Ghent Lawyers

Shalini Natesan focuses her practice in the areas of Business Law, Hospitality Law, Municipal Law, and Real Estate Law. Ms. Natesan is equipped with over 10 years of experience in Corporate Law and has handled business matters, such as change of ownership, buy-sell agreements, drafting the necessary documents for all business and corporate formations and transactions, while also creating subsidiary entities to handle specific areas of businesses throughout New York State and the Northeast. Additionally, Ms. Natesan has worked in navigating very large commercial real estate transactions, including the purchase and sale of real property, rental/lease agreements, and bank representation. Shali has...

Kaitlin Foley is the managing attorney at The Colwell Law Group, having joined the firm in August of 2016. Kaitlin graduated cum laude from Albany Law School of Union University, located in Albany, New York, in May 2016. During her time at Albany Law School, Ms. Foley served as the Executive Editor of Research and Writing for Albany Law Review, was the Family Law Associate on the Moot Court Board, and acted as a Teaching Assistant in Criminal Law under the supervision of Professor Vincent Bonventre. Ms. Foley is currently admitted to the New York State Bar and is...

Michael J. Catalfimo represents a diverse group of businesses and individuals in complex civil litigation and transactional matters involving Real Property Law, Creditors Rights, Business Law, Family Law, Trusts and Estates Law, and Municipal Law. He is a Partner in the law firm of Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC. Mr. Catalfimo received his Juris Doctor Degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Boston College Law School in 1985, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif National Legal Honor Society and received the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Medal For Excellence in Advocacy and Outstanding Trial Advocacy. He earned...

Scott is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. Scott’s passion for analyzing complex issues and breaking them down into simpler terms led him to law school and ultimately to Rosenblum Law where he excels at working to help clients understand the law and the legal options available to them. A technology enthusiast, Scott’s hobbies include building computers and entertainment systems for his friends and family. Mr. Glatstian is licensed to practice law in both New York and New Jersey and joined Rosenblum Law in 2020. He is a member of...

Alfred Mainetti is the senior partner of Mainetti Mainetti & O'Connor. He graduated from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois with his J.D. Al works hard to make sure each client is able to receive the maximum compensation he or she deserves. He gets to know them as individuals and regularly communicates with them to update them on their case and to better serve their needs. He has successfully litigated multiple multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients. Al is active in the community and regularly sponsors charitable events and functions across the Hudson Valley.

Mary T. Colwell (nee Pasqualino) graduated from Albany Law School of University in Albany, New York in 2001 with a concentration in Criminal Law. While at Albany Law School, Mary was a member of the Moot Court Board, the Women’s Law Caucus and Vice-President of the Italian-American Law Students Association. Ms. Colwell was admitted to the New Jersey State bar in December of 2001 and the New York State bar in January of 2002. She is also admitted in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Northern District...

Following admission to the New York State Bar, Andrew began his career as a criminal defense attorney. He worked with various public defender’s offices in the upstate New York area during this time, building his small practice in the process. Andrew is excited to be making this next step joining the team at the Nave Law firm and looks forward to aiding those who might need help in the Capital Region.

Christopher ("Chris") Luhn practices law primarily in New York's Capital Region, which is to say in the Upstate counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, and, oftentimes, in Warren and Washinton counties, as well. Chris moved to Saratoga Springs with his wife and two step-children Immediately after completing his law studies at the University of Baltimore School of Law in June 1985. After passing both the Maryland and the New York Bar exams, he began practicing exclusively in the field of personal injury trial law until August 2000 when he joined the New York State Attorney General's Civil Litigation Trial...

Attorney James L. Riotto has an impressive law enforcement background combined with substantial criminal defense experience. His extensive experience as a state trooper, within law enforcement, and in criminal prosecution provides a unique perspective that sets him apart from other Rochester criminal defense attorneys. Clients get the benefit of an attorney with a clear understanding of both sides of their legal issues.

Andrea L. Gellen is an attorney who practices in Poughkeepsie, New York and throughout the Hudson Valley. Prior to opening her own practice, she was employed as an associate at local law firms where she practiced in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Education Law, Labor Law, Criminal Litigation, and Landlord/Tenant litigation.

Andrea regularly lectures on topics pertaining to eduction law, Medicaid planning, Estate Planning and updates to the landlord/tenant laws. She has litigated in local, state and federal court on behalf of clients as well as in multiple administrative forums.

Andrea chose to open her own practice so...

