Litigation

Derek graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 2006. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2009. As a testament to his writing and oral advocacy skills, Derek was the only person to simultaneously be a Law Review Editor and Moot Court Board Member during law school. In addition to his accomplishments outside of the classroom, Derek graduated from law school as a Sterling Honor Graduate and was the recipient of the Law School’s prestigious Gavel Award. After graduating, Derek clerked for the Honorable Justice Judith Meierhenry of the South Dakota Supreme Court from 2009 until 2011. As a law clerk, Derek reviewed over 1,000 appellate briefs, heard approximately 100 oral arguments, and assisted the South Dakota Supreme Court in writing its decisions. He joined the firm after his clerkship ended. Since joining the firm, Derek has developed a comprehensive litigation practice with a focus on insurance-based and insurance bad faith cases. Derek has tried jury trials across South Dakota, given oral arguments before the South Dakota Supreme Court, and has appeared regularly in South Dakota’s Federal Courts. Derek’s advocacy skills have earned him a reputation for excellence, which has resulted in his retention by other attorneys to assist with high-value and high-stakes cases at trial and on appeal. Derek is admitted to practice in South Dakota, Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Court. Derek is a member of the American Bar Association, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, Second Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and Defense Research Institute. Derek is AV-Preeminent rated for high professional ethics and legal abilities.

Ted A. Novick’s practice is almost exclusively limited to medical malpractice and personal injury cases such as wrongful death, car accidents, construction site accidents, scaffold accidents, police brutality, civil rights, and premises liability. Mr. Novick works closely with a medical doctor on almost all lawsuits so that he can fully understand “the medicine” to maximize a client’s recovery. Mr. Novick is a 1989 graduate of the University of Bridgeport School of Law and initially was a law clerk for the Honorable Michael Hartmere of the Connecticut Superior Court. In 1990, Mr. Novick joined the Office of the Westchester County Attorney where he prosecuted over one hundred child abuse and child neglect cases. In 1992, Mr. Novick was promoted to the civil litigation bureau where he spent four years and successfully tried to verdict personal injury trials on behalf of the County. While at the County Attorney’s office Mr. Novick also handled numerous General Municipal Law matters and hearings. In addition while an Assistant County Attorney he worked closely with the County Police and Corrections officers in internal affair investigations. He was recently appointed General Counsel to the New York Police Chief’s Benevolent Association and the New York State Crimestoppers. After he left the County Attorney’s office in 1996, Mr. Novick worked for two Park Avenue litigation law firms from 1996 to 2000, gaining significant experience and recognition as an attorney proficient in handling complex matters in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, commercial litigation and criminal law. From 2000 to 2020 Mr. Novick managed the personal injury department of the prestigious boutique NY firm known as Gaines, Novick. Ted achieved huge verdicts and settlements in medical malpractice, sexual assault, motor vehicles, premises and construction accident cases. In 2020, Mr. Novick opened his own firm so that he would handle only the cases he selects. Currently, Mr. Novick handles and supervises all of his firms numerous personal injury and medical malpractice cases. During his career, Ted has handled cases for victims of negligence resulting in over 100 million dollars. Ted is also proficient in defense having represented a municipal hospital, a correctional medical facility and currently a motor vehicle carrier. Mr. Novick is licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut.

