Athol Lawyers

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Boston University School of Law. During my career as an attorney, prior to my current solo practive, I have worked as a government regulatory trial attorney for the State Public Service Commission, an in house counsel for a Fortune 100 corporation, and as a partner or counsel for a several Albany and Syracuse based medium sized law firms. I am committed to helping people and small businesses with their legal problems at a reasonable, fixed "no surprises" rate not based on the common "hourly billing" model. I am...

Brian Breedlove is a member of the National Association of Drunk Driving Defense and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is on the Warren County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee. He has the highest possible rating (AV) from Martindale-Hubbell, a nationally recognized survey of lawyers and judges. It is the rating given to those lawyers recognized by the legal community as having outstanding legal skills and those that subscribe to the highest level of ethical standards. He has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2010. In 2006, after securing the highest crash verdict in...

Mary T. Colwell (nee Pasqualino) graduated from Albany Law School of University in Albany, New York in 2001 with a concentration in Criminal Law. While at Albany Law School, Mary was a member of the Moot Court Board, the Women’s Law Caucus and Vice-President of the Italian-American Law Students Association. Ms. Colwell was admitted to the New Jersey State bar in December of 2001 and the New York State bar in January of 2002. She is also admitted in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Northern District...

You deserve family law representation that is committed to you and which has the skills and experience to deliver the best possible results.

Facing a divorce or other type of family law matter on your own can be stressful and can create serious anxiety. We know what our clients are going through as they work through the family law matters they are confronting. This is why we focus on providing the most effective representation and the highest levels of personal service for our clients.

We know that ultimately people come to us for results. Our decades of combined experience negotiating and trying...

Since 2005, Christina has been providing counsel without judgment to clients when advising them regarding estate planning, estate administration, guardianships and real estate. Christina believes that to be an effective attorney, you must listen to your client with purpose in order to understand their objective and goals. Christina takes a pragmatic approach to problem solving and takes pride in making the legal process as stress-free as possible for our clients.

Kaitlin Foley is the managing attorney at The Colwell Law Group, having joined the firm in August of 2016. Kaitlin graduated cum laude from Albany Law School of Union University, located in Albany, New York, in May 2016. During her time at Albany Law School, Ms. Foley served as the Executive Editor of Research and Writing for Albany Law Review, was the Family Law Associate on the Moot Court Board, and acted as a Teaching Assistant in Criminal Law under the supervision of Professor Vincent Bonventre. Ms. Foley is currently admitted to the New York State Bar and is...

Former prosecutor, who spent the last 27 years specializing in matrimonial and family law. An experienced mediator, Certified Divorce Specialist and collaborative divorce practitioner as well as a recognized expert in working with victims of domestic violence. I believe that legal battles are more harmful to families than helpful, and am passionate about helping people find ways to make their own decisions for their families, rather than leaving their outcomes in the hands of a stranger in a black robe. When court is unavoidable, I aim to educate and support people to make the legal process less costly, scary, uncertain,...

Nancy Delain is a registered patent attorney working in a solo practice in the historic Schenectady Stockade. Coming later in life to the practice of law, she was a technical documentation professional for over 20 years before attending law school, working mainly in the computer industry writing and editing end-user materials. She regularly practices before the US Patent & Trademark Office in both patent and trademark areas. Her practice encompasses transactional patent, trademark, copyright, trade dress, trade secret, franchise and licensing matters. She also practices regularly before the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York, handling Chapter...

EXPERIENCED, COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE DIVORCE ATTORNEY Moving forward towards separation and divorce can be a difficult and confusing time. Jo Ann Shartrand has the experience to guide you through the best legal process to meet your individual situation. She is an experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney, but she also specializes in alternative dispute resolution options such as Collaborative Divorce and Divorce and Family Mediation. Choosing the best option for your divorce and separation is an important first step, so please contact Ms. Shartrand for a consultation to discuss all of the options for your individual...

Peter Lomtevas is a licensed family law attorney specializing in divorce, child support, and child custody cases formerly in Schenectady and the New York Capitol region. A graduate of The Kew Forest School, Hofstra, and Touro College Law Center, Peter is also a member of the New York State Bar Association. Education • The Kew Forest School, 1966 - 1978 • Hofstra University, 1978 - 1981 • Touro College Law Center, 1993 - 1996 Civilian Awards • Distinguished Public Service Award, 2006: Brooklyn Borough President • Businessman of the Year, 2006: National Republican Congressional ...

Glenn did his undergraduate work at the Boston University School of Management (B.S.B.A magna cum laude), received a Master’s Degree from the Philosophy Department at the University of Chicago and his J.D. from Albany Law School. He has been practicing Law in Schenectady, NY since 1985, initially in the Criminal Defense Arena and for the past 25 years in Trusts and Estates, Elder Law and Real Estate.
Glenn is Co-Vice Chair of the Health Care Committee of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association; and a Member of the National Academy of Elder Law...

