Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. Announces New Members of the Firm’s Executive Committee
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. is pleased to announce that Deanna L. Koestel, Brendan M. Walsh, and John W. Weiss have been appointed to the firm’s Executive Committee, effective January 1, 2024. Koestel, Walsh, and Weiss join Michael S. Stein, firm Chair and Managing Partner, and Sean Mack, Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation practice and its Cannabis & Hemp practice, in serving on the Executive Committee.
“We are pleased to welcome Deanna, Brendan, and John to the firm’s Executive Committee,” said Michael S. Stein. “Each brings their unique skills, perspectives and experience to help guide Pashman Stein’s firm culture and strategy and its continued dedication and service to its clients.”
In addition to her role on the Executive Committee, Deanna Koestel will continue to serve as Chair of the firm's Construction Law practice and as a partner in the Commercial Litigation practice. With a career spanning nearly 22 years, Koestel brings extensive expertise in commercial litigation, construction law, and general business law matters. Her legal acumen has benefitted clients across industries such as construction, pharmaceutical and healthcare, and food, beverage, and hospitality. Koestel's skillful guidance has helped numerous individual clients and businesses effectively navigate complex legal challenges, acting as their trusted outside general counsel. Notably, Koestel actively contributes to the advancement of women in the legal profession. She is a valued member of the firm's Women's Leadership Committee and holds the prestigious position of North American Chair for the Women of Interlaw Network, an affinity group within the globally recognized Chambers-rated Interlaw law firm network. Beyond her legal achievements, Koestel is an engaged member of several professional organizations, including Together Hospitality NYC, the New York City Hospitality Group, the New Paltz Rotary Club, and the Board of Girls on the Run NYC.
In addition to serving on the firm’s Executive Committee, Brendan Walsh will continue to serve as Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation department. He has emerged as a top commercial litigator in New Jersey and New York, earning the business of Fortune 50 companies with his ability to synthesize material, find game-changing information, and write incisively. Given his substantial experience in both trial and appellate courts, he is regularly tapped by Am Law 100 firms to serve as co-counsel for major litigations in the region. He is a member of Law 360's New Jersey Editorial Board; is a co-founder and treasurer of the non-profit VeronaTogether, Inc.; serves as co-chair of Seton Hall Law School’s Red Mass Committee; and previously served as Board President of Alpine Learning Group. Prior to joining Pashman Stein, Walsh worked at an AmLaw 100 firm and held two federal clerkships, clerking for Judge Maryanne Trump Barry of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and for Judge Katharine S. Hayden of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
In addition to serving on the firm’s Executive Committee, John Weiss will continue to serve as Chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Creditors’ Rights practice. With over 20 years of bankruptcy law experience at Am Law 200 firms in Delaware and New York City, Weiss regularly represents clients throughout the country, including in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Texas, and has established himself among the top lawyers in the bankruptcy industry. In response to client concerns over increasingly rising rates, he left his partnership in an Am Law 100 firm in 2022 to build Pashman Stein’s first bankruptcy practice, carving out a niche practice by providing the same sophisticated representation in a more competitive rate structure. Weiss is a member of Chapter 11 Local Rules Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. He is very active in the Turnaround Management Association, New York Chapter, serving as Member of the Executive Committee, Governance Committee and Board of Directors, as well as General Counsel. He also has been active in the American Bankruptcy Institute, previously serving in committee leadership roles, and most recently serving as a Member of the NYC Bankruptcy Conference Planning Committee.