Joseph W. Belluck Reappointed Chair of New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct
Belluck & Fox Managing Partner Joseph Belluck has been reappointed as chair of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct by Governor Kathy Hochul. The appointment of Belluck marks the start of a new four-year term, beginning on April 1, 2024. He has served on the commission since 2008 and assumed the chairmanship in 2016.
The Commission on Judicial Conduct plays a crucial role as an independent agency responsible for reviewing misconduct complaints against judges and justices within the state’s unified court system. Composed of 11 non-paid members, Belluck is one of four individuals appointed by the Governor.
“I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her confidence in reappointing me to lead the Commission on Judicial Conduct,” said Belluck. “I am honored to continue its important work and constitutional mission: to oversee judicial ethics enforcement professionally and fairly throughout New York State. As a lawyer who helps people and their families find justice through the courts, I understand how critically important it is to maintain trust and ethics across the judiciary. We will strive to ensure that every citizen receives the fair and due process they are entitled to as Americans.”
The significance of the commission’s work was highlighted in its recently published annual report, revealing a record-breaking number of complaints totaling 2,982. Among these complaints, 778 preliminary inquiries or full-scale investigations were authorized, leading to seven public dispositions, including removals from office, resignation stipulations, censures, and admonitions.
Beyond his role in the Commission on Judicial Conduct, Belluck is renowned for his legal expertise, particularly in representing injured consumers and workers in asbestos and serious injury litigation. Throughout his career, he has secured settlements exceeding $1 billion. Notably, he previously represented the State of New York in its landmark $25 billion lawsuit against the tobacco industry, resulting in a significant settlement.
As Belluck embarks on another term leading the Commission on Judicial Conduct, his dedication to upholding judicial ethics and ensuring fairness within the New York State court system remains steadfast. With a wealth of experience and a track record of integrity, his continued stewardship promises to uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct across the state.
Belluck & Fox, LLP has been Named in the 2024 Best Law Firms® for Mass Tort Litigation by Best Law Firms® for the 14th Edition
Belluck & Fox, LLP is honored to be recognized as a Tier 1 national leader for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs in 2024 Best Law Firms.
Belluck & Fox, LLP is named a 2024 Best Law Firm by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in the 2024 Best Law Firms edition. The firm has earned the esteemed National Tier 1 ranking for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs.
In addition to the National Tier 1 ranking, Belluck & Fox has also achieved a Tier 1 ranking in the New York City Metro Area for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs. To view Belluck & Fox rankings, click here.
Belluck & Fox has earned a national reputation for fighting for victims and families of asbestos-related diseases by providing personalized representation and compassionate support to every client. The firm has decades of extensive experience, vast resources, and a successful track record of successfully representing countless mesothelioma clients and securing compensation on our clients’ behalf. Additionally, Belluck & Fox represents clients in various personal injury claims, including auto accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, nursing home injuries, and serious injury cases.
Best Law Firms®Independent Rankings Highlight Top Firms in the Industry
The survey process involves an evaluation process, where lawyers nominate their peers for inclusion in the list. Once the nominations are received, a rigorous evaluation is performed by a research team to identify the top law firms in each practice area. A ranking from Best Law Firms signifies both a high-quality practice and a breadth of legal expertise. Recognized firms are categorized into three tiers based on a national and regional scale, determined by the firm’s lawyers, awards, work scope, and geographic reach in each practice area.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Personal. Professional. Proven. Founded in 2002 by Joseph Belluck and Jordan Fox, Belluck & Fox LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States based out of New York City with additional offices around the state in Albany, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Maine, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. They have secured over $1 billion in verdicts for their clients. For more information, visit www.belluckfox.com.
