By Matt Perez | July 3, 2024
New York litigation boutique Coffey Modica LLP announced the promotion of two attorneys to partner, including the firm’s first hire in 2021, as well as the elevation of another lawyer to counsel.
Maxwell Bottini, who joined the firm around its founding, and Joseph Hopkins have both been elevated to partner, according to a Monday statement from Coffey Modica, while Jonathan Heller steps into the counsel role. The attorneys practice within labor and professional liability law.
“Each of these talented attorneys has played a key role in the incredible growth Coffey Modica has experienced in just under three years since its founding,” said partner Robert Modica in a statement Monday. “The knowledge, dedication and integrity they bring to every client interaction is admirable.”
Bottini, who practices out of New York and Connecticut, handles labor law cases, defending both general contractors and subcontractors. He has tried over 20 cases to verdict and several more to settlement.
Before joining Coffey Modica, Bottini worked as an associate at Tyson & Mendes LLP. He began his career as an assistant district attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Bottini earned his bachelor’s from Villanova University and his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.
“I was the first attorney hired at Coffey Modica, and it has been a privilege every day since to work alongside this top-notch team,” Bottini said in the statement. “I am grateful to all of my colleagues and mentors, especially Michael Coffey and Robert Modica, for their support and guidance, and I look forward to continuing to grow along with the firm well into the future.”
Also stepping into the partner role, Hopkins works on litigation matters related to labor law, construction defects, professional liability and casualty defense, representing developers, general contractors and real estate investment and management companies.
Hopkins runs his practice out of New York City, having joined the firm in early 2023 after previously serving as an associate at O’Toole Scrivo LLC and Wood Smith Henning & Bergman LLP. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Seton Hall University.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Michael Coffey, Robert Modica and all of my esteemed colleagues, whose mentorship has helped guide my professional growth,” Hopkins said in the statement. “I am excited for the firm’s continued expansion, and I look to what the future has in store.”
Heller becomes a counsel at Coffey Modica after two years in an associate attorney role with the firm. Working out of Coffey Modica’s White Plains, New York, office, Heller also handles labor law, general liability and casualty matters. During his career, he’s represented owners, contracts and corporations across New York. He earned his bachelor’s from Queens College and his law degree from Hofstra University.
“I am thankful to the entire Coffey Modica team for their faith and trust in me to be a part of the firm’s extremely bright future,” Heller said in the statement. “I feel that every day is an opportunity to learn a better tactic or a better argument that would further assist us in getting the best results for our clients, and I look forward to further cultivating our firm’s relationships.”
Founded in 2021, Coffey Modica has several locations across New York, as well as offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. The firm represents businesses and insurance companies in litigation defense and appellate strategy, along with consulting across professional industries.