Litigation

Stuart Paynter is an experienced trial attorney specializing in catastrophic personal injury cases, products liability and other complex litigation. Mr. Paynter began his career at one of the nations most prestigious law firms Sullivan & Cromwell before starting in own law firm in 2005. Under his leadership, Paynter Law has obtained over $500 million in verdicts and settlements, including one of the largest verdicts of 2018 in a medical malpractice case. Mr. Paynter believes every client deserves their day in court and fights to make it happen. During the course of his career, Mr. Paynter has taken on and won against Fortune 500 companies and other large institutions--including groundbreaking litigation against the NCAA that resulted in a $60 million settlement for student athletes.

I always knew that I wanted to start my own practice after I graduated from law school. My goal was to help people with their personal issues. Being a personal advocate to me was always taking the strongest position for your client and never giving up the fight, even when you think you might lose. The motto of "Never give up" was something that carried over throughout my career as an attorney. In 2002 I began my legal career in litigation at a plaintiff's personal injury firm. I learned the value of communicating with clients who were severely injured and were looking for compensation. Their biggest complaints were that the attorneys in the office never got back to them on what was happening with their case. So I made it my goal to always return every phone call. I never left the office for the day until every single phone call had been returned. As a young associate, I knew client communication was the number one goal to a satisfied customer. Shortly thereafter in early 2003, I felt it was time to move on, and I launched my career into criminal law at the Kings County District Attorney's Office. I was quickly thrown into the courtroom and cut my teeth on over 300 misdemeanor cases, many of which I tried to successful verdicts. I was then placed into the grand jury were I successfully indicated over 500 criminals resulting in sustainable felony charges. In 2006, I was promoted to a felony assistant. I returned to the courtroom in the Supreme Court of New York fighting for the citizens of Brooklyn. While trying numerous felony cases I quickly learned how to size up my cases early on, gather evidence that would hold up in front of a jury, and prepare my witnesses so that their stories were fluid, credible, and accurate. I won as many cases as I lost, but I learned to never be afraid to take any case to verdict, especially the tough ones, because you never know what can help. I never enjoyed being pushed around in the courtroom and I learned how to push back respectfully and diligently with the most up to date legal precedent and as much evidence as possible to prove my point. I never stopped until I found the truth and combed every piece of paper, report, or photo to find the answers I was seeking. I always went the extra mile to find as many witnesses as possible and as much evidence as I could to win. In 2007 I began to feel that I needed to make a change in my career. I returned to civil litigation. I spent a number of years in private practice where I defended insurance companies on complex litigation matters. I am extremely glad that I made the switch because it gave me the opportunity to learn the behind the scene decisions of insurance adjusters and lengths they will go in order to deny your claim. Additionally, I learned how litigate complex matters breaking down the issues to handle them effectively. I never thought of myself as a "defense guy" and I knew my skills were better equipped for a plaintiff's practice. The decisions the insurance companies made in denying claims against parties that were truly injured I believed were performed in error. In 2010 I made the decision to open my own law firm. I knew that I wanted to devote myself to taking on smaller clients that needed personal attention and were looking for guidance. I was fortunate enough to be selective in the types of cases that I took on in my practice. I did not want to treat my clients like they were just a name and number whose file was sitting on a shelf. I made it my business to know my clients personally, give them as much individual attention so that they feel that they are my only client. In my current practice I bring intuitive trial skills along with my communication skills. I still make it my number one priority to personally return every phone message I receive. Additionally, I guide my clients through every step of the litigation. I like to make them feel they are part of the process. I know my clients appreciate my diligence and hard work. Lastly, I've learned to take on the difficult cases, and I know that there are times when you have to force your adversary into the courtroom. I am not afraid to lose, and it's that confidence which has made me successful.