Attorney Ramy M. Louis earned his law degree from Georgetown University in 2012 and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a Business minor, from Queens College, City University of New York, graduating magna cum laude. At Georgetown, he was a member of the Barristers’ Council Trial Advocacy Team and the Criminal Law Association and served as a student attorney in the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic. Attorney Louis began his legal career as a Special Assistant District Attorney in Kings County, where he prosecuted thousands of cases—including assault, menacing, domestic violence, larceny, theft of service, trespassing, weapons possession, narcotics offenses, stolen property crimes, forgery, and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) offenses. He later served as a prosecutor in Upstate New York, managing felony, misdemeanor, and traffic caseloads across more than 35 trial courts. He also argued appeals before the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department. As a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County, he handled a wide range of felony cases, including identity theft, wage theft, check kiting, forgery, schemes to defraud, grand larceny, and possession of forged instruments such as Social Security cards, debit cards, credit cards, passports, identification cards, and counterfeit currency. Attorney Louis then transitioned to civil litigation as a Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Office of the Corporation Counsel, where he handled civil rights matters involving false arrest, unlawful searches and seizures, malicious prosecution, fabrication of evidence, and police brutality. He litigated cases in the Southern and Eastern Federal District Courts of New York. In addition to his litigation experience, he presided over special education disputes as a Special Education Due Process Hearing Judge with the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), further broadening his legal perspective. Since transitioning to private practice, Attorney Louis has successfully represented clients in Nassau County, Long Island, Queens County, and throughout NYC. His extensive experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and adjudicator provides clients with a distinct advantage—offering deep legal insight and a strategic defense approach. Committed to developing personalized legal strategies, Attorney Louis ensures each client receives focused attention and dedicated representation. He has successfully defended clients against a wide range of charges, from traffic violations and misdemeanors to serious felonies, consistently securing favorable outcomes in even the most complex cases. If you need an experienced criminal defense attorney or special education advocate in Nassau County, Long Island, or NYC, contact Attorney Ramy M. Louis today. Call (516) 765-5566 for a free consultation and take the first step in protecting your rights.

Phil is an AV-rated® trial lawyer. He has tried multiple jury and bench trials and has argued cases in the Colorado Supreme Court, the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Illinois Appellate Court, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the state trial courts of Colorado, Georgia and Illinois. Phil is licensed to practice before all state courts of Colorado and Georgia as well as the United States District Courts for the District of Colorado and the Northern District of Georgia. Phil focuses his practice on complex family law matters, and also has extensive experience in probate/estate litigation, real estate litigation, commercial litigation, and appellate practice. Phil is rated AV-Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest attorney rating available. The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings system is based on the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary regarding their colleague’s legal ability and general ethical standards. An AV® Peer Review Rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. It “shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has usually practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.” Phil is included in The Best Lawyers in America© for Family Law. Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Best Lawyers employs a methodology designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Only approximately 6% of attorneys nationwide are recognized as Best Lawyers in America. The National Trial Lawyers selected Phil as a “Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer.” Membership into The National Trial Lawyers is by invitation only and extended to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership in their respective state based upon objective and uniformly applied criteria. Avvo rated Phil 10.0 “Superb” which is the highest Avvo rating. Phil serves on the Professionalism Coordinating Council of the Colorado Bar Association which works to implement the Principles of Professionalism among members of the Bar and improve the professional conduct of lawyers and judges. Phil served on the PCC subcommittee that drafted the formal definition of professionalism applicable to all Colorado attorneys. Phil served on the American Bar Association Advisory Panel and the ABA Trial Practice and Techniques Committee. Phil is a Master of the Bench in the Rhone Brackett Inn of Court. Phil was a U.S. Army Scholarship recipient. Upon graduation from VMI, Phil was named Distinguished Military Graduate “on the basis of high scholarship, evidence of high moral character, military aptitude, and demonstrated leadership ability.” Phil served as an Army officer for eight years. He received the National Defense Service Medal (Desert Shield/Desert Storm) for his active duty service during the Persian Gulf War.

