Rochester Biographies

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1 Rochester Biographies

JENNIFER ALFIERI Assistant Vice President, Trust Counsel PO Box 6437 119 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14851 jalfieri@tompkinsfinancial.

Bonaventure University JD, Syracuse University College of Law Previous Experience Attorney Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC Affiliations & Memberships Member Onondaga County Bar Association Member New

3 JENNIFER ALFIERI Assistant Vice President, Trust Counsel PO Box E. Seneca Street Ithaca, NY O F Education & Certifications BS, St. Bonaventure University JD, Syracuse University College of Law Previous Experience Attorney Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC Affiliations & Memberships Member Onondaga County Bar Association Member New York State Bar Association Member Women s Bar Association of Central New York Member Estate Planning Council of Central New York Member Syracuse University Professional Advisor Network Vice Chairman Toomey Residential & Community Services Jennifer Alfieri is an assistant vice president and trust counsel for Tompkins. Jennifer joined Tompkins in 2017 and is responsible for developing estate planning strategies for clients. Using her ten years of experience, Jennifer works closely with clients legal, tax and investment advisors to design, implement and administer appropriate trust and estate plans. Prior to joining Tompkins, Jennifer was an attorney specializing in estate planning, trust and estate administration and elder law with the law firm of Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC. She graduated from St. Bonaventure University and Syracuse University, College of Law. She also holds an advanced law degree in estate planning from the University of Miami, School of Law. She is a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Women s Bar Association of Central New York and sits on the board of directors as treasurer for the Estate Planning Council of Central New York. She also sits on the Syracuse University Professional Advisor Network and is on the board of directors as vice chairman for Toomey Residential & Community Services, a notfor-profit organization which provides numerous residential and clinical services for residents in the Central New York region. Jennifer is a resident of Baldwinsville, New York.

4 Andrea M. Brodie Partner Andrea M. Brodie is a Partner at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP in the Family Law group. Prior to joining Abrams Fensterman, Ms. Brodie worked at another prominent family law boutique firm as their senior associate with an emphasis almost exclusively on family and matrimonial cases. While in law school, Ms. Brodie interned for Hon. Jeffrey S. Brown in the Nassau County Supreme Court Matrimonial Center, Hon. Conrad D. Singer in the Nassau County Family Court, and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She also represented children in abuse and neglect cases as well as special immigrant matters in Nassau and Queens Family Courts as part of Hofstra's Child Advocacy Clinic. Ms. Brodie is actively involved in numerous legal organizations and associations, including: the Board of Directors for the Nassau County Bar Association, the Nassau County Women s Bar Association's Executive Committee as Treasurer, the New York Family Law American Inn of Court, and the Nassau Academy of Law as an advisory member. Ms. Brodie presently serves as Co-Chair with the Hon. Jeffrey Goodstein to the Steven J. Eisman New Lawyer/Judiciary Relations Task Force. She previously served as a co-chair of the Nassau County Women s Bar Association s Matrimonial and Family Law Committee from Ms. Brodie was a prior Chair of the Nassau County Bar Association's Young Lawyers Committee and served as a member of the Nassau County Bar Association Board of Directors as the Young Lawyers Chair. Ms. Brodie is an active member of the Matrimonial Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association, as well as, other committees within these organizations. Ms. Brodie was selected as an Outstanding Woman in Law by Hofstra University School of Law in 2017, 40 Stars Under 40 by Star Network (The Queens Courier) in 2016 and Top 40 Under 40 by The National Advocates in She was also selected as a "Rising Star" in New York Family Law by "Super Lawyers" since She also received the Nassau County Women's Bar Association's Bessie Ray Geffner Memorial Award in June 2012 and the Young Alumni Award from the Honors College at the University of Arizona. Ms. Brodie received her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law with a Concentration and Citation of Excellence in Child and Family Advocacy. Ms. Brodie graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona as an inducted member into the scholastic honorary, Phi Beta Kappa, and a President and Provost Scholar. Ms. Brodie is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and the District of Columbia. Bar Admissions New York U.S District Court, Eastern District of New York District of Columbia Education Hofstra University School of Law, Hempstead, New York - JD Honors: Citation of Excellence in Child and Family Advocacy University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona - BA Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, President Scholar, Provost Scholar Honors and Awards Outstanding Women in Law, Hofstra Law School, April 2017

5 Access To Justice Pro Bono Honoree, April Stars Under 40, Star Network, February 2016 The National Advocates Top 40 Under 40, 2015 Selected by SuperLawyers in Family Law as a Rising Star, Nassau County Women's Bar Association's Bessie Ray Geffner Memorial Award, June 2012 Young Alumni Award from the Honors College at the University of Arizona, Publications "Marriage and Divorce: An Overview of Rights, Obligations and Options for Non-Traditional Couples", Nassau Lawyer, November Co-authored with Lee Rosenberg, Esq. Professional Associations and Memberships New York Family Law American Inn of Court, Member, present Nassau County Bar Association Board of Directors, ; 2016-present Young Lawyers Committee, Chair, New York State Bar Association, Alternate Delegate, Steven J. Eisman New Lawyers/Judiciary Relations, Co-Chair WE CARE, Young Lawyers Committee Liaison Women's Bar Association of Nassau County Vice-President, 2017 Executive Committee, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Member, Matrimonial and Family Law Committee, Co-Chair, Nassau Academy of Law, Member New York State Bar Association Family Law Section, Member Young Lawyers Section, Member District of Columbia Bar Association Family Law Section, Member

