Attorneys
MITCHELL KLAFTER, ESQ.
As the founder and owner of the firm, Mitchell Klafter has over 30 years experience. With a focus on injuries resulting from car accidents, Mitchell has extensive experience in this area of the law and provides the most professional and informed representation to each and every one of his clients. Mitchell’s aggressive approach gets his clients the compensation they deserve.
Mitchell started his career as an insurance adjuster handling personal injury claims. He quickly realized he was more interested in the Plaintiff’s side of the law and subsequently attended Brooklyn Law School. After graduating law school in 1989, he worked for a Personal Injury firm in Queens and shortly thereafter opened his own practice. Mitchell’s fierce determination, knowledge of the law and dedication to his clients quickly made him successful. Mitchell’s unique experience allows him to provide top notch representation for his clients.
Admissions
New York State Court
Education
Brooklyn Law School, 1989
University at Albany, 1984
MELISSA KLAFTER, ESQ.
Melissa Klafter leads our litigation department, where she brings experience, compassion and tenacity to every case she handles. Melissa represents clients in all phases of personal injury litigation— from the initial intake and investigation through discovery, depositions, motion practice and trial. She has successfully advocated for her clients in both New York State Supreme Court and New York City Civil Court, earning a reputation for her meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to justice. Melissa is known for being a strong and compassionate voice for her clients—fighting tirelessly to ensure they are heard, respected, and fully compensated for their injuries.
Before joining the family firm, Melissa practiced for many years at a prominent plaintiff’s personal injury firm in Manhattan, where she managed the Queens County litigation division. In that role, she oversaw a high volume of complex personal injury matters, honing her skills in strategy, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy.
Melissa’s deep knowledge of New York personal injury law, combined with her hands-on experience and client-centered approach, has allowed her to consistently achieve exceptional outcomes for those she represents. She takes pride not only in her results, but also in the relationships she builds with clients— guiding them through every step of the legal process with professionalism, empathy and integrity.
Admissions
New York State Court
Education
St. John’s University School of Law, 2015
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012
SAMARA KLAFTER, ESQ
Samara Klafter leads our settlement department. She has recovered millions of dollars in settlement money for her clients. With her extensive knowledge of personal injury law, including bodily injury and no-fault, Samara is equipped to provide excellent and professional legal services to all clients alike.
Upon graduating from Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2019, Samara went directly to the family law firm where she immediately began to practice under the guidance of its senior member, Mitchell Klafter, Esq. It became evident that one of Samara’s greatest skills was her ability to negotiate and succeed in achieving very high settlements.
Admissions
New York State Court
Education
Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law, 2019
Hofstra University, 2015
LISA GIOIA, ESQ.
With over 35 years of experience, Lisa is a seasoned personal injury attorney who has built a reputation for strong advocacy and client-focused representation. She handles every aspect of personal injury litigation—from case inception through discovery, depositions, motion practice, and trial—with precision and dedication.
Throughout her distinguished career, Lisa has successfully represented clients in United States District Court, New York State Supreme Court and New York City Civil Court. Her extensive knowledge of the litigation process and unwavering commitment to justice have resulted in countless favorable outcomes for those injured due to negligence.
Lisa brings not only legal skill but also empathy and tenacity to every case she handles. Her decades-long career is a testament to her professionalism, integrity, and relentless pursuit of fair compensation for her clients.
Admissions
New York State Court
US District Court for the Southern District of New York
Education
Fordham University School of Law
Adelphi University