February 4, 2025
Anne Kardas
Profile
Anne earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Albany and her Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. Anne concentrates her practice on subrogation and recovery, bringing significant experience in investigating new, time-sensitive, and high-value losses. She is a member of the National Association of Subrogation Professionals.
Prior to joining Derrevere Stevens Black & Cozad, Anne was an attorney at an AM100 firm and was previously a partner at a boutique law firm in Hollywood, Florida, where she negotiated more than $15 million in settlements. Before that, she served for over a decade as a special investigator, maintaining a Top-Secret clearance. Later she served as the Director of Investigations for a New York-based firm. The in-house investigative unit she built and oversaw was staffed with attorneys tasked with conducting high-profile investigations into criminal and civil matters.
Education
- Western New England University School of Law – Juris Doctor
- University of Albany – Bachelor’s Degree
Practice Areas
- Subrogation and Recovery
Admissions
- Florida
January 20, 2025
Jeffrey Golovin
Profile
Jeffrey obtained his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Mississippi State University and his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. After obtaining his law degree, Jeffrey has represented insurance carriers defending First Party Property, Personal Injury Protection, Workers’ Compensation, Construction Defect, and other liability claims. He has also had the opportunity to argue before the 1 st District Court of Appeals. Jeffrey has represented insurance carriers in all aspects of a case from referral to trials. Prior to obtaining his law degree Jeffrey worked with disabled individuals to assist with
their return to work including managing their medical recovery and finding positions that meet their capabilities.
In his spare time, Jeffrey enjoys reading, sports, and being with his family.
Education
- Nova Southeastern University – Juris Doctor
- Mississippi State University – Master’s Degree in Counseling
- University of Texas – Bachelor’s Degree
Practice Areas
- First Party Property
- Personal Injury
- Worker’s Compensation
- Construction Defect
Admissions
- Florida
August 27, 2024
Kateem T. Ellis
Profile
Kateem Ellis is a tenacious and passionate attorney who stands out as a committed and formidable advocate for his clients. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science from the University of North Florida, followed by a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University, College of Law. His career is marked by extensive experience in handling intricate litigation and achieving substantial results for his clients.
As a first-generation Jamaican-American, Kateem launched his career at one of the nation’s largest personal injury law firms, where he handled complex litigation matters and consistently achieved favorable results for his clients.
Kateem’s commitment to the legal profession is further demonstrated through his active involvement in the community. He is a proud member of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association and is part of the inaugural cohort of the organization’s Young Lawyers Academy.
Although he was born in Manhattan, New York, Kateem has enjoyed spending most of his life in Florida. He also enjoys playing as well as watching basketball and football. But most importantly, Kateem loves to spend time with his dog and family.
Education
- Florida A&M University, College of Law – Juris Doctorate
- University of North Florida – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Political Science
Practice Areas
- Subrogation
- Personal Injury
Admissions
- Florida
Associations
- Florida Bar Association
- Paul C. Perkins Bar Association
August 19, 2024
Nedhi Teixeira
Profile
Nedhi Teixeira studied Legal Studies and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She continued her education and received her Juris Doctorate from the Massachusetts School of Law in 2020.
Following her admission to the Massachusetts Bar, Nedhi built upon her extensive experience as a litigation assistant by handling complex domestic relations cases as an attorney. She subsequently transitioned to a role as a law and policy consultant, where she provided advocacy across a wide range of legal areas, including housing, immigration, employment, public benefits, family law, and criminal law. Notably, Nedhi has submitted Amicus Briefs to the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, championing tenant rights.
Education
- Massachusetts School of Law – Juris Doctorate
- University of Massachusetts Amherst – Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Practice Areas
- Subrogation
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
Admissions
- Massachusetts
Awards & Honors
- Massachusetts School of Law WLA Finalist Award – Writing and Legal Advocacy Competition 2018
Associations
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Women’s Bar Association
August 19, 2024
Craig J. Billeci
Profile
Craig is a transformational leader who excels in leveraging data, embracing emerging technology, and upholding a people-first orientation. His proficiency in data-driven decision-making enables him to utilize data analytics for insightful trend identification and implementation of business strategies aligning with organizational goals. Craig’s self-driven nature and disciplined approach, honed through his military experience, form the bedrock of his professional resilience, focus and strong work ethic. These qualities are instrumental in his ability to tackle challenges, persevere in adversity and maintain excellence in both personal and professional spheres.