6 Michael DiFalco, Esq. Aiello & DiFalco, LLP, Garden City It is my privilege to help people through an incredibly difficult period in their lives. I love being able to provide clients with the opportunity to write their own next chapter. My approach to practicing matrimonial & family law is informed by my experiences working with hundreds of prior clients. Based on what I have found to be beneficial and effective in obtaining results as well as managing costs for clients, I tailor my approach to each client s priorities and positions. I am always available for my clients by phone or . Clients never wait for a call back or wonder what is happening in their case. I will provide a realistic perspective of how the law would be applied to the particular facts and circumstances of your matter. Managing expectations and guiding clients to a fair and reasonable compromise or resolution is my paramount concern. Since I thrive on helping people and solving problems, I bring an optimistic and positive approach to practicing in a very difficult area of law. I believe in civility and I get along well with all of my adversaries as well as the judges and court attorneys. I strongly believe in being an active member of the legal community. It keeps me current and makes me a better advocate for my clients. I am active in the Nassau County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and New York Family Law American Inn of Court. I am a former Chair of the Young Lawyer s Committee for the Nassau County Bar Association, am currently Secretary and a representative for Nassau & Suffolk counties to the Young Lawyer s Section of the New York State Bar Association and a liaison between the Young Lawyer s Section and the Family Law Section for the NYSBA. I am privileged to be one of the youngest members of the New York

7 Family Law Inn of Court. I was named a Nassau Lawyer Young Lawyer of the Month and also a New York Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2014, 2015 & I was recently honored to receive the Young Matrimonial Attorney award by the Matrimonial Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association. I have presented continuing education lectures and published articles on matrimonial and family law issues. Almost all of my cases settle, and I am typically able to leverage litigation tactics to obtain better results for my clients. Attacking problems in cases pragmatically and strategically often means more cost effective and beneficial outcomes for clients. When necessary, I will proceed to trial in order to ensure that my clients receive what they deserve or to ensure that the unreasonable demands of their spouse are denied. Clients find me very accessible and responsive. Unless I m helping another client or in court, I will always take your phone calls. Otherwise, I will get back to you later that day. I understand that your life is being deeply affected at that very moment so constant communication is vital to being a counselor and advocate. I grew up on Long Island and attended Adelphi University where I studied English. I then attended St. John s University School of Law. I currently live in Forest Hills, with my lovely wife.

8 Joshua B. Gruner, Partner Gassman Baiamonte Gruner, P.C., Garden City Education: University of Delaware, B.A., Political Science, 1997, Hofstra University, J.D., 2000 Practice Areas: Matrimonial Law; Family Law; Civil Litigation Membership: Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations Admissions: 2001, New York Reported Cases: Ehrman v. Ehrman, 67 A.D.3d 955, 889 NYS2d 652 (2nd Dept., 2009) MI.S. v. MA.S., New York Law Journal, March 17, 2014 Biography: Joshua B. Gruner graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Delaware in 1997 and received an Advanced Honors Certificate upon graduation. While at the University of Delaware, he founded the school s Pre-Law Society. Mr. Gruner attended Hofstra University School of Law from He served as the Managing Editor of the Family & Conciliation Courts Review (now known as the Family Courts Review). Before graduating in 2000, Mr. Gruner participated in the NITA Trial Advocacy Program, assisted in the creation of a Family Law Clinic and interned for Nassau Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Kohn. Upon graduating, he received the Distinguished Service to the School Award for all of his contributions to the school, particularly in the areas of family law. Mr. Gruner was admitted to practice law in New York in January, After graduating, he immediately began working in various areas of law, including real estate, corporate litigation and all phases of matrimonial and family law. In 2005, he became an associate at the firm of

9 Gassman & Keidel (predecessor to Gassman Baiamonte Gruner, P.C.) and since that time has focused exclusively in the fields of matrimonial and family law. Mr. Gruner became a partner of the firm on October 1, He is currently a member of the Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations. Mr. Gruner has lectured for the New York State Bar as well as contributed to the preparation of CLE materials. For many years, he has been asked to assist in teaching the Family Law with Skills course offered at Hofstra University School of Law. He completed the intensive week long trial program offered by the National Family Law Trial Institute. Mr. Gruner has been recognized nationally and state-wide as a family law attorney by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2014 & 2015, Under 40 Client Satisfaction Award), National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (2014 Top 10 Under 40), N.Y. Super Lawyers (2013 Rising Star), and New York Metro s Top Lawyers (Rising Star 2015). Mr. Gruner was born and raised in Rockville Centre, NY, where he currently resides with his wife and two sons.

