Sheena Barthelus
115-07 220th Street Cambria Heights ,NY
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Counsel
GEICO
09.2025 - Current
- Managed a high-volume caseload of 60+ active bodily injury litigation matters from inception through resolution.
- Analyze liability, damages, and litigation exposure; provide strategic legal evaluations and recommendations to claims professionals focused on cost-effective resolution aligned with liability exposure.
- Draft and argue dispositive motions, discovery motions, and court submissions in Queens County Supreme Court and Queens Civil Court.
- Conduct and defend party and non-party depositions; prepare witnesses and evaluate testimony impact on litigation strategy.
- Ensure timely reporting, compliance with internal guidelines, and accurate documentation within electronic case management systems.
Associate Attorney
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
11.2023 - 04.2025
- Defended insured entities in high-exposure general liability litigation, including construction accidents, personal injury, premises liability, and property damage cases.
- Managed complex litigation from case intake through resolution including pleadings, discovery, depositions, discovery motions, dispositive motions, court conferences, and settlement negotiations.
- Conducted thorough legal research and drafted persuasive briefs, motions, and settlement proposals resulting in favorable outcomes and minimized client exposure.
- Took and defended party depositions.
- Collaborated with senior partners to develop trial strategies, settlement negotiations, expert witness preparation, and litigation budgets.
- Drafted comprehensive litigation reports and evaluations for insurance carriers and claims adjusters.
Associate Attorney
Marks, O’Neill, O’Brien, Doherty & Kelly, PC
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Represented clients in all phases of litigation from inception through resolution in civil litigation matters, including construction accidents, premises liability, personal injury, and medical malpractice claims.
- Managed a large caseload independently with responsibility for drafting pleadings, discovery demands/responses, discovery motions, and dispositive motions.
- Negotiated with opposing counsel to settle claims.
- Communicated closely with clients during the course of litigation to provide legal analysis, status reports, and advice.
Law Clerk
Brain Injury Rights Group
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Supported litigation team representing students with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities in federal and administrative proceedings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Drafted legal memoranda, motions, complaints, and due process hearing requests for matters involving denial of FAPE, placement disputes, and compensatory education claims.
- Conducted in-depth legal research on education law, civil rights, and administrative procedures to support trial preparation and case strategy.
- Assisted in compiling and analyzing medical records, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and psychological evaluations to build evidentiary support.
- Coordinated communication with families, expert witnesses, and opposing counsel.
Law Clerk
Lloyd’s America
02.2018 - 05.2019
- Drafted comprehensive legal memos and compliance advisories concerning surplus lines insurance issues and evolving U.S. federal and state regulatory frameworks.
- Monitored legislative and regulatory developments across multiple jurisdictions; analyzed implications for Lloyd’s market, including licensing, capital requirements, and solvency regulation.
- Supported government affairs initiatives: prepared policy positions, briefs, and advocacy materials distributed to Lloyd’s leadership, carrier clients, and industry stakeholders.
- Coordinated across legal, compliance, and underwriting teams to align regulatory strategies with commercial objectives.
- Maintained a compliance tracking system and calendar of legislative deadlines, public comment periods, and regulatory filings ensuring timely internal and external responses.
Law Clerk
Hon. Devin P. Cohen, Kings County Supreme Court
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Drafted bench memoranda and legal research summaries for civil litigation matters, including torts, premises liability, and contractual disputes.
- Researched New York procedural and substantive law to assist the court in motion decision-making.
Legal Intern
U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Provided guidance to plan participants regarding COBRA continuation coverage and resolved complex employee benefit disputes under ERISA.
- Supported investigators and attorneys in enforcement actions addressing improper terminations of group health plans.
- Conducted in-depth statutory and regulatory analysis, drafted memoranda, and performed comprehensive legal research to assess compliance with employee benefit laws.
- Assisted in preparing case files and contributed to strategic recommendations for ongoing investigations.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
New York, New York05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And English And Textual Studies
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York12.2014
BAR ADMISSION
State of New York
Timeline
Associate Counsel
GEICO
09.2025 - Current
Associate Attorney
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
11.2023 - 04.2025
Associate Attorney
Marks, O’Neill, O’Brien, Doherty & Kelly, PC
05.2022 - 10.2023
Law Clerk
Brain Injury Rights Group
11.2019 - 07.2020
Law Clerk
Lloyd’s America
02.2018 - 05.2019
Law Clerk
Hon. Devin P. Cohen, Kings County Supreme Court
08.2017 - 12.2017
Legal Intern
U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
05.2017 - 08.2017
Juris Doctor -
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And English And Textual Studies
Syracuse University