Nicole Henriquez, Esq. is a highly respected attorney based in New York and Long Island, with over 25 years of experience specializing in New York Workers' Compensation and Federal Social Security Disability law. Her practice extends throughout the United States, earning her recognition as a top-rated attorney in these complex fields. Nicole has been rated as a Member of The National Black Lawyers Top 100 for the past 7 years since 2017. Nicole’s legal journey began with distinction as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as a prosecutor under the Honorable Charles Hines. Her three years as a prosecutor laid the foundation for her exceptional litigation skills and ability to navigate the intricacies of the legal system. As the daughter of immigrants from Panama and Jamaica, Nicole’s upbringing instilled in her a profound understanding of the challenges faced by hardworking families striving for better opportunities. Her parents, who became U.S. citizens, built a successful business and provided their family with the means to achieve their dreams. This background shaped Nicole’s empathy and commitment to serving her clients, particularly those navigating the struggles of workplace injuries and disabilities. After earning her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law, Nicole gained invaluable experience as a defense attorney for a Workers’ Compensation defense firm, representing insurance carriers. She then joined one of New York’s premier Wall Street law firms, where she honed her expertise over two decades. This diverse background provided her with a deep understanding of defense strategies, which she now leverages as a zealous advocate for injured workers. Her ability to anticipate and counter defense tactics has set her apart as a formidable litigator. As co-founder and owner of Bronnberg & Henriquez, PC, Nicole leads a Women-Owned and Black-Owned law firm committed to excellence, equity, and empowerment. At Bronnberg & Henriquez, the team takes a holistic approach to representing clients, carefully considering their financial situations and long-term goals when deciding to file for Social Security Disability. The firm is also proud to represent many union workers, advocating for them in all aspects of their Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability claims. By collaborating with a trusted Personal Injury law firm, Nicole ensures her clients have access to comprehensive legal support to secure maximum monetary awards for their injuries and losses. A native New Yorker, Nicole was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, where she resides with her husband and three children. She remains deeply committed to her community, volunteering as an assistant coach for a St. Mel’s CYO 8th grade boys’ basketball team and supporting local initiatives. Her early work in her parents’ business at the age of 14 instilled a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive her today. Nicole combines her legal acumen, relentless tenacity, and personal dedication to deliver exceptional outcomes for her clients. She is known for her aggressive advocacy, meticulous preparation, and unwavering commitment to ensuring her clients’ voices are heard. As a trailblazer in the legal community, Nicole is passionate about uplifting underserved communities and breaking barriers. Her firm embodies the values of diversity and inclusion, striving to empower clients while championing justice for all. Nicole believes that knowledge is power and prioritizes empowering her clients by providing them with clear options and strategies tailored to their needs. Her approach balances compassionate understanding with a results-driven focus, making her a trusted ally for those navigating life-altering circumstances.
As the founder of the Jackson Legal Group, Janai is committed to providing exceptional service to each and every client. Janai is admitted to practice law in New York State. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University and was awarded her Juris Doctorate from Touro Law Center. From working as an assistant district attorney at the prestigious Kings County District Attorney's Office to opening her own practice, Janai has represented and worked with clients large and small ranging from the every day citizen to Fortune 10 companies. She is currently a member of the New York City Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. She is committed to obtaining the largest possible compensation permitted by law for her injured clients.
Education
TOURO LAW CENTER
Juris Doctor
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
B.A., Political Science
Activities & Affiliations
• NYC Bar Association, Member
• Black Law Students Association, Member, Former Regional Board Member
• NYS Bar Association, Member
Bar Admissions
• New York - 2nd Dept
Chartrisse A. Adlam is the Senior Partner at the Law Offices of David M. Sperling, a premier Long Island Law Firm that specializes in Immigration Law. Ms. Adlam has over 25 years of experience in Immigration and Family Law. Ms. Adlam began her legal career at the federal government through the Attorney General’s Honors Program (Immigration and Naturalization Service). She was a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York City handling deportation and removal cases. There, Ms. Adlam litigated many cases in Immigration Court including “special interest” and high-profile media cases. Prior to joining the federal government and practicing law, Ms. Adlam was a New York State Certified Social Worker working with children and families in the family court system.
