For almost 90 years, Hofstra University has proudly served Long Island with a commitment to those beyond its campus. Through educational opportunities, charitable endeavors, and many initiatives throughout Long Island, Hofstra continues to make a social and economic impact on its surrounding communities.
Jennifer Mone, Esq.
Hofstra’s Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
Dear fellow Long Islanders,
WHERALD TOP LAWYERS OF LONG ISLAND CLASS OF 2024
e're thrilled to unveil the 2024 Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island guide, a snapshot of the region's legal elite for both personal and corporate matters.
This year’s guide features 46 legal stars from Long Island, nominated for their standout skills and dedication to the community. These are the people who not only meet but exceed expectations in their legal practice and community involvement.
Attorneys are pivotal in navigating legal complexities, and we admire the commitment our honorees have to their clients and community.
Our celebration took place on April 16th at the Heritage Club at Bethpage in Farmingdale. Thanks to all who contributed to the success of our event, especially our host Kristin Thorne and our sponsors, including our Platinum Sponsor, the Villacorta Law Group, P.C., Gold Sponsors, Hofstra University and Mejias, Milgrim,
Alvarado & Lindo P.C. and Centerpiece Sponsor, Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro LLP.
We're also donating a portion of the event proceeds to Nassau Suffolk Law Services, an organization committed to ensuring that all Long Islanders are afforded quality legal services.
Congratulations to the 2024 Top Lawyers of Long Island, and thank you for your dedication to our community.
Warmly,
Stuart Richner CEO and Publisher Richner Communications, Inc.
TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
JOSEPH G. MILIZIO Managing Partner
VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP
Joseph G. Milizio is the Managing Partner of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP, where he leads the Business and Transactional Department, including the Real Estate and Exit & Succession Planning for Business Owners practices. He also heads the LGBTQ Representation and Surrogacy, Adoption, and Assisted Reproduction practices.
For 40 years, Joseph has represented Long Island businesses of all kinds, from disruptive startups to pedigreed establishments. His wide-ranging clientele includes retailers, manufacturers, real estate entities, health care providers, and other professional industries and organizations.
Joseph also founded the firm’s groundbreaking LGBTQ Representation practice, one of the first in the nation. He provides legal counsel, representation, and education to the LGBTQ community in a variety of matters, from workplace discrimination to estate planning to family law matters. Mr. Milizio is a trusted advisor to both his personal and business clients, often serving as executor, trustee, and legal guardian.
A sought-after authority on both business and transactional matters and LGBTQ community affairs, Joseph is regularly featured in national and local press. He has received many awards for his pro bono and community involvement work, including a Special Congressional Recognition in 2021.
CANNABIS PRACTICE
ANDREW COOPER Counsel
FALCON RAPPAPORT & BERKMAN LLP
After spending most of his over 30 years of practice focused on intellectual property, commercial litigation, and healthcare, and as General Counsel representing companies in markets such as salty snacks (Robert’s American Gourmet, and the iconic “Pirate’s Booty”), beer, wine and liquor (BH Group, “Notorious Pink” wine), Andrew pivoted to cannabis.
Since then, Andrew has represented clients in the emerging cannabis industry. Considered an expert on cannabis, Andrew represents clients at every level of the cannabis supply chain including cultivators, processors, delivery companies, distributors, testing laboratories, and dispensaries. He also represents investors, vendors, and ancillary players that supply their products and services to the industry.
Andrew is a Board Member of The JUSTÜS Foundation, a section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to facilitating the entry of legacy into the legal cannabis market, where he has assisted social equity applicants pro bono in navigating through the licensure process.
Andrew is a co-founder of Common Culture, a management consulting community that provides operational support to retail cannabis dispensaries through an affordable fractional model. He’s also an adjunct professor of law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University where he currently teaches a course entitled “The Law & Business of Marijuana”.
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
I was given the opportunity to participate in the New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) Cannabis Hub and Incubation Program (CHIP), an initiative aimed at continuing to advance Social and Economic Equity (SEE) in the New York cannabis industry through the Application Technical Assistance Program (TAP) which allowed SEE qualified applicants to receive technical assistance in completing the highly technical, document-intensive application process, as well as in the curing deficiency process for social and economic equity applicants.
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
I'm committed to helping build a truly socially equitable and fiscally robust cannabis market. As an Executive Board Member of The JUSTÜS Foundation, a section 501(c)(3) not-forprofit organization dedicated to ensuring and facilitating the entry of legacy operators to the legal cannabis market, I've assisted social equity and justice-involved applicants (those most directly affected by the failed war on drugs) pro bono in structuring their businesses and navigating through the licensure process. This support continues post-licensing where I continue to offer legal support services to the community.
CANNABIS PRACTICE
NICHOLAS T. TERZULLI Senior Counsel
DAVIDOFF HUTCHER & CITRON LLP
Nicholas T. Terzulli practices law at the nexus of business and government, providing legal, policy, regulatory and strategic guidance to clients on a range of corporate, real estate, economic development, health care, and cannabis-related issues. Handling a diverse roster of clients, Nick secured one of New York State's initial Conditional Adult-Use Recreation Dispensary Licenses, showcasing his expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
In his practice, Nick advises privately held businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and nonprofit organizations. Previously, he held roles as the Director of Business Development for the Nassau County Industrial Development Association and as an attorney at a leading Long Island-based law firm. Additionally, Nick serves as General Counsel to a real estate private equity fund managing assisted living facilities in Georgia and Virginia.
Beyond legal counsel, Nick is deeply involved in community initiatives. He holds leadership positions as Treasurer of the Nassau Community College Foundation Board and as a Board Member of Hugs from Friends, a nonprofit aiding Ukrainian children impacted by conflict.
Nick has taught economic development courses as an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University's Frank G. Zarb School of Business, and regularly speaks at economic development conferences, lectures, and events. Through his diverse contributions, Nick exemplifies legal excellence and community engagement.
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
Assisting dozens of entrepreneurs to apply for and secure adult-use cannabis licenses from New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management is a project that I am very proud of and reflects the nature of my practice and the expertise of our firm – assisting clients at the intersection of business and government. Navigating over 400 pages of regulations, understanding complicated land use requirements, and tracking the myriad of lawsuits that stymied the program’s roll out, required an all-hands-on-deck approach from our firm. Working collaboratively with my colleagues, we were able to secure one of the first adult-use dispensary licenses in New York for a client. Following that success, we have had numerous clients awarded licenses, with one of our clients recently opening a dispensary in Cohoes, New York.
Congratulations Nicholas Terzulli Treasurer, Nassau Community College Foundation, on your recognition as a Top Lawyer
Thank you Nick for your tireless commitment to our students, faculty and staff at Nassau’s hometown college.
DR. MARIA P. CONZATTI Chief Administrative Officer, NCC Class of 1986
The smart choice for higher education, serving more than 17,000 students annually and boasting 163,000 alumni.