Highly rated upstate New York litigator.

Michael M. Marques is the founder and principal attorney of The Marques Law Firm, PLLC. The firm focuses on estate planning, wealth preservation, tax audit, business formation as well as internet, eCommerce and personal injury. Michael was previously with the Law Offices of Kiepura & Associates, a sophisticated boutique law firm focused on personal and corporate tax and finance law. Michael has represented numerous clients on a wide range of issues from comprehensive estate plans to large Internal Revenue Service and state audits.

Christopher ("Chris") Luhn practices law primarily in New York's Capital Region, which is to say in the Upstate counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, and, oftentimes, in Warren and Washinton counties, as well. Chris moved to Saratoga Springs with his wife and two step-children Immediately after completing his law studies at the University of Baltimore School of Law in June 1985. After passing both the Maryland and the New York Bar exams, he began practicing exclusively in the field of personal injury trial law until August 2000 when he joined the New York State Attorney General's Civil Litigation Trial...

A 2007 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, Ms. Gilmartin spent nearly 30 years in Technical and Operational roles for a variety of manufacturers before her career in the law. Her most recent non-legal role was as Vice President of Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs for a mid-sized adhesive film manufacturer based in the UK. Ms. Gilmartin knows firsthand as a business executive what is required of a legal counsel in a business environment and the breadth of experience to understand the subtle ramifications of the decisions concerning the businesses of her clients. As the former North...

Contact Alex if you want a lawyer that really cares. Alex knows what you are going through. He has been a defense lawyer for nearly 15 years. As a Christian lawyer Alex will listen to you and do everything in his power to get you the best outcome possible.

Kimberly B. Allen opened her divorce and family law practice in 1995 in Garden City, Long Island. After ten successful years, she chose to relocate her home and her law office to enjoy the quality of life that the Capital Region offers.

Although she has extensive litigation experience in both Federal Courts and State Courts located on Long Island, the five boroughs of New York City, and Westchester, her practice concentrates in the Capital Region ranging from Colombia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Saratpga Counties through Fulton, Essex and Montgomery Counties up through Warren and Washington Counties.

She is recognized...

Scott Peterson is the founding partner at D’Orazio Peterson, a New York law firm dedicated to providing tenacious representation to individuals in serious personal injury, malpractice and employment discrimination cases. Mr. Peterson has represented clients in State and Federal courts throughout New York State, has been published in several publications including the New York Law Journal, and has frequently provided commentary for local and national media outlets. Mr. Peterson writes an "Employment Litigation" column for the Saratoga County Bar Association newsletter. A multi-time recipient of the Super Lawyers award for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation, Scott believes in providing...

Michael J. Catalfimo represents a diverse group of businesses and individuals in complex civil litigation and transactional matters involving Real Property Law, Creditors Rights, Business Law, Family Law, Trusts and Estates Law, and Municipal Law. He is a Partner in the law firm of Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC. Mr. Catalfimo received his Juris Doctor Degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Boston College Law School in 1985, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif National Legal Honor Society and received the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Medal For Excellence in Advocacy and Outstanding Trial Advocacy. He earned...

Shalini Natesan focuses her practice in the areas of Business Law, Hospitality Law, Municipal Law, and Real Estate Law. Ms. Natesan is equipped with over 10 years of experience in Corporate Law and has handled business matters, such as change of ownership, buy-sell agreements, drafting the necessary documents for all business and corporate formations and transactions, while also creating subsidiary entities to handle specific areas of businesses throughout New York State and the Northeast. Additionally, Ms. Natesan has worked in navigating very large commercial real estate transactions, including the purchase and sale of real property, rental/lease agreements, and bank representation. Shali has...

Heidi A. Gifford is a dynamic and dedicated legal professional with a passion for advocating for her clients. A graduate of the esteemed New England School of Law, Heidi has been practicing law in Fulton County, New York since being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2005. Specializing in divorce, family law, child custody, fathers rights, criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, she has established herself as a trusted advocate for individuals facing challenging legal situations. In 2009, Heidi took on the leadership of her practice and has since been committed to delivering exceptional results for her...

Bonnie Kraham has practiced Elder, Estate Planning, Probate, Estate Administration, and Medicaid Planning Law for over 20 years. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney, Bonnie is dedicated to providing exceptional representation to New York residents.

Bonnie has a personal relationship to her role as an elder law attorney. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Bonnie saw and experienced the many challenges that families face when a loved one is ill. Bonnie brings compassion and understanding in her approach to assisting her clients with their legal needs.

Bonnie earned her B.A., magna cum laude in 1981. After raising her children, she continued...

