East Branch Lawyers

James Melita, who grew up in Gloversville, graduated from Plattsburgh State University of New York with a major in political science and a minor in economics. He then graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan. After graduating from law school, James Melita formed his own law practice with a main office in Albany, NY, specializing in Traffic Defense Law, Collections Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Real Estate Law.

Michael Schneider is an attorney with over 30 years experience specializing in business transactions, commercial litigation, small business investment and bankruptcy. Michael prides himself on professional excellence and dedication to his clients, providing high quality and efficient representation in a wide variety of transactional and litigation matters. Michael received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and his B.A. from Yale College. After graduating law school, Michael trained in corporate bankruptcy and litigation at premier New York City law firms, including Weil Gotshal & Manges and Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Florence M. Richardson, who joined O’Connell and Aronowitz in January 2018, is Of Counsel with our firm and has dedicated herself entirely to the field of matrimonial law since she was admitted to practice in 1984. She focuses her practice on divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, child support, spousal support and equitable distribution. Before joining O’Connell and Aronowitz she was principal at Kahn and Richardson, an Albany law firm that focused exclusively on Family & Matrimonial law. From her decades of experience guiding and advising clients, Flo is well aware of the physical, emotional and financial burdens imposed by contested...