Allison Fihma Drachman

Co-Managing Partner

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Allison Fihma Drachman

Co-Managing Partner

646-793-6516

and@strikowsky.com

Allison is a detail-oriented and results-driven litigator with nearly two decades of experience in complex civil litigation. Her expertise and practice encompass product liability, construction, tort, insurance defense and coverage, governmental investigations, environmental matters, and toxic torts. She represents a diverse range of clients, including manufacturers, retailers, insurers, distributors, commercial building owners, construction companies, and municipal entities.  Allison manages all aspects and phases of litigation, including arbitration and mediation.

Prior to Strikowsky Drachman & Shapiro PLLC, Allison distinguished herself as a partner at a prominent national law firm. She previously worked at the New York City Law Department/Office of Corporation Counsel and the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, Iraq Group.

Allison ardently advocates for women’s rights, having established, and chaired her previous law firm’s women’s group. Passionate about fostering an inclusive legal landscape for women, she mentors women on achieving a harmonious work-life balance.  As a member of the Board of Directors for Lawyers for Civil Justice, Allison played a crucial role in establishing its fellowship program and continues to foster hands-on opportunities for junior and diverse attorneys in policy work. Allison is also dedicated to pro-bono service and represents immigrants, veterans, and animal rescue organizations in her role as pro-bono coordinator.

Education

  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, J.D., 2004
  • Recipient of Dean’s Merit Scholarship
  • University of Vermont, B.A., 2001

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 2005
  • New Jersey, 2004

Court Admissions

  • New York State Courts
  • New Jersey State Courts
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Community

  • Lawyers for Civil Justice, Member of Board of Directors
  • Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, committee co-chair 2007- 2019, committee member 2002 – 2007
  • Labs-4-Rescue, volunteer, 2008-2015
  • American Heart Association Young Professionals, member, 2007-2020

Representative Matters

  • Successfully defends a large municipality against claims of exposure to various toxins, including TCE, PCBs, mold, lead, and asbestos. Notably won dismissals of actions related to alleged toxic exposure at public schools.
  • Achieved summary judgment in Cabrera v. City of New York, index 7696/2013 (March 27, 2023), a lead paint exposure claim involving two children who alleged toxic lead exposure. 
  • Prevailed in Diaz v. City of New York, 26 Misc3d 1232(A) [Sup Ct, Queens County 2010] whereby the Court denied leave to a large group of plaintiffs to serve a late notice of claim relating to toxic exposure. 
  • Secured pre-answer dismissal of toxic exposure claims brought by over 20 plaintiffs claiming exposure to various toxins in Lombardo v. Temple Beth-El of Rockaway Park, 31 Misc3d 1219(A) [Sup Ct, Queens County 2011]. 
  • Obtained summary judgment against claims arising from high-profile abuse allegations in Pinks v. Turnbull, 906 NYS782 [Sup Ct, NY County 2009] 
  • Won summary judgment in Cuntan v. Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd, 2009 US Dist LEXIS 127016 [EDNY Sept 2009] a design defect and warnings defect claim involving a circular saw. 
  • Represented a supplier of asbestos-containing materials in nationwide litigation, successfully securing dismissals of numerous claims based on factors such as lack of proper product identification. 
  • Represents manufacturers and suppliers in cases involving breach of warranty and design defects in construction, electrical, printing, and hospital equipment, consumer appliances, and hazardous materials. 

News & Publications

  • Allison Fihma Drachman awarded 2021 Outstanding Contributor Award from Lawyers for Civil Justice 
  • “Phobia’ Claims – NY’s Backdoor To ‘Medical Monitoring?” 
  • New York’s Highest Court Does Not Recognize Claims for Medical Monitoring – For Now: Recent Trends in Asbestos Litigation 
  • “The Sophisticated User Defense” 
  • Noted among "New York Super Lawyers, Rising Stars" 2016, 2017, and 2018 

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