SOKOLOFF STERN, LLP

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Sokoloff Stern LLP is renowned for its exceptional legal expertise and proven track record of success in complex and high-stakes matters. The firm offers a comprehensive range of litigation and non-litigation services, serving municipalities, businesses, insurance companies, and third-party administrators.

Sokoloff Stern LLP is recognized for its commitment to delivering innovative, results-driven legal solutions. With a distinguished reputation as skilled litigators and appellate practitioners, Sokoloff Stern LLP also provides strategic counsel to government, corporate, insurance, and private clients, advising on risk management strategies to minimize litigation exposure and exploring effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Practice Areas

Civil Rights

Employment Law

School and University Law

Police Liability

Commercial Litigation

Land Use

Torts

Corporate Law / Business Law

Recent Cases

SOKOLOFF STERN OBTAINS SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN FIRST AMENDMENT RETALIATION CASE

In Cowart et al. v. County of Orange et al., three former sheriff’s office public integrity officers alleged a First Amendment retaliation claim against Orange County and Sheriff Paul Arteta for their alleged termination based on political support of Arteta’s political adversary during the Republican primary. United States District Judge Cathy Seibel held the plaintiffs’ job title fell within the Elrod-Branti exception, meaning an elected official could hire or fire candidates for the position based on political affiliation without violating the First Amendment. Judge Seibel granted summary judgment to defendants on the federal claim.

Annemarie S. Jones and Blair J. Hendricks successfully defended the County and Sheriff Arteta..

SOKOLOFF STERN SECURES SUMMARY JUDGMENT FOR NEW ROCHELLE CITY MARSHAL

In Mongiello v. City of New Rochelle, et al., United States District Judge Cathy Seibel granted summary judgment to New Rochelle and its marshal in a 25-page decision. Plaintiff claimed that the City Marshal, Wil Ortiz, used excessive force during Plaintiff’s eviction. Judge Seibel reviewed all the evidence in the record, including video evidence of Mongiello’s encounter with Oritz, and found no evidence from which a reasonable juror could discern excessive force. In her opinion, Judge Seibel issued this warning: “Although the Court declines to impose sanctions on its own motion in light of the lenient standards that apply to pro se litigants, Plaintiff is cautioned that frivolous claims or actions could well subject him to sanctions in the future.” (Citation omitted.)

Brian Sokoloff and Vincent Ferry drafted the successful motion.

SOKOLOFF STERN OBTAINS SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN TWO FEDERAL COURTS ON NOVEL LAND USE ISSUE

In Romano v. Elite Towers, L.P., et al. (EDNY) and LeClaire v. Vertical Bridge Development, LLC (NDNY) Sokoloff Stern successfully moved to dismiss federal lawsuits challenging municipal approvals for construction of telecommunication towers brought by residents living near the towers. In Romano (Town of Riverhead) and LeClaire (Town of Ballston) faced claims that the town board in each town violated the First Amendment rights of residents when they used a state law procedure that eliminated the zoning board of appeals from approval process. Each court found that the towns acted appropriately when the town board eliminated ZBA review of the project. The Romano decision is reported at 2026 WL 546404; the LeClaire decision is reported at 2026 WL 746921.

Brian S. Sokoloff and Vincent Ferry drafted the successful motions.

SOKOLOFF STERN DEFENDS TOWN IN MULTI-PRONGED LAND USE DISPUTE RESULTING IN THREE APPELLATE VICTORIES

In Bertault v. Town of Southold Zoning Board of Appeals, a property owner brought three Article 78 proceedings to challenge zoning board decisions concerning the owner’s applications for a variance, for a special exception, and to reverse a stop work order. The owner sought to make certain changes to his property that exceeded the scope of a previously issued building permit and that were inconsistent with the Town code and New York Town Law. The firm successfully opposed each Article 78 proceeding on the Town’s behalf with the Supreme Court, Suffolk County dismissing all cases. The Appellate Division, Second Department affirmed each dismissal and awarded costs to the Town..

Annemarie Jones and Marissa Embola successfully defended the Town of Southold Zoning Board of Appeals in these three appellate victories.

SOKOLOFF STERN OBTAINS SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN HIGH PROFILE EASTCHESTER PD EMPLOYMENT CASE

In Barberan v. Town of Eastchester, et al. a former Eastchester police officer sued the Town, its police chief, and its lieutenant claiming employment discrimination and retaliation. Plaintiff’s allegations generated newspaper and television news attention. Representing all defendants, Sokoloff Stern successfully argued in its summary judgment motion that: (1) Barberan’s claims of bias against him for not growing up in Eastchester were not viable claims of race or national origin discrimination, and (2) in any event, Plaintiff’s poor performance motivated the repeated discipline he received, including his termination. White Plains United States Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik dismissed the case with a 54-page opinion.

Brian S. Sokoloff drafted the successful motion.

SOKOLOFF STERN DEFEATS DEFAMATION CLAIM BROUGHT BY FORMER CHIEF OF POLICE

In Sinagra v. Town of Saugerties, the Town’s Chief of Police retired after a controversy surrounding the discipline of a police officer who was alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Justice Sharon A. Graff in Ulster County granted Sokoloff Stern’s motion to dismiss, finding the statements were “at most, simply expressions of opinions about how the Police Department was impacted in general as a result of the … investigation and how best to address that impact.” She further agreed that no reasonable reader would be led to believe they were conveying facts about plaintiff, “much less than they were ‘reasonably susceptible of a defamatory connotation.’

Steven C. Stern and Alexandra Berlingeri defended the Town of Saugerties and its public officials.

SOKOLOFF STERNS WINS APPEAL OF LAWSUIT CHALLENGING CONSTRUCTION APPROVAL

In Cappiello v. City of Glen Cove, 232 A.D.3d 844 (2d Dep’t 2004), two homeowners alleged the City negligently granted a variance and building permit to build an adjacent home on a steep slope. When the construction caused damage to their properties, the plaintiffs sued the property developer. Sokoloff Stern successfully argued in the Appellate Division that the City’s governmental function immunity insulates it for its discretionary determinations.

Steven C. Stern drafted the appellate briefs and argued the appeal.

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION CASE DISMISSED AGAINST YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS

In Radar Sports Management, LLC v. Legacy Lacrosse, LI Inc., et al., the plaintiff alleged race discrimination and state law contract claims after it was denied entry into a youth sports tournament. After plaintiff amended the complaint four times to try to state a claim, Eastern District Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks granted Sokoloff Stern’s motion to dismiss on all grounds, ending the litigation.

Annemarie Jones successfully defended the youth sports organization and its officials and staff.

Attorneys

Brian S. Sokoloff

Steven C. Stern

Kiera J. Meehan

Kimberly Hunt Lee

Leo Dorfman

Mark Radi

Chelsea Weisbord

Annemarie Jones

Matthew V. Mirabile

Stuart Diamond

Samantha Vélez

Blair Hendricks

Asia Gentry

Vincent Ferry

Diandra Burton

Amber Makda

Danielle Jacobs

Alexandra Berlingeri-O’Reilly

Brandon Kayemba

Judith A. Waye

Chris Green

Anthony Kim

In The Media

Sokoloff Stern defeats $2.5 million defamation claim brought by former chief of police.

Sokoloff Stern defeats $2.5 million defamation claim brought by former chief of police. Click here to view the article »

Click here to view the article »

Brian Sokoloff Speaks to International Association of Claims Professionals About High Exposure Police Cases in Today’s Hyper-Political Environment

Brian Sokoloff Speaks to International Association of Claims Professionals About High Exposure Police Cases in Today’s Hyper-Political Environment Brian Sokoloff

Click here to view the article »

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