News Release: Belluck & Fox Secures a Major Win for Survivors of the Buffalo Mass Shooting in a Lawsuit Against Social Media Companies
[NEW YORK, NY, March 18, 2024] – Belluck & Fox LLP, part of the legal team representing the victims of the Buffalo mass shooting in 2022, has successfully opposed the motions to dismiss filed by social media defendants. Seth Dymond of Belluck & Fox and the legal team successfully argued that social media platforms can constitute products as defined by New York law and under the particular circumstances of this case, meaning the defendants may be subject to product liability.On May 14, 2022, a racially motivated massacre occurred at the Tops Friendly Markets supermarket on the East Side of Buffalo, NY. The shooter, Payton Gendron, held white supremacist beliefs and was driven by white replacement ideology. To carry out this heinous attack, he intentionally targeted a historically black neighborhood and traveled a considerable distance from his home. The criminal attorney for Gendron conceded that the crime was fueled by racist hate disseminated through online platforms.
Plaintiffs, which include family members of the victims and survivors of the May 14th massacre, filed their lawsuits against social media companies and others. The plaintiffs allege that these defendants had a significant role in promoting and disseminating racist ideologies, resulting in the racially motivated massacre at Tops. They allege that the defendants’ platforms are not merely message boards with user-generated content but are highly advanced products intentionally designed to captivate and addict young users, and to feed them information, even when unsolicited. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants’ products indoctrinated assailant Gendron and then steered him towards other posts that promoted the “white replacement theory.” Gendron pleaded guilty to charges including murder and terrorism motivated by hate and was sentenced in February 2023 to life in prison without parole. He also faces federal hate crime charges in which the government has indicated it intends to seek the death penalty.
The defendants, including META Platforms, Snap, Inc., Alphabet, Inc., Google, LLC, YouTube, LLC, Discord, Inc., Reddit, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., and 4Chan Community Support, LLC, filed motions to dismiss. They claimed their platforms only act as hosts of third-party content and that they are immune from liability under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) and the First Amendment.
The decision denying the motions to dismiss is the first in the nation to give victims the ability to seek justice based on the nature of the products manufactured and marketed by social media companies.
Belluck & Fox will continue to advocate on behalf of plaintiffs to ensure social media platforms are held liable for any potential harm and associated dangers. The platforms should be suitably designed to prevent danger to users and others, and social media companies should be responsible for warning users of the potential risks of content and for implementing the necessary measures to ensure that all users have access to a safe and inclusive online environment.
For a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, contact Belluck & Fox today if you or a loved one have suffered serious harm due to social media usage.
About Belluck & Fox LLP
Belluck & Fox, founded on the philosophy of pursuing justice, one family at a time, has been dedicated to fighting for justice and securing compensation for its clients. Belluck & Fox law firm specializes in wrongful death lawsuits involving a variety of circumstances including nursing home abuse or neglect, workplace accidents, public transportation disasters, motor vehicle accidents, and defective products. While no amount of financial compensation can replace the loss of a loved one, victims’ families should be compensated fairly for the wrongful death, providing them with a degree of financial comfort and justice for those left behind.
News Release: More and More Mesothelioma Patients are Hiring Belluck & Fox to Represent Them and Their Families – Law Firm’s Mesothelioma Filings Are Up 85 Percent Compared to Previous Year
The 2023 Asbestos Filing Data by national legal data collector KCIC has acknowledged Belluck & Fox for having the greatest rise among all mesothelioma firms in the country.
New York – Belluck & Fox LLP, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, is pleased to share an increase of 85% in the number of asbestos-related case filings since last year. This notable increase is highlighted in the 2023 National Asbestos Filings report by KCIC. Among the top law firms in the country for asbestos-related filings, Belluck & Fox has maintained the highest increase in asbestos-related claims.
“We are honored to represent veterans, workers, and others with mesothelioma. We fight every day for justice on behalf of our clients, said Joseph Belluck, the firm’s founding partner. “We are humbled that more and more mesothelioma patients are hiring us based on our national reputation for getting the most compensation for our clients and treating our clients like family.”
The report compiled by KCIC, a highly reputable source for monitoring trends in the legal industry, sheds light on Belluck & Fox’s success in asbestos litigation. Each year, KCIC conducts a comprehensive analysis of asbestos-related lawsuits nationwide.
