Bios
ROBERT SILVERSMITH : BOB
Robert Silversmith is a founding partner of Silversmith & Veraja, LLP which was formed in 1995 by partners from several of New York City's most prominent real estate law firms.
Over the years, Silversmith & Veraja, LLP has expanded and now provides legal services in commercial and residential real estate litigation, real estate transactions, and personal injury litigation.
The firm's emphasis is on attention to detail and communication with its clients so that their needs can be met.
Robert Silversmith is a graduate of Kenyon College and holds Juris Doctor and MBA degrees from Tulane University. In 1982, he received a Master of Law degree from New York University School of Law.
Bob's background includes Chairing the Advisory Council of the Housing Part of the Civil Court of the City of New York, as well as Chairing New York County Lawyers' Association's (NYCLA's) Judiciary Committee. His service includes membership on NYCLA's Board of Directors. Bob is currently serving a second term as chair of NYCLA's Civil Court Practice Section, and is a former chair of its Commercial Landlord-Tenant Subcommittee. Bob has been active as a member of NYCLA's Committee on Committees, which serves to guide NYCLA's many committees. He has appeared in NYCLA's Leadership manual. Bob has been involved in the real estate field for over twenty years, and is a frequent Continuing Legal Education (CLE) lecturer. He is often cited in Legal and Business Journals.
Contact: RSilversmith@SilversmithVeraja.com
JOHN WESLEY VERAJA : WES
John Wesley Veraja is a founding member of Silversmith & Veraja, LLP. Wes holds a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University.
Wes has been an influential member of the legal community, both as the former President of the Protestant Lawyers' Association and as a former officer of New York County Lawyers' Association's (NYCLA's) Civil Court Practice Section and as a member of NYCLA's Judiciary Committe. As President of the Protestant Lawyers' Association, Wes has joined with other Bar Associations to find meaningful solutions to diverse legal issues.
Wes has been practicing in the real estate field for over twenty years and, in addition to his real estate litigation skills, is involved in the firm's transactional work and its personal injury practice.
Contact: WVeraja@SilversmithVeraja.com
RACHEL A SISKIND : RACHEL
Rachel holds a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School where she was an assistant editor of the "World Arbitration and Mediation Report," as well as a participant in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Currently, Rachel is a member of the New York County Lawyers' Association's Judiciary Committee and a member of its Civil Court Practice Section.
Rachel litigates in Commercial and Residential Landlord-Tenant proceedings, and matters pending before the Supreme and various Appellate Courts, and she actively defends clients on real estate related issues in the Administrative agencies including the DHCR, Environmental Control Board and Criminal Court.
In addition to her real estate skills, Rachel has a background in criminal defense law. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University, with a major in English.
Contact: RSiskind@Silversmithveraja.com
ITA FINK : ITA
Ita's litigation practice includes Residential and Commercial Summary Proceedings in Civil Court, Real Estate related actions in Supreme Court, Appellate Practice and Administrative litigation with various governmental agencies including DHCR, ECB, and others.
Ita holds a Juris Doctor degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo school of Law. She is a member of the New York County Lawyers' Association's Judiciary Committee and is a member of its Civil Court Practice Section.
In addition to Real Estate, Ita's practice includes Elder Law, Family Law and Predatory Lending Practices.
She received her Bachelor of Art Degree in Media/Communications from New York University.
Contact: IFink@Silversmithveraja.com
