John D. Paterniti

John D. Paterniti co-heads the firm’s Medical Malpractice defense team and is a senior partner in the General Liability practice group. As a seasoned trial attorney, he has tried more than 50 cases to verdict over the course of his career in the New York City area and surrounding counties. John leads a team of partners and associates in defending major hospital systems, individual physicians, and long-term care facilities in a wide variety of medical malpractice claims. He regularly tries high exposure cases, that require the skill to navigate the complexities of the medical issues as well as the significant damages involved. John has successfully defended clients at trial in cases ranging from claims of obstetrical mismanagement leading to permanent global disabilities to neurosurgical negligence resulting in paralysis. He also represents clients at mediation and at administrative hearings before the NYS Office of Professional Medical Conduct.

A graduate of Fordham University School of Law, John served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York in Bronx County from 1996 to 2004. As a Senior Counsel in the office, he defended the City in numerous high-profile matters involving false arrest and excessive force claims against the NYPD, claims of civil rights violations, premises liability, actions against the Department of Education, as well as Labor Law violation claims. In 2004, John joined a highly regarded defense firm in New York City where he specialized in medical malpractice defense.

In his General Liability practice, John represents clients in claims including premises liability, work-site accidents, negligent security and property damage.