Prior to joining Derrevere, Stevens, Black & Cozad, Craig was the Vice President for the Recovery, Subrogation and Salvage Department at Chubb North America. At Chubb, Craig led a large team of diverse and exceptional professionals across eleven business units and eight lines of business throughout the U.S. and Canada. His approach intertwines transformational leadership strategies, cutting-edge technology and collaboration with Analytics, Optimization, and Business Intelligence partners to extract the most value from the subrogation practice for the client.
Prior to leading the Recovery Department, Craig was the Supervising Attorney for the Subrogation Practice Group at Eustace, Prezioso & Yapchanyk, Chubb’s House Counsel law firm in New York City. Craig led a team that handled a high-volume, high-profile inventory while litigating complex losses; exemplifying his capability to interpret and apply policies, lead operations and conduct effective public relations. His extensive litigation and legal experience across various lines of business further underscore his ability to identify and analyze legal issues, assess and manage risk, effectively prioritize objectives and engage with stakeholders to communicate legal strategies and solutions.
Prior to joining Chubb’s House Counsel, Craig was a litigation attorney at Sheps Law Group, P.C. in New York specializing in property subrogation losses for some of the largest carriers in the industry. His deep expertise is further exemplified by his critical work in landmark cases, such as the Con Edison steam pipe explosion and litigation following the events of 9/11. Craig brings over 18 years of litigation and legal expertise spanning areas including complex commercial litigation, product liability, construction negligence, recovery for auto, marine, fidelity, cyber, agriculture and environmental losses, as well as, arbitrations, contracts / service agreements / SOW development and analysis, crane collapse litigation and catastrophic (wildfire) losses.
Craig served in the United States Air Force where he was a Network Systems Administrator with secret security clearance from the DoD responsible for the secure communications of sensitive data, infrastructure functionality and deployment of operational system utilities as a member of the 439th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Westover Air Force Base. Craig’s outstanding service and leadership were recognized by his peers and senior leaders when he received the Air Force Achievement Medal to acknowledge his meritorious contributions to the unit.
In his spare time, Craig volunteers as a mentor through Hire Heroes USA to assist active-duty members of the military transitioning to the civilian workforce.
Education
- Touro Law School – JD
- State University of Buffalo – Bachelor of Arts in English
- Cornell University – Data Analytics Certification
- Project Management Institute (PMI) – Project Management Certification
- Community College of the Air Force – Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
Practice Areas
- Insurance Subrogation
- Civil Litigation
- Product Liability
Admissions
- New York
- Connecticut
Awards & Honors
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Advisory Counsel to the Executive Board for the National Association of Subrogation Professionals
July 1, 2024
Adam E. Adler
Profile
Adam Adler earned his bachelor’s degree from CUNY Queens College. Mr. Adler graduated from the South Texas School of Law and was admitted to the Texas bar in 2017. In 2022, Adam was admitted to the New York bar.
Prior to joining Derrevere Stevens Black & Cozad, Mr. Adler served as in-house counsel for Allstate, Chubb, and GEICO. In those roles, Adam engaged in the defense of civil litigation, including claims for personal injury, property damage, and the prosecution of claims for subrogated interests in both Texas and New York. Mr. Adler represented the insurer as a corporation and the insured customers in thousands of claims. Mr. Adler was recently recognized for the highest accumulation of subrogation recovery nationwide for Allstate Insurance in 2022 with over $4 million recovered. Mr. Adler has extensive experience litigating cases and has performed litigation case management including mediations, arbitration, depositions, examinations under oath, handling various motion practices and hearings, and conducting general trial preparation and trial performance. He has taken more than a dozen cases to jury verdict, with positive results for his clients. His diverse skill sets, and experience enable him to form profound connections while affecting the best promising outcome through his service as a trusted advocate and guardian of his clients’ interests.
During his leisure time, Adam enjoys traveling abroad, skiing, acroyoga, soccer, dodgeball, and preparing for his next runner’s marathon.