During the period of 2022 to 2023, all mesothelioma filings nationally only increased by 1%, and lung cancer filings increased by 9%. However, Belluck & Fox experienced a major increase in filings between 2022 and 2023, with an impressive 85% rise. While the filings were spread across various jurisdictions, most of them were concentrated in New York State. This not only highlights Belluck & Fox’s reputation for advocating on behalf of mesothelioma and lung cancer patients but also highlights their exceptional expertise in handling complex asbestos litigation cases. It is the hard work and dedication of the firm’s attorneys and staff that have contributed to this outcome.
Full KCIC Report Asbestos Annual Report 2023
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Personal. Professional. Proven. Founded in 2002 by Joseph Belluck and Jordan Fox, Belluck & Fox LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States based out of New York City with additional offices around the state in Albany, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Maine, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. They have secured over $1 billion in verdicts for their clients. For more information, visit www.belluckfox.com.
Joseph Belluck Honored as AAJ Leaders Forum Benefactor for Upholding Civil Justice System
In 2024, Joseph Belluck was once again awarded the title of AAJ Leaders Forum Benefactor by the American Association of Justice. Mr. Belluck was recognized for his firm’s commitment to protecting the civil justice system and supporting AAJ. At Belluck & Fox, we take pride in this recognition and always work hard to defend our clients’ rights and uphold the law. Joe has a long history with AAJ having worked with the organization since 1989 and taking time off in 2001 to work full-time with AAJ as a volunteer representing 9/11 victims with AAJ’s Trial Lawyers Care.
History of AAJ
AAJ was founded by a group of trial lawyers with a mission to provide powerful representation to victims of industrial accidents throughout America. Since its inception over 70 years ago, the organization has expanded its advocacy efforts to various fields such as maritime, railroad, and personal injury law. AAJ continues to remain true to its cause of promoting fairness and justice for all victims.
The Mission of AAJ
AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims’ rights—particularly the right to trial by jury—and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance needed to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system.
Our firm shares a common mission with AAJ of providing support and guidance to victims of negligence. Belluck & Fox offers comprehensive legal support to injured clients to ensure they receive the compensation and justice they deserve.
Belluck & Fox Attorneys Named 2023 Super Lawyers
Belluck & Fox, LLP is thrilled to announce that three of our esteemed attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers for the year 2023. This prestigious honor is a testament to their outstanding legal skills, dedication to their clients, and the high level of respect they have earned among their peers. Super Lawyers, a trusted legal rating service, employs a rigorous selection process to identify the most exceptional attorneys across the nation. We are proud to introduce our accomplished attorneys who have achieved this remarkable distinction.
What is Super Lawyers?
Super Lawyers is a widely respected and trusted rating service that employs a patented multiphase selection process to identify the top attorneys in various practice areas. This process combines peer nominations and evaluations with independent research. The goal is to create a comprehensive and credible listing of outstanding lawyers who can serve as a valuable resource for both fellow attorneys and consumers seeking legal counsel.
The Selection Process
The Super Lawyers selection process is thorough and rigorous. It evaluates attorneys based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. These indicators include case results, scholarly contributions to the legal field, community involvement, and more. Super Lawyers conducts this selection process on an annual, state-by-state basis, ensuring that the recognition remains current and relevant within each jurisdiction.
Congratulations to Our 2023 Super Lawyers
We are thrilled to announce that the following Belluck & Fox, LLP attorneys have been named 2023 Super Lawyers in the New York Metro area:Joseph Belluck – PI General: Plaintiff
Seth Dymond – Appellate
Jordan Fox – PI Products: Plaintiff
A Legacy of Excellence
At Belluck & Fox, LLP, we take great pride in the accomplishments of our attorneys, and their inclusion in the 2023 Super Lawyers list reaffirms our commitment to excellence in the legal field. We would like to extend our congratulations to Joseph Belluck, Seth Dymond, and Jordan Fox for their well-deserved recognition.
For those in need of exceptional legal representation, Belluck & Fox, LLP continues to be a trusted resource.
Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing top-tier legal services and fighting tirelessly for the rights of our clients. With the recognition of our attorneys as 2023 Super Lawyers, you can trust that you are in capable hands when you choose Belluck & Fox, LLP.
If you or a loved one require legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our award-winning team. We are here to advocate for you and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover why Belluck & Fox, LLP is the choice of those seeking justice and exceptional legal representation. Congratulations again to our outstanding attorneys on this well-deserved recognition as 2023 Super Lawyers.