Randall J. Richards is a member of the Management Committee and co-chair of the Personal Injury practice at Wilentz, Goldman, & Spitzer, P.A. He has been a shareholder since 1986 and serves as Vice Chairman to the firm. As a seasoned trial attorney of 40 years, Mr. Richards has achieved verdicts and settlements in personal injury litigation on behalf of thousands of clients who have suffered injuries arising from automobile accidents, construction and other serious accidents, and/or by defective products or injuries resulting from negligence. Mr. Richards has also represented victims’ families in over 100 wrongful death actions, and thus understands the suffering of families who have lost a loved one. Mr. Richards has obtained numerous settlements and verdicts in excess of one million dollars from insurance companies on behalf of his clients. Recognizing that traumatic accident victims may be overwhelmed by emotional issues and significant financial loss arising from costs associated with their injuries such as medical bills, disability, lost wages, and/or property damage, Mr. Richards devotes his practice and Wilentz’s vast resources as one of New Jersey’s largest and long-established personal injury law firms to guide his clients through the legal system to secure the best possible outcome in the face of their injury and the circumstances of each case he accepts. Mr. Richards believes in approaching each personal injury case as if it were going to trial. In this way he can maximize the recovery for each of his clients. A swift settlement best serves the clients’ interests. Recovery is, however, maximized by demonstrating to the insurance company that you are prepared to proceed to trial. Considering that in any injury case the ultimate goal is to maximize recovery, Mr. Richards is adept at discovering the relevant facts through research and preparation, in turn, creating opportunities for significant recovery. Mr. Richards’ practice includes a particular focus on representing victims of traumatic brain injuries. Perhaps the most insidious type of injury, brain trauma affects the victim’s ability to function as a member of society, to earn a living, to enjoy functional relationships with friends and members of his or her own family and satisfy the basic human need to socialize. Damage or injury to the brain changes a patient – not just temporarily, but forever – long after the interest and sympathy of others fade. Often brain injuries are subtle with no outward visible signs that juries can be sympathetic to. It is therefore essential that such victims engage an attorney who understands the mechanism and impact of such injuries. Mr. Richards has earned his reputation as a formidable trial attorney and a trusted brain injury lawyer who has dedicated his entire legal career to advocate for the rights of victims and their families to get the compensation they deserve. Since 2003, Mr. Richards has been consistently selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs. In addition, he has been recognized as a leading Personal Injury attorney by Super Lawyers from 2006 to 2009.

Brooke Dana Youngwirth, Esq. represents both employees and private and public sector employers before state and federal agencies, including the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and defends private and public employers against employment harassment and discrimination, labor violations, and various other federal and state claims. Brooke also counsels individuals, school districts, police departments, and other private employers on a range of topics such as wrongful termination, student disciplinary matters, employment discrimination, and the implementation of employment policies and handbooks. Mrs. Youngwirth has held client training sessions and continuing legal education seminars on various issues including: employment discrimination and harassment prevention, institutional sexual abuse, discrimination and harassment investigations, electronic discovery and dispositive motions. Brooke‘s practice also focuses on handling a variety of other types of commercial and civil disputes including franchise, personal injury, and business litigation. Brooke‘s litigation skills allow for majority of cases to settle prior to going to court, eliminating risk and expenses. Brooke’s practical approach to matters ensures clients feel secure and confident while handling their business and personal matters.

Kimberly’s practice focuses on complex litigation, white-collar criminal defense, government and internal investigations, and arbitration. Kimberly has experience representing individuals and companies in criminal and regulatory enforcement investigations, including on allegations of financial and securities fraud, anti-corruption violations (FCPA, FCA, AKS), sanctions violations, insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, and tax fraud. Kimberly has defended clients before federal and state prosecutors and regulators, including the SEC, DOJ, FINRA, state Attorney General and District Attorney offices. Kimberly has experience in both federal and state court proceedings at the trial and appellate levels. She has represented clients against claims of financial and securities fraud, trade secret misappropriation, global products liability, employment, and cooperation in SEC monitorship and receivership proceedings. Kimberly has also assisted clients with internal investigations, compliance and monitoring, oversight, and crisis management. Prior to joining Dynamis LLP, Kimberly was a white-collar criminal defense and government investigations associate at a mid-size law firm and a litigation associate at a prominent New York law firm. Kimberly received her J.D. from Fordham Law School, where she was the recipient of the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award magna cum laude. While at Fordham, Kimberly served as a Notes and Articles Editor for the Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal; participated in the Securities Litigation and Arbitration Clinic; and was an LLM Legal Writing Teaching Assistant, for the Honorable Gerald Lebovits. Kimberly was also a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Keith E. Lynott in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Essex County. Kimberly is currently on the Associate Board of Urban Pathways, Inc. a non-profit organization in New York that specializes in assisting the homeless.

David treats every case from day 1 as if it will be presented to a jury and explains each step of the litigation process so that you are an informed client and trial partner. David joined the firm as a “Summer Associate” in May of 2013 after completing his second year of law school. His position was originally for a limited time period spanning the summer months. However, David impressed the partners of E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy with his ability to write, critically think on his feet, and the ease of which he understood the new legal issues thrown at him. David stayed on to become a full time Associate Attorney after he graduated. Over the years David has proven himself a zealous trial advocate for his personal injury cases amassing jury verdicts and favorable settlements for his clients. Having tried an assortment of different personal injury cases, David knows from start to finish what it takes to get the result his clients deserve. As the head of the firm’s small class action litigation department, David was lead counsel for a class of over 34,000 people against Stewart’s Shops, which resulted in financial compensation to every class member. David is actively engaged in pursuing compensation for victims of timber theft where he has several trial victories and multiple favorable appellate decisions on the topic, including an appellate decision increasing a $12,000 monetary award to $124,000. David is also very active in the local Rugby community in and around the Capital District. David was introduced to Rugby at Albany Law School. In his second year, David became the Vice-President of the team and eventually became President of the team his third year. While in law school, David became one of the founding members of the Albany Bootleggers, a local social rugby club named after one of E. Stewart Jones’ most famous defense clients, Jack ‘Legs’ Diamond. The Albany Bootleggers not only play rugby but concentrate on fraternity and charity, adopting families in need during the holiday season so nobody has to go without, holding annual cancer research fundraising events and holding fundraising events for wounded veterans. Besides Rugby, David otherwise spends a considerable amount of time with his blind rescue dog Betsy and her brother Murray.

