Newmark Storms Dworak LLC is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 2013, MSBA-certified criminal trial specialist Eric Newmark founded the firm. It expanded its practice in 2015 to include civil rights and personal injury. The firm’s success has been boosted by the addition of Jeff Storms, Paul Dworak and others, who have both won multiple awards as Minnesota Attorneys of the year for their record-breaking recovery on behalf of plaintiffs.
The firm has recently welcomed two new attorneys who are just as smart as they are tough. Storms said that the additions of Naomi Martin, and Robyn uri reflect an increasing number of clients who are seeking our services. They also reflect our commitment to grow a firm which places a priority on protecting individual rights. As with the rest of the team, Naomi Martin and Robyn Uri both possess the academic skills and commonsense necessary to see through and cut through powerful opponents’ defenses.
Naomi Martin, a Minnesotan, began her career in law as a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She was a junior when she became a coguardian for an older sister with severe mental challenges. The process of gaining guardianship seemed daunting. I knew nothing about the legal system and eventually I got some help from an lawyer. When she said, “Okay, I can help,” a huge weight lifted. I thought, Thank God someone knows what is going on. Her knowledge of the law gave her a lot of power. “It was inspirational and planted the idea that this might be something I could do.”
Martin first contacted Newmark Storms Dworak when he was still in law college. I did my research on the best Twin Cities attorneys. After I met Jeff, I was impressed with the firm’s structure, their work, and the quality of the attorneys.
Martin graduated in the top 10% of the class at Sturm College of Law, University of Denver. She then returned to Minnesota, where she worked as a legal assistant at the Minnesota Court of Appeals Court and the United States District Court. This allowed her to refine both her understanding of judicial procedures and the art of advocating. Martin, with her characteristic tenacity and persistence, stayed in touch with Newmark Storms, and she contacted them first when she decided to change careers last fall.
Martin’s work is focused on expanding the employment and discrimination practices of the firm. She is also adding depth to its personal injury and civil right practices. She is a great communicator, compassionate and creative. These are qualities that the firm values. She is currently handling a high profile whistleblower case which has attracted media attention. “I’m lucky to be able to do this important work at such a young age in my career. “The partners have created opportunities for me that are amazing.”
Robyn Uri, originally from Jersey Shore was a Barnard College student at Columbia University. She read an exposé in the New Yorker about the controversial Cameron Todd Willingham case. Willingham’s story made a profound impact on Robyn Uri, who decided to not only attend law school but also make criminal defense her mission. Uri was a standout student at Tulane University Law School. She worked at the Criminal Defense Clinic and interned at Capital Post-Conviction Project in Louisiana. “I knew the best way to stop this kind of thing from happening was to work on the trial level.”
Uri was recommended by a professor to apply for the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office, a renowned agency known for its strong defense work. She developed the combination of toughness with humanity, which makes her effective in court. “I enjoyed every moment of my seven and a half years there. I was proud to represent people who had been accused of crimes. This included those who were most vulnerable and could not afford an attorney. It’s a difficult job. “I decided to try something different, and worked for an entire year as a plaintiff’s employee.”
Uri returned to Newmark Storms Dworak, after taking maternity leave in February this year. She has a wealth of experience in felony defense and will be able to contribute to the firm’s core criminal practice. She also provides support for its employment and discrimination practice. This was a perfect fit for me, since the firm had just opened its employment and discrimination practice. I have experience in both. Eric and I both work on larger cases, but I also have my criminal cases in the state. We complement each other’s strengths.
Uri, a newly-minted mom, says that the firm helped her to transition back into the courtroom. It was a bit daunting to come out of maternity and wonder how I’d be able balance being a mom with my work. This aspect of my work hasn’t been a problem for me. They are flexible and I am grateful that they allow me to work from home if necessary. It’s exciting to be back in court. This is a new chapter for me in both my professional and personal life. “This is where my heart lies.”
Storms is looking forward to a bright future. The addition of Naomi, Robyn and the team has been very energizing. It’s a wonderful time to be here. “We’re all working on important cases and everyone is respectful and kind to each other, while demanding high quality work on issues that are important.”
The article Naomi Martin & Robyn Uri – Lighting the Path to Justice first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.