Dennis A. First

Dennis A. First attended Vassar College and graduated with honors from Ohio State University in 1975. He received his J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University in 1978. After serving as law clerk to the Hon. Joseph Harris of Albany County Court, he entered private practice in 1979.

Dennis is a trial lawyer whose practice emphasizes the defense of products liability, toxic torts, professional liability and general liability cases. In the products liability and toxic torts defense arena, Dennis has experience with a broad array of products including asbestos, chemicals, automotive, trucking, medical devices and a variety of industrial machines and consumer products. Dennis has defended a wide range of professional liability cases including medical, psychiatric, dental, podiatric and legal malpractice cases.

In the environmental field, Dennis' practice focuses on the defense of cost recovery litigation brought under CERCLA/RCRA by governmental entities and private parties. He has served on steering committees and acted as liaison counsel.

Dennis is a member of the Albany County, New York State (Insurance, Negligence and Compensation Law and Environmental Law Sections) and American Bar Associations. He is an appointed member of the State Bar Association's Special Committee to Confer with the State's Medical Society. He is also a member of the Defense Research Institute and Trial Lawyer's Association. Dennis frequently lectures for the New York State Bar Association and other organizations in the areas of trial practice and procedure, products liability and professional liability.