Mr. Bellovin actively practices before federal and state appellate and trial courts, various governmental agencies and departments and arbitration and mediation tribunals. His cases have been reported in federal and state reporters, and have been the subject of newspaper and magazine articles. His practice includes all phases of litigation and trial practice, Alternative Dispute Resolution and negotiation, and covers all aspects of employer-employee relations, including workers compensation defense, FLSA litigation defense, employment discrimination litigation and employee benefits.

Josh is an intellectual property attorney with more than 25 years of experience counseling large corporations, small businesses, start-ups and individuals in the development, protection, enforcement and defense of their patent, trademark, trade dress and copyright assets. Josh prides himself on bringing a practical, business-oriented approach to all types of patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright or unfair competition issues for his clients.

As a Senior Trial Attorney in the King’s County District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Galleshaw prosecuted hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases in New York Supreme Court, New York City Criminal Court, and New York State Family Court. Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Galleshaw worked in the litigation department of one of the country’s most respected insurance defense firms, where he handled a wide range of complex litigation matters, including products liability, motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, lead and asbestos poisoning, and general negligence claims. Mr. Galleshaw’s practice focuses on all types of complex litigation matters, including all state and federal criminal defense matters, complex commercial litigation and high-value construction, and motor vehicle injury claims. He is currently admitted to practice in New York State, New Jersey State, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Introducing Stuart Birbach: Your Trusted Advocate for Criminal Matters in New York When it comes to navigating the complex and often daunting world of criminal law, one name stands out as a beacon of hope and expertise: Stuart Birbach. With an illustrious career spanning years of dedicated service, Mr. Birbach has established himself as a highly respected and sought-after lawyer in New York. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of criminal matters and an unwavering commitment to justice, he has consistently delivered exceptional results for his clients.

Gerald Karikari is admitted to practice law in the state of New York, as well as in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Mr. Karikari emigrated from Ghana, West Africa, as a young child. As such, the plight of immigrants is something Mr. Karikari is deeply concerned about. In addition, Mr. Karikari is passionate about community affairs. Mr. Karikari is also a Property Manager and Director of various real estate businesses such as Woods and Ruff Global LLC, outfitting him with an extensive depth of knowledge in all things real estate management. He serves on numerous executive boards such as the Rosedale Jets Football Association, Success Consultancy Group, and Merrick Academy Charter School. Our office staff members speak multiple languages other than English such as Twi, Ga Mandarin, Fuzhou, Spanish, French, Mandingo, Burbur, Malentu, Punjabi, Hindu and Urdu. Many other languages can be accommodated upon request.

Leslie Akst earned her B.A. in Psychology from Wellesley College in 1973. She graduated from Princeton University with an M.A. in Psychology in 1975, and from Fordham Law School with a J.D. in 1978 where she was also a member of the Law Review. As a member of the Fordham Law Review, she published an article on the New York Art Market. Mrs. Akst is admitted to the New York State and Federal Bars. Before joining Akst & Akst, she clerked for the Surrogate of New York County. Upon joining Akst & Akst, she acted as a closing counsel for Chemical Bank’s residential mortgage department for four years where she represented the bank in numerous mortgage closings.

George Akst received his B.A. in Economics from Boston University in 1972. He attended The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands in 1973 and received his J.D. from Fordham Law School in 1976 where he was a member of the Urban Law Journal. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1977 and is admitted to practice in the New York Federal Courts and US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He has been a Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association since 1984 where he has spoken on numerous topics, including visas for artists, athletes, and entertainers. He is a member of the Union Internationale Des Avocats, the Paris based International Bar Association, where he has spoken on such various issues as U.S. visa investment opportunities and human trafficking. Mr. Akst is a former Adjunct Professor of Business and Real Estate Law, at both Long Island University and at the Borough of Manhattan Community College from 1979-1981.

Jon served for a dozen years as the Co-Leader of the Firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group and has more than 40 years’ experience trying cases, arguing appeals, and advising clients on complex litigation, as well as more than 25 years' experience as a mediator. Jon’s practice involves a broad range of commercial and corporate litigation, with an emphasis on class action defense. The Commercial Litigation group has been named a Tier 1 practice group in Best Lawyers for the past several years. He has handled complex litigation involving banking, securities, publishing, UCC, employment, antitrust, defamation, trademarks and unfair competition, real estate, trusts, and estates. Jon has also advised companies and individuals facing regulatory investigations. Jon is a seasoned mediator with extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution. He serves on the American Arbitration Association’s Roster of Mediators and is a member of the mediation panels for both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He has mediated complex commercial disputes across industries, drawing on decades of experience as both a neutral and an advocate in arbitration and mediation proceedings, as well as his experience as an advocate in diverse litigation, in order to help parties reach efficient, practical, and durable resolutions.