Wells Bridge Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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”...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

I am a general practice attorney concentrating in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Family Law including Divorce and Uncontested Divorce and Criminal Law. Based in Auburn, New York the I service all of Central New York and the Fingerlakes Region including Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, Tompkins, Cortland and Oswego counties. I am a client focused Attorney. When you choose me to represent you you can rest assured that your matter will always take top priority and never get lost in the fray. My Office is dedicated to client satisfaction and customer service. In addition most services are...

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...

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...

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...

I represent individuals and small businesses in New York's Hudson Valley before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, in cases under chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.

My practice has been almost entirely restricted to bankruptcy for over 30 years. I have assisted hundreds of individuals struggling to get fair treatment from their mortgage holders, credit card banks and car lenders. Some of the cases I have been involved in included protecting clients against abusive conduct by mortgage companies, and responding to mortgage appraisal fraud and lending fraud. I have handled a number of small but relatively complex chapter...

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...

Mr. Provost is an attorney practicing in consumer bankruptcy (chapters 7 and 13) with the Law Firm of Ingber & Provost, LLP. His offices serve the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions in New York State, as well as the New York City metropolitan area and Long Island. Together with his partner, Norman Ingber, the Law Firm of Ingber & Provost, LLP has more than 40 years of combined professional experience helping clients find solutions to their debts, as well as other legal matters, such as personal injury, real estate, and criminal law, including DWI defense. Mr. Provost...

Nicklaus Misiti is chief attorney of the firm Law offices of Nicklaus Misiti. Mr. Misiti has practiced immigration law since he interned for an immigration judge during law school. In that time he has successfully resolved immigration issues for several clients. His firm handles all types of immigration matters, including but not limited to:
-naturalization applications;
-marriage and family based immigration;
-business and investor based immigration;
-removal defense and criminal immigration issues;
-BIA appeals and federal litigation;
-asylum and VAWA petitions.

Please feel free to contact Mr. Misiti so he can determine if he can help you with your immigration issue.

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...

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...