Joshua M Feagans is a founding partner of Feagans Law Group and heads the firm’s litigation and business practice. Josh concentrates in complex civil litigation involving injury and business disputes and acts as outside general counsel to national and regional companies in an array of industries that include building supplies, construction, commercial real estate, healthcare, automotive and manufacturing, among others. As a trial attorney, Josh has litigated thousands of cases throughout the United States in federal and state courts, in arbitrations with AAA, JAMS and BBB and in administrative hearings before a variety of agencies, including the EEOC, NLRB, IHRC, IDFPR and IDOL. Adept at understanding the bigger picture in any dispute, Josh guides his clients through lawsuits by utilizing a keen understanding of business practices and personal motivations to achieve targeted results, Business disputes are another area where Joshua M Feagans is known to be a fierce litigator and to get results for his clients. These involve contracts, shareholders/members/partners of closely held entities, unfair competition (i.e. trademark, trade secret), and real estate. As outside general counsel, Josh takes his experience from the courtroom into the boardroom. With a unique understanding of how disputes arise, Josh guides his clients through the daily pitfalls of operating a business by obtaining a global understanding of his clients’ operations and making himself available 24/7 to resolve issues as they arise (and before they become larger problems). Josh advises clients on best practices, corporate governance, acquisitions, employment, transactions, contracts, real estate, leasing, risk management and litigation. Josh’s counseling practice focuses on providing creative solutions and pragmatic guidance to help senior leadership achieve success. Josh is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Josh serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, and as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Kane County Bar Association. Having grown up in central Illinois in a family that claims seven generations that have called Illinois home, Josh prides himself on his family and his work ethic. He graduated Western Illinois University with a B.A. in History along with an admission into the Phi Alpha Theta National Honorary Society and later graduated cum laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago John Marshall Law School. After working for a Chicago law firm, Josh became a partner at a regional law firm in the Tri-Cities, where he helped grow the firm to a regional power. Since its founding and with Josh and his wife - Feagans co-founder Katie - at the helm - Feagans Law Group has grown into a regional power with national reach. The firm recovered $19M on behalf of clients throughout Chicagoland, Illinois, and the Midwest in 2022 alone. Josh's representative case results include a $12M wrong death judgment, an $8.5M construction injury settlement, a $1.75M automobile injury settlement, a $1.3M workers compensation settlement, and many more. When Josh is not Guiding Your Path to Justice, he enjoys spending time with his family (including coaching his son's Little League team!), golfing, watching reruns of Seinfeld and the occasional cocktail!

Robert Lantzy is a graduate of Central Michigan University and graduated cum laude from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 1997. Robert is an experienced trial attorney and concentrates his practice in many areas of civil litigation, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, dog attacks, lead paint exposure and child lead poisoning, mold exposure and cases involving other general environmental contamination. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Michigan Association for Justice, and the Macomb County Bar Association. Robert spent the first years of his legal career as a defense attorney handling cases for insurance companies and their insured. He was named a Partner at a preeminent insurance defense law firm before joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Lantzy has developed a successful track record of significant trial verdicts. He is well-received by juries due to his detailed trial preparation and his presentation which provides jurors with great insight into his integrity and his compassion for helping his injured clients. He has been named a “Super Lawyer” for his accomplishments. Clients consistently provide excellent feedback in the form of five-star reviews and thoughtful and compassionate praise of his file handling and resolution of claims on behalf of his clients. Robert has been a featured speaker for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, hospital case managers, city and county health departments and motorcycle advocate organizations.

