I first met Mr. Pegalis in 1986 when he represented my daughter, Michelle, in her medical malpractice case. He is the one person in my life that I truly admire and respect.

When I entered his office, I was nervous, upset, and worried about what would be for the future of my precious child. I knew of his reputation as an outstanding attorney, but I needed to trust this person who would have a direct impact on the outcome of events for my Michelle.

Mr. Pegalis’ calm and collected manner immediately put me at ease. He was extraordinarily knowledgeable; he was firm in his belief that a great wrong was done to my little girl; he was committed to seeing that justice prevail.

Through the ordeal of settling my daughter’s case, Mr. Pegalis proved my first impressions to be true. He an outstanding attorney, but as important that, he is a compassionate human being. He never felt that Michelle’s case was just another case. There was a personal touch too. Throughout Michelle’s now 21 years, Mr. Pegalis has always shown an interest in her accomplishments and milestones. He has also shown concern about me and how my life was going. He was extremely inspiring to me in my efforts to advocate for my child in the medical and educational areas. He is a #1 wonderful advocate for all of his clients. He wanted to know how my sons, Michelle’s brothers, Andrew and Bruce, were doing in school and later as adults in the world of work. I feel like Mr. Pegalis is part of our family. He is one of the kindest and most caring people I know.

Last year, daughter Michelle was graduating from her school program at Carmen Road, a school for differently abled youngsters. In September she would then attend a young adult program. My parents, who were always very close to Michelle had passed away. I was very sad that they would not be here for Michelle’s graduation - such a special  and important moment in Michelle’s life. My sons and I thought it would be appropriate to ask Mr. Pegalis to come to Michelle’s graduation. And, he did, along with Annamarie Bondi-Stoddard and Jim Baydar, two other special people in her life.

I sort of felt like  Mr. Pegalis took the place of grandma and grandpa. He was so very proud of Michelle. With a big smile on his face and tears on his eyes, he watched as my Michelle walked up to the stage in her walker by herself for the first time. I was so happy he was there to share this moment with my kids and I. In fact, not only was he there to see Michelle graduate, but, to his surprise another of his clients, Missy, was also graduating that day, so he got to share special moments with her also.

Mr. Pegalis, you have always been there for us - through good times and bad. If I needed advice, a shoulder to lean on, a sounding board, you never hesitated to be there  for me.  Mr. Pegalis, tonight I applaud your accomplishments, your stamina, your devotion to your clients.  Mr. Pegalis - you are the best. Michelle and I both agree that you are special in every sense of the word. 

-- Camille Teichman