Celebrating Exceptional Work in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs: Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® for Partner Joseph Belluck
New York City (September 18, 2023) – Belluck & Fox LLP proudly congratulates partner Joseph Belluck on his recognition in the milestone 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The highly regarded publication, known for over 40 years as the most credible measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States, has publicly released its 2024 recognitions. He has received this honor for his exceptional work in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs.
Belluck & Fox, LLP was founded 25 years ago and has recovered over $1 billion dollars for its clients. With a focus on asbestos litigation and personal injury law, the firm champions for their clients and families. This passion is evident in the recognition that they have received from numerous publications and companies, including The National Law Journal, US News & World Report, the Better Business Bureau, and The Best Lawyers in America®.
‘I am once again very grateful and humbled by this acknowledgment from my peers,’ Joe commented. ‘Throughout my career, I have always fiercely advocated for our clients and will continue the pursuit of justice for every single client of Belluck & Fox, LLP.’
Joe is a highly respected attorney and founding partner of Belluck & Fox, LLP, known for his superior representation of clients and strong ethical standards. With a focus on mesothelioma, truck and construction accidents, and other serious injury litigation, he has dedicated his legal career to supporting consumers and workers. Through dedication and extensive knowledge, he has settled over $1 billion in asbestos and personal injury lawsuits. Joe is also charitable and a humanitarian, chairing multiple organizations and dedicating his time and knowledge to many great causes.
Joe’s inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® is based on a comprehensive peer-review survey, which gathered more than 13.7 million confidential evaluations from fellow legal professionals this year. Best Lawyers® firmly believes in the power of peer recognition, and their peer review methodology remains at the center of the company’s ideology. Their philosophy is simple: the best lawyers know who the best lawyers are. This year’s overwhelming response, with almost 25,000 voters participating in the survey, demonstrates the immense respect and admiration Joe has garnered in his field. The outstanding achievements of Joe in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs, as acknowledged by The Best Lawyers in America®, are a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional legal skills, and commitment to excellence. This recognition serves as an inspiration to his peers and a reassurance to his clients that they are working with one of the best in the field.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Personal. Professional. Proven. Founded in 2002 by Joseph Belluck and Jordan Fox, Belluck & Fox LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States based out of New York City with additional offices around the state in Albany, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Massachusetts and Maine. They have secured over $1 billion in verdicts for their clients. For more information, visit www.belluckfox.com.
News Release: Belluck & Fox Doubles Year-Over-Year Asbestos Case Filings
KCIC 2023 Mid-Year Asbestos Filings Update Recognizes Belluck & Fox for the Highest Increase of Any Mesothelioma Firm Nationally
New York – Belluck & Fox LLP, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, is proud to announce that it has doubled its year-over-year asbestos-related case filings, as reported in the recently released KCIC 2023 Mid-Year Asbestos Filings Update. The growth shows a larger percent-increase expansion than any other mesothelioma firm across the United States.
“We want to thank our clients and our referral partners for trusting us with their cases,” said Joseph Belluck, partner at Belluck & Fox. “We know the importance of what we do for our clients and their families.”
Potential clients seeking representation for themselves and loved ones who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, injured, or suffered injustice can reach out for a free consultation.
“We take immense pride in our role as advocates for those affected by mesothelioma,” said Belluck. “Our dedication to providing the best legal representation remains the cornerstone of our firm, and this reinforces our resolve to continue fighting for justice for mesothelioma patients and their families.”
The report by KCIC, a recognized authority in tracking legal industry trends, reveals that Belluck & Fox has achieved unparalleled success in asbestos litigation. With a year-over-year increase of 97 percent, the firm has added an impressive 28 additional filings to its caseload compared to mid-year 2022. This accomplishment reaffirms Belluck & Fox’s excellent reputation in representing mesothelioma and lung cancer patients.
Belluck & Fox has consistently demonstrated excellence in asbestos litigation, maintaining its standing among the top plaintiff firms in the industry. The notable surge in case filings underscores the firm’s strategic approach to mesothelioma cases across various jurisdictions. While the firm’s filings are predominantly in New York State, they are also widespread in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as across other states.