BRYAN LEWIS Counsel
NIXON PEABODY LLP
Bryan Lewis is a seasoned commercial litigator with first-chair trial experience. He focuses his practice on contractual and business tort litigation, with industry experience representing clients in the banking, construction, healthcare, and technology products and services industries. He has secured successful verdicts in jury and bench trials, and at arbitration, and that experience has given him a better perspective on what is important in litigation, and what might be an unnecessary distraction. He uses this experience—and his willingness to try cases—to his clients’ advantage as he represents them through discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
Bryan is admitted to practice in New York; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York; U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York; and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York. He received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and a B.A. from Washington and Leet University.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
Unquestionably, it was making the decision to rejoin my current firm, Nixon Peabody, after over 13 years away. I had spent the first decade of my career at NP, and it was the partners and senior attorneys here who invested themselves in my development and helped lay the groundwork for much of the success I have had. The adage that you should surround yourself with good people should have an addendum—you should stay in touch with them as well—and I was fortunate to have done so and to have had the ability to reach out to them for advice as I considered a “new” phase in my career. The support offered by the firm and my colleagues has been tremendous, and my decision has put me in a great position to grow my practice and as a lawyer.
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
This isn’t so much overcoming a challenge but an example of coming to an important realization. When I became an attorney, I think I tried to take on a persona of how I thought a good attorney should act or who I thought my client wanted me to be for them in that engagement: the savvy negotiator, the bulldog litigator, the smartest person in the room, etc. The problem is these personas often are inconsistent with who we really are, and the work of maintaining them—thinking what an idealized “tough negotiator” might do rather than just doing what you think you should do—becomes exhausting. As cliché as it may sound, my most important professional realization may have been to be myself: to stop worrying about how other lawyers do things and to be my own version of a lawyer. I think this simple realization eliminated half of my professional stress and made me a more effective attorney.
CORPORATE
MARC SARACINO
Senior Associate
CAMPOLO, MIDDLETON & MCCORMICK, LLP
Marc Saracino is a member of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick’s corporate team, focusing primarily on M&A transactions, private equity, and alternative investments. His practice also encompasses private placements, commercial leasing, employment issues, and a variety of general corporate transactions. Marc also serves as General Counsel to Strata Alliance, a multi-family office with a network of carefully curated service providers, redefining the concept of assisting affluent and sudden wealth families.
Marc has experience negotiating corporate restructurings and drafting a range of corporate documents including purchase and credit agreements, subordination agreements, note purchase agreements, indentures, and legal opinions. Marc has played an integral role in a variety of deals in which he represented lender syndicates and managed the negotiation of deal documents and review of due diligence. He also has experience in cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance under the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering laws and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations.
Born and raised on Long Island, Marc earned the distinction of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America before heading to Binghamton University, where he majored in Financial Economics and minored in Business. He then attended New York Law School, where he led the Securities Arbitration Clinic, served on New York Law School Law Review, and ultimately graduated in the top five percent of his class. Marc began his career at Milbank LLP, an international law firm headquartered in Manhattan, focusing on alternative investments and structured finance.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
My decision to leave a large Manhattan law firm and bring my skills to a Long Island corporate firm has been the most pivotal decision impacting my current success. Born and raised on Long Island, I wanted to contribute to the local community where I saw a growing need for legal services. At Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP I found a community of like-minded attorneys who share my passion for serving the Long Island community. Joining CMM has been transformative, providing me with a platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and businesses across the island. Through my work at CMM, I have been able to leverage my legal skills to address the unique needs and challenges facing Long Island residents and businesses.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
NICHOLAS
RAMCHARITAR Owner and AttorneyNicholas Ramcharitar graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2012. Immediately after graduation, he started working for New York State representing the indigent. Following 3 years of success working for the state, he advanced to a position with a private defense firm where he successfully made partner. Eager to push himself further, after 2 years with that firm, Nicholas decided to open the Ramcharitar Law Firm in hopes of expanding his practice to offer aggressive & diligent, yet affordable representation for Long Island and the five boroughs.
Since its formation, The Ramcharitar Law Firm has successfully represented over 500 clients across different areas of law including criminal law, family law, immigration law, and personal injury cases. Nicholas has argued and defended cases in federal, state, and international jurisdictions, including the Caribbean.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
STEVEN
M. RAISER Founding Partner RAISER & KENNIFF, PCSteven M. Raiser is a Founding Partner at Raiser & Kenniff where he focuses on litigation both civil and criminal. A Long Island native, Steven started off as a counselor for teenagers who had trouble with the law and were residing in group homes. While attending law school at night, Steven ran a full-service social work and community service program in midtown Manhattan where he supervised individuals previously convicted of crimes, through The Rikers Early Release Program.
Steven has served as an Assistant District Attorney, successfully prosecuting hundreds of high-profile criminal cases. While serving as a prosecutor, he joined the U.S. Army and volunteered for active duty in Iraq. There he served in the office of the Staff Judge Advocate. In recognition of his service in Iraq, he earned the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Army Commendation Medal for exceptional meritorious service during combat operations.
Steven is a past President of The Criminal Courts Bar Association and Criminal Courts Foundation. He currently serves as a mentor to attorneys through the Nassau County Assigned Counsel Panel. He has recently been recognized as an AV preeminent attorney by Martindale-Hubbell for the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards by both members of the Bar and Judiciary.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
Our decision to allow our staff to largely work from home post-COVID. This has given everyone the opportunity to balance work and family life while maximizing the benefits to our clients with a team that is energetic, motivated and focused on serving them.
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
We are particularly proud of the team we assembled on our most high-profile case of the year. We brought together medical and forensic experts, consultants, paralegals and retired judges, all with a laser focus on obtaining justice for our client.
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
The greatest challenge in my career has been getting through COVID while preserving jobs at our firm, and then coming out of it stronger and better equipped to succeed for our clients who put their faith and trust in us.
DEBT RESOLUTION
LESLIE H. TAYNE Founder & Managing Director TAYNE LAW GROUP, P.C.
Leslie H. Tayne is a highly respected attorney, financial expert, and author renowned for her expertise in debt resolution and financial management. With over two decades of experience, Leslie has established herself as a prominent figure in the legal and financial industries, earning accolades for her dedication to helping individuals navigate challenging financial situations. As the founder of Tayne Law Group, P.C., she leads a team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing personalized solutions for clients facing debt-related issues.
Throughout her career, Leslie has demonstrated a keen understanding of the complexities of debt and finance, leveraging her expertise to negotiate with national banks, credit unions, collections agencies, and creditor law firms. Her approach prioritizes building trusting relationships with clients, guiding them through the process with compassion and understanding.
Leslie is a sought-after media contributor and author, sharing her insights on personal finance. Her book, "Life & Debt: A Fresh Approach to Achieving Financial Wellness," offers practical advice for individuals seeking to regain control of their financial lives.
Leslie's dedication to her clients, coupled with her extensive experience and passion for financial literacy, has earned her recognition as a leading authority in debt resolution and financial management.
Q&A
Balancing a successful career and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage this balance, and what advice would you give to other women striving for the same?
Balancing my career and personal life has been a challenging journey of prioritization and self-care. I was a single parent most of my children’s lives and have managed to raise on my own, now, 3 successful and happy young adults. I am so proud of the people they have become. I make a conscious effort to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and prioritize activities that bring me joy and fulfillment outside of work. Building a strong support network of family, friends, and colleagues has also been invaluable. My advice to other women striving for balance is to embrace imperfection. It’s not always going to be easy and there are times when you think, “How can I keep going?”, but you do. You make it work and you get through. Prioritize self-care, take some time for yourself, whether it’s just a walk around the block or getting away for a day or so alone. Recognize that it's okay to ask for and seek out help when needed.
RANDI MILGRIM Partner
MEJIAS, MILGRIM, ALVARADO & LINDO, P.C.
With more than two decades of success and experience, Randi M. Milgrim has earned a reputation as one of the top matrimonial and family attorneys in New York.
