Political Science

The following information is from Russo and Toner, LLP's website:

Florina Altshiler is a litigation attorney specializing in labor law and premise liability matters. Her practice also includes medical malpractice and general negligence law.  Previously, Ms. Altshiler worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the State of Alaska where she handled the prosecution of the highest-level felonies including homicides, sexual assaults and violent felonies through jury trial. She has prosecuted over twenty cases through jury verdict.  Prior to working as a prosecutor, Ms. Altshiler honed her litigation skills at nationally recognized law firms in New York City for seven years. She has significant experience in the areas of complex medical malpractice, premises liability and construction accident litigation. 

Ms. Florinal Altshiler was featured in the Buffalo News. 

Ms. Altshiler is the managing attorney for Russo and Toner, LLP’s Buffalo, NY office.

Education:

J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, 2005

International Studies Certificate from Binghamton University, 2003

B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University, 2002

Experience:

Practicing attorney for over 10 years

Litigated cases at the State and Federal level through trial and appeal

Over 20 trials through jury verdict as first chair

Arbitrator, Civil Court of the City of New York

Instructor of Trial Advocacy at Columbia University in the City of New York

Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy (criminal and civil) at St. John’s School of Law

Mock Trial Coach, Anchorage High School

Admissions:

New York State, 2006

New Jersey State, 2005

Alaska State, 2013

United States District Courts of the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York

Honors:

  Alaska State Legislature Citation

  Dr. Thomas C. Beneventano Award for Legal Medicine

  Rosenberg Scholar, St. John’s School of Law

  Institutional Merit Scholar, St. John’s School of Law

  2004 CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Trial Advocacy

  U.S. President’s Student Service Award for Outstanding Service to America

  United Hospital Fund’s Student Achievement Award

  Rosefsky Language and Culture Scholar, Binghamton University

  Semi-Finalist, Intel National Science Talent Search

  Salomon Smith Barney Quality of Life Research Competition

  New York City Hall Commendation for Research

Presentations:

  Erie County Bar Association CLE Presenter: Pre-Litigation Statements Qualified Privilege or Defamation? April, 2015

  Erie County Bar Association CLE Presenter: Intensive (two-day) Trial College, anticipated October,   2015

  WGRZ-TV: Civil Trial Analysis of the Corasanti trial

  Contributing writer in Law and Policy to The Public

Memberships:

Erie County Bar Association

National Ski Patrol

North Buffalo Organization, Board Member

New York Legal Assistance Group, Associate Board Member

Crisis Center, Rape Crisis Counselor

Languages:

  Russian

  Spanish