Ana-Marija Turkovic, an associate at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., has carved a name for herself as a tenacious and compassionate trial attorney focused on medical malpractice litigation. Her journey to the courtroom began long before law school—rooted in resilience, shaped by immigration, and driven by a deep sense of justice.
“For the first eight years of my life, my mother raised me as a single mother,” Ms. Turkovic recalls. “In 1997, we emigrated from Croatia to the U.S. seeking better opportunities. My mother taught me that success is earned through hard work and self-reliance—failure simply wasn’t an option.”
That foundation led Ms. Turkovic to pursue a career in law, a field where she could use her voice to advocate for those who’ve been wronged. “Medical malpractice law resonated with me because it bridges care and accountability. When the trust between a doctor and patient is broken, the effects can be devastating. It’s that pursuit of justice—where law meets medicine—that fuels my passion for advocacy.”
Since joining the firm, Ms. Turkovic has helped secure major settlements for her clients, including a $1.2 million resolution for a woman who lost kidney function due to a delayed diagnosis and a $1 million settlement in a case involving a missed Staph infection that led to paraplegia.
“I work with people during some of the darkest moments of their lives—often facing terminal illness or grieving the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Each case carries profound weight. As I guide my clients through the legal process, I get to know them closely; it begins to feel like we’re in the fight together,” she says.
Raised bilingual and bicultural, Ms. Turkovic brings a unique level of empathy and cultural fluency to her practice. “Although I haven’t yet worked with a Croatian or Balkan client, I know that speaking the language and sharing the culture allows me to build deeper, more genuine connections. Growing up straddling two cultures taught me how to navigate complex systems while honoring diverse experiences. That perspective shapes how I advocate for clients from all backgrounds.”
Ms. Turkovic also remains deeply engaged with the legal community outside of her caseload. As an active member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Women’s Bar Association, she continues to grow both personally and professionally.
“These organizations have been instrumental in my development. They offer continuing legal education, access to emerging legal trends, and—just as importantly—a network of attorneys who believe in mentorship and collaboration,” she says. “They reinforce the importance of advocacy beyond the courtroom—especially when it comes to promoting equity, accountability, and access to justice.”
For young attorneys aspiring to follow a similar path, Ms. Turkovic offers this advice: “I once heard a quote that really stuck with me: ‘If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.’ In medical malpractice and litigation in general, there’s always room for growth. Seek out mentors, embrace feedback, and never be afraid to push yourself. Commit fully to your clients and cases—no matter the challenge.”
Ms. Turkovic’s work reflects not only legal excellence, but an unwavering commitment to the human stories behind every case. Her drive to fight for justice—paired with empathy and strength—continues to make a powerful and impactful difference.
Read more about Ana here.