Teresa G. Donnellan is the managing partner of DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC. Attorney Donnellan is a graduate of Albany Law School and has more than 25 years experience in matrimonial and family law, both in litigated court proceedings and collaborative law matters. Teresa has been a member of the Saratoga County and Warren County Attorney for Children panels throughout her career in the Capital District and served as the Saratoga County Attorney for the Child Liaison. Teresa is an active member of multiple area organizations such as: the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, the Saratoga County Bar...

I have over 50 years in the legal field, including 20 years as a New York State Trooper, and a term as City Court Judge in the City of Mechanicville. I've been trained in the use of radar, breathalyzer, and am intimately familiar with police arrest and court proceedings.

Amy J. Knussman is a partner with DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC. Attorney Knussman is a graduate of Albany Law School and has been admitted to the New York State Bar since 2003. Ms. Knussman’s career began at The Donnellan Law Firm in 2001, while she was still attending Albany Law. After many years of hard work and dedication, Amy became a partner at DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC in January 2008. Amy focuses her practice in the areas of Matrimonial and Family Law and has been a member of the Saratoga County and Warren County Attorney for Children Panels...

Andrew Safranko is a founding partner and attorney with LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC focusing on personal injury litigation and criminal defense in both state and federal courts. Andrew has 20 years’ experience of representing thousands of clients on issues ranging from major felonies and complex white-collar crimes to misdemeanors and violations.

Andrew is accomplished in all aspects of criminal litigation and personal injury law, including trying many high-profile criminal cases, arguing appellate matters, and recovering millions of dollars for clients in personal injury matters, in both New York state and federal courts.

Paul Harding is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego, where he majored in English and Public Justice. Since childhood, Paul knew he wanted to help others and knew that becoming an attorney was the ideal means to achieve this end. Born and raised in the Capital Region, Paul decided to attend law school locally. In 1989, he graduated from Albany Law School of Union University and shortly thereafter was admitted to practice law in New York State. Presently, he is the Managing Partner of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP. In 2006, Paul was appointed...

Rosemarie Riddell Bogdan has concentrated in the area of personal injury law since entering private practice over twenty years ago. She graduated from Cornell University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and from Albany Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1992. After serving as a confidential law clerk to a New York State Supreme Court Justice, Rosemarie entered private practice in 1993. She has been a partner at Martin, Harding & Mazzotti since 2000. Over the years, Rosemarie has had the privilege of representing individuals in all aspects of personal injury litigation....

George E. LaMarche III is a personal injury and criminal defense attorney and founding member of LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC. He represents individuals who have been seriously injured and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one because of the negligence of others. George helps victims of car crashes, motorcycle accidents, birth injuries and may other personal injury claims. George also represents people who are under investigation or charged with a crime in both state and federal courts. His vast knowledge of the legal system prepares him for the case to go to trial or negotiate...

James T. Towne, Jr. has been representing businesses, municipalities and related entities for many years, addressing and handling matters ranging from general litigation, harassment claims, employment issues, zoning, planning and tax certiorari matters. Moreover, with Mr. Towne’s highly developed understanding of ethics as it impacts business and government, his services to an organization is invaluable. Mr. Towne also provides assistance with ethics issues and technology issues as they relate to the law and other “hot button” topics which may arise.

Originally from Long Island and a resident of the Capital District since 1984, Ronald “Ron” Orlando received his Juris Doctor from St. Johns’ University School of Law in 1982 and his Bachelor of Science degree from New York Institute of Technology, summa cum laude, in 1979. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1983, to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York in 1989 and to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1992. Ron is a member of the New York Bar Association, New York...

As a graduate of the University at Buffalo and Albany Law School, I began my career as an Assistant District Attorney in upstate New York where I prosecuted thousands of criminal cases. As a prosecutor, I learned the values of fairness and truth. I quickly learned that good people can make mistakes, but that doesn’t make them bad people. The system sometimes forgets that it’s supposed to judge your actions and character, not your address or clothes. I fight for my clients because justice should remain blind. After leaving law enforcement, I joined the New York State Workers’ Compensation...

Daniel “Dan” Dagostino graduated in 1997 from the State University of New York at Albany with a degree in History. Following graduation he worked at Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP as a legal assistant under the supervision of Paul Harding. According to Dan, his first position with Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP allowed him to obtain firsthand experience as to the emotional, physical and financial hardships injured persons endure as a result of an unexpected incident and the positive impact of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP during and after the legal matter concluded. After working for approximately one...

Charles “Chas” Farcher is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose, where he was enrolled in an accelerated law program which allowed him to complete his undergraduate degree a year early. He received his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 2007, was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 2010 and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York in 2013. Chas began his legal career with the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division’s Third Department, where he drafted...