IWBA YOUNG ATTORNEY SECTION
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
5:00PM - 6:00 PM
via Zoom

Guest Speaker: Sam Elbadawi, Esq.
Partner at Sugarman Law Firm, Syracuse

09/17/2025 Registration

Sam Elbadawi began practicing law in 1992.  Sam joined Sugarman Law Firm in 1993, became a partner in 2000, and currently serves as the firm’s managing partner.  The majority of his statewide practice focuses on the representation of individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death claims.  A large portion of his work involves the representation of injured workers in third party claims.  He is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and Syracuse University, College of Law and has represented hundreds of north country clients.  He has tried dozens of cases in venues across the state including St. Lawrence County, Franklin County, Jefferson County and Oswego County. Sam has recovered over 60 million for clients in the form of settlements, verdicts, mediations, and arbitration awards including 7 multi million dollar cases, 9 cases exceeding 1 million dollars, and 14 cases exceeding $750,000. 

Three most common types of third party claims that arise from work place accidents:

1. Motor vehicle accidents

• Initial Investigation (Police Rpt, vehicle damage photos, coverage information, SUM Notice, witness stmts)
• No Fault Summary - liens
• SUM Coverage Outline – no lien
• Serious injury

2. Labor Law Violations

• Initial Investigation (accident reports, witness statements, property owner information, identifying the GC and Subcontractors)
• Labor Law 240, 241(6), and 200
• Typical Defenses

3. Premises Liability Claims

• Initial Investigation (accident reports, witness statements, property owner information, weather information)
• Code Violation? 
• Weather contributing factor
• Notice (Constructive v. Actual) Creation of Defect, Recurrent Conditions

Typical Defenses:  Storm in progress, absentee landlord, lack of Notice 

Practicing in the area of Workers’ Compensation requires familiarity with the Workers’ Compensation statute, corresponding regulations, Appellate Division and Court of Appeals case law, and Administrative Board Panel Decisions along with the guidance, publications, and other documents from the Workers’ Compensation Board – including subject numbers, treatment guidelines, impairment guidelines, FAQs, etc. We recognize that our young and new members may be struggling to learn all of this information and likely feel confused navigating the day to day demands of this practice. 

From this background, the IWBA's Young Attorney Section encourages involvement and education opportunities for our members. The Young Attorney Section of the IWBA is open to all members that have been admitted for less than 10 years or who have been practicing in the area of Workers’ Compensation Law for less than ten years.

The Young Attorney Section meets via zoom. Each meeting will include an educational session followed by a Q&A session with an experienced attorney. This will be a “no such thing as a dumb question” environment and participation in the dialogue is encouraged. It will also be an opportunity to get to know colleagues across the state and to become more involved in the IWBA.

To attend the upcoming meeting, click the registration button above. You must be logged into your IWBA Member Profile to register.  

Experienced practitioners willing to participate should email Alice Carrothers <[email protected]>.