New Berlin Lawyers

I was born and raised in Ellenville, New York, and in 2015, I moved to New York City to begin my legal career. After living and working in the city for five years, I decided it was time to return home and establish my roots in a community that is growing and evolving. Ellenville has transformed into a vibrant and diverse village, and I love being part of its dynamic change while providing legal services to the community. My passion lies in helping entrepreneurs set up their new businesses for success. Starting a business for the first time can be intimidating,...

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...

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...

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...

Michael O’Leary, Esq. devotes his entire practice to consumer bankruptcy law, handling cases under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for individual persons, married couples and small businesses. In addition to having filed several thousand consumer bankruptcy cases for clients and having counseled many thousand more, Michael O’Leary served as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee in the Poughkeepsie (NY) Bankruptcy Court for seventeen (17) years (i.e. 1994 thru 2011), and administered well over ten thousand (10,000) Chapter 7 cases while serving in said capacity. Mr. O’Leary has established a well-deserved reputation as an attorney who capably and successfully represents his clients...

Bill Sipser has been a leading practitioner in the area of Labor Law and Employment Law Discrimination for almost thirty years. His practice is focused on representing clients in age discrimination, race discrimination, disability discrimination, and other matters involving employee rights. Bill has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, and before several governmental agencies involving representation of individuals and labor unions. Bill has prosecuted significant cases, including appeals before the Appellate Division of the State of New York as well as the federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He argued a critical employment discrimination issue before the...

Most people never imagine that they will be arrested and charged with a crime and assume that anyone who is arrested must be a criminal. The truth is that anyone can be arrested. A mistaken identification, a misunderstanding or dispute with the police or another party, even simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to being taken into custody by the police and charged with an offense. Being arrested can be one of the scariest moments in anyone's life. Suddenly your liberty is taken away and you may face the prospect...

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...

I began my career in 1994 at the City of Syracuse Office of the Corporation Counsel representing the City in workers' compensation matters. I joined the firm of McDonough, Digby and Leiter in 1997, and ultimately formed Leiter and Brune in 2005. In 2006 I joined the firm of Wolff, Goodrich and Goldman specializing in New York Workers' Compensation matters, and was named a partner in 2008. In 2014 I formed The Brune Law Office and now dedicate the firm to representing injured workers.

As a Partner in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Binghamton office, Kevin focuses his practice on real estate law and trust and estate law. He represents buyers, sellers and lenders in real estate transactions, and he appears before courts for out-of-area landlords in landlord-tenant disputes. Additionally, he works with clients on matters involving wills and estates.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Kevin operated his own real estate practice in Binghamton for more than 20 years. As part of his practice, Kevin is as an authorized agent for Stewart Title Insurance Company. He previously worked at several Binghamton-area law firms, which gave him...

Nick is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, and of the City’s “Northside.” A graduate of Henninger High School, Nick holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (summa cum laude) in Political Science from Brockport State University, in Brockport, New York, and a Juris Doctor Degree from Western New England College, School of Law, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Nick began his legal career in 1986 by serving as a Deputy County Attorney with the Onondaga County Department of Law, where he prosecuted child abuse and neglect cases. He then went on to serve for 16 years as an Assistant District Attorney with the...

Brent Xavier has been President at Anelli Xavier, since partnering with Tom Anelli in 2006. Over the year, he has helped bring in many former prosecutors and experienced criminal litigators together to form what he believes is the most powerful team of DWI defense lawyers in New York State. His goal is to make sure his team protects clients from the serious consequences of DWI charges. His firm philosophy is that as a whole, individual efforts add up to something bigger collectively for our clients in form of great representation. Brent Xavier received his B.A. degree from Cornell University...

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...

JULIE V. MERSEREAU, ESQ. focuses her practice on Collaborative Family Law and Divorce Mediation. MEDIATION provides assistance to couples as they negotiate towards the resolution of divorce, separation, reconciliation, parenting and other family issues. Mediation is a cooperative settlement process entered into voluntarily. The mediator acts as a neutral professional who helps the participants make practical, informed decisions to resolve their differences. This process encourages the participants to reach a voluntary agreement that is mutually satisfactory. The goal is to accomplish a “win – win” outcome wherein both parties have their needs and goals addressed and are “okay”...

With more than 15 years, in the estate and long-term care planning field, James provides counsel to individuals, families and business to guide them to achieve their planning goals by implementing strategies customized for each client's unique circumstances.

James focuses his practice in elder law, trusts and estates, guardianship, special needs planning, and business formation and succession planning.

Ms. Sanders is a highly skilled attorney and litigator with extensive experience in family and matrimonial law. Before joining The Colwell Law Group, LLC, she owned and operated a law practice on Long Island, focusing on family law matters. Throughout her career, Ms. Sanders has been dedicated to guiding clients through challenging times, providing support from the beginning of litigation to its resolution. She also served as a conflict defender with the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, assisting clients in both criminal and family court cases. “My approach is compassionate and client-centered, and it’s the foundation of my work here at...

