Highmount Lawyers

Jacqueline Newman joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP in 1998 and is now the managing partner of the firm. Ms. Newman's practice consists of litigation, collaborative law and mediation. She specializes in complex high net worth matrimonial cases and negotiating prenuptial agreements. Ms. Newman has taught the Collaborative Family Law class for The NY Association of Collaborative Professionals and the Center for Mediation in Law, as well as the Introduction of Matrimonial Law for Collaborative Divorce Professionals for the New York State Unified Court System. At Fordham University School of Law, she taught Family Law Practice with Barry Berkman....

Glen A. Kendall has an exceptional track record representing small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in complex, high stakes litigation and arbitration across the New York area.

He regularly serves as lead counsel in business and employment matters involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, employment discrimination, restrictive covenants, defamation, trade secret misappropriation, and copyright and trademark infringement. Mr. Kendall also handles trusts and estates matters involving probate, will contests, contested accountings, and fiduciary removal proceedings. Clients entrust Mr. Kendall because of his compassion, zealous advocacy, and creativity in problem-solving.

A significant portion of Mr. Kendall’s practice involves...

Mariya Ortynska is a trademark and copyright attorney and Managing Attorney at Ortynska Law PLLC. She offers legal guidance on matters involving intellectual property and emerging technologies. Mariya's core services are developing strategies for brand protection and enforcement in the U.S. and internationallym managing trademark and copyright registrations with the USPTO and the USCO, drafting and negotiating IP-related contracts, addressing online enforcement and domain name disputes and advising on legal aspects of emerging technologies, including AI and blockchain. Mariya has substantial experience with Madrid Protocol filings and in safeguarding brand portfolios on a global scale. She has assisted clients in securing trademark...

My passion is family law. It is what drove me to become a lawyer, motivated me through law school, and gets me excited to start my day. Family law has always been a part of my life, in experience, study, and practice. A childhood spent in and out of domestic court piqued my interest in the different elements of such a complex and human-driven area of the law. My goal is to make every client feel heard in a situation where communication may have broken down. I will vigorously advocate for all of my clients, because I am...

Arthur Larkin is a civil rights litigator with nearly thirty years’ experience in the state and federal courts, and over the past twenty years he had handled some of the highest profile wrongful conviction and class action lawsuits in New York City. He has negotiated settlements worth over $75 million in those lawsuits as well as numerous other lawsuits. With fifteen years’ experience defending the City in such matters, Arthur knows how best to present a winning case at trial and/or during settlement discussions.

Jon Bell began his career at one of the largest litigation law firms in New York. Despite gaining vast experience in multi-million dollar claims, Mr. Bell was dissatisfied with not being able to select his own clients and, therefore sometimes had personal conflicts in handling cases where he believed to be "on the wrong side." Thereafter, he started his own law firm, which allowed him to select his own cases, handling them with passion in realizing he has made a personal commitment to each client. Jon Bell became interested in Federal Employee litigation as he discovered the need for Federal Employees...

Mr. Tantone graduated from St. John's University School of Law in 2016 and is admitted to practice law in the state courts of New York and New Jersey, as well as the federal District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the District of New Jersey. His practice is currently focused on employment related litigation, with specific expertise in employment discrimination and wage and hour violations. Prior to joining the Bell Law Group in 2021, Mr. Tantone represented employees in discrmination and wage cases in federal and state courts. Prior to that, he represented employers in employment...

Attorney Stuart Meissner was born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University. He went on to earn his masters of law degree from New York University Law School. He opened his own practice, Meissner Associates, twenty years ago in 2001 in Manhattan, New York. His practice focuses primarily on SEC whistleblower cases, investment disputes, securities violations, and FINRA arbitration. After 9/11, Attorney Meissner volunteered at Ground Zero on “the pile” on the “bucket brigade” along with fire and police officers, sifting through debris trying to find survivors. He was later subsequently...

Steve has extensive and varied experience within the education sector. Prior to law school, Steve was a high school mathematics teacher in New York for seven years. He received his M.S.Ed. from Hofstra University, and he studied philosophy and politics at The George Washington University and Pembroke College, Oxford University.

