Two Appellate Wins in One Week for Susman Godfrey Associates

Known for taking on complex litigation at the highest level, Susman Godfrey Associates had a banner week, securing two significant appellate reversals in two separate cases.

In the first matter, K.O. v. Garland, Associate Beatrice Franklin represented pro bono a petitioner whose asylum application was denied in 2018. Ms. Franklin briefed the case and argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in April of this year. On May 21st the Second Circuit issued its opinion, agreeing with errors Ms. Franklin identified in the immigration proceedings below and granting the client’s petition for review and for a new asylum hearing. Click here to read the opinion and here to listen to Ms. Franklin’s argument.

In the second case, Plavin v. Group Health Incorporated, Associate Halley Josephs represents a retired NYPD officer, the named plaintiff for a putative class of hundreds of thousands of NYC employees and retirees, alleging the employees’ health insurer violated New York’s consumer protection laws. After the District Court dismissed the case in 2018, Ms. Josephs briefed and argued the appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. You can listen to Ms. Josephs’ argument here. The Third Circuit issued its opinion on May 21st, ruling in favor of Ms. Josephs’ client on all issues and reviving the case to move forward. Click here for the opinion.

Arun Subramanian, the firm’s partner on both cases, noted: “Our firm understands the critical importance of putting young attorneys in the spotlight, and it’s easy when they are as talented as associates like Beatrice and Halley.”