BRUCE SOMERSTEIN
Partner
Bruce Somerstein received his undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford and his law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. From the outset of his career, he has concentrated in insurance litigation, real estate, corporate work and estate planning. After first apprenticing at the firm, he became a member upon his admission to the bar in 1983. He is admitted to the United States District Court, Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts. Mr. Somerstein is a long time member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. As a recognized expert in the insurance field, he conducts training seminars on subrogation and no-fault law. He has presented during the No Fault Session at the Annual Appellate Term Judicial Educational Seminar of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
CHRISTOPHER A. WONG
Senior Associate
Christopher Wong received both an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Finance and a law degree from the University of Miami at Coral Gables, Florida. He is admitted to practice in the states of Florida and New York. He served as Law Clerk to Judge Camille M. Kenny of the New Jersey Superior Court and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Since joining Bruce Somerstein & Associates, P.C. in 2001, Mr. Wong has been specializing in subrogation matters and no fault insurance litigation.
JOHN B. WHELAN
Associate
Mr. Whelan received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and law degree from Brooklyn Law School. He is admitted to the bar in both New York and New Jersey. Along with insurance law, he has also practiced a variety of civil litigation, including personal injury and estates, and has been practicing for over twenty years.
DONALD J. KAVANAGH
Counsel
Mr. Kavanagh received his undergraduate degree from St. Michael's College and his law degree from St. John's University, where he was awarded an American Jurisprudence Prize. In addition, he was associated with the In-House Counsel for Fireman's Fund Insurance Companies. He is a member of the Association of the Bar of New York City and the Nassau County Bar Association. Mr. Kavanagh has been Trial Counsel to the firm since 1987.
KARA SOMERSTEIN
Associate
Ms. Somerstein is an experienced litigator with a diverse background representing clients in complex civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida and her Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Ms. Somerstein is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, as well as before the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Somerstein worked for a larger New York firm handling a broad range of litigation matters, including representing building owners and general contractors in high-exposure cases. Before that, Ms. Somerstein practiced Section 1983 litigation.
Since joining Bruce Somerstein & Associates, P.C., Ms. Somerstein has focused her practice on property damage subrogation, bodily injury defense, and no-fault litigation. She also advises and represents corporate clients in a wide array of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contract disputes, employment-related issues, and general business counseling.