Randi is one of the few attorneys in New York who has been qualified as an expert by a trial court. She has served as an expert in many legal malpractice cases and her expertise and advice is sought after by attorneys all over the state.
Randi strikes a balance between relentless advocacy for her clients and obtaining compassionate and amicable resolutions for them. She has helped victims see beyond their current abusive situation, giving them the strength, courage and ability to remove themselves from an unhealthy relationship.
Randi’s success has been recognized by the community at large. She received the prestigious “Outstanding Woman in the Law” award from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. She has also been named as “Best Divorce Attorney on Long Island” by the Long Island Press.
Q&A
What has been one of your greatest achievement(s)?
While attending law school at Touro Law Center, I had the opportunity to intern for a domestic violence clinic. During my internship, I learned from seasoned attorneys how to protect and fight for women who were the victims of domestic violence. I listened to their stories and their desperation to escape abusive relationships. I was forutnate to work with these women to help them obtain Orders of Protection in Family Vourt, which was generally their first step in a journey to end their marriage. Their bravery and courage to come foward inspired me to dedicate my legal career to working in the family and matrimonial field, helping souses end difficult and, at times, dangerous relationshops while securing them for the future.
Mejias,
EDUCATION
TIFFANY C. GRAHAM
Associate Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion TOURO UNIVERSITY, JACOB D. FUCHSBERG LAW CENTER
Tiffany C. Graham is an Associate Professor of Law and the Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Tiffany joined the faculty at Touro after serving for six years as both the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and a faculty member at the University of South Dakota School of Law. She primarily teaches in the areas of constitutional law and race and the law, but has also taught criminal procedure, law and sexuality, and torts. She has written and spoken nationally on topics broadly related to LGBTQ+ equality, including marriage equality, LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, conversion therapy, and the integration of LGBTQ+ communities in rural spaces. Previously named as a Fulbright award winner, Tiffany’s work has appeared in multiple law journals, as well as in the book, "Integrating Doctrine and Diversity: Inclusion and Equity in the Law School Classroom" (Carolina Press 2021).
Q&A
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
I am on the board of directors for two organizations: Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and the Family Service League. In addition, I am a member of the New York State Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights. The opportunity to serve the community through these organizations is especially important to me because of the role that all of them play in serving people who are most in need of support.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My primary goals for the coming year are to continue my work as an academic and to continue serving the community, on Long Island, in particular, and in New York overall.
EDUCATION
JENNIFER M. MONE
Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
As Chief Legal Officer for Hofstra University, Jennifer M. Mone manages all the University’s legal affairs. She is a trusted strategic advisor who mitigates risk for highly regulated companies while strengthening the framework for rapid growth in alignment with mission and business objectives.
Jennifer earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law, where she served as editor-inchief of the Fordham Urban Law Journal and received the Outstanding Woman Law Graduate and New York State Bar Association Law Student Ethics awards.
She began her legal career as clerk to the Honorable Loretta A. Preska, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York and went on to become a commercial litigator at private law firms. In 2002, she obtained a $100 million-plus verdict, one of the top 25 jury verdicts in the United States and the top verdict in New York, representing crime victims in a wrongful death trial.
Currently, Jennifer is a member of WomenExecs on Boards, the National Association of College and University Attorneys, the Association of Corporate Counsel, and the New York City Bar Association.
Q&A
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
As an attorney, I am always looking for ways to develop new skills and hone my experience. Due to some recent unforeseen changes in my professional life, I now have the opportunity to play more of a leadership role in my practice. Looking forward, my firm will be seeking to upgrade and improve our technology solutions to enhance our overall efficiency, to explore opportunities to offer additional services to our clients, and to continue investing in our excellent team of professionals. I plan to meet these challenges head-on with strength and determination and am grateful for the opportunity to continue providing unparalleled service to our clients.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
We are at the cusp of revolutionary changes in the way we work and interact through artificial intelligence. One of my goals for the coming year is to learn what I can about artificial intelligence and its impact on the law. My brother, Gregory Mone, who is a New York Times bestselling author, recently co-wrote a book “The Heart and the Chip,” with Daniela Rus, the director of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, expounding upon our bright future with robots. Step one in achieving my objective will be to read this book!
ELDER LAW
KRISTI DIPAOLO
Senior Associate
CONA ELDER LAW
Kristi DiPaolo is a Senior Associate at Cona Elder Law who concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, asset protection, estate administration, and elder law. As a member of the estate planning department, Kristi handles the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills.
As an elder law attorney, Kristi is responsible for the unique legal issues affecting older adults as they age. She is an advocate for multigenerational families, assisting across the generations with estate planning, long-term care planning and asset protection as well as assistance with major life decisions, such as planning for future health care needs.
Kristi serves as a committee member to NCBA Elder Law and Surrogate's Court Estates and Trusts and is the former chairperson of Animal Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association. And n addition to the New York State Bar and the Nassau County Bar Associations, Kristi is also a member of National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) as well as the Senior Umbrella Network of Nassau County (SUN).
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
My husband was diagnosed with a serious illness in 2023 and I took on a role as his caregiver. Going through this experience made me even more empathic and compassionate with our clients and gave me a full understanding of what they go through. It has helped me be a stronger advocate for clients and, I believe, has made me a better attorney.
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
Corporate social responsibility and community involvement is a core value at Cona Elder Law and part of the fabric of the firm. I participate in all charitable events and community programs along with my colleagues at the firm. In addition, I participate in educational events and programs at the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC), where I serve as a council member. I also participate in charitable events and programs in my community such as Alzheimer’s walks, animal rescue organizations and regularly donate to charities such as PAWS and Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. I also donate to local charitable events in my town (Lindenhurst) and for my community. I believe that giving back is important and helping those in times of need is truly rewarding.
ILANA F. DAVIDOV Founder & Estate Planning Attorney
DAVIDOV LAW GROUP P.C.
Ilana F. Davidov is the founder of Davidov Law Group P.C., a boutique law firm located on the border of Queens and Long Island. With over 20 years of experience in estate planning and elder law, Ilana is passionate about educating families on how an estate plan can have a substantial impact on the lives of her clients and their loved ones.
Ilana has helped over a thousand clients craft an estate plan that is specific to their circumstances, whether the goal is to protect their assets from longterm care expenses, avoid probate, or create a special needs trust or other protective measures for their beneficiaries. She also assists her clients in applying for Medicaid.
Ilana’s dedication and commitment to her clients have earned her recognition in her field, including being selected a NY Metro Super Lawyers honoree in Estate Planning & Probate Law between 2020-2023, as well as being ranked among America's Most Honored Lawyers in the last couple of years.
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
This past year was the first year that our firm ran a scholarship for a deserving student to use towards college. The scholarship was called the Davidov Law Group Future Leaders Scholarship and focused on helping a student who is looking to use their education to make a positive impact on the world. It felt great being able to pay it forward for the next generation. We look forward to reviewing this year’s scholarship applications and issuing the scholarship to the deserving student!
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
One of the major ways that I contribute to my community is by mentoring high school and college students that are interested in pursuing a career in law. I enjoy doing so by attending career day in local high schools and speaking with the high school students about working in the legal profession. The students have an opportunity to reach out to me with questions. In addition, our firm offers paid internships to college students, which allows them to get handson experience in the legal industry as well as a reference letter for law school.
ESTATE PLANNING
MICHAEL DAVIDOV Partner
DAVIDOV LAW GROUP P.C.
