About SCAA
History
Founded in 2017, the Small Claims Arbitrators Association is a nonprofit organization of volunteer attorneys dedicated to improving the experience of litigants in New York City Small Claims Courts.
On any given day there can be over 100 Small Claims cases on the New York City Civil Court calendar. The Small Claims Arbitrators Association provides training and support for experienced attorneys to act as volunteer Arbitrators ensuring everyday New Yorkers can have their cases heard in a timely, fair and professional manner.
Officers
DARREN MARKS
President & Co-Founder
Darren Marks has distinguished himself as a versatile and effective litigator and problem solver. Darren is known for his innovative approaches to successfully resolving legal, business and other matters. For over ten years (2013-2022), Darren has been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine for the New York City metropolitan area. Darren is a trained mediation neutral with specialized training in commercial division, SDNY foreclosure, attorney fee disputes, and tort matter. In 2017, Darren co-founded SCAA with Avi Naveh, Nicholas Grafstrom, and others. For over five years, Darren has trained hundreds of small claims arbitrators, so that skilled lawyers can volunteer to help everyday New Yorkers have their small claims cases heard in an expedient and fair manner so that they can resolve their disputes and move on with their lives.
AVI A. NAVEH
Treasurer & Co-Founder
Avi Naveh is an experienced entrepreneur and solo practicing attorney with a distinguished 19-year career. Avi has provided valuable advice and counsel to individual clients and businesses across various sectors. His expertise spans corporate, real estate, and intellectual property matters, with a particular emphasis on transactional experience. Currently serving as general counsel for both profit and non-profit entities, Avi is recognized for his pragmatic and innovative approaches to resolving business, legal, and financial issues. Apart from his legal responsibilities, Avi has served as a board member and the chairman of his town’s zoning board since 2014, bringing a thoughtful perspective to community matters. Additionally, Avi holds a position as a member of the board of trustees for his local synagogue. With a financial background, Avi has contributed as the campaign treasurer for political candidates since 2016, showcasing his commitment to public service. As a trained arbitrator for 15 years, he specializes in receiverships and referee foreclosure matters, demonstrating a dedication to alternative dispute resolution. As one of the co-founders of the SCAA, Avi has played a key role in coordinating events, fundraisers, and training programs. His responsibilities extend to managing administrative tasks and overseeing the organization's finances.
ADAM J. ROTH
Vice President
Adam J. Roth is the vice-president of the Small Claims Arbitrators Association. A graduate of Ithaca College and New York Law School, Adam is a trial lawyer in private practice specializing in personal injury, civil rights and trusts & estates law.
NICHOLAS C. GRAFSTROM
Secretary
Nicholas Grafstrom is a co-founder and secretary of the Small Claims Arbitrators Association. A graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, he now works as Principal Court Attorney to Hon. Nicholas W. Moyne in New York County Supreme Court.