Overview
Yousra DePalma focuses her practice on general liability defense, construction, labor law, as well as insurance coverage and litigation.
Ms. DePalma’s general liability defense and construction law work includes representing construction contractors and property owners in claims that allege violations of labor law, construction defects, as well as premises liability claims arising from alleged hazardous conditions. She works on complex accident liability cases, representing general and independent contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, building/property owners, and other parties.
In her labor law work, she defends contractors and property owners in personal injury actions arising out of Labor Law sections 240(1), 241(6) and 200, and suits brought against them in construction defect claims. Additionally, she represents clients in employment-related matters such as alleged violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”).
Ms DePalma’s insurance coverage and litigation work includes managing directors’ and officers’ liability, professional liability, and commercial general liability (CGL). Her experience includes litigating complex insurance coverage matters for insurers and drafting coverage position opinions and letters. She manages the full process of litigation from arguing motions, leading and defending depositions, acting as trial counsel, and representing clients in mediation and settlement conferences.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. DePalma served as an associate at New York law firms working in commercial and premises liability, complex construction litigation and defects, automobile, toxic tort, and wrongful death. Previously, she also defended hospitals, nursing homes and physicians in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. District Court
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
Education
- Pace University School of Law, J.D.
- Arizona State University, B.A. magna cum laude, B.S. magna cum laude
Professional Memberships
- New York State Bar Association
Experience and Representative Matters
- Secured a favorable resolution during a bench trial in New York Supreme Court on behalf of an insurance carrier and third-party administrator in a breach of contract dispute arising from a protracted construction-related conflict between neighboring property owners. The plaintiff alleged repeated violations of a license agreement tied to demolition work and building protections and asserted third-party claims against an off-site monitoring company for failure to properly secure the site. At trial, plaintiff sought $2 million in compensatory damages, including $700,000 for alleged property damage from graffiti to a purported historic landmark building, as well as $1 million in attorneys’ fees. Despite a late-stage document disclosure requiring a shift in defense strategy, the claims were successfully challenged through cross-examination and trial advocacy. The matter concluded with a global settlement in which the developer contributed personally and the carrier funded the majority share, while our client’s contribution was limited, avoiding the costs of continued litigation.
Our Firm's Awards & Honors
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