Dennis R. Chase, Esq.
email: dchase@chasesensale.com
Dennis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a major in psychology, and minors in both Child Psychology and Preventive Medicine. He is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and a past president of the St. John’s School of Law Alumni Association, serves as a mentor to first year law students, and was admitted to practice in 1990.
Dennis is the senior partner of The Chase Sensale Law Group, L.L.P. with offices in Smithtown, Garden City, Richmond Hill, and offices opening soon in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Riverhead. Dennis and his partner, Joseph, have been successfully concentrating their practice in the areas of workers’ compensation, social security, short/long term disability, disability retirement, accidental death and dismemberment, and unemployment insurance benefits for almost twenty years. Currently, the firm represents more than twenty-five law enforcement and fire fighting unions across the state for all disability related matters. Dennis has regularly lectured in his areas of expertise for St. John’s University School of Law, the prestigious Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Suffolk Academy of Law, Lorman Education Services, and ACE Continuing Legal Education Seminars.
Dennis became active in the Suffolk County Bar Association in 1996. Since that time, in addition to serving as a member of the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee, and the Insurance and Negligence Plaintiff’s Counsel Committee, he currently holds the office of Second Vice-President and is scheduled to be sworn-in as the 105th President of the Association in June, 2013. Dennis also founded and chaired the Workers’ Compensation & Social Security Disability Committee for ten years and has chaired both the Labor & Employment Law, and Membership Services & Activities Committees. Currently a member of both the Advisory and Curriculum Committees of the Suffolk Academy of Law, after serving three years as an Officer, Dennis has also served as the Assistant Editor and a frequent contributor to The Suffolk Lawyer. Dennis is also extremely proud of his work on the Legislative Review Committee making regular trips to Albany to ensure the enactment of legislation most beneficial to the disabled. Dennis actively participates in the Association’s Speaker’s Bureau discussing the law as a career for high schools across the county. Dennis has served as both a coach and regularly as a judge for the New York State Mock Trial Competition.
Dennis and his lovely wife, Sheri, find particularly personal satisfaction in their fund-raising efforts for breast cancer research, awareness, and outreach. Nine years ago, following the untimely demise of a colleague’s wife in her courageous struggle with breast cancer, Dennis and Sheri founded a not-for-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to raise funds for this worthwhile cause. In the corporation’s first eight years, they’ve helped raise more than $250,000. Currently, Dennis & Sheri raise funds on behalf of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Inc. (www.findacure.org), a local charity committed to battling breast cancer by supporting both new and established researchers.
Dennis also serves as a member of the House of Delegates (the governing body) of the New York State Bar Association as well as sitting as a very active member of the Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law Section. With close ties to the Injured Workers’ Bar Association, Dennis acts as an informal liaison with both the bench and the bar practicing before the State of New York Workers’ Compensation Board where he has established the first of its kind pilot program to ensure pro bono representation to qualified claimants. Dennis is also a member of the New York State Social Security Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, the National Organization of Social Security Attorneys and Representatives, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association, and the S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook Alumni Association.
Dennis enjoys each day knowing he has the love and support of his wife, Sheri. They live in Hauppauge together with three pets and are strong supporters of PetPeeves, Inc., (considered by many to be the Voice of Long Island Pets since 2002). Pet Peeves is a 501(c3), non profit umbrella organization that raises funds and awareness for Long Island’s struggling animal shelters and rescue groups. A long time resident of Hauppauge (since 1978) and graduate of Hauppauge High School, Dennis’ first legal act as an attorney was to incorporate The Northfield Woods Civic Association and he remains active and vigilant within his community. Dennis enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, hiking, and making the concert scene.