping those that were injured in motor vehicle accidents and by premises defects. Andrew earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, graduating cum laude and completing his degree in an accelerated two-year tenure.

Mr. Davidow is a knowledgeable and passionate litigator that understands the legal and medical needs of his clients and is uniquely qualified to deal with client’s inquiries because of his years as a paralegal. He has spent his entire career standing up against negligent corporations and tortfeasors, zealously fighting to ensure that injured clients are fully compensated for their damages.

As an employee of the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, Andrew works tirelessly to make certain that his client’s cases are all handled in a professional and diligent manner and will accept nothing less than justice for those that were negligently injured by others.

Andrew is admitted to the New York State Bar.

Attorney Steven Costanzo

Steven Costanzo is an Associate Attorney and a trusted advocate for those who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. Combining legal acumen, exceptional writing abilities, and a passion for justice, Steven is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients and upholding the firm's unwavering commitment to excellence.

Steven's practice involves a wide breadth of high complex personal injury cases, including construction and labor law, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, and medical malpractice. With a comprehensive understanding of these complex areas of law, Steven offers clients the expertise necessary to navigate the intricate legal landscape and obtain favorable outcomes.

Recognized for his exceptional legal writing skills, Steven possesses a unique ability to craft compelling arguments and meticulously analyze complex legal issues. His proficiency in articulating legal concepts ensures that clients receive the highest level of representation, both inside and outside the courtroom. Steven's unwavering attention to detail and dedication to staying updated on the latest legal developments contribute to their success in achieving favorable settlements and verdicts for clients.

Attorney Joshua Michael Greenberg

Joshua Michael Greenberg is an Associate Attorney at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.  Joshua focuses his practice on personal injury law, including motor vehicle and premises accidents.

Joshua received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law.  At Pace, Joshua was part of the Honors Prosecution Externship, where, pursuant to a student practice order, he tried a variety of matters in the Yonkers Bureau of Westchester District Attorney’s Office.  It was during this time that Joshua found his passion for trying cases. 

Prior to joining the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, Joshua was a managing, junior partner at a busy plaintiff’s firm.  Joshua was responsible for cases from inception to trial and won millions of dollars for his clients.  Joshua has found balance in his ability to settle cases with the reasonable insurance adjusters, but strongly believes in trying the case in front of a jury to force unreasonable insurance companies to pay. 

Joshua’s zealous advocacy and pursuit for justice brought him to the Law Offices of Michael Lamonsoff, home of the Bull!  It is here where he feels at home, amongst the fellow bulls of the world, fighting for justice for those hurt as the result of the negligence of others!

Attorney William Durbec

William Durbec earned his law degree from Villanova University School of Law which he attended on an academic scholarship and has over 10 years of experience in the legal field. He began his legal career in 2013 while still attending law school – first working as a legal assistant with the Federal Defender Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania-Capital Habeas Unit and later as a law clerk with the State of New Jersey Public Defender Office.

 Upon receiving his law degree in 2015, Mr. Durbec transitioned into the civil litigation field, working with a boutique law firm in New Jersey specializing in personal injury and Workers’ Compensation matters. Mr. Durbec later relocated back to his home State of New York in 2017 and has since practiced exclusively in plaintiff’s personal injury, while always maintaining an aggressive approach to litigation. He has secured millions of dollars for clients over the years, both through settlement and by way of jury verdict at trial. More recently, Mr. Durbec mediated a $1.8 million dollar settlement against a top commercial airline for a slip and fall accident resulting in a lumbar injury and in February 2023, William took a jury verdict at trial in New York County Supreme Court awarding his client $750,000 for a motor vehicle accident resulting in only non-surgical soft tissue injuries.

While having established himself as a well accomplished litigator and trial attorney, Mr. Durbec takes the most pride in his dedication to client contact and in always making himself available to discuss any questions or concerns that his clients may have throughout their case.