Martin Clearwater & Bell <span class="text-llp">LLP</span> Announces Five New Partners of the Firm Effective January 1, 2026 –
Kenneth J. Burford, Casey M. Hughes, Stephen C. Lanzone, Fiachra P. Moody, Gabrielle F. Murray
MCB is pleased to announce the promotion of five talented attorneys to our team of partners, effective January 1, 2026. Each has demonstrated outstanding legal skill and dedication to their clients. We appreciate their contribution to the success of our Firm and congratulate them on this well-deserved professional achievement.
Kenneth J. Burford brings more than three decades of distinguished experience in medical malpractice and risk management to the partnership. A New York Super Lawyer since 2019, he serves as a Visiting Professor of Law and Risk Management at St. George’s University and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He earned his J.D. from Pace University School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany.
Casey M. Hughes offers a unique dual perspective to medical defense, leveraging her years of clinical experience as a registered ultrasound technologist to benefit the Firm's clients. This medical background informs her sophisticated approach to defending complex malpractice and general liability cases. A 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America recipient, Casey earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, and her B.S. in Biology from Villanova University.
Stephen C. Lanzone is a skilled litigator who defends teaching hospitals and medical professionals across all phases of complex malpractice matters. Known for his ability to develop comprehensive defense strategies from inception through resolution, Stephen was recognized by his peers in the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. He earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, making the Dean’s List, and holds a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College.
Fiachra P. Moody focuses his practice on the defense of medical malpractice and professional liability matters, representing a diverse client base of healthcare systems, hospitals, and individual practitioners. Recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Fiachra has extensive experience in long-term care litigation and OPMC/OPD investigations. He earned his LL.M. from University College Dublin and holds a B.C.L. from the University of Galway.
Gabrielle F. Murray provides a strong litigation foundation built on prestigious internships with the New York State Attorney General and the New York County Supreme Court. Recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, she offers deep regional expertise with admissions in both New York and New Jersey state and federal courts. Gabrielle graduated cum laude from New York Law School and magna cum laude from West Virginia University
Martin Clearwater & Bell <span class="text-llp">LLP</span> is one of the oldest and largest professional liability firms in New York, focusing on defense litigation. The Firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers since inception as a Metropolitan Tier 1 – New York City “Best Law Firm”. The Firm which has offices in Manhattan, Nassau County, Westchester County, Rochester, NY, Roseland, NJ and Norwalk, CT is recognized by both the bench and bar as a leader in defense areas, and has served the professional community for over 100 years.