[Summary of April 4, 2025 Law.com New York Law Journal article: “'A Moment of Reckoning': Attorneys Secure Total of $1.6 Billion in CVA Verdicts Against Former Long Island Pediatrician”]
In a historic legal victory, Kristen Gibbons Feden, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney and shareholder at Anapol Weiss, secured $1.6 billion in total verdicts for survivors of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of disgraced Long Island pediatrician Stuart Copperman. Alongside co-counsel Michael Della of Gruenberg Kelly Della, Feden fought tirelessly on behalf of 104 brave plaintiffs, each of whom came forward under New York’s Child Victims Act (CVA).
A Long-Fought Battle for Justice
These verdicts were the result of more than a year of inquests, during which the legal team presented harrowing testimonies and unflinching evidence of Copperman’s abuse, which took place under the false pretense of pediatric care. The awards represent one of the largest totals ever issued in sexual abuse litigation in New York, underscoring both the gravity of the wrongdoing and the strength of the plaintiffs’ cases.
“It was really a long process,” said Della. “But the judge and the referees assigned to these cases did their job and rang the bell.”
Kristen Feden: A Voice for the Survivors
Known for her courtroom leadership and advocacy for abuse survivors, Feden delivered a powerful statement on the broader implications of the verdicts. Calling it a “moment of reckoning,” she reaffirmed her commitment to amplifying the voices of those too often silenced and holding powerful institutions accountable.
This wasn’t just about legal victory—it was about vindication, dignity, and societal accountability. Feden's leadership ensured that survivors received not only monetary awards but the public acknowledgment and validation they deserved after years, even decades, of pain.
A Legacy of Accountability
Copperman, who lost his medical license in 2000 following years of abuse allegations, did not participate in the legal proceedings and has not retained legal counsel. The highest individual award reached $33 million, with the first judgment—handed down in August 2023—totaling $22 million.
These outcomes are a testament to the power of survivor-centered advocacy. Feden's work continues to set a standard for trauma-informed litigation, guiding survivors through complex legal terrain with compassion, strength, and clarity.
About Kristen Gibbons Feden
A shareholder at Anapol Weiss, Kristen Feden is nationally regarded for her prosecution of high-profile sexual abuse cases and her unwavering support for survivors. She gained recognition for her role in the prosecution of Bill Cosby and her $10.5M verdict on behalf of survivors of singer/entertainer R. Kelly. She continues to be a leading force in civil litigation for victims of sexual abuse and institutional wrongdoing.
Link to full article on Law.com: https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2025/04/04/a-moment-of-reckoning-attorneys-secure-total-of-16-billion-in-cva-verdicts-against-former-long-island-pediatrician/?slreturn=20250406174830
