Thomas S. Wootton High School

The New School

University of Hartford

Public Service l Advocacy l Author

Newburgh Junction, New York, United States

Medium

Contributor

Arent Fox

Senior Paralegal

Stephen’s A Broken System series is collected in the upcoming anthologies A Broken System: Family Court in the United States, Volume 1 (available on Amazon) and Volume 2 (Coming soon).

In the upcoming book A Broken System: The Underbelly of Family Law (April 2019), he delves deeper and examines hard evidence in explaining—and exposing the unethical practices and nature of Family Law and the many situations where outcomes and determination are set up to be rigged — as experienced by the millions of people who have been entangled within this system.

The book’s narrative describes the process of going through these court systems and confronting (and outing) the collusion, greed, and corruption while explaining the traps, tricks and networks that exist within these environments in a manner that emulates the “Broken System” column regularly published with The Huffington Post and The Good Men Project.

In presenting the research, facts, and plight these complicated systems throw at people engaged in these ordeals each and every day—through the unique lens of someone who has experienced it all—it allows the reader an inside look at the implications and adverse impact these situations have on people and society as a whole. The narrative explores how possible racketeering, local politics, campaign dollars, personal grudges and financial influence are interconnected and play a part in promoting the self-interests (and self-preservation) of court players as opposed to the best interests of the child.

Lasting Impact Press, an imprint of Connection Victory Publishing Company

Book Author

- Published author developing and writing original multimedia articles on law, human rights, campaign finance and national politics that appeal to and engage large audiences incorporating infographics, photos, and videos.
- Investigating leads assembling the necessary information from documents, first-hand observations and interviews.
- Building stories using diverse sources and contacts from varied professions and industries.
- Promoting publications through social networking (including social media) and community events creating a stronger following and attracting more readers.

The Good Men Project

Columnist and Contributor

Assisting parent's, and speaking out on the issues of the questionable practices transpiring in custody and divorce ordeals, while acting as an agent for reform in the judicial system.
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We have a problem in the arena of divorce and custody. We have a system that is not impartial and that often is a breeding ground for disingenuous and unethical actions committed by players in the legal arena and sometimes (knowingly and unknowingly) enabled by the very courts people believe will determine fact from fiction. For many fathers and mothers an uphill challenge awaits as they seek what many others before the law and courts seek...fairness and the right to be heard.

Parent's Rights

Activist for Parent's Rights (Volunteer)

Stephen L. Krasner, an active member of the community has been a longtime advocate and champion of causes that affect the community and people around him.  Stephen ran for the position of Supervisor in the Town of Newburgh.  In this capacity he brought the public spotlight on issues ranging from environmental concerns, employee safety, and financial scrutiny for the taxpayer.  In  recent years Stephen has focused energies and research in the areas of investigating public corruption and has championed and supported measures for tougher accountability and public scrutiny of the misbehavior and questionable practices of local elected officials in the judicial, legislative and executive arenas.  Stephen continues to play an active role in watchdog activism both privately and publicly for many causes.

He has launched projects in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Stephen earned his Master’s of Science in Nonprofit Management from Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy, while working full-time as a Senior Litigation Paralegal in some of the country's top international law firms.

Stephen served as a Volunteer with the United States Peace Corps from 2001-2003.  In this role, he was able to see firsthand how his unique blend of people skills and project-planning expertise would benefit local development over a long term. Stationed in Luz de America, Ecuador, his achievements include partnering with an international nonprofit organization to secure new computers for the town’s schools, leading community-based banking and small business initiatives, developing and conducting interdisciplinary classes for local youth, and working closely with an NGO to provide health-related services and products.

Stephen graduated from the University of Hartford in 1999 with a B.A. in Political Science and History

Community Advocacy and Activisim

Advocate and Activist

Michelman & Robinson, LLP

Senior Litigation Paralegal

Trusted to edit, draft, fact-check, proof and cite-check legal documents, briefs, reports, correspondence and memoranda being used in litigation, intellectual property matters, corporate mergers and acquisitions, antitrust, immigration and political asylum.

Create, organize and maintain databases, privilege logs, discovery materials, evidence, summaries and transcripts, preparing briefs and legal documents.

Research case materials, court proceedings, prior testimonies, publications, expert reports, providing complex data analysis, preparing summaries of findings.

Manage projects for attorneys, high-level clients and teams.

Create digital presentations for existing clients and proposals for potential clients.

