Christopher Cellante is an attorney with Hach & Rose, LLP. He represents clients who were injured catastrophically.
What inspired you to become an attorney?
My uncle, Angel Perez, was a criminal defense attorney in the Bronx. Though he has passed away, he continues to inspire me in all aspects of my work, including fierce advocacy at trial.
What practice areas do you focus on?
I focus on motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, construction accidents, and wrongful death. My clients typically have sustained serious, catastrophic injuries, and I’m honored to help these victims.
Tell us about your most interesting or significant case.
One case that I found particularly interesting involved an individual who had stolen an NYPD police cruiser and taken it for a high-speed joyride, resulting in a significant collision and severe injuries. Another interesting case involved an assault committed by a police horse resulting in an amputation. Those factual scenarios presented unique legal issues.
Additionally, litigating cases involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) is fascinating to me. Many injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life, but the impact of a TBI is far reaching. Also, much of the damages and limitations stemming from TBI are difficult to prove due to the cognitive and subjective nature of the injury. I know my clients need support after their TBI, and I am determined to obtain the compensation they deserve for their loss of function and cognitive deficits.
What are you most proud of, professionally or personally?
Professionally, I am most proud of working as a trial attorney on high exposure cases and following in the footsteps of my trial attorney uncle, Angel Perez. I was also honored to receive the Division Chief Award from the City of New York for my advocacy while working as an Assistant Corporation Counsel on personal injury matters. Personally, I’m proud of my family and how close we are. I have a very tight-knit and supportive family who all live in New York. My parents are incredible, their work ethic is inspiring, and I’m grateful that they encouraged me all through law school.
Do you have any hidden talents, hobbies, or a fun fact?
I love to fish! Typically, this involves deep sea fishing off the coast of Florida for king fish, trigger fish, and grouper. I have also seen every James Bond movie.
What is your favorite quote?
“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don’t do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.” – Vince Lombardi