Gordon & Rees Adds Team of 30 on East Coast

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani welcomes 19 attorneys who will join the firm in its New York, New Jersey and Westchester offices. The group, led by partners John J. Hopwood and Melissa J. Brown, includes eight partners, nine associates, and two of counsel, all of whom previously practiced with Marks, O’Neill, O’Brien, Doherty & Kelly, P.C. 

The team handles a wide range of litigation including professional liability, healthcare, labor and employment, cyber and data security, commercial litigation, construction, municipal and public entity liability, premises liability, casualty, and all other aspects of general liability.

Hopwood was with Marks, O’Neill for nearly 20 years where he was a senior partner and served as the managing partner of the firm’s New York offices. Brown was with Marks, O’Neill for more than 15 years where she was a senior partner and headed up the New Jersey office’s Professional Liability team. They are joined by their team of more than 10 paralegals and professional staff across offices and expect to add to their team in the coming days.

“These outstanding lawyers are the perfect complement to Gordon & Rees’ national capabilities in these areas,” said Ron Giller, managing partner of the firm’s New Jersey office. “The group also bolsters our east coast presence and accelerates what looks to be a very strong year for us.”

Partner John Hopwood is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. Hopwood has represented clients in numerous fields of litigation, ranging from construction, commercial, malpractice, products and all areas of general liability. His practice focuses on all aspects of construction litigation, including the defense of design/defect claims and defense of allegations brought under New York Labor Law. Hopwood has represented international corporations, domestic companies, developers, general contractors, mechanical contractors, construction managers, design professionals, doctors, attorneys and other businesses in all aspects of defense litigation.

Partner Melissa Brown is admitted in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Brown has experience defending corporations and individuals in cyber litigation and data security breaches. She defends professional malpractice claims against professionals in the legal, medical, financial, insurance, and real estate industries. She represents employers in labor and employment disputes arising from wrongful termination, discrimination and executive malfeasance. She defends medical professionals in complaints before the New Jersey medical boards.

“Gordon & Rees provides our team with a national platform across all 50 states which enables our team to provide our clients with the highest level of legal services throughout multiple practice areas. The internal support and leadership at Gordon & Rees is unmatched and we are excited to be part of the team,” said John Hopwood.

“For nearly two decades, our attorneys have provided an aggressive and strategic defense while prioritizing the individual needs of our clients. You can expect that same diligent approach on a national scale under the leadership of Gordon & Rees and their 50 state platform. We are excited to join this exceptional team, and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients’ needs,” said Melissa Brown.

Joining Hopwood in the New York City office are partners Marci MitkoffSydney FettenBonnie Goldman, of counsel Robert Fein and associate Amanda Chiarello.

Joining the Westchester office is of counsel Lynn Liebman, and associates Joseph Samuels and Gabriella Manganiello.

Joining Brown in the New Jersey office are partners Amanda KingNicole Mulhern, Michael Slivjak, and associates Kevin ButteryMadelynn CorrentiDeanne LowdenBrittney NochimsonKathryn Siegeltuch and Jonathan Stuckel.

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Your 50 State Partner® – As the only law firm with offices and attorneys in all 50 states, Gordon & Rees delivers maximum value to our clients by combining the resources of a full-service national firm with the local knowledge of a regional firm. Featuring more than 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we provide comprehensive litigation and business transactions services to public and private companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations. Founded in 1974, Gordon & Rees is recognized among the fastest growing and largest law firms in the country. The firm is currently ranked among the 25 largest law firms in the U.S., the top 25 firms for diverse attorneys, and the top 15 firms for female attorneys in the AmLaw 100.