New Jersey personal injury lawyer, Harold J. Gerr, is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. Attorney Gerr has been a licensed attorney in New Jersey for 40 years. He focuses his practice on personal injury litigation including car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents and Workers’ Compensation. When you or a loved one has been injured because of the carelessness or negligence of another person, you want an experienced attorney to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses. You want someone who understands that your case is unique and who will take the time to learn exactly what happened to you, as well as what you need to move forward with your life. You want the office of Harold J. Gerr, Attorney at Law.

STEPHEN V. SOMMERS (licensed in Virginia 1999, Texas (1997), Maryland (1996)), was born at Camp Pendleton, CA, October 4, 1956 and educated at Troy State University (B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1981), Golden Gate University (M.A., 1986) and American University (Juris Doctor, 1995). Mr. Sommers retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major after 22 years flying fighter aircraft. Mr. Sommers has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Fourth Circuit and the Tenth Circuit and all Virginia Courts. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Aviation Section of the Texas Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Lawyer-Pilot Bar Association, as well as each state’s Bar Association he is licensed in. Mr. Sommers has extensive experience in all types of trial litigation and specializes in personal injury, criminal defense, medical malpractice, product liability, aviation crash litigation, as well as general civil litigation in state and federal courts. A member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the most prestigious group of trial lawyers in the United States. Nominated by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as 10 Best for 2015 and 2016.

When Kurt Arnold represents someone, he’s all in. He’s won billions for his clients. In fact, he has recovered more than $1 billion in a single year multiple times and shattered records with his historic verdicts and settlements. He has helped clients recover losses after major maritime disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon and the El Faro. For Kurt, no fight is too difficult or complicated. He refuses to take “no” for an answer. When something bad happens, Kurt fights for his clients, no matter what. He never backs down, no matter how big the challenge. Kurt co-founded Arnold & Itkin at 25 and has since won more than a dozen jury verdicts and settlements in excess of $100 million, over 100 jury verdicts and settlements in excess of $10 million, more than 1,000 recoveries exceeding $1 million, and multiple nationwide product recalls. Kurt’s record-setting verdicts include a $117 million recovery, the largest in single-plaintiff personal injury verdict in Louisiana. He holds a record in Hawaii after securing a $42 million verdict. He broke a U.S. record when he obtained a $44 million verdict on behalf of a single-leg amputee. He’s won record-setting individual recoveries for clients of $92.7 million, $87 million, $81 million, $78 million, and $72 million. Kurt has also achieved record settlements for workplace accidents of $357.7 million and $171 million. Other record-setting results earned by Kurt include: • Largest settlement for an individual burned at a worksite in United States history. • Largest settlement for a wrongful death case in United States history. • Largest settlement for a man killed offshore in United States history. • Largest settlement for families injured in a plant explosion in United States history. • Largest settlement for an undocumented worker in United States history. • Largest settlement for a worker injured in Texas oilfield. • Largest jury verdict for a single amputee in the United States. • Largest jury verdicts in multiple states throughout the country. Kurt consistently receives the legal industry’s highest honors. He has been named to the top 50 Elite Trial Lawyer list by National Law Journal and was recognized by Lawdragon as one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America. He has been named to the Best Lawyers in America® in Admiralty and Maritime Law and Personal Injury Litigation. He was also asked to join one of the most prestigious organizations in the legal profession: The Inner Circle of Advocates. Serious accidents require the best lawyers. When people get hurt or lose someone they love, they call Kurt. To him, every case is personal. He treats his clients like family, fighting hard to get them the result they need to rebuild their lives. Kurt attended the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors at the age of 19. He then attended the University of Texas Law School and graduated in the top 5% of his class. Kurt is licensed to practice in Texas and Pennsylvania, as well as before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kurt lives in Houston with his wife Tara and their children Jaxon and Isla. Kurt and his family attend St. Paul’s Methodist Church and are founders of the Arnold & Itkin Foundation.

John C. Kreamer founded his firm Kreamer Law Group, LLC with one central mission: to provide individuals and businesses alike with the highest quality of legal services. A long time Naperville resident, John chose to base his firm out of his hometown. With his diverse background and over 20 years of experience in the legal field, John brings a wealth of knowledge to the practice and leads his team to tremendous success. Kreamer Law Group, LLC represents clients across a range of practice areas, from personal injury and insurance law to commercial litigation and employment law, from health care litigation to administrative law, from probate and estate planning to real estate law, and much more. With John C. Kreamer at the helm, the Kreamer Law Group, LLC has assisted countless clients through a myriad of complex legal matters.