Principal Financial Planner
DAVIDOV FINANCIAL
Michael Davidov is the managing partner at Davidov Law Group, P.C., and the Principal Financial Planner at Davidov Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm.
Using a holistic approach, Michael combines his unique experience as both an estate planning attorney and a certified financial planner to help professionals, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals grow and preserve their wealth.
Michael has been recognized by Best Lawyers, the NY Metro Super Lawyers® and other organizations as a leader in the field of estate planning and wealth management, dubbed as the affluent client’s “best friend.”
Q&A
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
Early in my career, I recognized that estate planners and financial planners spoke different languages and communicated differently with their clients, leaving the people they serve confused and misguided. I strove to bridge the gap between these two bodies of knowledge and to provide a holistic solution to our clients that encompasses both bodies of expertise in one office. The ability to communicate clearly with clients about their short- and long-term goals has been well received, evolving into a successful comprehensive wealth management practice.
ESTATE PLANNING
DONNA STEFANS Founder & Lead Attorney STEFANS LAW GROUP PC
Donna Stefans is the founder and lead attorney at Stefans Law Group PC with over 25 years of experience in elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, retirement income planning, medicaid optimization, and income tax & asset management.
Additionally, Donna is an Investment Advisor Representative and AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) with Cetera Advisor Networks and brings over 30 years of experience to her wealth management practice, Wealth Advisory Associates. At Summit Tax Advisors, Donna serves as the President of a comprehensive tax and accounting practice.
Donna is a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and spends much of her free time working with people who have Alzheimer's, dementia, and other special needs.
She is also a board member of NY NAELA and the NYSBA Elder Law Committee, communities of attorneys who specialize in handling legal issues affecting people as they age and those with special needs.
Her extensive background in financial, legal, and tax matters allows Donna the ability to create holistic solutions for her clients and generations to come.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
Deciding to embark on the project and goal of empowering women to educate themselves and take control of their financial lives.
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
The Women and Wealth Empowerment Project has helped many women who have come to my speaking engagements learn how to start the road to financial success , no matter what age and stage in life they are in. Relating to women in this way is very gratifying knowing I am making an impact in one of the scariest yet most important areas of their lives.
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
Women make up less than 20% of financial advisors in my industry. During my career, I have been faced with being the only woman in a room of professionals and being either ignored or presumed to be lower-level staff. The men stick together, and it’s very hard to work in my industry without relationships with other professionals with resources, connections, and referrals.
I am thankful I haven’t been alone because my mother, Marilyn Stefans, is my business partner and an amazing mentor who pioneered ahead of me and has always been by my side. As a single mother in a male-dominated industry, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. We have created an amazing business together, doing it our way, and I am grateful!
NEIL B. FANG Partner
SCHWARTZ, FANG & KEATING, P.C.
Neil B. Fang is a partner of the law firm of Schwartz, Fang & Keating, P.C. Neil is a recognized authority in the areas of estate and income tax planning, estate administration, family-owned business succession planning, charitable planning, elder law and real estate. He also successfully represents clients in contested estate and trust proceedings in addition to federal and state tax audits. His clients are generally high net worth individuals and families and he has helped them save millions of dollars in estate and income tax by implementing various well-proven tax planning techniques which he has refined over his many years of practice. In addition, Neil vigorously represents executors, trustees and beneficiaries of estates. He has broad experience in the probate and administration of estates in the Surrogate’s Court.
Neil is a member of the New York bar, also serving on the American Bar Association, Trust & Estates Committee, New York State Bar Association, Trust & Estates Committee, and Nassau County Bar Association, Trust & Estates Committee. Additionally, he is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in New York and is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs.
In addition to obtaining his law degree, Neil has earned a Masters of Law in Taxation, Masters of Business in Accounting and Bachelors of Arts in Economics. He has lectured extensively on estate and tax planning issues and has published articles on various tax related matters. He has co-authored the tax section of the treatise entitled “Elder Law and Guardianships in New York.”
ESTATES & TRUSTS
GREGORY L. MATALON Partner
CAPELL BARNETT MATALON & SCHOENFELD LLP
Gregory L. Matalon concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, elder law, and not-for-profit and religious corporations law. He helps individuals and families plan for the future through the preparation of last wills and testaments, trusts, living wills and health care proxies, and durable powers of attorney documents. Greg also represents executors and trustees in navigating the complex federal and state laws impacting estates and trusts. In this, he has identified areas of unsettled law and either clarified existing law or, in some cases, created new law through his submissions of private letter ruling requests to both the Internal Revenue Service and New York City Department of Finance. He has been successful on behalf of his clients in each instance.
Greg regularly lectures on various topics of law, including estate planning and estate administration, Medicaid planning, same-sex couples planning, and religious corporations law topics, and is regularly interviewed by journalists and is a frequent contributor to a host of publications, including the New York Law Journal. He is proud to have represented numerous families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and to have helped to establish the Lutheran Disaster Response of New York, created in the aftermath.
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
I am proud of the growth of Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld and my contribution to it. After creating the firm in 2004 with offices in Jericho, NY, we have continuously expanded our offices and now occupy a building in Syosset. During that time, we added a Manhattan office location and continue to increase our presence there. We are now moving to our largest NYC location across the street from Penn Station all of which to better serve our clients.
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
In 2004, my then-supervising partner and I made the decision to leave the law firm where we practiced to create our own firm. Having to start everything from the ground up was both an amazing opportunity and a seemingly daunting task. Over the past 20 years that opportunity proved to be the best professional decision I made. The process took a lot of work, dedication, and sacrifice but ultimately resulted in a lot of rewards.
HON. GAIL PRUDENTI Partner
BURNER PRUDENTI LAW, P.C.
Hon. Gail Prudenti joined Burner Prudenti Law as Partner in August 2023. She has distinguished herself as a well-respected jurist and hands-on administrator throughout a judicial career that lasted more than two decades.
Judge Prudenti served as the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York State. As Chief Administrative Judge, she supervised the administration and operation of the statewide court system. Prior to her appointment as Chief Administrative Judge, she served as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department in New York State; the first woman to hold that position. Before that, she was the first woman from Suffolk County to serve as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department.
From May 2017 to June 2023, Judge Prudenti served as the tenth dean of Hofstra Law. During her deanship, Judge Prudenti successfully improved the quality and credentials of the student body; strengthened the Law School’s financial standing; launched cutting-edge legal tech and interdisciplinary programs; and helped create the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council at the Law School.
In April 2020, Judge Prudenti was appointed to a newly established COVID-19 Recovery Task Force to oversee the pro bono network of lawyers who would assist New Yorkers suffering from the pandemic. She is also a Founding Member of Mediation Solutions of NY, a women-owned business with three female founding members. The firm provides in-person and virtual mediation and arbitration services for attorneys and their clients across Long Island and New York City.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
In September 2023, the formation and partnership of Burner Prudenti Law, P.C.
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
In April 2023, the formation of Mediation Solutions of New York, LLC
JACOB RUBINSTEIN Founding and Managing Partner RUBINSTEIN LAW
FIRM, PLLC
Jacob Rubinstein, Esq., is not just a lawyer; he's a guiding light for those navigating the often turbulent waters of divorce. As the Founding and Managing Partner of Rubinstein Law Firm, PLLC, he brings a unique blend of legal acumen and compassionate understanding to every case he handles.