Steve earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was the Executive Development Editor of the Michigan Law Review, Vice President of the Education Law and Policy Society, and Event Coordinator for Legal Advocates for Children and Youth. Steve spent his final semester at...

Joel R. Brandes, of the New York Bar, concentrates his practice in New York divorce and family law appeals. He also consults with and advises attorneys on appellate, trial court and international child abduction matters in all of the New York state and federal courts. He has been recognized by the New York Appellate Division as a "noted authority and expert on New York family law and divorce .” He is the author of the treatise Law and the Family New York 2024-2025 Edition (12 Volumes), Law and The Family New York, 2d (9 volumes), Law and the Family...

Jacob Oresky founded Oresky & Associates, PLLC in 1992 and serves as its managing attorney. With offices in Bronx and Queens, the firm is dedicated to helping accident victims to fight for just compensation for their injuries. Mr. Oresky assists clients injured in all types of accidents. He has experience representing accident victims injured due to car accidents, construction accidents, slip & fall accidents, and other acts of negligence. He also handles wrongful death cases on behalf of families who lost loved ones to accidents or other negligent acts. Mr. Oresky has over 30 years of experience as a Bronx personal injury...

"When representing clients, I am consciously aware of the stress associated with any type of litigation. I try to reduce that stress by being available on a nearly 24/7 basis to answer questions and head off potential problems. I pride myself on prompt return of telephone calls, and I am also sensitive to the importance of the cost considerations of effective representation." My work focuses on all aspects & types of Family Law including High Net-Worth/High Income Divorce, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Child Relocation, Alimony/Spousal Support/Spousal Maintenance, Property...

Practice Areas: Foreclosure Defense, Loan Modifications and Short Sales, Residential Real Estate Transactions, Surrogate’s Court, Probate, Wills, Commercial Litigation, Corporate and Business Law

Admitted: 1997, New York and U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

Law School: New York Law School, J.D. ; Member- Law Review;
Recipient of New York Law School Academic Achievement Award and Teaching Fellowship; Top 1% of class of 1996.

Biography: Former senior associate, litigation and corporate departments of a large international law firm with offices in Manhattan, London, Los Angeles, Bucharest, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Connecticut.

Robert G. Babcock (Bob) specializes in criminal defense and wrongful conduct investigations throughout New York state and federal courts. He represents individuals and businesses under investigation or charged by the government with committing criminal offenses. Bob crafts unique defense strategies for clients facing criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors in local courts to complex cases involving white-collar crime, organized crime, drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and violent crimes pending in the county and federal district courts of New York. Bob brings years of criminal trial experience to Tully Rinckey and its clients as the lead attorney for the firm’s Capital Region Criminal...

Ronald E. Stiskin is passionate about assisting families and individuals in transition. Whether securing educational services for children with special needs; planning for the future of disabled adults; or helping seniors and their families identify their next steps, Ronald is committed to guiding his clients to their best outcome. Ronald has taken training from the American Bar Association in Advance Directives and Estate Planning for LGBT Adults. He has also been trained in Elder Law mediation. Ronald E. Stiskin graduated from Harvard University in 1986 (B.A. with honors in Sanskrit and Indian Studies) and from Dalhousie Law School, Nova Scotia, Canada in...

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...

Prior to opening my own firm, I began my legal career as a paralegal in Cleveland, Ohio assisting in civil litigation and specializing in all areas of plaintiff’s personal injury. After graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, I began practicing law in the state of Michigan where I represented injured drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians that were involved in automobile accidents.

When I moved to New York, I specialized in real estate closings and had the pleasure of assisting the public and several Patrolman Benevolent Associations, such as the Rockland County PBA and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, in...

At Lynch Schwab, we handle all legal matters in every county in New York State, and can appear throughout all of Connecticut. We provide clients with thorough, cost conscious and effective representation. All of our attorneys have previously trained at large litigation law firms, and are dedicated to providing the same services which a large firm can provide, but with the small firm personal client relationship. Our Firm handles all aspects of the legal practice, representing major insurers, municipalities, small businesses, large businesses and individuals. We also represent clients on non-litigation matters, such as real estate closings, commercial and business...

