Lisa Szczepanski joined Cornell Grace, P.C. in 2026. She is a seasoned litigator with experience handling complex civil matters in state and federal courts throughout New York and Massachusetts. Ms. Szczepanski represents insurance carriers in a broad range of coverage disputes including matters involving general liability, property, auto, and excess/umbrella insurance. She conducts comprehensive policy analyses, provides coverage determinations for high-exposure claims, and advises clients on risk mitigation and resolution strategy.
Additionally, Ms. Szczepanski is an accomplished civil defense attorney, proficient in litigating premises liability, Labor Law, municipal liability, property damage, and automobile liability cases. Earlier in her career, Ms. Szczepanski’s practice focused on products liability and class action defense for consumer product manufacturers, particularly automakers, where she developed substantial expertise in complex discovery and multi-district litigation procedures.
Ms. Szczepanski takes a collaborative approach to representation, taking the time to understand each client’s unique challenges and goals in order to craft legal strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Katina Despas-Barous joined Cornell Grace, P.C. in 2019. Mrs. Despas-Barous has been admitted to practice law for more than twenty five years. She has extensive experience representing municipalities, and private corporations including contractors and property owners sued under the New York State Labor Law since 1998. In addition to construction law, Katina has successfully advocated for clients in the areas of premises liability, automobile liability, and toxic tort liability.
Katina began her career representing plaintiffs, making her uniquely capable of providing our clients with both plaintiff and defense-oriented views of a specific case at its inception.
Susan Owens joined Cornell Grace, P.C., in 2025. Ms. Owens is a seasoned trial attorney with over three decades of experience litigating complex civil matters. Her practice encompasses a broad range of cases, including premises liability, automobile liability, and claims arising under New York State Labor Law. Over the course of her career, she has tried dozens of cases to verdict.
Prior to joining Cornell Grace, P.C., Ms. Owens has worked for private firms and insurance companies, and municipalities. Most notably, Ms. Owens was the attorney of record and managing attorney for the staff counsel office of a major insurance company for a number of years, overseeing a team of attorneys and staff representing insureds in complex personal injury litigation.
Known for her track record of excellence and results-driven approach, Ms. Owens is deeply committed to providing client-focused representation. She works closely with each client to understand their unique challenges and goals, ensuring tailored legal strategies that drive successful outcomes.
