Cynthia S. LaFave

Cynthia S. LaFave, Esq., is a New York personal injury lawyer at LaFave, Wein, Frament & Karic, PLLC, who represents people harmed by negligence and serious misconduct. Her work includes major injury claims, automobile collision matters, negligent security cases, and representation for survivors of sexual abuse. She has built a long litigation career around protecting injured clients and helping survivors pursue accountability, compensation, and meaningful legal remedies when negligence or abuse causes lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm.

Cynthia earned her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1981. Her legal education at Syracuse provided the foundation for a career centered on personal injury litigation, trial advocacy, and representing clients in complex civil matters. She later built on that training through decades of courtroom experience, continuing legal education, and professional involvement with organizations focused on trial practice and plaintiff advocacy.

Cynthia has obtained numerous verdicts and settlements exceeding one million dollars for clients. Her record includes a $93.5 million personal injury verdict in 1996, which her firm identifies as the highest personal injury verdict in the US that year. She has also secured major recoveries in automobile collision and negligent security cases and represented hundreds of sexual abuse survivors in claims seeking meaningful accountability from institutions and other responsible parties.

Cynthia S. LaFave has held leadership roles with the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. She is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a member of the American Association for Justice. Her honors include the Daniel H. Mahoney Memorial Award, the Betty Friedlander Award of Excellence, and recognition through the New York State Pioneering Women Lawyer Oral History Project.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, LaFave, Wein, Frament & Karic, PLLC
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Past President, NYS Trial Lawyers Association, Capital Region Affiliate
• Past Vice President, NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers, Third Judicial Department
• Board Member, NYS Trial Lawyers (1996-Present)
• Past Delegate, NYS Bar Association
• Sustaining Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Capital Region Trial Lawyers Association
• Coach, Voorheesville High School Mock Trial Program (2025-2026)
• Board Chair, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (2017-2021)
• Board Member, Brockport State University Foundation (2025)
• Member, NYS Magistrate’s Association
• Town Justice, Town of New Scotland (1984-1988)

Licensed State

• New York

Awards & Badges