Carmine J. Carolei - Poughkeepsie, NY

There is a fruit called sabra that is hard on the outside, but sweet on the inside. That epitomizes Carmine Carolei. He’s the pitbull in the courtroom that protects everyone we represent. Carmine joined the firm in 2019 as a Senior Trial Attorney. He came to the firm with over 3 decades of personal injury law experience and a set of skills developed through the fires of hard work, dedication and years advocating for those in need.

Carmine was raised to be hardworking and entrepreneurial; traits he brings to his mindset today. His father, a first-generation Italian American, was a carpenter in the union who had originally wanted to go to college but instead went off to fight in the Korean War. Service and dedication to others was paramount in the Carolei household and shapes Carmine’s view of his profession to this day.

Although never particularly athletic, Carmine is quick to point out that he is wildly competitive. He can’t stand to lose at anything and loves winning with fervor. His competitive drive with a craftsman’s eye was evident as he paid his way through college by framing houses. Hard work is in his DNA.

Throughout his 30 years of practice, Carmine has worked in personal injury, which taught him specific disciplines. Especially when as a young lawyer, he was thrown into trial work immediately and tried cases against attorneys with 20+ years of experience. “It was an incredible way to learn law at that age. To simply get in the courtroom; learn how to compose yourself and be instinctual. It was the best training.” He discovered that he was comfortable in the courtroom, as it stoked his competitiveness and desire to win.

In reflecting on what drives him, Carmine shares that his primary goal is to make clients happy. “I get great satisfaction from that,” he says.

Throughout his career, Carmine has given lectures on personal injury to industry groups such as the Mid-Hudson Claims Association, the DR Institute, and various firms and companies.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Carmine moved to Dutchess County early in his youth. He still resides in the Hudson Valley and enjoys spending time with his family, which includes four children, one grandchild and lifelong friends. Carmine also loves art and music and spends time making art and playing guitar in his downtime.

Larry Breslow refers to Carmine as the backbone of the firm – “a warrior for our clients and a pleasure to work with.”