Mediator and attorney with extensive experience in prenuptial, separation, divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, elder, business, estate and other family law and adult family issues. Serving mediation clients in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties in New York and Fairfield, New Haven & Litchfield Counties in Connecticut. Disputes are stressful, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever resolution process you choose. During our 30 minute free consultation, I can answer any questions you might have and let you get a sense of what it would be like to work together.

The Diederich Law Office focuses on helping victims of illegality and bias in employment and civil rights cases, particularly wrongful termination and job discrimination cases, and negotiating severance packages. Cases include wrongful discrimination based upon age, gender / sex, national origin, race, pregnancy or disability. I also served as a "citizen soldier" (US Army reservist), with tours of duty in the combat zones of Iraq (2004-05) and Afghanistan (2012), as an Army lawyer. I retired in the rank of lieutenant colonel. We handle cases from Long Island, through New York City and into the Hudson...

MATTHEW GOODSTEIN is a personal injury attorney at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP. Mr. Goodstein regularly collaborates with partner and personal injury attorney, Adam Handler, to develop a personalized strategy for each case that will help our injured clients obtain the best results possible. Mr. Goodstein is a 2005 graduate of the Indiana University – Kelley School of Business, Bloomington, Indiana and a 2008 graduate of the John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois. After graduating law school, Mr. Goodstein served as an Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA), representing the State of Illinois in criminal prosecutions. During his time as...

Joshua is a native of Herkimer County. After college, he served our country as a Marine Officer, achieved the rank of Captain, and served on three deployments to the Middle East. Following service in the Marines, Joshua attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2015. Joshua gives 100% to everything he does. Following a recent jury trial in the Village of Herkimer [Docket No. 17050159], Joshua's client was found not guilty on all counts which was the first misdemeanor acquittal in Herkimer County in...

A graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut, the founding attorney at The Law Office of Keith R. Murphy is a highly trained and dedicated legal professional. He works tirelessly as a Carmel DUI lawyer to ensure that his clients’ rights and freedoms are protected as thoroughly as possible. He is committed to excellence, diligence, and integrity, and does everything in his power to ensure that his clients receive attentive, personalized, and highly communicative legal assistance. To this end, he makes himself available to his clients 24/7 to answer any questions they may have. If you are...

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...

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.

Jim Hacker is a 1981 graduate of Hamilton College and a 1984 graduate of Albany Law School. He is a member of the Hamilton College Board of Trustees and is The Chair of the Albany Law Board of Trustees.

He is an elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The College is comprised of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada and membership is by invitation only. He is also an elected fellow of the International College of Trial Lawyers whose membership is limited to...

Lisa specializes in complex financing and property transactions. She represents borrowers, lenders, developers, builders, investors, and sellers. Lisa has forged a reputation as being thorough, attentive, and detailed. Her trademark fine tooth comb approach has proven to be an invaluable asset to her clients. It has resulted in her closing over 100 million dollars’ worth of loan transactions and being selected to represent some of the area’s leading commercial lenders and developers. She also has experience in tax credit equity financing, entity matters and helping her clients navigate through the economic development process.

After graduating from Manhattan College in 2009, Jacob began his career as a Special Education Advocate & Paralegal. For seven years he worked for a reputable Manhattan-based law firm that concentrates on advocating for students with special needs. As an Advocate, Jacob would often attend Committee on Special Education (“CSE”) meetings alongside parents, providing them with assistance in the development of their children’s Individual Education Programs (“IEP”) and/or 504 Plans. When disputes arose with local school districts, Jacob assisted attorneys in all phases of the administrative due process procedure provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"). This often...

Douglas Goldman has been practicing immigration law for decades. He handles all types of immigration matters, including representation for employers, individuals, and families.