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

Scott T. Dillon is an Associate in the Bankruptcy department of Tully Rinckey PLLC. Scott focuses his practice on bankruptcy litigation, including Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 filings. He previously was an Associate of another Capital Region firm and a New York City International AMLAW 100 Firm. He has represented secured lenders, debtors, trustees, and creditor committees in consumer and commercial bankruptcies throughout the northeast corridor and has represented national lender institutions. Scott has extensive court experience client representation in U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, U.S. District Courts and N.Y.S. Supreme Courts. Scott has represented individuals and companies in all aspects...

I have been a life long resident of the mid-hudson valley and have been a practicing attorney engaged in the private practice of law in New York since 1994. I attended Law School at Detroit College of Law in Detroit, MI, now known as Michigan State University School of Law and at Albany Law School in Albany, NY. I received a Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. I was immediately admitted to practice law in the State of New York in January of 1994 and began a concentrated practice in the areas of Bankruptcy and Debtor/Creditor Law, White Collar...

Paula M. Barbaruolo, Esq. is the Principal Attorney of the firm, and boasts over 25 years of experience in the Bankruptcy and debt reorganization fields. Ms. Barbaruolo received her Bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University and her J.D. degree from Albany Law School. Since 2014, Ms. Barbaruolo has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Albany Law School, teaching Consumer Bankruptcy. Ms. Barbaruolo is a regular lecturer in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage modification for numerous local bar associations, community groups, and legal service organizations. She also serves on the Northern District of New York Bankruptcy...

Brian M. Wang is the founding member of the Law Office of Brian Wang, PLLC. Brian began his legal career as an immigration attorney at Nationalities Service Center (NSC) in Philadelphia, where he completed an Independence Foundation Public Interest Law Fellowship. During his time at NSC, Brian provided immigration representation to Philadelphia's Chinese immigrant community. Following the conclusion of his fellowship, Brian was employed as a Senior Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) as a member of the Upstate New York Immigration Law Project. While at LASNNY Brian provided advice and representation to immigrant...

I joined the Matrimonial and Family Law Department of McNamee Lochner P.C. in 2014. My practice is focused on Matrimonial Law, Family Court, Plaintiff's Personal Injury, and Civil Defense matters. With 20 years of experience, I am a skilled and accomplished civil litigator. Upstate New York Super Lawyers Magazine has honored me as a Super Lawyer for Family Law in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

In 1994, I received my B.B.A. from the University of Hartford. I earned my J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University in 1999. I am a member of the Capital District Women's Bar Association, Albany County...

Richard practices general business law with an emphasis on taxation. He has wide-ranging experience in legal issues facing businesses includes: organizing corporations, limited liability companies, purchasing and selling businesses, leveraged buy-out transactions, financing arrangements, capital raising, venture capital, leasing and leveraged leasing, reorganizations/restructurings, shareholder agreements and disputes, qualified pension/profit sharing plans, ESOPs, and executive compensation plans. He represents clients in disputes with federal and state taxing authorities. Richard also engages in estate and management succession planning, particularly involving interests in closely-held businesses.

Richard was an Adjunct Professor of Law at Albany Law School from 1975 to 1999, where he taught courses...

Provide closing and title services to national and local banks, mortgage companies, loan officers, brokers, and consumers. Write deeds, search titles, prepare and process closing documents, disburse settlement funds, and execute closings. Landlord-tenant law. Analyze legal liability of businesses and implement crucial policies necessary to safeguard against potential legal claims. Form domestic and foreign corporations and other business entities. Prepare various legal disclaimers and contracts essential to protect businesses including but not limited to employee handbooks, confidentiality agreements, and corporate resolutions. Represent parties at school meetings, mediation sessions, and due process hearings. Civil litigation. Select constitutional law and discrimination cases...

As the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in the Mid-Hudson region, I am committed to providing the best estate planning and elder law services to our clients.

Effective estate, business and asset protection planning can only occur when the client truly understands their goals and objectives. Only then can we engage in a discovery process that can turn the client's hopes and dreams a reality. Our counseling-based approach is designed to make sure that the plan design is client driven, rather than attorney driven. Our maintenance plan helps ensure that the client's plan stays up-to-date though the many legal and life...

For more than 10 years, I have represented employers facing discrimination complaints filed with the NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Having handled more than 100 such matters, I am well versed in discrimination law and the procedures and strategies involved in resolving complaints. A discrimination complaint is stressful for any business. I have the experience to help you navigate through this process. ​​​I have performed investigations for employers related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodations. I also have extensive experience drafting and reviewing policies and providing training on various...

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...

PERSONAL INJURY. CRIMINAL DEFENSE. DWI. Over 20 years of HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL TRIAL EXPERIENCE. Former Prosecutor.

I spent nearly twenty years in law enforcement before I began practicing criminal defense. I have a unique set of skills and experiences that provide a rare insight into a critical analysis and preparation of a defense against criminal charges. As a police supervisor, I instructed hundreds of new and veteran police officers in procedure, use of force, search and seizure, and several other topics. My knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system, has aided my clients to find justice, and tip the scales in favor of the accused.

We help future dead people get organized so they don't leave a mess for their families when they die. We excel in guiding our clients through the often-confusing maze of financial and legal decisions to create estate plans that ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. Our practice includes family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning, as well as important incapacity planning strategies for parents of minor children. Whether you are married or single, with a traditional family or blended one, just starting out or looking back on a life well-lived, we will...