Otego Lawyers

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Boston University School of Law. During my career as an attorney, prior to my current solo practive, I have worked as a government regulatory trial attorney for the State Public Service Commission, an in house counsel for a Fortune 100 corporation, and as a partner or counsel for a several Albany and Syracuse based medium sized law firms. I am committed to helping people and small businesses with their legal problems at a reasonable, fixed "no surprises" rate not based on the common "hourly billing" model. I am...

Bill Sipser has been a leading practitioner in the area of Labor Law and Employment Law Discrimination for almost thirty years. His practice is focused on representing clients in age discrimination, race discrimination, disability discrimination, and other matters involving employee rights. Bill has extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts, and before several governmental agencies involving representation of individuals and labor unions. Bill has prosecuted significant cases, including appeals before the Appellate Division of the State of New York as well as the federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He argued a critical employment discrimination issue before the...

Michael O’Leary, Esq. devotes his entire practice to consumer bankruptcy law, handling cases under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for individual persons, married couples and small businesses. In addition to having filed several thousand consumer bankruptcy cases for clients and having counseled many thousand more, Michael O’Leary served as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee in the Poughkeepsie (NY) Bankruptcy Court for seventeen (17) years (i.e. 1994 thru 2011), and administered well over ten thousand (10,000) Chapter 7 cases while serving in said capacity. Mr. O’Leary has established a well-deserved reputation as an attorney who capably and successfully represents his clients...

Jim Hacker is a 1981 graduate of Hamilton College and a 1984 graduate of Albany Law School. He is a member of the Hamilton College Board of Trustees and is The Chair of the Albany Law Board of Trustees.

He is an elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The College is comprised of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada and membership is by invitation only. He is also an elected fellow of the International College of Trial Lawyers whose membership is limited to...

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...

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...

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.

When I was nine my aunt told me I should be a lawyer when I grew up because I argued about everything, really, really well. That's when I learned I could make a living doing what I loved: winning arguments. After graduating from Columbia University, New York City's only Ivy League school I went on to Fordham Law. Fordham was the only law school ranked in the top twenty-five nationwide that offered a night program in New York. Since I was working full time to pay my own way, Fordham's top tier night division was perfect for me. After two...

Richard D. Cirincione’s practice is concentrated in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation, guardianship law, and related appeals. He provides planning for high net worth individuals including the creation of charitable planning devices. He has experience forming and administering family entities and has prepared sales to defective grantor trusts. Richard handles all phases of the administration of estates and trusts, including the preparation of estate tax returns and fiduciary accountings.

With extensive experience in estate litigation related to Wills and Trusts, Richard has represented clients in Will contests, both in support of a purported Will and...

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...

I began my career in 1994 at the City of Syracuse Office of the Corporation Counsel representing the City in workers' compensation matters. I joined the firm of McDonough, Digby and Leiter in 1997, and ultimately formed Leiter and Brune in 2005. In 2006 I joined the firm of Wolff, Goodrich and Goldman specializing in New York Workers' Compensation matters, and was named a partner in 2008. In 2014 I formed The Brune Law Office and now dedicate the firm to representing injured workers.

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

With more than 15 years, in the estate and long-term care planning field, James provides counsel to individuals, families and business to guide them to achieve their planning goals by implementing strategies customized for each client's unique circumstances.

James focuses his practice in elder law, trusts and estates, guardianship, special needs planning, and business formation and succession planning.

I was born and raised in Ellenville, New York, and in 2015, I moved to New York City to begin my legal career. After living and working in the city for five years, I decided it was time to return home and establish my roots in a community that is growing and evolving. Ellenville has transformed into a vibrant and diverse village, and I love being part of its dynamic change while providing legal services to the community. My passion lies in helping entrepreneurs set up their new businesses for success. Starting a business for the first time can be intimidating,...

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

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...

Heidi A. Gifford is a dynamic and dedicated legal professional with a passion for advocating for her clients. A graduate of the esteemed New England School of Law, Heidi has been practicing law in Fulton County, New York since being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2005. Specializing in divorce, family law, child custody, fathers rights, criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, she has established herself as a trusted advocate for individuals facing challenging legal situations. In 2009, Heidi took on the leadership of her practice and has since been committed to delivering exceptional results for her...

Paula M. Barbaruolo, Esq. is the Principal Attorney of the firm, and boasts over 25 years of experience in the Bankruptcy and debt reorganization fields. Ms. Barbaruolo received her Bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University and her J.D. degree from Albany Law School. Since 2014, Ms. Barbaruolo has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Albany Law School, teaching Consumer Bankruptcy. Ms. Barbaruolo is a regular lecturer in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage modification for numerous local bar associations, community groups, and legal service organizations. She also serves on the Northern District of New York Bankruptcy...