With a career spanning a decade, Jacob has built a reputation as a formidable force in family law. He is known for both his skills in litigation and, as a certified mediator, in mediation. His unwavering commitment to his clients’ well-being, coupled with his sharp analytical skills, has earned him the respect of both peers and clients alike. Whether it's negotiating complex settlements or litigating high-stakes disputes, Jacob approaches each case with diligence and determination.
Beyond his legal prowess, Jacob is known for his empathy and ability to connect with clients on a personal level. He understands that divorce is not just a legal process but a deeply emotional journey, and he strives to provide his clients with the support and guidance they need every step of the way.
As the head of Rubinstein Law Firm, PLLC, Jacob leads a team of dedicated professionals who share his commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Together, they provide a comprehensive range of family law services, including divorce mediation, child custody disputes, property division, and more.
Outside of the courtroom, Jacob is actively involved in his community, volunteering his time to those who cannot afford counsel and is also an ordained rabbi. and expertise to various charitable organizations.
HEALTHCARE
BETTINA
L. HOLLIS Senior Associate THE RIZZUTO LAW FIRMBettina L. Hollis is a senior associate at The Rizzuto Law Firm focusing her practice on representing victims of nursing home neglect. She specializes in complex litigation and has experience in the areas of environmental law, toxic tort, and personal injury. She is a member of Touro University’s Institutional Review Board, which reviews and approves studies involving human subjects to ensure protections are in place to avoid abuse and exploitation.
Bettina attended St. John’s University School of Law part time while working full time at a CPA firm and excelled in her studies graduating with honors. She was a founding member of the Animal Law Society and Research Editor on the New York International Law Review. She clerked for United States District Court Judge, Honorable E. Thomas Boyle, of the Eastern District of New York and studied abroad at St. John’s campus in Rome, Italy, where she developed an interest in refugee and immigrant’s rights. Upon her return to the States, she joined the Refugee and Immigrant Rights Clinic at Catholic Charities.
Bettina believes justice is possible striving to give a voice to her clients and their families and tries to practice by the motto, “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are,” –Benjamin Franklin.
Q&A
Balancing a successful career and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage this balance, and what advice would you give to other women striving for the same?
It is undeniably difficult to balance career and home life. It is important to give attention to each, and to recognize sometimes one has to wait while the other gets the attention. Often, my career gets the lion’s share of my attention, and I am lucky to have an understanding family. Likewise, when family must come first, I am lucky to have co-workers who assist and support each other. This base of support is the key to balancing work and home.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I have several cases coming up for trial and I look forward to representing my clients to the best of my ability, to tell their stories, and to move the jury to find in their favor.
HEALTHCARE
LINDSAY MALESON
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Healthcare NIXON PEABODY LLP
Lindsay Maleson, partner and practice group leader of Nixon Peabody’s Healthcare Group, represents teaching hospitals and medical schools with respect to attaining and maintaining ACGME and AOA accreditation of their graduate medical education (GME) programs. She also counsels numerous hospital clients with respect to peer review, physician and resident discipline and reporting, compliance with Joint Commission standards and applicable law, drafting and updating medical staff bylaws and related issues. Lindsay also conducts medical staff hearings and appeals. She has more than 20 years of experience.
Lindsay is admitted to practice in New York and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York. She received her J.D., cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School where she was the Executive Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review.
DAVID
David Mejias has received many accolades in his years serving the community, both as managing partner at Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, P.C. and in the past as a county legislator. However, his greatest accomplishments continue to be the victories he secures on behalf of his clients. Dave has won numerous precedent-setting cases in the appellate courts on cases involving custody, maintenance, and child support.
A divorce or custody battle can be the most traumatic time in a person’s life. Dave’s strength as a litigator has led to life altering victories for his clients. For Dave, the business of law is personal. It is passion and principle that guide his practice and allow him the triumph on behalf of his clients, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Dave is a graduate of the University at Albany School of Business and Fordham University School of Law.
Q&A
What/who inspired you to be on the path your’re on today?
My Father was a political prisoner in Communist Cuba. He was imprisoned for fighting for democracy. He came to America to find freedom and justice. He taught me that in America we have freedom, opportunity and most importantly a system of justice that ensures that all people have basic rights and are treated equally.
IMMIGRATION
MICHAEL
CATALIOTTI Principal CATALIOTTI LAW P.C.IMMIGRATION
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT
NATHALIE L. BELL Managing Partner BELL LAW GROUP, PLLC
Michael Cataliotti, Esq. is the Principal at Cataliotti Law P.C., a boutique immigration law practice working with international artists, entertainers, athletes, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, academics, executives, and more, across a variety of industries and disciplines, ranging from television, film, fashion, and finance, to AI/ML, sciences, journalism, architecture, and everything in between. He has worked with and advised businesses from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, as well as prominent athletes, artists, entertainers, and entrepreneurs and international media conglomerates.
Ilana F. Davidov is the founder of Davidov Law Group P.C., a boutique law firm located on the border of Queens and Long Island. With over 20 years of experience in estate planning and elder law, Ilana is passionate about educating families on how an estate plan can have a substantial impact on the lives of her clients and their loved ones.
Ilana has helped over a thousand clients craft an estate plan that is specific to their circumstances, whether the goal is to protect their assets from longterm care expenses, avoid probate, or create a special needs trust or other protective measures for their beneficiaries. She also assists her clients in applying for Medicaid.
Eduardo M. Villacorta stands as the esteemed founder of Villacorta Law Group, P.C., a distinguished immigration firm catering to the Hispanic community residing in Long Island, NY.
Michael is a faculty member at Lawline CLE, has led town halls, workshops, and Q&A sessions at Harvard University, Columbia University, NYU, Juilliard, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), and the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA), among others, and is a regular contributor to the New York State Bar Association’s Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Journal (EASL), where he writes a column on the topics of sports and entertainment immigration.
Ilana’s dedication and commitment to her clients have earned her recognition in her field, including being selected a NY Metro Super Lawyers honoree in Estate Planning & Probate Law between 2020-2023, as well as being ranked among America's Most Honored Lawyers in the last couple of years.
Additionally, Michael is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), where he is an active participant on several committees, including the Board of Publications as a peer reviewer. Michael has also been recognized as one of Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars” since 2018, and in 2023 was named one of “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” in the field of Immigration. He serves on the Board of Dance/NYC where he sits on the Legal Committee, and is a member of the Salmagundi Art Club, serving on its Curatorial Committee, as well as having memberships at Marquis Who’s Who, Chambers, and Forbes Business Council.
A graduate of Hofstra University and St. John’s University School of Law, Michael is proficient in Russian, holds a basic, working knowledge of Spanish, and specializes in handling complex and/or unorthodox business immigration matters, making him a regular contact for other attorneys seeking advice and guidance regarding their immigration cases.
Eduardo’s legal journey began at the esteemed Central American University in El Salvador. After earning his law degree there, he embarked on a transformative path. His pursuit of legal excellence brought him to the United States, where he enrolled in law school once again. At West Virginia University, he honed his skills and became an integral part of the Immigration Law Clinic. His dedication paid off as he successfully navigated the rigorous bar exams in both New York and New Jersey. Today, he stands proudly as a licensed attorney in these states as well as in his home country, El Salvador.
In 2015, Eduardo rooted himself in Long Island, NY, swiftly establishing himself as a leading figure in immigration law. His tenure witnessed countless victories as he championed the causes.