Mark Houston focuses his practice in Civil Litigation, Municipal Law, Public Housing, and Personal Injury Law. He frequently represents municipal entities in cases involving premises liability and civil rights issues. In addition to his civil litigation work, Mark’s practice extends to Landlord-Tenant Law, Estates and Probate, Environmental Law, Real Estate Law, and Native American Law. Before pursuing a legal career, Mark worked as a project director at the University at Buffalo Archaeological Survey, providing cultural resource management services to a diverse array of clients. During his tenure, he guided clients through complex regulatory frameworks, including Sections 106 and 110 of the...

I’m Ava (Na) Li, founder of Ava Li Law PLLC, licensed to practice law in both China and the United States. Before coming to the U.S., I practiced in Beijing, where I served on the legal team for the 2008 Olympic Games and led the successful trademark defense of the “Water Cube.” That case taught me something lasting: intellectual property is part of a brand’s soul. In 2012, I moved to the U.S. to pursue an LL.M. in International Intellectual Property Law at Chicago-Kent College of Law, one of the nation’s top IP programs. I graduated with honors and later earned my...

Scott A. Barbour provides dedicated and skilled representation to corporate and institutional clients with various types of civil and commercial litigation. His practice areas include railroad, products liability and contract litigation. Additionally, Scott is experienced in mediation and arbitration for civil matters.

Scott's trial and appellate experience includes cases in federal and state courts throughout New York. His jurisdictions include the State of New York, the United States District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Scott is a member of...

Richard D. Cirincione’s practice is concentrated in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation, guardianship law, and related appeals. He provides planning for high net worth individuals including the creation of charitable planning devices. He has experience forming and administering family entities and has prepared sales to defective grantor trusts. Richard handles all phases of the administration of estates and trusts, including the preparation of estate tax returns and fiduciary accountings.

With extensive experience in estate litigation related to Wills and Trusts, Richard has represented clients in Will contests, both in support of a purported Will and...

Amy's practice is concentrated in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and trust and estate administration. A major part of Amy's practice involves assisting clients and their families with legal and tax issues including the preparation of estate planning documents, estate tax planning, administration of trusts and estates, long-term care planning, preservation of assets, eligibility for governmental benefits, disability planning and supplemental needs trusts.

Amy O’Connor is Chair of McNamee Lochner's Trusts, Estates & Elder Law Department. With a concentration in elder law, estate planning, and trust and estate administration, her practice encompasses all aspects of trusts and estates law...

Sam Breslin represents both individual and corporate clients in a variety of matters, from state and federal criminal defense to personal injury and complex commercial litigation. Criminal: Sam represents clients in all criminal matters including DWI/DUI charges, as well as all other violations, misdemeanors and felonies in federal, state and local courts. Many criminal charges, no matter how minor, carry the risk of long-term consequences. In defending his clients, Sam strives to make them aware of these collateral consequences and craft a defense strategy to minimize them. Personal Injury: Sam aggressively represents clients injured as the...

The quality of an attorney's work should never be based on how much the client pays. I keep my expenses low by not wasting money on such expenses as ridiculous advertising campaigns, and I pass these savings onto my clients in the form of affordable rates. I handle each case personally and devote the time and effort needed to ensure my clients get quality and effective legal representation. I am an aggressive local attorney. I am ready to serve you.

When I was nine my aunt told me I should be a lawyer when I grew up because I argued about everything, really, really well. That's when I learned I could make a living doing what I loved: winning arguments. After graduating from Columbia University, New York City's only Ivy League school I went on to Fordham Law. Fordham was the only law school ranked in the top twenty-five nationwide that offered a night program in New York. Since I was working full time to pay my own way, Fordham's top tier night division was perfect for me. After two...

As a tax attorney at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, my role is to advise clients on how to reduce tax liability and limit exposure to additional taxes and penalties. I advise our business clients in many complex transactions, such as triangular mergers, spin-offs, and stock-for-stock acquisitions. I also assist our business clients in complicated planning issues, such as analyzing new markets tax credits, drafting opinion letters, and selling businesses and assets. I help clients avoid exposure to civil and criminal tax penalties at all stages from audit to trial. I have represented...