Elena Vaida was

admitted to New York State Bar in 1980, United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. 

Education: Kent State University and Harpur College (B.A., 1975); Albany Law School of Union University (J.D.,1979).

Bio

Reported Cases

Speaker/Publications


ECV LAW FIRM
​Elena C. Vaida - Attorney At Law
From 1990 - 2006, Elena Vaida was a regular speaker and publisher of learning/reference materials for attorneys. She regularly lectured for New York State Bar Association's continuing legal education programs regarding criminal procedure and trials,

Elena Vaida was one of the few attorneys certified by the Third Judicial Department, based on experience and ability, to act as defense counsel  when New York's death penalty statute was on the books.  (N.Y.'s capital punishment statute was existed from 1995 until 2004 when it was declared unconstitutional.  ​

  • U.S. v. Cassiliano, 137 F.3d 742 (2nd Cir. 1998);
  • U.S. v. Villegas, 899 F.2d 1324 (2nd Cir. 1990);
  • U.S. v. Lilla, 534 F.Supp. 1247 (N.D.N.Y. 1982);
  • Alexander v. New York State Bd. of Parole, 175 A.D.2d 526, (3rd Dept. 1991);
cross-examination, making objections, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, fingerprint experts, and evidence.  She also taught trial procedure for the Office of Court Administration's  judge's school program for newly elected Town and Village Judges (1996-2006).  

She continued to lecture and teach until the demands of her private practice required her undivided attention. 





  • People v. Rizzo, 126 A.D.2d 909, (3rd Dept. 1987);
  • ​People ex rel. Ryan v. Infante, 108 A.D.2d 987, (3rd Dept. 1985);
  • ​People v. Blanchard, 105 A.D.2d 492, (3rd Dept. 1984);
  • People v. Varricchio, 26 Misc. 3rd 656 (2009);
  • People v. Whalen, 22 A.D. 3d 900 (3rd Dept. 2005)