AVA LI LAW PLLC specializes in trademark, copyright, business immigration, and estate planning. Our team of attorneys and technology consultants has expertise in law, science, and business, holding degrees such as J.D., LL.M., M.S., and Ph.D. Our founding attorney, Ava Li, is licensed in both the United States and China, with extensive legal experience. She is also a published creative writer, with her work "The Gift of Nine Birds" featured in the University of Iowa's literary magazine "Horizon". With backgrounds in computer science, information systems, and biological sciences, our team provides tailored legal solutions for innovators, entrepreneurs, and families. We offer bilingual...

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...

Provide closing and title services to national and local banks, mortgage companies, loan officers, brokers, and consumers. Write deeds, search titles, prepare and process closing documents, disburse settlement funds, and execute closings. Landlord-tenant law. Analyze legal liability of businesses and implement crucial policies necessary to safeguard against potential legal claims. Form domestic and foreign corporations and other business entities. Prepare various legal disclaimers and contracts essential to protect businesses including but not limited to employee handbooks, confidentiality agreements, and corporate resolutions. Represent parties at school meetings, mediation sessions, and due process hearings. Civil litigation. Select constitutional law and discrimination cases...

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

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

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

For more than 10 years, I have represented employers facing discrimination complaints filed with the NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Having handled more than 100 such matters, I am well versed in discrimination law and the procedures and strategies involved in resolving complaints. A discrimination complaint is stressful for any business. I have the experience to help you navigate through this process. ​​​I have performed investigations for employers related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodations. I also have extensive experience drafting and reviewing policies and providing training on various...

Morgen's practice includes general corporate work (including formation, governance and financing), alcohol industry licensing, intellectual property law (focusing on trademark and copyright protection, licensing and enforcement), trusts and estates, and representation of banks, purchasers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate transactions. Morgen began her legal practice in 1999 at a large international Wall Street law firm where she specialized in private and syndicated secured, unsecured and structured financings in the New York and Hong Kong offices. Morgen received her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1999 where she was Senior...

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

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

As the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in the Mid-Hudson region, I am committed to providing the best estate planning and elder law services to our clients.

Effective estate, business and asset protection planning can only occur when the client truly understands their goals and objectives. Only then can we engage in a discovery process that can turn the client's hopes and dreams a reality. Our counseling-based approach is designed to make sure that the plan design is client driven, rather than attorney driven. Our maintenance plan helps ensure that the client's plan stays up-to-date though the many legal and life...

Mr. Morse is the attorney for the Village of Ellenville and is a third generation lawyer whose family has been collectively practicing law in the Hudson Valley for over 70 years. Mr. Morse has specialized expertise in intellectual property law, landlord-tenant law, and criminal defense. The Law Offices of Albert Ian Morse serves clients in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Rockland and Westchester counties, in addition to serving clients out of the New York City metropolitan area. Mr. Morse is licensed to practice in New York State and in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of New York....

With nearly 30 years in law, Jared Altman has a diverse legal background, from prosecuting DUIs to championing Social Security Disability cases. Graduating with distinction from Hofstra University Law School, he focused on personal injury and commercial litigation, handling cases spanning various areas like automobile accidents, false arrests, and more. Bringing extensive expertise to each case, Mr. Altman ensures a personal approach, keeping clients informed and educated about their options. Client surveys reflect utmost satisfaction, indicating a strong recommendation for his services. Moreover, Mr. Altman provides free telephone consultations across personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims, only charging fees upon...

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

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

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

Brian M. Wang is the founding member of the Law Office of Brian Wang, PLLC. Brian began his legal career as an immigration attorney at Nationalities Service Center (NSC) in Philadelphia, where he completed an Independence Foundation Public Interest Law Fellowship. During his time at NSC, Brian provided immigration representation to Philadelphia's Chinese immigrant community. Following the conclusion of his fellowship, Brian was employed as a Senior Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) as a member of the Upstate New York Immigration Law Project. While at LASNNY Brian provided advice and representation to immigrant...

I am a Central New York Native, and in addition to my law practice experience, I have over 30 years of experience as an educator at the grade school and college levels. I am also the step-parent of a special needs child, and this has been instrumental in my development of skills as an advocate for special needs students. I have also had extensive experience as a Managing Partner for two law firms in Central New York. In September of 2021, I returned to Madison County to continue my practice with Taylor & Miller, a highly respected law...

I am a 60-year veteran of the music industry and more recently designed and built special effects for Hollywood films. My earlier academic background is in Andean anthropology, and I graduated summa cum laude from the University Of New Mexico in 1989, with a special focus on linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and population genetics. After obtaining my Master's Degree in the same field from Cornell University in 1992, I began my work in the feature film industry, later enrolling in the Syracuse University College Of Law where I earned my Juris Doctor and began practicing law. As the quintessential country lawyer,...

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

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

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

I have been a life long resident of the mid-hudson valley and have been a practicing attorney engaged in the private practice of law in New York since 1994. I attended Law School at Detroit College of Law in Detroit, MI, now known as Michigan State University School of Law and at Albany Law School in Albany, NY. I received a Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. I was immediately admitted to practice law in the State of New York in January of 1994 and began a concentrated practice in the areas of Bankruptcy and Debtor/Creditor Law, White Collar...