Our attorneys’ academic and professional credentials are outstanding. Alan G. Cosner, the Firm’s Managing Partner, holds a Master of Law degree in Tax from New York University School of Law and a J.D. from Seton Hall University. He is a former Internal Revenue Service agent and accountant. Mr. Cosner is the head of the firm’s real estate, probate, bankruptcy, and personal Injury practice areas. Partner Staci A. Cosner earned undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from Cornell University, where she graduated with distinction. She holds a J.D. from Columbia University Law School and was formerly associated with Skadden, Aarps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Ms. Cosner is the head of the firm’s elder law, medicaid, estate planning and family law practice areas. Partner Marc D. Youngelson graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Youngelson was Of Counsel to Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. and was associated with Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP and with Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Mr. Youngelson is the head of the Firm’s Litigation practice area. Of Counsel Rachelle “Shelly” Milstein graduated with Honors from the University of Michigan and holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Ms. Milstein is an experienced trial attorney. For the past decade, Ms. Milstein has dedicated her practice to the representation of children with special educational needs and their families throughout New Jersey. Associate Rebecca A. Hand graduated with honors from Rutgers University and earned her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. After graduating, Ms. Hand served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Edward J. Ryan, J.S.C., in the Superior Court of Middlesex County, New Jersey. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Hand was associated with Menz Bonner and Komar LLP. Our lawyers are members of a number of legal associations and organizations, reflecting our involvement in the profession and our continuing commitment to providing our clients with excellent legal counsel. Our practice Our law firm offers legal representation in a variety of areas, including: • Elder law We focus on the needs of the elderly and their children, handling asset protection, long-term care, Medicaid planning and Guardianship matters. Staci A. Cosner is a Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. • Family law Clients need support during disputes over divorce, custody and support, and property division. We also are there for clients during joyful times such as the adoption of a child, or a wedding, providing a prenuptial agreement. • Probate and estate administration We handle the probate process on behalf of executors and heirs. Alan G. Cosner is a former IRS agent and accountant. He is skilled in shepherding the will through the probate process and asset transfer to heirs. • Estate Planning We help clients plan for the future no matter what size estate you may have. We can help suggest and draft estate planning documents that fit every situation. We draft wills and trusts with the goal of minimizing taxes. • Bankruptcy The firm’s attorneys collectively have over 50 years of experience representing debtors and creditors in a variety of bankruptcy matters. If you are in financial trouble, our attorneys can help determine your eligibility for bankruptcy protection under chapter 7 or chapter 13 laws. We also have handled a wide range of creditors’ rights matters, including fraudulent transfer and preference actions. •Special Education We help children with special educational needs and their families navigate the complex process of enforcing your legal right to a free and appropriate public education. •Litigation Our attorneys have represented businesses and individuals in a large variety of commercial and bankruptcy-related litigations. The Firm is committed to conducting litigation in a cost effective manner that fits within our clients’ business goals. • Personal injury You may be paid for damages caused by another person’s negligence. Our fees are contingent on recovering compensation for you. • Real Estate Whether you are buying, selling, or leasing, our firm makes it happen. In addition to emphasizing matters such as the above, we offer clients a broad spectrum of general legal services, including criminal defense, guardianship issues and tax law. Our pledge to clients We promise to provide our clients excellent legal services at a fair price. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with you, your family and friends. Contact us to learn how we can meet your legal needs. All Credit Cards Accepted · Evening Hours by Appointment · Free Initial Consultation

This trial focused practice has the goals of delivering quality legal services, providing to clients personal services while developing strong, trusted relationships through effective communication, analysis, planning and litigation skills seeking the best result possible. Mr. Straile has been a lawyer as a member of the Florida Bar since 2003 and has been working within the court and justice system since 2001; he is a member of the Criminal Law, Family Law, Real Property, Probate & Trust and the Trial Lawyers sections of the Florida Bar. Mr. Straile is a past treasurer for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Straile focuses his practice on trial law focusing in family, including domestic violence, traffic, criminal, business law and limited civil litigation or civil trial matters. Family cases include divorce, custody, paternity, modification, domestic violence, child abduction, division of assets, parenting plans, and marital settlement agreements. Mr. Straile handles cases from civil traffic to trafficking narcotics and cases ranging from misdemeanors to life felonies. Mr. Straile has handled all levels of criminal offenses and all issues related to criminal offenses from investigation to verdict and appeal. Mr. Straile represents businesses from start up to litigation after sale. Many clients also have used Mr. Straile to provide general consulting. Mr. Straile earned an LL.M (advanced law degree) from the University of Florida in tax law, a J.D. from St. Thomas University and a B.S. from Lambuth University . Prior to entering the legal field Mr. Straile provided financial services and advice at Banker's Life & Casualty and Morgan Stanley. Mr. Straile spent two years between the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami and the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office in Ft. Lauderdale . While in Law school Mr. Straile was active in trial competitions, and coached the St. Thomas Trial Team. Volunteer work includes the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Straile served as an organizer of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and a liaison between the program and the Internal Revenue Service. For the Boy Scouts Mr. Straile taught merit badges, served as quartermaster, and assistant scout master. Mr. Straile is an Eagle Scout.