Brady and Nave Law have joined forces to strengthen the firm's expertise in Personal Injury law. As the Senior Attorney specializing in Personal Injury & Civil Litigation, Brady brings over ten years of courtroom experience across all regions of New York State. In the past nine years alone, he has successfully handled fourteen jury trials in twelve different counties, consistently achieving favorable outcomes in intricate and high-stakes litigation cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial disputes. During the initial decade of his career, Brady served as an associate and partner at the prominent statewide litigation firm, Smith, Sovik, Kendrick &...

Described by his clients as an attorney of the “highest quality”, Jeff DeFrancisco, Esq. has made a career achieving top results in his field of medical malpractice and personal injury. A few examples of his many great achievements include: PARALYSIS: $10,000,000 jury verdict following a 3-week trial against 3 defense lawyers for a case where an individual became paralyzed due to medical malpractice. BRAIN INJURY: $17,500,000 in payments: $3,000,000 cash; $12,000,000 expected payout between a lump sum payment and lifetime monthly payments to an individual who sustained a brain injury; and $2,500,000 in guaranteed lifetime payments to the child of the...

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...

Scott A. Barbour provides dedicated and skilled representation to corporate and institutional clients with various types of civil and commercial litigation. His practice areas include railroad, products liability and contract litigation. Additionally, Scott is experienced in mediation and arbitration for civil matters.

Scott's trial and appellate experience includes cases in federal and state courts throughout New York. His jurisdictions include the State of New York, the United States District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Scott is a member of...

Jack Tuckner is a Women’s Rights in the Workplace attorney and a founding partner of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, perhaps the only law firm in the nation concentrating its practice on workplace gender rights. His practice is focused on helping working women combat sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and other discrimination and illegal treatment faced by women, including illegal pay disparity, gender discrimination, maternity leave matters, unlawful retaliation, and wrongful termination. Jack has long fought for women’s rights and against the unequal and wrongful treatment of women in the workplace. In doing so, Jack has gained a reputation for feminist activism...

As a devoted son, husband and father, Tim Casserly understands the needs of his clients. He has dedicated his career to helping clients navigate and understand the complexities involved in managing one's estate and long-term care plan including preserving assets in order to leave a legacy. With utmost care and compassion for over 31 years, Tim has customized plans to provide financial security to individuals, families and businesses.

Jonathan D. Warner is the co-founder and managing partner at Warner & Warner, PLLC in Albany New York. Jonathan focuses his practice in the areas of Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Foreclosure Defense Law, Consumers’ Rights Law, and Mortgage Modification assistance. Prior to attending law school, Jonathan graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from SUNY Albany in 2007. Thereafter, Jonathan graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law in 2011. During law school, Jonathan participated in the Jessup International Moot Court Team, served as an elected student leader in two student organizations, and worked as the Senior...

Sam Breslin represents both individual and corporate clients in a variety of matters, from state and federal criminal defense to personal injury and complex commercial litigation. Criminal: Sam represents clients in all criminal matters including DWI/DUI charges, as well as all other violations, misdemeanors and felonies in federal, state and local courts. Many criminal charges, no matter how minor, carry the risk of long-term consequences. In defending his clients, Sam strives to make them aware of these collateral consequences and craft a defense strategy to minimize them. Personal Injury: Sam aggressively represents clients injured as the...

Attorney Andre Sedlak received his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. Before he studied law, he spent 21 years working with the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer and Corrections Sergeant. His legal experience includes internships with the Westchester County D.A.’s office and Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, an Associate Attorney with Klein Varble & Associates, P.C., and The Law Office of Andre Sedlak in Poughkeepsie New York.

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.

Heather is a Senior Attorney at Nave Law where her practice focuses on family and matrimonial law and civil litigation. Heather came to Nave Law Firm after working at another Syracuse law firm, where she was the firm’s lead matrimonial attorney for the Syracuse office. Heather has extensive experience litigating family court and matrimonial matters, including complex matters of custody and equitable distribution. Heather’s other professional experience includes working as a journalist, editor, and marketing manager. Heather is a member of the Attorney for the Child panel in Onondaga County, the Onondaga County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association,...

Maria V. Morse, Esq., is an Associate Attorney in Nave Law Firm's Syracuse Office and practices in the areas of Family & Matrimonial Law and Education & School Law. Maria has years of experience representing parents and grandparents in Family Court cases in New York State regarding custody, visitation, and child support matters, adoptions, juvenile delinquency, family offense and domestic violence, as well as child abuse and neglect proceedings. Similarly, Maria also represents parents and educators involved in Office of Children and Family Services investigations, as well as administrative appeals from indicated findings and reports. She handles martial separation agreements, as well...

