Kareem R. Vessup

Associate 
Phone:    212-736-5300
Fax:    212-971-9840
EMail:    kvessup@blockotoole.com

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Kareem Vessup joined Block O'Toole & Murphy in May 2009. Kareem's aggressive, yet charismatic and personable manner will be an immediate asset to the firm's clients.

Kareem is a graduate of St. John's University and St. John's University School of Law, completing his studies in 2004. While a student, Kareem became interested in a career as a trial lawyer. He was fortunate enough to participate in and win several national trial competitions in law school, earning a well-deserved reputation as a talented young advocate. As a student, Kareem was actually recognized for excellence in trial advocacy by organizations, including The American Mock Trial Association, The New York State Bar Association, The American Association for Justice (formerly A.T.L.A.), The American College of Trial Lawyers, The National Institute for Trial Advocacy and The Texas Young Lawyers Association.

After graduating from law school Kareem began his legal career as a trial associate with a prominent criminal defense attorney, working in both the New York State and Federal courts. His talent and precocious abilities allowed him to successfully handle several prominent matters. Kareem recognized early on in his career that he had an ability to be a voice for those that needed it most and saw the law as a vehicle to help people.

In 2005, Kareem joined a prominent and well-known civil attorney as a trial associate representing plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits. His practice focused on motor vehicle collisions, construction accidents, premises and municipal liability cases and civil rights violations. His hulking courtroom presence and mature demeanor translated into successful results for his clients. He was able to recover several substantial verdicts and settlements and was promoted to a Senior Trial Associate at the firm.

Kareem continues to grow as a trial attorney and a person. He left his last position and now brings his vast skills to Block O'Toole & Murphy. Kareem will focus on the trial of construction accidents and catastrophic personal injury cases for the firm. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at St. John's University on the undergraduate and law school levels, teaching Legal Studies and Trial Advocacy. Kareem, a devoted husband and father of two, is equally as passionate about his work with inner city minority youths and local religious groups.

Kareem is admitted to practice law in the state courts of New York.

Recent Results

In his short time with the firm, Kareem has already achieved substantial results for the firm's clients, including:

• June 2009: $2.6 Million settlement for a 49 year old union laborer who was injured after falling approximately 10 feet to a sidewalk bridge below.
• August 2009: $925,000 settlement for a bus driver T-boned by a tractor trailer in an intersection collision involving 6 vehicles. (Pending Bankruptcy Court Approval)
• September 2009: $1.7 million settlement (during trial) for a 51 year old Jamaican immigrant rear ended by an oil tanker tractor trailer

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