Q&A
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
A major challenge I have overcome in my career has been leaving the comfort of an Associate position to start my own practice. I overcame this challenge by taking a risk, having faith in my staff, and trusting in the support of the community. Our clients understand that their case is personal to us, and we never waver in our dedication to their representation. Another challenge I faced was trusting remote workers to maintain production levels. However, the utilization of remote workers has been more successful than anticipated and has contributed significantly to the success of the firm.
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
I contribute to the community as the Legal Director for the Long Island Immigration Clinic. The Long Island Immigration Clinic was founded in 2023 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph to provide free legal services for immigrants who are unable to hire an attorney. Thanks to my involvement, I have helped the Long Island Immigration Clinic become an accredited representative to represent immigrants before the Executive Office of Immigration Review. I believe this is important because I believe everybody, independent of whether they can afford an attorney, deserves and should have adequate legal representation to protect their rights.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead to the coming year, my goal is to expand my practice and services to upstate New York and New Jersey where there is a great need in the community for immigration services.
Nathalie L. Bell is managing partner of the firm and a practicing attorney since 2002. Nathalie received her law degree from New York Law School in 2001 and began her career as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in the Queens District Attorney’s Office. After eleven years as an ADA, Ms. Bell brought her experience as a prosecutor with her to the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) where she was appointed as Senior Counsel in the Department’s Legal Bureau and then subsequently promoted to the Deputy Bureau Chief. During her time at the NCPD, Ms. Bell also served as the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Workplace Violence Representative, where she was in charge of screening and investigating all types of discrimination claims as well as complaints covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In 2022-2023, Nathalie joined the New York City Police Department’s executive staff after being appointed as Counsel to NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. While working in this role, she served as a confidant to the police commissioner, counseling her and the NYPD executive staff on a myriad of issues pertaining to police officer discipline, labor, employment, EEO and other related union matters.
Nathalie handles cases in New York State related to private sector, federal employee employment issues, and personal injury. Her extensive knowledge and background in these fields and expertise in EEO matters have made her successful in obtaining the best results for her clients. Nathalie is admitted to practice in New York State as well as the United States District Court in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
TO ALL THE 2024 TOP LAWYERS Congratulations
“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.”
-- The Dalai Lama
Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. is a distinguished provider of legal services, with a reputation for integrity, insight and excellent client service. With offices in Garden City, New York City and Washington, D.C., the firm’s attorneys are committed to their clients, community and public affairs.
Global Legal Resources Local Long Island Roots
Greenberg Traurig congratulates our friend and colleague DANIEL BAKER for being named a Top Lawyer of Long Island by Herald Community Newspapers. With distinguished attorneys who have local know-how and the resources of a top tier global platform, we bring a wealth of experience and value closer to where key decision-makers in booming industries live. GT is the only global law firm with offices on Long Island and Manhattan, Westchester, and New Jersey – we have the New York Metropolitan area covered!
JOHN C. FARRELL Partner
SAHN WARD BRAFF KOBLENZ COSCHIGNANO, PLLC
John Farrell concentrates his practice in the areas of zoning and land use planning, environmental law, litigation and appeals and municipal law and legislative practice. John represents developers, property owners and franchisees in land use approval cases, municipal litigation and real estate transactions.
John began his career in public service as an Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Babylon, where he served as counsel to the Town's Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board. He also acted as lead prosecutor for zoning violations in the Town. After leaving the Town, John was associated with several prominent Long Island law firms before joining SAHN WARD BRAFF KOBLENZ COSCHIGNANO PLLC.
He is a lifelong resident of Long Island and has been very active in his community. He has served as a member of the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals for the past nine years and has been an active member of the Sons of the American Legion in Lindenhurst for the past 25 years. In 2013, Touro College presented John with the Public Interest Attorney of the Year Award.
Recently, John was appointed to the Advisory Board of Touro Law School’s Land Use & Sustainable Development Law Institute. The Institute is dedicated to issues that are very important to John, such as addressing some of Long Island’s most pressing social concerns, including climate change and natural disaster resiliency; creating thriving urban centers and downtowns; affordable housing; and managing water resources, including stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water.
He was also named one of The Long Island Business News 40 Under 40 for 2015.
John was admitted to practice in New York State in 2001. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Suffolk County Bar Association and the Nassau County Bar Association.
John received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University (1997) and his Juris Doctor from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro College (2000).
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
I worked on a major redevelopment of a property in the Village of Great Neck. It took more than three years to bring this project, a 60 unit apartment complex, to a conclusion. We secured the final approval in this long process in late 2023. It is presently under construction.
LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
EDWARD G. MCCABE Partner
SAHN WARD BRAFF KOBLENZ
COSCHIGNANO, PLLC
Edward G. McCabe is Partner with Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano, PLLC. He concentrates his practice on civil and commercial litigation and appeals, municipal law and legislative practice and real estate law and transactions.
Edward has litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts involving complex issues in law, in addition to his substantial experience litigating cases involving administrative and municipal proceedings and construction contract disputes, including mediation and arbitration proceedings. He also has vast experience in real estate transactions and the complexity of contractual negotiations. Prior to joining the firm, Edward managed his own general law practice handling all aspects of client representation from litigation to real estate transactional work, such as contract and lease preparation.
Edward is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. He is the Vice Chairman of the Town of Islip Zoning Board of Appeals. He was admitted to the Suffolk County Bar Association. He also received his Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
The most pivotal decision I made in 2023 was to join the law firm of Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz & Coschignano, PLLC. After being a sole practitioner for the last 15 years, the decision will allow me to expand my practice and work as I work with a team of dedicated professionals to better serve my clients and strive for individual success. I look forward to assisting the firm in expanding the Suffolk County office and look forward to creating a greater presence there in the coming years.
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
I believe the greatest challenge that I had early on as a lawyer was a fear of public speaking and being able to handle myself in a public forum. I believe there were 2 important factors that enabled me to overcome this issue early in my career. These factors consisted of having trained and experienced giving of their time to work with me and having the dedication myself to get back up if you're knocked down. This was an important lesson for me that it is part of my role that it is time to give back and work with the younger associates.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My goal in the current year is to expand my own horizons. I have for most of my career been a litigator. I have recently had the opportunity to serve on the Town of Islip Board of Zoning Appeals and have been exposed to an area of law which I have never practiced. I am looking forward to expanding into real estate, surrogate’s practice and other areas.
MICHAEL
J.Michael J. Antongiovanni is a Shareholder of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C., practicing in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution group. Michael counsels and represents an array of clients, ranging from individuals and professionals to startups, small businesses and large, international companies.
Michael advises and represents clients on a variety of commercial and civil disputes, including matters involving business disputes, real estate claims, breaches of contract, fraud, fiduciary breaches, shareholder and partnership disputes, misappropriation of confidential information and property, shareholder derivative suits, valuation proceedings, employment matters, unfair competition, adverse possession and easement issues, construction law, business torts and other civil claims.
Michael is the Shareholder in charge of all Real Estate Litigation at the firm and serves as general counsel to the Board of Managers of a mixed-use condominium, located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. He also represents clients in Trust and Estate proceedings before the New York State Surrogate’s Court, including probate and accounting proceedings, kinship proceedings and proceedings concerning the validity of trusts and other estate planning instruments. Michael is also a judicial referee and receiver, appointed by the New York State Supreme Court’s Commercial Division to preside over certain commercial matters and valuation proceedings.
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
While I could mention here some high-stakes business litigation successes, the matter that I am most proud of this year was when I assisted an elderly client in recovering title to her residence that a relative had fraudulently misappropriated. Though this may not have been the most flashy result for some attorneys, it meant the world to this client and I am grateful that I could assist her in achieving it.
