This year, Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP (FKC&S) proudly marks a milestone few organizations reach: 40 years of service to the Hudson Valley and Capital District. A ruby anniversary is traditionally a symbol of passion, strength and enduring commitment, which is fitting as we reflect on the history of our firm.
Since Jeffrey M. Feldman and Paul S. Kleidman opened our doors in 1986, our team has grown and transformed, yet our core mission has never wavered. We provide every client with individualized, knowledgeable counsel from beginning to end, cultivate a team-driven environment where work life balance is a priority and remain actively committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Forty years later, we are immensely proud of the legacy we have built.
No firm reaches such a milestone without extraordinary people.
From our founding partners to the next generation of leaders, FKC&S has been shaped by attorneys, paralegals and support professionals who bring their expertise, compassion and teamwork to every matter. Many have spent decades growing alongside the firm, mentoring younger attorneys, refining strategy and fostering a culture built on collaboration. Simply put, our longevity is a testament to our team.
Together we have built a renowned plaintiff’s personal injury practice dedicated to helping individuals and families rebuild after unexpected tragedy. From serious motor vehicle accidents and construction injuries to slip-and-fall incidents and wrongful death claims, we have secured meaningful compensation and healing outcomes for countless clients.
Our commitment is reflected in the results we have achieved in some of the region’s most complex and high-stakes cases. In one landmark matter, our team pursued justice against New York State following a fatal roadway accident in Dutchess County that claimed the life of a young mother. After successfully trying both the liability and damages phases before the Court of Claims — which found the State negligent in maintaining hazardous roadway conditions — we ultimately negotiated an $11.3 million structured settlement to provide long-term security for her surviving husband and two children.
On another extraordinary occasion, Kathryn C. Collins and Steven H. Cohen secured two separate $4 million settlements within a span of just two days, including for a young mother and nursing student who suffered a life-altering stroke after a construction fence obscured a stop sign in the Newburgh, NY. These outcomes required meticulous investigation, expert collaboration and relentless advocacy. While no verdict or settlement can undo tragedy, we are proud to deliver results that provide some measure of justice for clients who entrust us with their futures.
In addition to our personal injury work, over the last four decades, FKC&S attorneys have stepped up to defend hospitals, physicians, businesses and individuals facing high-stakes litigation. We have navigated complex medical malpractice cases, secured decisive dismissals, achieved significant settlements and delivered favorable verdicts after trial.
Our consistent recognition by Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell reflects not only legal skill, but professionalism and integrity. Our clients have left more than 100 five-star Google reviews, sharing that they felt heard and supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
While accolades are meaningful, the true measure of our success has always been quieter: a client who calls us again years later, a referral from opposing counsel who respects our work, a verdict that restores peace of mind.
Perhaps one of our greatest points of pride is that, for 40 years, FKC&S has remained closely connected to the communities that have supported us. Whether sponsoring local nonprofit initiatives, contributing to charitable causes, volunteering time or celebrating milestones with community partners, giving back has been woven into our identity from the very beginning. We believe that being advocates extends beyond the courtroom and means strengthening the region we are proud to call home.
As we commemorate our ruby anniversary, we celebrate:
The clients who trusted us with their most challenging moments.
The colleagues who built this firm case by case, year by year.
The mentors who set the standard and the rising attorneys who will carry it forward.
And we promise to continue doing what we have done for 40 years: approaching every matter with integrity, heart and unwavering dedication.
To our clients, colleagues, partners, families and community members — thank you for being part of this meaningful journey. Here’s to the next chapter!