David H. Kernan

Brian is Of Counsel to the Firm, practicing with our Health Law, Labor and Employment, and Litigation departments. He has nearly 30 years of experience litigating complex civil matters in state and federal courts and handling administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. Brian represents various health care providers, not-for-profit organizations, physician practices, individual health care professionals (including physicians, nurses and pharmacists), executives, manufacturers...

Robin Bartlett Phelan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Robin Bartlett, who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robin Bartlett is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly J. Mikullitz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Kelly J., who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kelly J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John F. Queenan is a Partner in the Firm’s Commercial Litigation; Compliance, Investigations & White Collar; Directors & Officers Liability; and Health Services Practice Groups. He regularly appears before state and federal trial courts, appellate courts and administrative agencies (disciplinary, licensing and audit matters). John also counsels and represents clients in internal inquiries and actions relating to internal peer review processes, including evaluating, modifying, li...

Timothy S. Brennan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Timothy S., who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve is the founding partner and chair of the Personal Injury and Criminal Defense practices at O’Connell and Aronowitz. Under his leadership, our firm has become one of the most active personal injury and criminal defense law firms in upstate New York. Few lawyers in the area have excelled in both the personal injury and criminal defense fields. With over thirty five years of experience at the state and federal levels, Steve is considered one of the most successful trial lawyers in th...

Michael W. Kessler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael W., who practices law in Troy, New York, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eileen Hayes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Eileen, who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eileen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Javid Afzali, based in Albany, New York at Harris Beach Murtha, provides comprehensive legal guidance in Commercial Litigation to both domestic and international businesses. His practice covers a wide range of business, real estate, land use, and environmental matters. Javid collaborates directly with company leaders and in-house counsel to navigate corporate governance, project development, and dispute resolution related to corporate and commercial matters, as well as business separations. E...

Michael J. Hutter is a Professor of Law at Albany Law School of Union University, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1976. He is also Special Counsel to the Albany law firm of Powers & Santola, LLP. Professor Hutter is an honors graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School. In law school, he was the Editor-In-Chief of Boston College’s law review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. After graduation, Professor Hutter served as law clerk to Judge Matthe...