Debra Boccardi concentrates her practice on motions and appeals in the firm’s Trucking and Transportation practice group and Appellate practice group. Her expertise in general liability includes transportation, negligence, Labor Law, and premises liability claims.
Debra’s legal career is a blend of private practice and public sector experience. Before joining GVK, she served as a Principal Law Clerk to three Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, where she managed settlement, discovery, and jury charge conferences, along with various civil litigation matters such as negligence, contracts, foreclosure, asbestos, matrimonial issues, Labor Law, adult guardianship and medical malpractice.
In private practice, Debra worked as both an associate and partner at a national insurance defense law firm, where she prepared and argued hundreds of motions and appeals, leading to numerous reported decisions under her prior name. She also has extensive experience analyzing coverage issues related to general liability and specialty risk policies. Debra began her legal career as a court attorney at the Appellate Division, drafting confidential reports for justices on civil and criminal appeals.
Syed concentrates his practice on defending general liability and premises liability cases. Prior to joining GVK, Syed gained invaluable courtroom and motion practice experience working in a well-respected law firm, achieving numerous dismissals and summary judgment decisions in favor of his clients within New York City and Long Island.
When not in the office, Syed enjoys watching sports, travelling, exercising and eating out.
Miguel concentrates his practice in trucking and transportation law. Before joining the firm, he honed his legal skills at the New York City Office of Corporation Counsel, where he represented the City of New York in civil lawsuits in state court. His extensive background includes handling a wide range of civil claims, such as general liability, auto accidents, and premises liability cases.
Miguel’s courtroom expertise and analytical mindset enable him to collaborate effectively with clients, safeguarding their interests and devising comprehensive, strategic solutions tailored to their needs.
Outside of the office, Miguel enjoys watching and playing sports, as well as spending quality time with family and friends.
Julien is an experienced civil litigator and trial attorney, concentrating his practice on trial, general liability, construction accidents and defects and various commercial litigation matters.
Julien has successfully represented the City of New York through the Office of the Corporation Counsel for almost a decade, as well as clients of all sizes and profiles in complex commercial matters at large law firms in New York and New Jersey. He has consistently managed clients’ potential exposure effectively and efficiently, from an action’s inception to post-trial motions and even the appellate process.
Julien also brings invaluable experience as the Vice President of a small, closely-held corporation, where he developed a personal appreciation for the concerns and needs of potential insurance and commercial clients. Through this lens, he applies his thorough and effective skills in trial-based deposition, witness preparation, case development, oration, and motion practice, allowing him to handle each litigation task with precision and advance his clients’ positions throughout the life of each dispute. Ultimately, Julien’s trial expertise enables him to resolve disputes at the most favorable time and in the most successful manner, as he is confident and prepared to excel at trial when necessary.
Outside the office, Julien enjoys volunteering with local educational activities and spending time with his family.
Yasmeen Gumbs concentrates her practice in complex general liability matters, including labor law and premises liability. With over 15 years of legal experience, she has led two pre-suit legal operations teams across two states, managing more than 2,400 cases. Yasmeen launched her legal career as an in-house trial attorney, building a strong track record of successfully defending clients both in court and through mediation. Her expertise spans high-stakes litigation, compliance, and courtroom representation.
Outside of her legal practice, Yasmeen was crowned Mrs. New York America 2020 and earned a Top 15 placement at Mrs. America. She also invests in her community as a Volunteer Board Member for the Salvation Army.
Jon Greisman concentrates his practice in insurance coverage and insurance defense matters. Prior to joining Gallo Vitucci Klar LLP, Jon served as in-house counsel for a Fortune 100 insurance company, specializing in general liability defense, construction/labor law, subrogation and insurance coverage matters. Jon believes that the key to obtaining a successful outcome is a detailed analysis of the facts, which often comes from close collaboration with the clients.
When not in the office, Jon enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and ATV riding with his family in the Hudson Valley area. Jon is an avid traveler who hopes to visit 100 countries in his lifetime.
Kalliopi concentrates her practice in no-fault insurance defense, representing third-party administrators and insurance carriers in arbitration matters and first-party lawsuits. She is a dedicated advocate with a meticulous approach to analyzing cases and crafting legal strategies that align with her clients’ goals. Kalliopi is recognized for her ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks with confidence and precision, consistently demonstrating a deep understanding of New York’s no-fault insurance laws and leveraging her knowledge to protect her clients’ interests. Known for her resourcefulness and proactive approach, she anticipates challenges and addresses them with thoughtful solutions. Her passion for advocacy drives her to deliver exceptional results while maintaining strong professional relationships. In every case, Kalliopi strives to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence, making her a trusted advisor and fierce advocate in the insurance defense arena.
Outside of the office, Kalliopi enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending workout classes, and spending time outside in nature!
Ben concentrates his practice on trucking and transportation matters. Prior to joining Gallo Vitucci Klar LLP, Ben worked as an associate at a boutique commercial litigation firm based in New York City.
In law school, Ben served as a Legal Associate at the Documentation Center of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. In that role, Ben traveled extensively in rural Cambodia researching ways to protect cultural heritage during times of war. His research formed the basis for an article published in the Routledge Handbook of Heritage Destruction in 2023.
Jim concentrates his practice on Insurance Coverage and Litigation, bringing over 20 years of experience in this area. He has represented major insurance companies across the country in multi-million-dollar coverage disputes involving claims related to environmental and asbestos contamination, construction and manufacturing defects, industrial injuries, long-term toxic exposure, motor vehicle and trucking accidents, homeowner and premises liability, and bad faith claims.
In addition, Jim has extensive experience in General Liability, having litigated numerous personal injury and property damage cases, including those related to motor vehicle and trucking accidents, premises and municipal liability, labor law, and construction and manufacturing defects.
Thomas focuses his practice on premises liability, automobile liability, and general negligence. He is a recent graduate of Touro Law Center, where he participated in the Landlord-Tenant Clinic, gaining practical experience that he now brings to Gallo Vitucci Klar LLP. Before being admitted to the bar, Thomas worked as a paralegal at the firm for several years, honing his skills in legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing memorandums and reports.
In his free time, Thomas enjoys watching UFC events and is an avid fan of the sport, often catching matches on the weekends.