Julie Pasquariello Apter

Julie Apter, a partner of the firm, is a seasoned attorney with more than 30 years of experience, specializing in the practice of employment and general litigation. In the increasingly regulated and complex employment landscape, Julie provides guidance to clients with keen insight into the intricacies of successful employment litigation.

An AV-rated attorney, Julie has practiced in-house for Nationwide Insurance Company, and with the Office of the Erie County Attorney representing the County of Erie in its self-insured litigation program. Prior to joining Goldberg Segalla, she had extensive trial experience representing insureds and self-insureds in civil matters in both New York and Connecticut state courts as well as federal courts, including numerous premises liability cases for the County of Erie and Nationwide Insurance.

Julie has successfully defended many types of employers in New York State Supreme Court and various federal courts in litigation involving employment contract issues, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) claims, and claims brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as harassment, discrimination, and civil rights claims. She frequently represents employers before the New York State Division of Human Rights and in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Julie also defends property owners against claims involving ADA compliance issues, and inspects premises to ensure compliance and to help avoid claims and litigation.

Co-chair of the firm's Municipal and Governmental Liability Practice Group and editor of the firm's Government Liability and Civil Rights newsletter, Julie represents numerous municipalities and school districts in a variety of claims, including sexual abuse litigation, sex discrimination, employment discrimination, and general personal injury defense matters. She also represents law enforcement agencies in civil rights claims in federal courts throughout New York State, and represents health care providers before the New York State Division of Human Rights and the EEOC. In addition, Julie handles the defense of nursing home matters involving claims of abuse of patients. She has obtained favorable early resolutions with the assistance of targeted expert review for numerous long-term health care facilities facing allegations due to multiple falls, pressure sores and death of residents.

Recent successes include:
Obtaining a dismissal of a federal court employment discrimination lawsuit brought against a New York State University and its Board of Trustees
Obtaining a dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit brought against a municipality and its police officers involving claims of free speech based on internet postings targeting a police captain
Prevailing at the New York State Division of Human Rights following a lengthy trial/hearing involving claims of employment discrimination brought against a skilled nursing facility
Negotiating settlements involving multiple shopping centers and retailers working out ADA compliance issues in exchange for the dismissal of Federal Court Title III ADA accessibility claims
Securing a favorable early resolution of an employment retaliation claim brought against a governmental entity, based on sexual orientation
Obtaining a dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit brought against a municipality, based upon allegations of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and unnecessary force occurring during an anti-war protest
Prevailing at the New York State Division of Human Rights following a lengthy trial/hearing involving claims of employment discrimination brought against a skilled nursing facility
Julie utilizes her experience to counsel clients and offer practical information for avoiding potential liability, frequently preparing and delivering presentations tailored for insurers, municipalities, governmental entities, school districts, and groups such as the New York State Association of Towns. She has covered topics ranging from workplace harassment to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and media relations to the use of body cameras in law enforcement. Julie also addresses numerous issues that arise in the ERISA field and has represented many life, health, and disability insurers by providing counsel on ERISA claims and representing the insurers in federal court litigation.

In addition, Julie has experience working with clients in the food and beverage industry, including the representation of the world's most recognizable restaurant chain in personal injury claims.