Timothy A. Rowe was born in Mansfield, Ohio. His father was a missionary in Africa and his uncle is a Lutheran minister. He graduated from the College of Emporia with a degree in Biblical Studies. He also attended the University of California Berkeley and Indiana University. He graduated with a B.A. with distinction in History and Classics from Indiana University and graduated cum laude from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis. He is also a graduate of Gary Spencer’s Trial College Seminars. He has been a partner in the law firm of Rowe and Hamilton for 38 years. His practice is currently concentrated in auto accident litigation, personal injury, nursing home litigation, environmental torts, civil rights, in premises liability.

After high school, John attended the University of Utah, graduating in 2001. John then attended his dream school, Notre Dame Law School, where he graduated, with honors, in 2004. John is licensed to fight in court for real people in the State of Arizona, the United States Federal District Court of Arizona, and the 9th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Before establishing what is now Torgenson Law, John practiced in the litigation group at Fennemore Craig, the oldest law firm in Arizona, and one of the largest firms in the Southwest. John will always be grateful to the excellent lawyers and great leaders who gave him a shot and taught him so much about being a personal injury lawyer at Fennemore Craig. Having practiced at Fennemore Craig in both the defense and plaintiff’s practice areas gives John a complete perspective of the litigation process, and valuable insight into how to efficiently and effectively advance his clients’ interests. His unique and balanced background enhances his credibility with defense lawyers, insurers, and defendants as well as with judges and arbitrators. John realizes that civic and community involvement is essential in order for him to keep a solid balance between his professional and personal life. He was named one of Phoenix’s top 35 entrepreneurs by the Arizona Republic. He has been a board member at Kids @ Core (offering fitness and healthy living classes for underprivileged children), has coached the 7th and 8th grade football teams at St. Francis Xavier, is an active member of the Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, and serves meals to the homeless at Andre House in downtown Phoenix. John is also a member of Grand Canyon River Guides, and has been a licensed Grand Canyon River Guide for the past 22 years. John devotes 100% of his career to fighting insurance companies and corporate interests on behalf of good people who are hurt. People call this “personal injury law.” John wears that term proudly. Although insurance companies, corporations, and their lobbyists want you to envision slick-backed hair, greedy, desperate lawyers running after an ambulance when you hear “personal injury lawyer.” John wants people to envision what it really is – taking vulnerable, broken, hurt people who are at the loneliest, darkest times in their life, and helping them rebuild – piece by piece. Having the backs of real human beings by fighting against greedy insurance companies and corporations who are looking to boost their ever-increasing profits on the broken backs of the people they hurt. That’s what a real “personal injury lawyer” is. And John is proud to be one. John devotes his practice to sticking up for those wronged by others. Then, holding the wrongdoer accountable. Whether his client is injured due to someone’s choice to disregard basic safety rules, or a corporation or insurance company’s attempt to take advantage of an individual, John relentlessly pursues justice for his clients through loyal advocacy, honest communication, and the committed pursuit of the truth. John works hard and creatively, drawing on his mind and his heart for his clients to ensure that they are treated fairly in every single step of the litigation process. John gets his tireless work ethic from watching his dad, Fernando, report to work like clockwork as a Journeyman Lineman in Southern Utah for the past 43 years, then coming home and showing John how a real man works by being an amazing dad, coach, and maintaining their house. John’s mom, Karen, who raised him and his siblings to always stick up for themselves and anyone else getting picked on, gives him his unbending will to continue to take the fight to well-financed opponents, and seek justice for his clients.