Meet Our Attorneys

Joseph P. Awad

Joseph P. Awad

Founder and Senior Partner

Joseph P. Awad, is the Founder and Senior partner in Awad & Baker Law, is a distinguished attorney renowned for his trial and appellate advocacy. Mr. Awad began his legal journey at Albany Law School of Union University, where he earned his JD on a full tuition merit scholarship. Mr. Awad also holds a BA from the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he was recognized for "Outstanding Academic Achievement and Departmental Honors" along with an "Honors Thesis" award.

With over forty years of experience, Mr. Awad specializes in medical malpractice, construction site injuries, premise security, automobile crash injuries, and municipal liability. His legal acumen has led to significant recoveries, including million-dollar settlements in over 140 cases and record-setting jury and appellate awards.

Mr. Awad's expertise is acknowledged through numerous awards and honors. He has been recognized annually for more than twenty years as one of the Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers in New York; and consistently received the Legal Eagle Award in Long Island as the Best Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Since 2001, he has held an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest mark for legal ability and ethical standards. Additionally, he has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2006 and was named Attorney of the Year in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Top 100 Registry. In 2024 he was recognized in The Wall Street Journal as one of the Most Influential Lawyers in America by lawyers of Distinction.

He was board-certified as a Trial Attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in August of 2002, an American Bar Association Accredited Organization. Mr. Awad has also contributed to over eighty appellate arguments before the Appellate Courts of the State of New York.

Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Awad is deeply involved in community service, supporting local charities focused on children, veterans, the elderly, and food security. He is an active educator in continuing legal education, has authored a ten-volume series on civil practice and law. Mr. Awad has held leadership roles including President of the Trial Lawyers Association and Governor of the American Association of Justice.

Mr. Awad's previous roles include serving on the New York State Governor's Medical Malpractice Task Force and participating in the judicial selection process for the State of New York at the behest of two Chief Judges of the New York State Court of Appeals. He led and chaired the Long Island section of Trial Lawyers Care, which was the largest pro bono lawyer (free representation) in history involving the families of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Joseph P. Awad's extensive experience and dedication continue to make him a pivotal figure in the legal field, tirelessly advocating for those in need.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, State University of New York at Binghamton - Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Departmental Honors & Thesis, Foreign Policy
  • Juris Doctor, Albany Law School of Union University - Full Tuition Merit Scholarship

Professional Employment

  • Founder and Senior Partner, Awad & Baker Law (Inc. 2024)
  • Partner, Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., 1984-2023

Areas of Practice

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Construction Site and Workplace Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Injury
  • Personal Injury
  • Municipal Liability
  • Appellate Practice

Professional Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America, 20 consecutive years, 2006-Present
  • Best Lawyers in New York, 20 consecutive years, 2006-Present
  • Super Lawyers in New York, 20 consecutive years, 2006-Present
  • Who's Who in American Law Lifetime Achievement Award 2019
  • America's Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award, New York City
  • Top 100 Registry 2021 American Legal Legend Award for Outstanding Achievement and Continuous Contribution
  • Personal Injury Trial Lawyer of the Year, New York, Top 100 Registry Award 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyer of the Year, New York, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Best Personal Injury Lawyer Award, Long Island 2016
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2015-Present
  • Lawyers of Distinction Five Star Award for Excellence in Personal Injury Law, 2017-Present
  • Lawyers of Distinction Five Star Award for Excellence in Medical Malpractice Law, 2017-Present
  • Roundtable Magazine 2022 New York State Medical Malpractice Law Award
  • Lifetime Appointment, Registry of Who's Who
  • America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Featured Law Firm, Forbes Magazine, June 2009 and May 2011
  • Board Certified Trial Attorney by National Board of Trial Advocacy, August 2002

Public Service Appointments

  • New York State Governor's Medical Malpractice Task Force, Member, 2007-2011
  • New York State Court of Appeals Judicial Screening Committee for Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Member, 2006-2011
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association Court of Appeals Judicial Screening Committee, 2003-Present

Memberships

  • Sustaining Member, American Association for Justice
  • Sustaining Member, New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Bar Association
  • New York State Bar Association (Trial Lawyers Section)
  • The National Crime Victim Bar Association
  • Local County Bar Associations

Publications

  • AWAD, DISCOVERY OF NEW YORK STATE APPELLATE DECISIONS ANNUAL REVIEW, 10 VOLUME SERIES, 2014-2023
  • AWAD, NEW YORK MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ANSWERS TO 100 COMMON QUESTIONS, publication pending
  • National Crime Victims Lawyers Bar Association Teaching Brochures
  • Expert Witnesses pamphlet co-authored with a Justice of the Supreme Court