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
I am a former director of the Nassau County Bar Association and remain actively involved on several of its committees presently. I also serve as one of the NCBA’s delegates to the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association. I am also an active member of the Long Island Association and a director of the Plainview Old-Bethpage Chamber of Commerce. Each of these organizations provide important services for various local communities on Long Island. I believe community involvement is very important for attorneys because we have unique skill sets and training that can assist the communities and those that are in need of assistance.
Balancing a successful career and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage this balance, and what advice would you give to other women striving for the same?
Balancing a career and personal life is indeed challenging for lawyers. I make it a point not to miss important family events for work reasons. I have found that setting priorities and strict time-management are essential.
PAUL F. MILLUS
Shareholder
MEYER, SUOZZI, ENGLISH & KLEIN, PC
Paul F. Millus is a Shareholder of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. and practices in the Litigation and Employment Law Departments in the firm’s Garden City, Long Island and New York City offices. Paul handles a variety of litigated matters from inception, through motion practice, trial and appeals and has tried both jury and non-jury matters dealing with a wide range of issues from commercial, constitutional, real estate, employment, and surrogate's court matters.
In addition to providing advice and counsel to employers, Paul has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict in the Federal Court in the Eastern District of New York involving claims of discrimination in the workplace based on race, national origin, sex, gender, and age and has obtained dismissal in Federal Court by summary judgment many such cases avoiding the cost of trial. He also concentrates his practice in the area of commercial litigation involving disputes between shareholders and members and all types of complex commercial litigation.
Q&A
Can you discuss a major challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?
Change is difficult. After practicing in Manhattan for 23 years, moving on to a new firm was a difficult decision – at first. You leave a comfort zone of long-standing colleagues and the predictability of your surroundings to take on new challenges. But now after 12 years at Meyer Suozzi, I realize I could not have made a better decision. Working with my colleagues in Long Island has been very gratifying both professionally and personally – and in some ways – I wish I made the move sooner.
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
My family helps run the Mary Elise Millus Foundation, a 501(3) not-for-profit that focuses particularly on children with mental health issues and supports various organizations like AFSP and NAMI in their efforts to combat this scourge. Also, at 62 – soon to be 63 – I have joined the Bellerose Volunteer Fire Department. Having completed the firefighting essentials course, I now will be attending a two-week boot camp at the Nassau Fire Academy in May which, upon completion, I will be a certified Level 1 Firefighter, proving you are never too old to help out.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I am launching a business and employment blog which will address the two areas I mostly deal with – Commercial Litigation and Employment Law on behalf of management to provide insights in real time on news and case law and their impacts to potential litigants and employers.
MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY LAW
SAMUEL J. FERRARA
Partner / Chair, Matrimonial & Family Law Group
Samuel J. Ferrara, Partner and Chair of the Family and Matrimonial Law department at Meister Seelig & Fein, brings extensive experience to his role, specializing in high-net-worth cases. His practice includes matrimonial, family, corporate, and commercial law, focusing on contentious legal matters including divorce, separation, and business transactions. He skillfully navigates complex custody, support, and property distribution issues, and is proficient in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), serving as both mediation counsel and mediator.
Samuel holds a fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has consistently been recognized as a New York Super Lawyer since 2008, an accolade awarded to only five percent of lawyers in the area. He has been featured in The Best Lawyers in America for family law since 2015 and maintains a 2023 AV Preeminent Attorney rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Committed to legal education, Samuel teaches at Hofstra University School of Law, focusing on topics like custody, ethics, and trial advocacy. He has contributed extensively to professional journals and serves as a director of the Parent Education and Custody Effectiveness Program (P.E.A.C.E.). With degrees from Boston University and Hofstra University School of Law, his involvement extends to the Nassau County Bar Association and the American Bar Association, underscoring his dedication to the legal profession and community service.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
Making the decision to change my platform and move firms after 20 plus years of helping to build my prior firm had the most significance on my past year. By joining new partners and a city-based firm that was focused on broadening their footprint to Long Island, it allowed me to take on new challenges and focus on a new role.
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
More than 30 years ago, I had the privilege of working with two great mentors and leaders in the legal profession to create a parent education program and initiative, P.E.A.C.E., that today exists to support parents going through the divorce and separation process, from a multi-disciplinary approach.
In what ways do you contribute to your community or industry beyond your professional role, and why is community involvement important to you?
Giving back is the most rewarding part of my career – so I teach at local law schools and in national programs, from the high school to the experienced professional level. I also volunteer on behalf of the local bar association, not only benefitting my peers and colleagues, but our communities, as well.
MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY LAW
LATOYA R.A. JAMES Managing Attorney THE JAMES FIRM, PLLC
LaToya James began her exceptional legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, New York. During her years of public service, she distinguished herself as a champion for child abuse and domestic violence victims. In 2013, she founded The James Firm. Her practice focuses on family law, criminal defense, guardianships, and surrogate matters.
LaToya serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association, a member of the Judicial Screening Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association, Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, and a member of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association. She is the consulting attorney for Long Island Against Domestic Violence and serves as a member of many committees within the Unified Court System which seek to empower and promote the rights of women, people of color, and persons with disabilities.
LaToya has received numerous accolades, including the Excellence in Empowering Women Award and the Honorable Toni A. Bean Award. Her activism on behalf of victims and survivors of domestic violence and her philanthropic endeavors have earned her citations from the Suffolk County Executive and Legislature, the New York City Council, the New York State Assembly, and the United States Congress. In 2023, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteerism from President Joseph R. Biden.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
2023 was a year of significant growth and transformation for me. It was the year I was intentional about putting myself on my "to-do" list. I focused on my mental and physical health more than ever before. Family Law is an extremely rewarding practice area, but one cannot understate the toll it takes on you, actively and passively. After 10 years in private practice, while mothering and wifing and ALL of the other "ing's" we juggle as women in business, it was time for a personal check-in. The process was not easy, but it was absolutely necessary. I am now in the best mental and physical condition of my life. Having the mental clarity and physical capacity to withstand and thrive in whatever comes is the epitome of success.
Balancing a successful career and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage this balance, and what advice would you give to other women striving for the same?
I don't balance. I prioritize. My daughters are my priority, period. Every decision or commitment I make either supports or includes my daughters' well-being as the basis of that choice. If I cannot reconcile my choice with my priorities, I don't engage. I recognize that I have a limited number of summers with my children before they have lives and plans of their own, that may not involve me. I cherish the time we spend together more than anything. Therefore, every professional decision I make is in pursuit of time.
MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY LAW
JOSEPH TROTTI Partner
VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP
Joseph Trotti is the head of the Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP’s Litigation Department and the Matrimonial and Family Law practice. He is the founding partner of the VMM Family Institute℠ and is a member of the Surrogacy, Adoption, and Assisted Reproduction and LGBTQ Representation practices.
Following nearly 40 years of litigation experience in divorce, custody, and support matters, including landmark cases, Joseph recognized that emotional and other issues cannot be addressed by the legal system. He created the VMM Family Institute™, pioneering the use of Collaborative Law, a dispute resolution approach used in corporate matters, in domestic cases. His unique practice empowers families to make informed decisions about their future while avoiding the steep legal fees of courtroom battles, and more importantly—the accompanying emotional harm. For his pioneering work, the authoritative New York Law Journal named him a 2019 Trailblazer, and he is named to the gold-standard The Best Lawyers in America 2021–2024.