Michelle practices exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law, concentrating on matrimonial and family law, custody, domestic violence, and interstate issues. She has extensive experience representing clients in both Supreme and Family Court.

Jonathan Cohn is a partner at Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. His practice is focused on criminal defense -- with an emphasis on alcohol-related offenses. This includes litigating difficult DWI cases where the outcome is of the utmost importance for his clients. In addition, Jonathan Cohn routinely lectures throughout the State on DWI topics.

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...

EXPERIENCED, COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE DIVORCE ATTORNEY Moving forward towards separation and divorce can be a difficult and confusing time. Jo Ann Shartrand has the experience to guide you through the best legal process to meet your individual situation. She is an experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney, but she also specializes in alternative dispute resolution options such as Collaborative Divorce and Divorce and Family Mediation. Choosing the best option for your divorce and separation is an important first step, so please contact Ms. Shartrand for a consultation to discuss all of the options for your individual...

Since 2005, Christina has been providing counsel without judgment to clients when advising them regarding estate planning, estate administration, guardianships and real estate. Christina believes that to be an effective attorney, you must listen to your client with purpose in order to understand their objective and goals. Christina takes a pragmatic approach to problem solving and takes pride in making the legal process as stress-free as possible for our clients.

Michael Ettinger is the Author of "Elder Law Estate Planning" and has been practicing Elder Law Estate Planning since 1991. With twelve attorneys and 25 staff members Ettinger Law Firm is New York's largest Elder Law Estate Planning Firm. We provide free consultations for Revocable and Irrevocable Living Trusts, Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, Medicaid Applications, Special Needs Trusts, Probate, Estate Administration, Estate Tax Planning and all other areas of Elder Law Estate Planning.
Always friendly and personable, our staff will make you feel at ease with whatever issues you are facing and we are happy to give you...

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...

Brooke Dana Youngwirth represents both employees and private and public-sector employers before state and federal agencies, including the New York State Division of Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Brooke also defends private and public employers against employment harassment and discrimination, labor violations, and various other federal and state claims.

In addition, Brooke frequently provides counsel to individuals, school districts, police departments, and other private employers on a range of topics such as wrongful termination, student disciplinary matters, employment discrimination, and the implementation of employment policies and handbooks. Brooke has held client training sessions and continuing legal education seminars...

Highly rated upstate New York litigator.

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...

April is a Partner at Whiteman Osterman Hanna LLP. With over 20 years of experience, she is a seasoned litigator and trial lawyer. Her practice focuses in the areas of Matrimonial and Family Law, and Personal Injury including divorce, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, custody, family offenses and child support. April received her B.A., cum laude, from the State University at Albany in 1998. Her J.D. was earned, cum laude, from Albany Law School in 2001. April is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals For the Second Circuit, United States District...

Lois is a graduate of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University School of Law and graduated from McMaster University, summa cum laude. While at Hofstra, Lois participated in the Criminal Prosecution Practicum Clinic. Here, Lois gained hands-on experience with numerous types of offenses, including misdemeanor violations, and traffic infractions. Lois is particularly focused on assuring all clients receive continuous and comprehensive communication throughout their legal proceedings. She is licensed to practice law in New York.

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

Matthew J. Simone is a partner at the law firm of Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Binghamton University in 2010 and graduated from Albany Law School in 2013. During Matthew’s tenure at Binghamton University, he majored in financial management, was a Division 1 Scholarship Athlete and captain of the baseball team in his senior year. In law school, Matthew interned at the Schenectady County Public Defender’s Office and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. Prior to joining the firm, Matthew was an associate attorney at a local firm where he practiced in the areas of DWI...

Lisa specializes in complex financing and property transactions. She represents borrowers, lenders, developers, builders, investors, and sellers. Lisa has forged a reputation as being thorough, attentive, and detailed. Her trademark fine tooth comb approach has proven to be an invaluable asset to her clients. It has resulted in her closing over 100 million dollars’ worth of loan transactions and being selected to represent some of the area’s leading commercial lenders and developers. She also has experience in tax credit equity financing, entity matters and helping her clients navigate through the economic development process.

Amy J. Knussman is a partner with DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC. Attorney Knussman is a graduate of Albany Law School and has been admitted to the New York State Bar since 2003. Ms. Knussman’s career began at The Donnellan Law Firm in 2001, while she was still attending Albany Law. After many years of hard work and dedication, Amy became a partner at DONNELLAN & KNUSSMAN, PLLC in January 2008. Amy focuses her practice in the areas of Matrimonial and Family Law and has been a member of the Saratoga County and Warren County Attorney for Children Panels...