Athol Lawyers

James Melita, who grew up in Gloversville, graduated from Plattsburgh State University of New York with a major in political science and a minor in economics. He then graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan. After graduating from law school, James Melita formed his own law practice with a main office in Albany, NY, specializing in Traffic Defense Law, Collections Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Real Estate Law.

Sara B. Sweeney, Esq. is an Associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Albany office, where she focuses her practice in civil litigation, real estate law, family and matrimonial Law and criminal defense.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey, Sara was an Associate in an Albany law firm, where she practiced in the area of real estate law and handled both commercial and residential transactions. Sara also represented commercial mortgage lenders in complex transactions, including SBA loan closings, secured transactions, construction lending work and co-lending and intercreditor arrangements.

Sara previously worked as a Law Clerk for a commercial litigation law firm with offices in Los...

My main area of practice is civil enforcement of New York State environmental laws and regulations for the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). I also assist DEC staff with the enforcement of laws and regulations that govern State land management. From 2002 -2006, I served as real property counsel for the DEC. My professional experience includes negotiating land conservation deals for the City of New York and the Trust for Public Land. Prior to practicing law, I worked as an environmental consultant in New Hampshire.

James is an Associate in our Trusts & Estates, Business, and Health Law departments. Before joining our firm in August 2024, James developed proficient skills and knowledge as a Senior Associate Attorney at a firm located in the Capital Region. This experience gave James the opportunity to engage with clients in a variety of legal matters, including, estate and long-term care planning, estate tax reduction strategies, estate and trust administration, real estate, corporate transactions and the formation of various business entities. He is dedicated to developing a plan tailored to fit the client’s specific needs and ensuring...