McGuireWoods LLP

Author of multimedia articles specializing in law, human rights, campaign finance and national politics.  Present complex topics and concepts in user-friendly narratives appealing to large audiences.

Key Functions:
-  Independently publish, write, and report original newsworthy stories, incorporating info-graphics, photos, and videos.
-  Write engaging and conversational style articles to report on complex legal and political issues.
-  Compile information and investigate leads via documents, first-hand observation, and interviews.
-  Formulate story ideas using sources and contacts in far reaching array of professions and industries.
-  Establish strong following of readers via social networking and community events.
-  Publicize and promote publications with a strong presence on social media.

HuffPost

Manage and support cases with focus in litigation, intellectual property, corporate, immigration and political asylum.  Provide hands on training and support for attorneys and staff.

Coordinate and prepare filings of briefs and legal documents: draft routine filings; conduct legal cite-checking, blue booking and shepardizing; compile appendices and exhibits.

Manage paper and electronic discovery process and support attorneys in all phases of discovery and trial preparation, including coordination of electronic and paper discovery, depositions, transcripts and trial support.

Create, organize and maintain databases, privilege logs, discovery materials, evidence, summaries and deposition transcripts.

Latham & Watkins

Paralegal

Candidate for top office in the Town of Newburgh, New York

2013 Town of Newburgh Election

Candidate for Town Supervisor

Case Manager & Project Coordinator, providing extensive litigation support on active intellectual property, complex commerical and general litigation matters.

-  Manage trial preparation and support: manage trial exhibits; prepare notebooks; maintain expert binders; war room set up; communicate with experts, witnesses and opposing counsel.
-  Obtain all necessary information and materials from vendors, clients and government agencies such as the USPTO and PAIR.
-  Research case materials, court and rules procedures, prior testimony, publications, expert reports; provide analysis, prepare timelines and summaries of findings.
-  Draft and review correspondence, pleadings, contracts and expert reports.
-  Supervise and coordinate projects for paralegals, assistants and attorneys.

McKool Smith

As a candidate and chief architect in the strategy, management and planning for top office in the Town of Newburgh Stephen became immersed in the inner workings and understanding of the municipal infrastructure and issues impacting the Newburgh area. In this position Stephen forged relationships with regional and state officials, labor leadership, area activists and civic organizations.  Stephen has become well versed in nationwide best practices for managing municipal departments and cohesive teamwork strategies.

Key Functions:

- Drafted and published all press releases, multi-media presentations, co-lateral materials, and official statements.
- Orchestrated all major fundraising operations and event planning.
- Corresponded with federal and state agencies on municipal issues and due diligence initiatives.
- Directed all technical operations, website design, direct mailing, internet marketing, social networking, and email campaigns.

Key Accomplishments:

-  Advocate for safety of municipal employees after investigating and exposing OSHA violations and unsafe practices
-  Complete review and analysis of "Adverse Opinion" audit report for public consumption
-  Investigation and uncovering of questionable financial practices, and call for reform
-  Identification of problems and taxpayer key concerns in the Town of Newburgh, release of comprehensive plan for managing the Town and proposing solutions that specifically focuses on annual fiscal controls and budgeting, quality and sources of drinking water, emergency management plan, government transparency and housing/commercial development

To view media, press and additional information visit campaign website at <a href="http://www.votekrasner.com">www.votekrasner.com</a>

Political Campaign

2011 Town Supervisor Candidate

The New York State Democratic Committee runs the local branch of the United States Democratic Party in the state of New York.  Stephen serves as the elected committee member to the 100th Assembly District that covers the Town of Newburgh and the City of Newburgh.

New York State Democratic Committee

State Committee Member, 100th Assembly District

Senior coordinator responsible for managing staff and volunteers for political district covering three counties in the Hudson Valley New York region that include the municipalities of the City of Newburgh, Town of Newburgh, City of Poughkeepsie, City of Beacon, Marlboro, Lloyd and Shawangunk.

