“I have always wanted to do work in the public interest sector of the law. Sometimes that’s public. Here at Weitz & Luxenberg it’s private because we help individual clients. But the most important thing is that I’m helping real people. And, for me, that’s what really counts.”
Haneen Hegazi is an associate attorney in Weitz & Luxenberg’s New York office. She joined our Asbestos Bankruptcy Department in May of 2024. She works alongside a team of attorneys who manage and review client bankruptcy trust claims.
Working on Bankruptcy Trust Claims
Ms. Hegazi handles personal injury bankruptcy trust claims of all kinds. Most claims involve asbestos exposure. She verifies the medical and legal details, and ensures claim information is complete and accurate.
“To work with bankruptcy trust claims, you have to know everything: the medical, the law,” points out Ms. Hegazi. “But the team here is really great. Everyone helps each other out.
“The claims are in all different stages of being processed,” Ms. Hegazi explains.
“It’s our job to stay on top of everything so our clients receive all of the compensation they are entitled to,” continues Ms. Hegazi. “The amount of time this takes varies greatly. It all depends on pending litigation against negligent companies. And Weitz & Luxenberg goes after every defendant until the case is resolved.”
Previous Legal Experience at W&L
Before joining Weitz & Luxenberg as an attorney full time, Ms. Hegazi interned at the firm.
I had several offers from other firms. But during my time at W&L, and the formal interview, everything felt just right. I knew it would be a great place to work. And I would have the opportunity to really help people,” Ms. Hegazi says.
As a law clerk at W&L, Ms. Hegazi managed a high volume caseload of personal injury lawsuits. Specifically, she handled different parts of bankruptcy trust claims. These responsibilities included completing new claims, updating and following up on existing claims, reviewing and summarizing deposition testimony, drafting and reviewing affidavits, and reviewing medical records.
Interacting with clients was particularly important. In addition, she completed special projects, as requested.
Legal Experience in DA’s Office
Ms. Hegazi held two positions at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office in Staten Island, New York. For one, she interned in the Immigration and Special Victims Bureau.
She filed the U nonimmigrant status (U visa) for victims of certain crimes. She also conducted research on legal issues affecting immigrant survivors. Victims who are immigrants are not U.S. citizens, but they are here legally on student visas, work visas, and the like.
This special department works with immigrants who are victims of serious crime. They may also have suffered significant trauma. Examples include being a witness to a murder scene or being raped. The crimes are often violent.
Earlier, Ms. Hegazi served as a campaign intern. She assisted the district attorney with his election campaign and communicated with community members.
Getting Her Legal Education
Ms. Hegazi attended The City University of New York, College of Staten Island. In 2019, she earned her Bachelor of Art degree in political science.
She attended New York Law School in New York City. She earned her J.D. in 2023.
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