Since its founding more than 80 years ago, Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. has continued to attract, retain, and develop some of New York’s most skilled personal injury attorneys, building a staff of more than 40 dedicated and highly qualified lawyers.
Over the last 12 years, the firm has recovered more than $2 billion for individuals who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones as a result of the wrongdoing of others. The firm has also been retained on complex matters involving mass disasters and public health issues: Sullivan Papain was selected by the State of New York to help in its litigation against the major tobacco companies, which resulted in a historic $25 billion recovery for the state. The firm has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of representing victims of the 9/11 WTC Terrorist Attack, having obtained, to date, more than $690 million in awards from the Victim Compensation Fund for first responders and rescue and recovery workers—including many firefighters—and their families.
“We are proud of our work ethic. Every single partner contributes dedicated hours,” says senior partner Robert G. Sullivan. “Nevertheless, we respect our lawyers’ family lives. That balance, work and home, is one of the reasons why many of our female partners started with the firm early in their professional careers and have continued to excel throughout the years.” Eleni Coffinas, a senior partner of the firm, has been with Sullivan Papain for her entire 30-year legal career and oversees the firm’s medical malpractice department. Her results include the largest verdict in New York for the failure to diagnose breast cancer. As a leading authority in her field, Eleni, who is married with a child, is often asked to lecture on medical malpractice issues.
In the 27 years that Marie Ng has been with the firm, she has become widely recognized for her talents in the areas of municipal liability and premises hazards. Marie, a senior supervising partner of the firm’s general negligence department, oversees and trains the firm’s younger associates while securing seven and eight-figure recoveries for her clients in cases as varied as construction site, bus, and subway accidents and explosions. Elizabeth Montesano joined the firm in 2002 and focuses her practice entirely on medical malpractice. She often handles cases involving babies who suffered brain damage at birth or people who lost loved ones due to a delayed cancer diagnosis. As a wife and mother of two, she is both sensitive to these families’ needs and a fierce advocate for their causes. Mary Anne Walling has practiced at the firm since 2001, and she is a vital member of the firm’s medical malpractice department due to both her legal expertise and her background as a registered nurse. Indeed, Mary’s medical nursing experience has proved to be a tremendous asset in analyzing medical records, deposing doctors, handling medical malpractice cases, and preparing them for trial.
Deanne M. Caputo started at the firm 13 years ago while still in law school. Now married with two children, she handles a variety of cases in the general negligence field, including motor vehicle accidents, construction cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. Deanne is known for her strong negotiation skills and her expertise in preparing cases for trial. Liza A. Milgrim, who is married and expecting her second child in March, has been with the firm for over a decade, during which time she has obtained seven-figure recoveries in cases ranging from motor vehicle accidents to general liability matters. As a bilingual attorney, Liza is able to assist Spanish-speaking clients and also serves as a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association.
“We’re able to provide clients with a wide range of talent and experience, particularly at the partner level,” observes Sullivan. “And that’s important, because it ensures that our clients receive the undivided attention of a lawyer who is committed to making a difference in their lives.”