Key Functions:

-  Formulate political strategies, draft press releases, assist with voter targeting.
-  Correspond with federal and state agencies, unions, nonprofits and religious organizations
-  Enhance technical operations, internet usage, social networking, and email campaigns.
-  Coordinate, promote and advise fundraising strategy and events

Assemblyman Campaign

Campaign Manager for New York State Assemblyman Frank Skartados from the 100th Assembly District

The Town of Newburgh Advocacy Association is comprised of concerned residents here in the Town of Newburgh. We represent a coalition of residents from various professions, different political parties and various ties to the town in the promotion of the following ideals:

-  Engaging, Pro-Active, and Visionary Leadership
-  Representation of ALL constituents in the Town of Newburgh
-  Transparency in Government, Open Dialogue and Cooperation
-  Preservation and Protection of Open Space and Resources
-  Fiscal Responsibility and Healthy Development
-  Safe Neighborhoods, Sense of Community, Support of Business

Town of Newburgh Advocacy Association

Chair and Founder

Responsible for managing campaign for top office in the Town of Newburgh with a population of 31,000 spanning 45 sq. miles of land while supervising campaign staff of 45 volunteers and coordinating all fundraising efforts, initiatives, and strategies

-  Drafted and published all press releases, multi-media presentations, co-lateral materials, and official statements
-  Corresponded with federal and state agencies, as well as brought important issues to public attention
-  Directed all technical operations, including internet marketing, social networking, and email campaigns
-  Successfully generated the highest voter turnout in town's political history

Town Supervisor Political Campaign

2009 Town Supervisor Candidate

Held accountable for managing several high-profile cases simultaneously while acting as Project Coordinator on large critical deadline assignments

-  Engaged in comprehensive litigation support including case coordination, deposition and trial preparation, trial support, legal staff supervision, and litigation IT solutions
-  Organized trial docket, coordinated ECF Filings, familiarity with Chapter 7,11,13 proceedings, creditor/trustee representation and Federal and New York court systems
-  Supervised and coordinated preparations for hearings, depositions, arbitration's and trials
-  Created graphic presentations for existing clients and proposals for potential clients
-  Worked closely with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff; training all levels of personnel including new and contract lawyers
-  Directed collective information management and document production efforts, and served as liaison in facilitating internal communications
-  Developed training presentations for new attorneys and provided trial preparation and support

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

With inspiring entrepreneurial zest Stephen Krasner was the leading force behind the strategic development of a new "evolutionary" retail concept and business model as the co-founder and lead investment capital negotiator.  The Libations Retail Beverage Concept introduced an upscale national family of multi-faceted big box beverage stores as a retail enterprise setting a new standard to surpass competition by providing the best possible customer-centric experience.

Key Functions:

-  Created long-term business model for a compelling, profitable, self-sustaining, responsive and identifiable retail “branded” presence.
-  Successfully recruited dynamic team of lawyers, accountants, industry experts and marketing professionals
-  Lead negotiator and presentation point person to investment groups, international retail developers and celebrity brands
-  Primary research coordinator for market analysis, demographic studies, jurisdictional law, and real estate opportunities

Libations Retail Beverage Concepts LLC

Co-Founder

Served as Case Manager and Coordinator, supervising contract attorneys and paralegals on large IP litigation case while handling budget proposals regarding litigation support solutions and managing document production, exhibits, pleadings, correspondence, and database

-  Liaised with lawyers and litigation support personnel to create, customize, and managed database   layout and coding functionality
-  Negotiated proposals and managed relationships with outside vendors

Greenberg Traurig

IP Litigation Paralegal

Acted as Litigation Manager and Project Coordinator, providing extensive litigation support on Concordance and Summation, as well as trial support and preparation on 3 trials (2 Full Cycle)

-  Managed standard and electronic court filings and enhanced firm's document storage system and database usage
-  Coordinated all electronic database management for IP litigation cases

Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe LLP

Public Service has always been important to Stephen. A tireless worker, Stephen spent over 2 years teaching and training youth in Ecuador. He successfully secured computers for school children and got them needed health related services. He partnered with international nonprofit organizations and led a community-based banking and small business initiative. Immersed in the culture and developing world living situation Stephen was provided with a unique sensitivity and awareness to the challenges and hardships faced by populations under poverty. Under extensive and unique curriculum Stephen was immersed in the Spanish language and speaks it proficiently.

Key Accomplishments:

-  Coordinated, in conjunction with CEMOPLAF family planning center, teaching and presenting creative programming on HIV/AIDS and STD prevention several times a month to students, town leaders, and teachers
-  Teacher in health, sex education, world culture, and English to students ages 10-24
-  Peer Support Counselor assisting other volunteers with emotional and circumstantial crises

Peace Corps

Business, Agriculture and Education Volunteer

- Vice President of Student Affairs at the Student Government Association (2 Terms Elected)
-  President of Tau Epsilon Phi at The University of Hartford (Elected)
-  Tau Epsilon Phi Undergraduate Vice Consul for National Fraternity (Elected)