10 Robert C. Mangi, Esq Named as one of the top family lawyers in New York Metropolitan area, Robert C. Mangi has received many awards and accolades for his work in family law, including being named one of the 10 best attorneys in New York State in the field of client satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law. When he s not representing his clients, Mr. Mangi contributes articles to various publications and frequently lectures on matrimonial law topics.

11 Alita McKinnon Attorney 150 Motor Parkway, Suite 425 Hauppauge, NY Experienced in Long Island matrimonial and family law Alita McKinnon has been practicing matrimonial law on Long Island for more than 15 years. After working on complex cases with another prominent matrimonial firm on Long Island, Ms. McKinnon joined Tabat, Cohen, Blum & Yovino, PC in Ms. McKinnon s research, writing, negotiation and courtroom skills and experience have made her an integral part of the team of partners and associates. Contact our matrimonial and family law firm in Long Island to discuss your case If you or someone you know needs a matrimonial and family law attorney in Garden City or Hauppauge, Tabat, Cohen, Blum & Yovino, PC can help. From our offices in Nassau County and Suffolk County, our attorneys fight for your rights and the best interests of your children. Call our Long Island divorce lawyers in Garden City or in Hauppauge, or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation. Honors & Awards: AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell ( ) Lead Counsel Rated (Divorce & Family Law); Thompson Reuters ( ) Long Island s Top Rated Lawyers; ALM Legal Leaders ( ) 10.0 Superb Rating; Avvo ( ) Top Divorce & Family Law Attorney; Avvo ( ) Top Legal Eagle; Long Island Pulse Magazine ( ) Ranked in NY Top 100 Lawyers (Matrimonial & Family Law), The National Advocates ( ) Top 10 Attorney Award (NY Under 40 Ed.); The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (2014) 10 Best Under 40 Award/Client Satisfaction Award; American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2014) Admitted: New York, 2000 Education: J.D., St. John s University School of Law, 1999 B.A., Fairfield University, 1996 Professional Associations: New York State Bar Association, Member Suffolk County Bar Association, Member Nassau County Women s Bar Association, Member

12 Jennifer Rosenkrantz, Esq. Jennifer is a member of the firm of Schlissel Ostrow Karabatos, PLLC. She was admitted to the Bar in December She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany (magna cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa) and Brooklyn Law School (magna cum laude). Upon her graduation from Brooklyn Law School, Jennifer was the recipient of the West Publishing Company Award for outstanding Overall Scholastic Achievement and the Judge Nathan R. Sobel Prize. While at Brooklyn Law School, Jennifer was a member of the Brooklyn Law Review, on which she served as an Associate Managing Editor for Jennifer was a summer associate with Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein, Wolf & Schlissel, P.C. (the matrimonial department of which was a predecessor firm of Schlissel Ostrow Karabatos, PLLC) during the summer of 1997 and continued as a law clerk from September 1997 through the date of her admission to the Bar. Since her admission to the Bar, she has practiced almost exclusively in matrimonial and family law, assisting on the preparation and trial of complex custody and equitable distribution cases. Prior to joining the firm, Jennifer interned in the Family Court of New York State, New York County and at the Legal Aid Society, Family Law Unit in Brooklyn, New York. She is also acknowledged in the second edition of the two-volume work, Separation Agreements and Marital Contracts and credited with contributing to that work. She is a co-author of an article entitled Prenuptial Agreements for the Golden Years published in 2002 by the Family Advocate, a journal of the American Bar Association Family Law Section and contributed to the research and drafting of an article entitled The Hazards of In-Kind Distributions of Closely- Held Stock in Divorce Actions published in the Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in She is also the author of an article entitled Life Insurance: Should Custodial Parents be Required to Maintain a Policy? published by New York Family Law Monthly in June 2011 and an article entitled Temporary Maintenance Two Years Later: Still in a State of Confusion published by the Nassau Lawyer in February of Jennifer has attended the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Institute for Training New Associates Advanced Program and has also attended numerous other Continuing Legal Education courses and seminars in the areas of family and matrimonial law. Jennifer is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association, the Nassau County Women s Bar Association and the New York Family Law American Inn of Court. She is the Second Vice-Chair of the Matrimonial Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association and the Co-Editor of Recent Decisions in Matrimonial Law, the monthly publication of that committee. She is a member of the Matrimonial Special Masters Panel in Nassau County. In 2014, she was named a Top Ten Leader in Divorce Law Under 45, Long Island, New York.

FRANCES M. PANTALEO, ESQ.

FRANCES M. PANTALEO, ESQ. Frances M. Pantaleo is a partner at Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP, and the head of its Elder Law and Special Needs Planning groups. She handles a broad range of matters with a