After 11 years with INS/DHS Ms. Adlam opened her own law firm practicing Immigration and Family Law. Ms. Adlam handled a significant amount of immigration cases that involved women and child who have often been victims of sexual and physical abuse in their home countries. She was also a member of the Family Court Assigned Panel in Brooklyn where she handled neglect, abuse, juvenile delinquency cases and custody/visitation cases.
Ms. Adlam has been an active member of numerous professional organizations over the years and served the community in various ways. She is a member of the American Immigration Law Association – New York Chapter, Suffolk County Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association. She is a past Immigration Section Chair for the National Bar Association. For 3 years she was a board member for the Protestant Board of Guardians Inc., a social service organization that provides family preservation and foster care services. She has served as a pro bono attorney for In Motion for Women, New York County Lawyer’s Association – Monday Night law Project and handled bankruptcy cases for the Pro Bono Consumer Bankruptcy Project for The Association of the Bar of the City of New York.
Ms. Adlam, a 2023 Power Woman of Long Island award recipient, is also the Vice-President and Community Service Chair for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Suffolk County Graduate Chapter. Her contributions to the community are further reflected in her membership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. – Long Island Chapter, where she actively advocates for the empowerment of women. Moreover, Ms. Adlam’s dedication to youth development is evident as she was an active committee member for Boys Scouts Pack 625 and Troop 560, where she played a critical role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Ms. Adlam received her Bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. She is admitted to the New York State Bar.
Vernée C. Pelage advises and represents management in a range of labor and employment matters.
Before joining Littler, Vernée represented municipalities and private entities in cases involving civil rights claims, breach of contract, and personal injury, among other matters. Her career began in private practice, at a busy midsized firm where she represented municipalities, school districts, public authorities, and public officials throughout the State of New York. Her work there included employment discrimination, employee disciplinary matters, civil rights defense, and education matters. She also advised companies on best practices in the employment context.
While attending St. John’s University School of Law, Vernée received numerous awards and honors, including the St. Vincent De Paul Economic Justice Clinic Award, the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Economic Justice Clinic, and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Copyright Law. She was also a Ron Brown Scholar and a founding member of the school's Coalition for Social Justice.
Focus Areas
Discrimination and Harassment
Education
- J.D., St. John’s University School of Law, 2017
- B.A., Spelman College, 2013 magna cum laude
Bar Admission
Courts
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
John grew up in the Southern Tier and currently lives in the Buffalo area. He has dedicated his professional life to making sure that hardworking families are treated fairly by the legal system, including years of service with the New York State Attorney Grievance Committees, which oversee the discipline of lawyers accused of misconduct or neglect, and appointments by Governor Cuomo to serve on multiple judicial screening committees evaluating potential candidates for judgeships. As a former Golden Club Boxer and current certified amateur boxing coach, referee, and judge…..I know how to fight in the ring and in the courtroom for you!
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- Appointed by New York Governor to serve on New York Judicial Screening Committee
- Appointed by New York Governor as Chairperson of the 4th Department Judicial Screening Committee
- Bar Association of Erie County
- Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Inc., Past President
- Western New York Trial Lawyers Association
- New York State Defenders Association
- Former Chairperson, Eighth Judicial District Attorney Grievance Committee
- Former member, U.S. Magistrate Selection Committee for U.S. District Court, Western District of N.Y.
- Syracuse University Law Alumni
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Erie County Lawyer of the Year 2020
- Buffalo News Citizen of the Year
- Super Lawyers — 2006 to present
- Erie County Bar Association Criminal Justice Award
- Minority Bar Association Community Service Award
- Ebony magazine Phenomenal Father Award
- Parents magazine Good Neighbor Award
- N.A.A.C.P. Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award
- Business First Forty Under Forty recognition
- Mansfield University Society of Honors
- Olean High School Athletic Wall of Fame
- Olean High School Academic Wall of Fame
PAST EMPLOYMENT
- Senior Trial Counsel and Managing Attorney, Brown Chiari LLP — 2009 to 2014
- Partner, Harter Secrest and Emery LLP — 2006 to 2009
- Owner, Law Offices of John V. Elmore — 1989 to 2006
- Assistant Attorney General, N.Y.S. Attorney General’s Office — 1987 to 1989
- Assistant District Attorney, N.Y. County District Attorney’s Office — 1984 to 1987
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
- Appointed by New York Governor as a Trustee of Erie Community College
- U.S.A. Boxing — certified boxing coach, referee and judge
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
- N.A.A.C.P. — life member
- Former member, New York State Commission on Indigent Defense