Attorneys at Belluck & Fox are admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington, the District of Columbia, and several federal jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court. The firm serves clients across the United States based out of New York City, with offices around the state in Albany, Gloversville, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Boston, Massachusetts, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Portland, Maine.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Personal. Professional. Proven. Founded in 2002 by Joseph Belluck and Jordan Fox, Belluck & Fox LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States based out of New York City with additional offices around the state in Albany, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Maine, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. They have secured over $1 billion in verdicts for their clients. For more information, visit www.belluckfox.com.
News Release: Belluck & Fox LLP Expands Further into New England with New Office in Maine
New York City (February 16th, 2023) – Belluck & Fox LLP, a nationally recognized mesothelioma and personal injury law firm, announced that it is expanding further into New England with a new office at 63 Federal Street in Portland, Maine. Managing partner Joseph Belluck has been admitted to the bar in Maine, permitting the firm to better serve clients and their families in the region.
“Maine has one of the highest rates of Mesothelioma cases in the country,” said Belluck. “Our new presence in Maine enables us to provide the most vulnerable clients with the utmost respect and compassion, and deliver them the justice they deserve.”
Belluck & Fox prides themselves on their passionate advocacy for their clients. Over the years, the firm has settled more than a billion dollars in asbestos and personal injury verdicts. They are consistently recognized for their successes by U.S. News, Best Lawyers, SuperLawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, The National Law Journal, Avvo, the Better Business Bureau, and many other publications and organizations.
Joe Belluck has been practicing law for more than 25 years. Belluck & Fox was founded with Jordan Fox in 2002. Belluck has a strong reputation for excellence in mesothelioma, truck accidents, and other serious injury litigation. He is a compassionate and dedicated attorney who has spent his entire life and legal career advocating for injured consumers and workers.
Belluck’s recognition goes beyond the courtroom. He is often called upon to speak at national conferences, serves as chair of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and is a trustee of The State University of New York. He is also committed to giving back, serving as chair of the boards for The Precious Dreams Foundation, a national organization that provides comfort items to foster and homeless youth.
Attorneys at Belluck & Fox are also admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Florida, California, Colorado, Washington, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and several federal jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court. The firm serves clients across the United States based out of New York City, with offices around the state in Albany, Gloversville, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Boston, Massachusetts and now Portland, Maine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Maine has the highest rate of mesothelioma cases in the country. Potential clients in Maine seeking representation for themselves or a loved one who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, injured, or suffered injustice, can reach out for a free consultation.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Personal. Professional. Proven. Founded in 2002 by Joseph Belluck and Jordan Fox, Belluck & Fox LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in cases of mesothelioma and asbestos, personal injury, and other forms of injustice. The firm represents clients across the United States based out of New York City with additional offices around the state in Albany, Rochester, and Woodstock, as well as Massachusetts and Maine. They have secured over $1 billion in verdicts for their clients. For more information, visit www.belluckfox.com.
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Precious Dreams Foundation Honors Board Chair Joseph Belluck
The Precious Dreams Foundation’s mission is that every child deserves to feel comforted and secure. That’s why – fully believing in the cause – Belluck & Fox managing partner Joe Belluck has volunteered as the Executive Board Co-Chair of the Foundation since 2017.
Recently, he was honored at the Foundation’s 11th Annual Laughter and Lullabies Gala, benefiting the service and support of underserved youth. He was presented with the Miracle Maker Award, which recognizes his significant contributions to the organization’s growth and expansion.
Founded in 2012, Nicole Russell and Angie Medina responded to the recognized need for mental health awareness and sleep support for young people in foster care and homeless shelters. The Precious Dreams Foundation partners with foster homes and homeless shelters that have observed the benefits of teaching self-comfort and mental health services.
Joe’s recognition goes beyond the Miracle Maker Award and Board Co-Chair. He has been supporting the work of the Precious Dreams Foundation for several years. If you’re looking to get involved in the foundation, you can sponsor, volunteer, or donate. For more information on how to get involved, please visit https://www.