ABOUT US

Joel Schmelkin

I am a native New Yorker, inspired by my father, Charles, who was an attorney representing everyday people in the South Bronx from the 1940s through the 1970s, and later in Mount Vernon, for a legal career spanning over fifty years. He instilled in me the belief that it’s the duty of those more fortunate to help the less fortunate, a value he learned from my grandfather, Joseph Schmelkin, a poor Russian immigrant who arrived at Ellis Island in 1904 and later achieved the American Dream.

Since 1984, I have dedicated my career to representing those who have been marginalized and injured when their rights were violated. My areas of practice include vehicle, building and construction accidents, product liability, police liability, discrimination, and more. The key to our firm’s success is our unwavering commitment to our clients, often working weekends and beyond standard hours to ensure every case is fully prepared, evaluated, and reviewed.

I am married to the former Judy Charchat, and we have three children, Marc, Adam, and Seth. Marc and Adam have pursued careers in law, continuing the family tradition. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, skiing, listening to old-time blues and classic rock and roll, and rooting for the New York Yankees.

Over the years, I have participated in numerous community programs focusing on civil and legal rights. I have provided pro bono services, lectures, and legal rights seminars to various religious institutions, social clubs, unions, tenants associations, and civil rights groups. My contribution have been recognized by members of the Manhattan Borough President's Office, the New York City Council, the New York State Assembly, and the United States Congress.

I never recommend an out-of-court settlement if I believe a case should be tried, nor do I push for a trial when a settlement is in my client's best interest. I always prioritize my client's wishes, never gambling with their money for personal gain, and I am prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts: City College of New York
  • Juris Doctor: New York Law School

Bar Admissions

  • New York State
  • United States District Court - Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court - Eastern District of New York
  • United States District Court - Northern District of New York
  • United States District Court - Western District of New York
  • United States Supreme Court - Washington, D.C.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Academy of Trial Lawyers of the State of New York
  • American Association for Justice
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Nassau County Bar Association

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Arlene Sogluizzo

Arlene is involved with major discovery and document exchange in the disclosure part of litigation. She will often negotiate with opposing paralegals to streamline record exchanges, thus avoiding court intervention, which helps to speed up the case. She will also serve as our office liaison between outside attorney services and court personnel.

Diane Brigante

Diane is our out of state representative available for special projects, involving organizing and maintaining updated medical records for clients as well as preparing affidavits, legal correspondence and other legal documentation. She assists in preparation of case exhibits and evidence in addition to early client contact concerning hospitals, medical facilities, insurance carriers, and document disclosure with our adversaries.

Cameron Schmelkin

Cameron serves as our external IT Manager, bringing valuable expertise while maintaining a full-time role outside the firm. He ensures our systems remain up-to-date and operate efficiently, while also providing support with internet research and video evidence reviews. Cameron’s dedication to maintaining seamless technological operations enables our team to focus on delivering the highest quality work.

Judy Schmelkin

Judy is a medical record registered administrator. She will analyze a client's medical chart and determine whether the records are complete when obtained from the facilities. She will assist in handling administrative functions such as bookkeeping, office expenditures, advertising and promoting the office in community functions.

Denise Perez

Denise plays a pivotal role in processing cases during their early stages, ensuring an efficient process for both clients and the team. With her expertise in client communication and Spanish translation, she provides clarity and support to those she works with, fostering trust and understanding.

Tanjum Lagno

Tanjum is the friendly face and organized mind at the front desk, ensuring every client’s experience begins with a warm welcome and professional support. With exceptional computer skills and a keen eye for organization, she efficiently manages daily operations.