Maritanna (Mari) Isakov joined MDAFP in 2022, where she concentrates her practice on municipal liability defense. She represents municipalities, public entities, businesses, and individuals in a broad range of complex litigation matters, including trip-and-fall and motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, property damage, subrogation, drainage rights, Child Victims Act litigation, employment discrimination, and other tort and constitutional claims in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
Ms. Isakov is known for her strategic, result-driven approach to litigation. She approaches every case as though it will proceed to trial, developing the factual record and legal strategy from the outset with that objective in mind. This trial-ready philosophy enables her to identify key issues early, conduct focused and effective discovery, position matters for dispositive motion practice, and maximize opportunities for favorable resolution through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. She works closely with clients and claims professionals to develop practical, cost-effective defense strategies while aggressively advocating for her clients at every stage of the litigation process. Her experience includes all phases of litigation, from early case evaluation and risk assessment through motion practice, depositions, mediation, arbitration and trial preparation.
Prior to joining MDAFP, Ms. Isakov served as Senior Counsel with the New York City Law Department, where she practiced from 2014 to 2022. There, she managed discovery for the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks & Recreation in personal injury litigation against the City of New York. She developed and implemented agency-wide policies and procedures that improved the efficiency and consistency of discovery practices. She also designed and taught Continuing Legal Education programs for incoming Tort Division attorneys on litigation involving agency-based discovery, demonstrating her commitment to mentorship and professional development.
Throughout her legal career, Ms. Isakov has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation, providing her with a unique perspective that strengthens her defense strategies and enables her to anticipate opposing counsel's approach. Her practice has focused on municipal, premises, and motor vehicle liability, with significant experience defending public entities in high-exposure claims involving roadway design and maintenance, infrastructure, drainage and property damage disputes, serious personal injury, and employment-related litigation. She has also represented businesses and individuals in a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters before New York State and New York City courts and administrative tribunals.
Known for her meticulous preparation, responsiveness, and practical judgment, Ms. Isakov partners closely with her clients to understand their objectives and develop litigation strategies tailored to their needs. She is committed to delivering efficient, effective advocacy while remaining focused on achieving the best possible outcome in every matter entrusted to her.