Esperance 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...

Steve is a Shareholder in the Business Law department at our firm. He advises business owners and family groups on a broad range of corporate, tax, and estate planning matters. Steve excels in integrating these disciplines to assist clients in navigating complex transitions, whether preparing for growth or transferring ownership to family members or external buyers. Collaborating with the team at O’Connell and Aronowitz, Steve ensures that each transition is executed according to the client’s wishes, with an emphasis on tax efficiency and alignment with the client’s broader estate planning goals. In addition to his broader business practice, Steve has developed...

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...

Mike is Of Counsel in O&A’s Health Law practice group. His practice consists primarily of civil litigation with a focus on appellate litigation and brief writing. Mike litigates across a variety of practice areas, including state and federal constitutional law, administrative law, civil rights, antidiscrimination law, insurance law, commercial disputes, personal injury, and criminal defense. Before joining O’Connell and Aronowitz, Mike was Senior Associate and Deputy General Counsel at a New York City-based firm where his practice was focused on class and collective actions in federal courts. He litigated matters involving labor and employment and product...