Education
- South Texas College of Law (Juris Doctorate)
- CUNY Queens College (Bachelor of Arts – Magna Cum Laude)
Practice Areas
- Subrogation
- Insurance Defense
Admissions
- Texas
- New York State
June 17, 2024
Matthew Loescher
Profile
Matthew Loescher is a graduate of Stony Brook University in New York, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Matthew received his Juris Doctorate Degree, from Touro University School of Law – having graduated from its Honors Program – and is admitted to practice law in the state of New York. At Touro, Matthew simultaneously served as an Editor of the school’s Law Review and on the Executive Board of the school’s Moot Court.
Matthew has extensive experience in complex civil litigation cases, as well as experience across a wide variety of areas including, but not limited to, medical malpractice claims, insurance subrogation, insurance defense, personal injury, land use and zoning, and products liability. Since joining DSB&C in 2024, Matthew has become a valued addition to the firm’s expanding subrogation team in New York
Education
- Touro University School of Law – Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude
- Stony Brook University in New York – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Practice Areas
- Civil Litigation
- Insurance Subrogation
- Insurance Defense
- Personal Injury
- Products Liability
Admissions
- New York
June 17, 2024
Benjamin Kaufman
Profile
Benjamin “Ben” Kaufman is a devoted attorney with a specialty in civil litigation. Hailing from South Florida, Mr. Kaufman relocated to Orlando, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Mr. Kaufman graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Florida A&M University College of Law (“FAMU”) and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2022. In law school he also served as the Executive Editor of the FAMU Law Review, a prestigious academic organization.
Mr. Kaufman has a passion for personal injury law and contract litigation. Fresh out of law school, Mr. Kaufman joined a nationwide plaintiff personal injury firm where he evaluated and developed thousands of pre-suit personal injury cases before becoming a civil litigator. There, Mr. Kaufman represented and counseled personal injury clients during the beginning stages of their cases, working to investigate and amicably settle claims or transition them into litigation. In litigation, Mr. Kaufman prides himself in his ability to both identify the key issues in a lawsuit and explore them through discovery and depositions. He brought this unique perspective to DSB&C where he enthusiastically represents clients with an approach grounded in professionalism and client satisfaction.
Throughout law school, Mr. Kaufman balanced work and academia in pursuit of his dream of serving the people of Florida with their legal endeavors. He comes from a large family, enjoys mentoring students, and when Mr. Kaufman is not practicing law or spending time with his friends and family, you can find him playing electric guitar, lifting weights, or enjoying Florida’s beautiful coastline.
Education
- Florida A&M University College of Law – Juris Doctorate Magna Cum Laude
- University of Central Florida – Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Practice Areas
- Premise Liability
- Automobile Accidents
- Slip and Fall
- Trip and Fall
- Negligent Security
Admissions
- Florida
June 10, 2024
Paula Melo
Profile
Paula Melo focuses her practice in first and third-party property insurance defense and general liability cases. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law and became a member of the Florida Bar in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Paula was employed as in-house counsel at one of the largest homeowner’s insurance carriers in Florida. Since 1996, Paula is also a licensed attorney in Brazil where she practiced with emphasis in civil litigation, corporate law, and regulatory compliance.
Paula strongly believes in giving back to the community through volunteer work. She currently serves as a pro bono attorney with Lawyers For Children America, providing legal assistance to young adults transitioning out of the foster system. In her free time, Paula loves to travel with her son and daughter, and to spoil their dog Pingo.
Education
- Nova Southeastern University (Juris Doctorate)
- Pontificia Universidade Catolica Sao Paulo, Brazil (Juris Doctorate)
Practice Areas
- First Party Property Defense
- Third Party Property Defense
- General Liability
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. District Court (S.D. Fla.)
Languages
- Portuguese
- Spanish
May 1, 2024
Kathryn Rivers
Profile
Kathryn Rivers is a Florida native, born and raised in Palm Beach County. Kathryn has a double major in Psychology and Political Science and graduated Cum Laude from Florida State University. She then decided to continue her education and residency in Florida, attending Florida International University College of Law. It is there that she received her Juris Doctorate and graduated Magna Cum Laude in the top 10 of her class. Kathryn has always had a passion for Real Estate and Property law and has practiced Property Insurance Law, with an emphasis on First Party Property Coverage, for the entirety of her career.
In her free time, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her son and husband, watching Florida State Football, and reading.
Education
- Florida International University – Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude
- Florida State University – Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude
Practice Areas
- First and third-party property coverage
Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. District Court (M.D. Fla.)
- U.S. District Court (S.D. Fla)