Gayle Dampf

Gayle Dampf is Of Counsel in MKCI’s New York City office, with over 30 years of litigation experience. Her practice focuses on Asbestos, New York Child Victims Act (CVA), and General Liability litigation.

Prior to joining MKCI, Gayle spent 26 years at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, ultimately serving as Chief of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, and tried over 50 felony cases to verdict. During her time at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Gayle also worked at the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office, representing Brooklyn and prosecuting A-1 level felony narcotics cases. In addition, Gayle worked as a Legal Consultant for the Honolulu Prosecutors Office. Gayle’s focus has always been on the fight for justice.

In addition to supervising assistants and trying cases for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Gayle implemented and ran the ‘Choices and Consequences’ program. A program dedicated to educating kids about the dangers and effects of drunk, drugged, and reckless driving. Since the program’s inception, Gayle visited over 550 schools with 300-400 students attending each presentation. At the conclusion of the program sentenced defendants relived their stories through photographs and 911 calls. The students saw firsthand the destruction and nightmares caused to others by their own bad choices. The hope is to teach students they have the power to choose and to make wise choices so that no one, including themselves ever must live with their consequences.

For her dedication to the prosecution of DWI crimes and compassion for the families, Gayle was awarded: The Law Enforcement Recognition Award by MADD for activism, victim services and education; The New York City Council Citation for ‘outstanding citizen action’, The New York State Assembly Citation for ‘work in DWI’; The New York State Certificate of Achievement for ‘work in DWI and dedication to MADD’; The New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit for ‘convictions of DWI crimes and The New York State Assembly award for ‘outstanding community service.

Additionally, Gayle, trained new assistant district attorneys; created a grand jury charging manual; and designed a computer filing system dedicated to tracking and managing DWI cases from arrest to discovery through trial.

Gayle has lectured both locally and nationally for the National District Attorney’s Association; New York State Trial Attorneys Association; Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority; Port Authority of New York/New Jersey; New York State Police (including the police academy and harbor patrol and highway patrols); Gayle was a member of the Racial Justice Project sponsored by the Vera Institute of Justice; a member of a city-wide STOP DWI Task Force and was the city-wide Interlock Coordinator. Additionally, Gayle has received training and is certified in black box technology and accident reconstruction.

On a personal level, Gayle’s accomplishments are her daughters. One daughter is a nurse, married to a police officer, and expecting her first child. Gayle’s other daughter is a schoolteacher and currently studying for her master’s degree in special education. Gayle adores dogs, her beloved Westie Max was 18yrs 8mos when he went to the Rainbow Bridge. ‘Ohana’ is everything. Gayle is one of 5 children and has a twin sister.

Gayle obtained her Juris Doctor degree from New York School of Law and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and Criminal Justice from the University of Florida.