Port Leyden Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

Joe Callahan began his career as a CPA with Deloitte in Manhattan and left there to work as a tax attorney. He's been with the law firm of Mackay, Caswell & Callahan since 1992 and is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut, together with the U.S. District Court and U.S. Tax Court.

Mackay, Caswell & Callahan, P.C handles various IRS and New York State tax controversies including IRS Audit Strategies and Defenses, Enforced Tax Collection (Notices of Levy & Notices of Lien), Offers in Compromise, Innocent & Injured Spouse Relief, Responsible Person Assessment Defense, Tax Court, IRS...

Benjamin Rabin was admitted to practice law in NY in 1994. After a brief stint as a public defender in Syracuse, NY, he worked for a small practice in Syracuse where he helped start the personal injury department. From there, Ben was hired as counsel for Cigna Insurance Company, and he handled cases all across New York, defending Cigna Insureds who were sued.

In 1999, Ben went back to his passion of representing injured people, working for a personal injury firm in Syracuse. He did that exclusively for over a decade, along the way handling major cases, and great numbers of...

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”...

Ted is the Chair for the State of New York (Northern and Western Districts) for the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. I am the Managing Attorney for the Bankruptcy Law Center. We have offices in Syracuse and White Plains, New York. After I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Economics I went to the State University of New York at Buffalo, where I got not only my law degree by also my Master of Arts Degree in Economics. Rather than jump right into private practice I decided to voluntarily give back to my country by joining the U.S....

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

The Ganje Law Office has earned a reputation for quality in the areas of Business and Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Banking and Financial Institution Law, and Real Estate Law. We have been providing comprehensive legal services to businesses for over 20 years. We have gained the respect of regional and national corporations and strive to foster strong business relationships with our clients. The Firm provides legal counsel and day-to-day operational guidance to banks, financial institutions and corporate clients. The firm provides legal services for commercial banks, finance companies and other financial institutions. We offer counsel in connection with financing, lending...

Douglas James Rose is a Partner in the litigation department of Tully Rinckey PLLC. Douglas focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation issues, including real estate, zoning, and land use, as well as contract actions and creditor-debtor relations. He previously worked in the Albany office of Deily, Mooney, & Glastetter, LLP. Prior to entering the legal profession, Doug served in the United States Coast Guard. Deployed primarily on law enforcement patrol duties in the Caribbean, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade). Doug received his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was a Dean’s Merit...

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...

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...

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...

Cynthia Ann K. Manchester has over 25 years of experience in the handling of personal injury cases, including car, motorcycle and trucking accidents, slip or trip and fall accidents, wrongful death cases, sexual abuse cases and other complex personal injury claims in both state and federal court. In addition, she routinely represents clients in estate planning, Medicaid planning and estate litigation.

She regularly represents clients in the Binghamton, Whitney Point, Greene, Owego and Cortland, New York areas and serves clients throughout Broome, Tioga, Cortland, Tompkins and Delaware county.

Bruce J. Wagner practices exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law, and represents clients in the negotiation and litigation of pre-nuptial agreements, separation and divorce. His areas of concentration include divorce; high net worth property cases; prenuptial agreements; interstate support; and international custody.

Bruce joined the firm in 1987, has been a principal since 1994, and chairs the firm's Matrimonial and Family Law Department. He also has a successful statewide appellate practice before the Appellate Divisions and the New York Court of Appeals. In January 2005, he began a two-year term as President of the American...

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...

Shaw & Murphy is a general practice law firm focused on providing high-caliber, personal and commercial legal service to clients in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier of New York.

We are a general practice on purpose: We believe clients benefit from a broad view of the law. We understand, for example, how divorce, custody, visitation and child support impact your business or that buying a house can also impact your estate planning.

Our lawyers and paralegals work together to provide clients with cost-effective solutions. We offer our wide experience in many areas of the law and our varied life experiences as...

Graig contributes to the versatility of O’Connell and Aronowitz’s legal services for Capital Region residents. He was brought in as an integral part of the firm’s Business Law & Transactions practice group. He represents businesses in asset acquisitions and sales, corporate formations, and advises clients in commercial litigation matters. He also represents private real estate clients, developers, banks and other institutional lenders in their real estate transactions. Graig also practices civil litigation and employment law, representing employers in employment discrimination, FLSA, FMLA and labor law matters. Graig received his juris doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University...

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...

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...

Attorney James D. Hartt represents victims of employment discrimination statewide. He has significant experience representing clients in the NYS Division of Human Rights, EEOC and in State and Federal Courts. Call Attorney James D. Hartt today to set up your free initial telephone consultation.
With Offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and a Satellite Office in Manhattan, Attorney James D. Hartt is proud to offer his legal expertise to New Yorkers statewide.

James practices in several other areas of law, including but not limited to: criminal defense, professional licensure defense, civil litigation, education law, and others!