Joseph is heavily involved in pro bono and community work, including the Nassau County Supreme Court Matrimonial Pro Bono Panel, Queens County Civil and Supreme Court Pro Bono panels, and numerous bar association committees, for which he’s received many recognitions. He has served as board president of the Community Education Council and as co-chair of the Forest Hills Youth Athletic Association.
MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY LAW
KATHERINE E. LINDO Partner
MEJIAS, MILGRIM, ALVARADO & LINDO, P.C.
Katherine Lindo, Esq. is a partner in the law firm of Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, P.C. Katherine joined the law firm in 2009. Since admission to the bar, Katherine has focused her practice on family and matrimonial law, helping her clients through the most difficult experiences in their lives. Katherine has extensive experience in all aspects of family and matrimonial law. She is committed to providing compassionate guidance to her clients, while expertly advocating on their behalf. Katherine has litigated cases throughout the State of New York, in the Family Court, Supreme Court and in the Appellate Division. Katherine is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D., 2009) and the State University of New York at Stony Brook (B.A., summa cum laude, 2006).
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Jeffrey M. Kimmel has positioned himself as a fierce business leader in the legal industry. In his role as Managing Partner and CEO, he has navigated the firm’s rapid growth and elevated its status to one of the leading personal injury law firms in New York.
As a graduate of The Wharton School and Brooklyn Law School, Jeff has meticulously combined his entrepreneurial business background with his keen analytical legal sense to cultivate not just a dynamic law firm, but an effective, client-oriented business that supports and promotes lawyer development, firm efficiency processes, case value maximization protocols, staffing diversity and community outreach programs.
Jeff is also seen as a new thought leader within the legal community as he constantly reciprocates his passion and knowledge of the law as a sought-after lecturer and mentor. He frequently lectures attorneys on trial-related topics for the National Business Institute (NBI), NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers, New York County Lawyers Association and Brooklyn Law School. Additionally, he participates in CLE webinars for Lawline, Clear Law Institute, and myLawCLE. Jeff also regularly participates as a judge in Yale University’s annual Mock Trial competition.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
Transitioning from trial attorney to managing partner put my career, and the future of my firm, on a new trajectory. When I fully embraced my new role and responsibilities and understood that the business of running a law firm required the same passion, love, and energy as trying cases, everything changed. We’ve improved our structure, culture, finances, technology, branding, and communications. Our connection to our clients runs deeper than ever, which is the ultimate goal.
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
Understanding that every single member of my firm brings a unique, special, individual skill set to the business, and utilizing that skill set to create their job description, is what sets us apart. Everyone is great at something. Nobody is great at everything. Finding people’s natural talents, what comes easy to them, and allowing them to work within that space makes everyone happy and is the secret to our success.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
As Managing Partner, my goal is to increase the efficiency of the firm. That includes the attorneys, staff, and support personnel. The challenge is that we work on a contingency basis. In other words, we don’t bill our time. Most law firms measure efficiency by hours worked. We must use different metrics to identify where improvements can be made. We’ve also created a marketing department to increase the exposure of our firm and generate more business. Those platforms, and the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence, will play a big role in our future.
PERSONAL INJURY
NEAL A. GOLDSTEIN Partner GOLDSTEIN AND BASHNER
Neal A. Goldstein’s journey from adversity to a top personal injury lawyer showcases his dedication to justice and resilience. For over 30 years, he has been an integral part of the Long Island community, leading a legal practice renowned for its broad expertise in personal injury matters, with a focus on sexual assault and significant school bullying cases.
Neal’s role as special counsel allows him to share his legal acumen with various firms, supporting their pursuit of advocacy. He embodies the spirit of service, having mentored many lawyers in authentic practice growth. His bestseller “Who’s in the Waiting Room? Create the Life You Want Through the Power of Authentic Relationships” reflects his commitment to forging deep human connections. As a past President and Board Member of the Barry and Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside, NY, Neal’s impact has been profound. His narrative champions resilience and connection, inspiring success in law and beyond.
Through advocacy and mentorship, Neal Goldstein remains a steadfast pillar, advocating for rights and inspiring legal professionals to excellence with integrity and compassion.
Q&A
What pivotal moment or decision has had the most significant impact on your success in 2023?
The decision to fully embrace my role as a mentor and educator has been pivotal. Moving beyond my established career in personal injury law to guide young lawyers in building authentic business relationships has not only expanded my professional reach but also reinforced my philosophy that genuine connections are at the core of success.
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
The launch of my book"Who’s in the Waiting Room?” is a crowning achievement. It encapsulates my belief in the power of relationships and offers actionable guidance. Its success has been gratifying and is a testament to the book’s resonance with the challenges and aspirations of today’s professionals.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My primary goal is to broaden the impact of my teachings on authentic relationships. This includes expanding my speaking engagements to reach a wider audience, enhancing my social media presence, particularly on LinkedIn, and developing additional resources that complement the philosophies presented in my book.
DANIEL J. BAKER Shareholder GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
Daniel J. Baker serves as co-chair of the Long Island Land Use Practice and represents clients in land use and zoning matters, general real estate transactions, industrial development agency (IDA) and municipal benefits, environmental matters, tax certiorari and condemnation, corporate law, and civil litigation.
Dan’s clients range from small businesses and local developers to large national and international retailers and shopping center owners. With deep local business, government and community roots, Dan advises clients on local laws and customs, helping them navigate the real estate and municipal processes.
REAL ESTATE
PAULA PARRINO Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President of Operations NATIONWIDE COURT SERVICES, INC.
Paula Parrino has over 25 years of experience in the process service, real estate, and title industry and is the Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President of Operations for Nationwide Court Services, Inc., a legal service provider, process service agency, and title agency with four offices in New York State. She has a wealth of experience analyzing complex commercial and residential title issues and collaborating with underwriters and clients on solutions to challenging title problems. Paula’s real estate experience spans several states and she is an expert on process serving in the state of NY. Paula is also at the forefront of legislative initiatives working with City Council members, agencies and members of the NY State Senate and House on different bill proposals.
Paula holds a BA from Hofstra, an M.Ed. from Dowling and a J.D. from Touro Law School. She is also a cofounder of the Training Institute, LLC. Vocational and professional education is one of Paula’s passions and she is also a frequent CLE presenter for a myriad of topics.
Additionally, Paula serves in several professional organizations — she’s the two-time and current President of the New York State Professional Process Servers Association and on the national level, she’s the Arbitration and Grievance Chairperson for the National Association of Professional Process Servers. Most recently, Paula became the Co-Chairperson of the Real Property Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association.
Q&A
Can you share a specific project or initiative from the past year that you're particularly proud of?
One that I am most proud of is a collaborative effort with the team at Nationwide Court Services in providing quality reports to three large clients all within the same timeframe. This was a very ambitious project, yet we managed the high volume of work and were able to meet or exceed every deadline expectation. In addition, it helped focus some of our less tenured team members with goals for time management and communication while focusing on specific job centered goals. To be able to provide the opportunity for not only myself but others to be motivated to grow and excel in their role is something that makes me extremely happy and is something I aspire to do daily.
Looking ahead, what goals or milestones do you have for the coming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My goals are simply to be the best mentor and leader possible. It is my belief that mentoring helps to create a robust channel of leaders in the organization which drives organizational advancement. My hope is that our team at Nationwide continues to feel supported, engaged and valued. If I can achieve this goal each year, I feel that I have succeeded.
VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP
