Andrew Finkelstein

Partner

1279 Route 300
PO Box 1111
Newburgh, NY 12551

Andrew Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Fine, Olin and Anderman, LLP. He has presented workshops at numerous union conferences on the topic of Personal Injury. He is a noted consumer activist representing only injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers or irresponsible parties. Mr. Finkelstein has litigated wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases arising from defective drugs and products, automobile accidents, fall down due to defective conditions, dog bites, bus accidents, motor cycle accidents, construction site accidents and air craft crashes. He has handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases. Representative cases include recovering $9 million for a catastrophic injured client caused at a construction site, $3.5 million for significant injuries sustained in a car accident, $4.5 million for catastrophic injuries sustained in a truck accident, $3.45 million for significant injuries caused to a pedestrian struck by a car, and $2.25 million for significant injuries caused by a defective seat belt.

Mr. Finkelstein served as a Captain of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund in a pro bono capacity through Trial Lawyers Care. 9/11 victims families obtained over $10 million dollars with all legal fees waived for this representation. Mr. Finkelstein’s commitment to pro bono work was recognized by the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley when they awarded him the 2007 Partners in Justice Award.

Mr. Finkelstein has been appointed to several committees overseeing nationwide pharmaceutical litigation. He is the Chairman of the Plaintiff Personal Injury Steering committee for the Neurontin Product Liability Multi District Litigation in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked closely with the FDA regarding the adverse effects associated with Neurontin, having filed a Citizens Petition seeking enhanced warnings of suicide and provided testimony before at an FDA hearing regarding the safety of antiepileptic drugs.

Additionally, Mr. Finkelstein is a member of the Executive Steering Committee of the Hormone Replacement Therapy Multi District Litigation in both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Finkelstein is a member of the Plaintiff Steering Committee of the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch New Jersey Coordinated Litigation, Plaintiff Steering Committee of the Viagra Multi District Litigation in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mr. Finkelstein has been a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association since 1990, and has served on its Executive Board of Directors since 2003. Mr. Finkelstein is the first President of the Mid-Hudson Affiliate of the New York State Trial Lawyers. On behalf of the organization Mr. Finkelstein has met with several prominent political officials, including former President William Clinton, and US Senator Charles Schumer. The New York State Trial Lawyers Association honored Mr. Finkelstein by awarding him the first ever Civil Justice Award in 2006.

Mr. Finkelstein is on the Board of Directors of the Empire State Bank, NA, a public corporation. He is a member of the Board of Directors, and is also Chairman of the Loan and Credit Policy Committee.

In 2007, Mr. Finkelstein joined the Board of Director of the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, a not for profit agency which provides free, high quality civil legal services to low-income people.

Mr. Finkelstein is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations, the U.S. Federal District Court in New York and New Jersey, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He attended Syracuse University where he received his B.S. in Finance and Marketing in 1987. He then attended Brooklyn Law School and received his J.D. in 1991. Mr. Finkelstein attended the Executive MBA program at Pace University. Mr. Finkelstein is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice and the American Association for Justice.

Mr. Finkelstein also teaches other lawyers advanced trial practices at the nationally recognized Keenan Ball college.

Speaking Engagements

August 2023: Trial Lawyers University: Negotiating with Emotional Intelligence, A.I. 101 and the Transformation of Law, The Art of Jury Selection, and Effectively Using Visuals In Depositions and Trials.

August 2023: Brain Trust Legal Group Seminar: Grow a Law Firm from “Zero to One Billion or More” 

June 2023: Trial School Signature Event “Demonstrative Evidence & Admissibility”

May 2023: Case Analysis Webinar: Negotiating With Emotional Intelligence

December 2022: Andrew Finkelstein talks with Schenectady WNYT.com

AGF Speaker: The Legal Marketing & Management Summit 2022
Learn Over $70,000,000,000 Billion Dollars In Combined Knowledge & Experience From The Brain Trust Law Firms
September 28-30, 2022 | Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas

June 2022: Trial School’s Mixed Method Advocacy in Action

May 2022: The Heart of the Law Podcast | EPISODE 2.8: ANDREW FINKELSTEIN

May 2022: Andrew Finkelstein talks with Rankings.io President Chris Dreyer

November 2021: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to speak at Trial School Symposium, “Communicating, Connecting and the Ultimate Opening Statement”. https://watch.trialschool.org/pages/symposium

October 2021: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to present at Trial School event, outlining  his recent verdict of a hit in the rear that caused minimal visible property damage to his clients car. From jury selection to summation, Andrew will describe the key strategy choices that were made and how they were executed.

Andrew Finkelstein guest on Podcast “Latte With A Lawyer”
Andrew Finkelstein talks about using technology to run 5 law firms

May 27, 2021: Negotiating with Emotional Intelligence, Part 1

March 2021: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to host Webinar, How to Analyze Big Data Focus Groups with Jury Analyst

In the News

Widow of man fatally shot by Schenectady police settles for $1.5M | by Pete DeMola | Times Union | Dec, 2022

Schenectady reaches $1.5 million settlement with family of man shot, killed by police | by Ted Remsnyder | The Daily Gazette | Dec, 2022

Think You Know the Real Story Behind the McDonald’s Coffee Lawsuit? Think Again. | by Crystal Newsom | Book Bites | Mar, 2022 | Medium

Fortune – Backlash against Jones Day, the law firm aiding Trump’s election challenge, begins to escalate

Highlights

The Trial Lawyer magazine and The National Law Journal are proud to recognize the 2022 members of America’s 55 most Influential Trial Lawyers. – Andrew Finkelstein has been named as one of the “Most Influential Trial Lawyers” by Trial Lawyer Magazine and National Law Journal

February 10, 2023: Master class on Negotiating with Emotional Intelligence Webinar by Andrew Finkelstein.  In this four part presentation, Andrew breaks down the three phases of negotiations and provides suggestions on how to deploy proven negotiating strategies for any type of negotiation.

June 2020: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein Panelist for International Franchise Professional Group Webinar, Business Interruption Claims Lecture

October 2019: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to Lecture at Finkelstein & Partners Center for Continuing Legal Education seminar, focusing on the topic of ethics.

May 2019: Managing Partner Andrew to Speak at New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ) Nursing Home Litigation CLE. Mr. Finkelstein will provide valuable insights to New Jersey nursing home and abuse and neglect attorneys regarding how to successfully navigate nursing home abuse and neglect cases.

April 2019:  Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to Speak at Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys.  Mr. Finkelstein will provide practice skills regarding jury selection and trial strategy on all types of personal injury cases.

March 2019: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to Join Panel at New York State Trial Lawyers Association’s “Evidence to Win” CLE. This CLE is intended to teach attorneys the skills and techniques necessary to win even the most challenging cases. NYSTLA selected an all-star panel of top lawyers from around the country to contribute to this event.

January 2019: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein provides winter driving safety tips on WRGB CBS6. Click here to view the news segment. 

April 2018: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein Panelist at the American Bar Association’s National Workshop on the Advancement of Attorney Well-Being in the Law Firm Setting In conjunction with the ABA Standing Committee on Lawyers’ Professional Liability Conference- This panel will address the pros and cons of ABS and non-lawyer ownership of law firms, and whether and how these will evolve in the future.

March 2018: The New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) appointed Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to lead a newly established Class Action Committee. A class action suit is a tool that enables attorneys to hold defendants accountable when many plaintiffs suffer similar harm and can be effective in preventing corporations from inflicting future harm. Unfortunately, New York’s laws regarding class actions are weak compared to federal rules, and often present complications for consumers seeking justice. The Class Action Committee, led by Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein, will seek to amend problematic New York State laws that (among other things) create statutory barriers and limit compensation for victims. “Andrew Finkelstein is a long-time NYSTLA member, serving on our Board of Directors, and the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He is a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties, and he will be a tireless advocate in this important new endeavor.”- NYSTLA

March 2018: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein Panelist at the New York State Trial Lawyers Association’s CLE Seminar: This seminar is designed to give New York State personal injury attorneys a better understanding of how to effectively use the rules of evidence in common cases, how to use Focus Groups to decide what evidence is most valuable, and how to navigate personal injury cases involving Uber drivers.

July 2017: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein Receives Lifetime Achievement Recognition – America’s Top 100 Attorney Lifetime Achievement recognition is presented to select attorneys throughout the country. Less than .5% of all active attorneys in the United States will receive this honor. “Selection is not achieved based on a single accomplishment or a single great year of success, but rather on a lifetime of hard work, ethical stands, and community enriching accomplishments that are inspiring among the legal profession.” –America’s Top 100 Attorneys

June 2017: New York State Trial Lawyers Association Selects Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein to Lecture in ‘Rideshare Insurance (Uber & Lyft), Perspectives on the New Law’ Series, Designed to Help Lawyers Throughout New York State Navigate New Rideshare Laws – Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies were recently authorized to provide services starting July 1, 2017. This brings new issues for trial lawyers and Andrew Finkelstein will be teaching lawyers throughout New York State how to navigate the new laws. New York State Trial Lawyers Institute, the teaching arm of the New York State Trial Lawyers asked Mr. Finkelstein to teach lawyers throughout New York as he was actively involved in drafting and commenting on the authorizing legislation. Through the NYSTLA and Mr. Finkelstein’s participation and discussion with key members of the NYS legislature, New Yorkers have the greatest protections in the Nations should they be involved in a crash while in or with a ridesharing vehicle. Mr. Finkelstein will be lecturing in Westchester, Newburgh, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton and Albany over the next several weeks.

December 2016: Lecture to the Maryland Association of Justice –  Andrew presented at the Reptile Black Letter Law Seminar at the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. Reptile Black Letter Law seminars are intended to provide plaintiff attorneys with the legal background and skills needed to prepare effective strategies for trials.

April 2016 Lecture to the New Hampshire Associates of Justice: Reptile: The Black Letter Law Seminar- In 2009, Don Keenan and David Ball launched the Plaintiff’s revolution known as the “Reptile.” This revolution has garnered the attention of both the plaintiff and the defense bar for its game changing success.  Andrew was a panelist and presenter on Friday, 4/29, regarding strategies for prosecuting a personal injury case. Andrew presented regarding direct and cross examination and also sat on the ethics panel discussion.  The program was well received by the members of the bar.

January 2016: In 2015 Andrew was once again recognized as one of the top 100 civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys in the United States – As a special recognition of his accomplishment he was invited to Florida for the 2016 Trail Lawyers Summit, where retired NFL superstar Terry Bradshaw will serve as the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony.

“It is my good fortune to lead an outstanding team of legal professionals who share my profound commitment to always providing the best possible outcomes for the clients we serve,” said Finkelstein. “I am honored and humbled that this commitment on which our firm was built has earned me a place on The Trial Lawyer magazine’s 100 Most Influential list.”  – Andrew Finkelstein.

Two leading news sources, The Poughkeepsie Journal and The Times Union featured Andrew’s honor in online publications.

March 6 2014: Managing Partner Andrew Finkelstein participated as a speaker on one of the panel discussions at the conference, Disruptive Innovation in the Market for Legal Services at Harvard Law School.

March 20 and 21, 2014: Andrew Finkelstein was the keynote speaker at the 2014 Vista Conference in Houston, TX. where he discussed the changing landscape of legal services. Lawyers from all over the country attended the annual conference. “Contemplating change is not good enough for anyone and it is time to take action. Law firms are not just law firms, they are businesses and the world of business is ever-changing.” – Andrew Finkelstein”

Admissions & Membership:

New York New Jersey United States Federal District Court in New York and New Jersey United States Supreme Court United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Memberships 2013 Executive Committee Member of The National Trial Lawyers New York

Recent Case Highlights:

  • $34,000,000 – Verdict against Pfizer.
  • $28,300,000 – Settlement – Roofer Injured on Job Site.
  • $16,500,000 – Settlement – Product Liability.
  • $13,500,000 – Settlement – Minor Injured in Motor Vehicle Crash.
  • $12,700,000 – Settlement – Unsafe Working Conditions.
  • $9,250,000 – Settlement – Client Injured by Distracted Driver.
  • $8,323,000 – Settlement – Birth Medical Malpractice Causes Cerebral Palsy in Baby.
  • $5,700,000 – Jury Verdict – Runaway School Bus Results in Tragic Death.
  • $4,087,077 – Settlement – Child Injured by Negligence / Product Liability.
  • $4,000,000 – Verdict – Medical Malpractice.
  • $3,768,087 – Verdict – Construction Worker Awarded after Fall.
  • $3,500,000 – Settlement – Drowsy Driving By Group Home Driver – Catastrophic Injuries.
  • $3,500,000 – Settlement – Construction Worker Receives Settlement in Addition to Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
  • $3,250,000 – Settlement – Failure to Treat Acute Asthma Timely.
  • $3,000,000 – Settlement – New Mom Dies 6 Days After Birth.
  • $2,800,000 – Settlement – Wrongful Death.
  • $2,650,000 – Settlement – Birth Malpractice Settles During Trial
  • $2,500,000 – Settlement – Distracted Driver Crosses Over Causing Broken Back.
  • $2,500,000 – Settlement – Forklift Operator Ignores Dangers.
  • $2,300,000 – Settlement – Surgical Mistake.
  • $2,300,000 – Settlement – Distracted Driver Hits Pedestrian In Intersection.
  • $2,300,000 – Settlement – Workplace Accident.
  • $2,250,000 – Settlement – Nursing Home Abuse.
  • $2,000,000 – Settlement – Manhattan Lawyer Hires Finkelstein & Partners for Bronx Trial.
  • $2,000,000 – Settlement – Contractor and Owner Fail To Provide Safety Device, Worker Injured in Ceiling Collapse.
  • $2,000,000 – Settlement – School District held Accountable.
  • $1,950,000 – Settlement – Client Hit in Rear.
  • $1,950,000 – Settlement – Telephone Company Settles.
  • $1,800,000 Settlement – Failure to Diagnose Breast Cancer.
  • $1,800,000 – Settlement – Construction Injury.
  • $1,750,000 – Settlement – Union Worker Suffers Brain Injury.
  • $1,698,525 – Award – 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
  • $1,625,000 – Settlement – Fall down at Train Station.
  • $1,600,000 – Jury Verdict – Dog Bite.
  • $1,500,000 – Settlement – Teaching Hospital Pays For Burn Caused During Surgery. Read More.
  • $1,500,000 – Settlement – Pennsylvania Warehouse. Read more.
  • $1,500,000 – Distracted Driver in Supermarket Parking Lot Held Accountable for Hitting Shopper.
  • $1,500,000 – Settlement – Communication Specialist Injury.
  • $1,500,000 – Settlement – Garbage Company Held Accountable for Motorcyclist Injured Due to No Reflectors on Dumpster.
  • $1,350,000 Settlement – Hospital Pays For Negligent Post-Surgical Care Read more.
  • $1,300,000 – Settlement – Failure to Monitor Post Delivery.
  • $1,250,000 – Settlement – Wrongful Death.
  • $1,000,000 Settlement – Family Holds Bronx Hospital Accountable. Read more
  • $1,000,000 – Settlement – War Hero’s PTSD Triggered From Crash
  • $1,000,000 – Settlement Before Trial – Pedestrian Hit.
  • $979,000 – Settlement, Balance of $1,000,000 Insurance Policy – Motorcycle Crash.
  • $894,000 – Settlement – Case Too Big For Family Lawyer, Trucking Company.
  • $765,000 Awarded – Police told to Pay for Hitting Pedestrian.