Lectures and Faculty Work

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • National Crime Victim Bar Association
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Various local bar associations

Example of Papers Presented

  • "Proximate Cause in Negligent Security Cases"
  • "Trial of First Personal Injury Lawsuit"
  • "The Use of a Paralegal in a Personal Injury Law Practice"
  • "Discovery Update"
  • "Openings in a Medical Malpractice Case"
  • "Health Care for Minorities in New York State"
  • "Depositions"
  • "Labor Law 241(6)"
  • "Openings"
  • "Voir Dire"
  • "Preliminary Conference Negotiations and the Law"
  • "Construction Site Accidents and Federal Jurisdiction"
  • "Daubert, Frye, Expert Witness Testimony in NYS Supreme Court"
  • "Ethics Update"
  • "Motions and Pleadings Update"
  • "Metaphors and Use of Linguistics in Jury Trials"
  • "Summations"
  • "Law Firm Advertising and the First Amendment"
  • "Article 31 of the CPLR and Discovery"
  • "Negligent Security and Supervision"
James E. Baker

James E. Baker

Partner

James Baker brings over four decades of extensive legal experience to Awad & Baker Law. His distinguished career spans multiple prestigious law firms where he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in construction site accidents, medical malpractice, and personal injury cases.

A graduate of Pace University School of Law and Fordham University, Mr. Baker has built a reputation for his thorough approach to complex litigation and his commitment to achieving optimal results for his clients.

Throughout his career, Mr. Baker has served in various leadership roles, including as a member of the Judicial Screening Committee of the Queens County Bar Association, where he contributed to maintaining the highest standards of judicial excellence.

Education

  • Pace University School of Law (J.D.)
  • Fordham University (B.A.)

Professional Employment

  • Partner, O'Connor, O'Connor, Hintz & Deveney, LLP, 1994-2015
  • Partner, McGarry, Murtagh & Baker, 1993-1994
  • Senior Associate, O'Brien, McGarry, Murtagh & Mayr, 1980-1993

Areas of Practice

  • Construction Site Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Personal Injury

Memberships

  • Judicial Screening Committee of the Queens County Bar Association, Past Member
Veronica Sewnarine

Veronica Sewnarine

Partner, Managing Medical Malpractice Attorney

With over a decade of experience in medical malpractice litigation, Veronica Sewnarine is a passionate and skilled advocate for clients who have suffered harm due to medical negligence. A proud native of Queens, NY, she is deeply committed to giving a voice to those who are often unheard and ensuring that justice is served for those in need.

Graduating from St. John's University School of Law in 2010, Veronica Sewnarine has built a successful career handling complex and high-stakes cases. She has been involved in multi-million dollar trials and has successfully settled millions of dollars on behalf of her clients. Her proven track record of securing favorable outcomes reflects her tireless dedication to achieving justice for victims of medical malpractice.

Throughout her career, Veronica Sewnarine has always been motivated by her clients' stories. She understands the importance of listening, empathizing, and providing strong representation for those who have been wronged. Whether negotiating settlements or advocating for clients in the courtroom, she brings a combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, and genuine compassion to each case.

Veronica Sewnarine remains focused on her core mission: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Her clients are her greatest motivators, and her work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fighting for justice.

Personal Approach

Combines legal expertise, strategic insight, and genuine compassion in representing clients

Education

  • St. John's University School of Law (J.D., 2010)

Areas of Practice

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Personal Injury
Jeffrey Hellerman

Jeffrey Hellerman

Senior Trial Attorney

Jeff is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience advocating for individuals in personal injury cases, with a particular focus on medical malpractice. His extensive track record of success reflects his unwavering commitment to securing justice for his clients and holding negligent parties accountable.

A 1990 graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Jeff has built a reputation for his strategic litigation skills, meticulous case preparation, and compassionate client care. His deep understanding of medical malpractice law and personal injury litigation has made him a trusted ally for clients seeking fair compensation and accountability.

When he's not in the courtroom, Jeff is dedicated to staying at the forefront of legal developments in his field, ensuring his clients receive the most effective representation possible.

Education

  • Cardozo School of Law (J.D., 1990)
  • Cornell University (B.A. History, 1987)

Areas of Practice

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Labor Law/Construction Site Accidents
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • General Personal Injury

Memberships

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • New York State Bar Association