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Class notes submitted between September 2024 – Present
1950-1959
1960-1969
1970-1979
1980-1989
Marion H. Fish L’80 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Marion H. Fish has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024. Ms. Fish is a partner in the Trusts & Estates, Family Business Succession Planning, Tax, Corporate and Elder Law & Special Needs Practices. Ms. Fish focuses her practice on representing clients in matters involving estate planning, transfer-of-wealth tax issues, family business planning and succession, charitable giving, not-for-profit law and elder law and special needs administration.
Hon. Michael F. Pietruszka L’81 receives award
Retired Erie County Court Judge Michael Pietruszka L’81 received the Judge Elliot Zide Award for excellence in judicial education at the American Judges Association’s Annual Conference in New Orleans.
Hon. Michael F. Pietruszka L’81 elected to position of Vice President of the National Courts and Sciences Institute, Inc
Retired Erie County Court Judge Michael Pietruszka L’81 was elected to the position of Vice President of the National Courts and Sciences Institute, Inc. at the corporation’s annual meeting on December 12, 2024. The National Courts and Sciences Institute, Inc. is the Washington, DC based American home for judicial training in science and technology.
Daniel B. Berman L’82 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Daniel B. Berman L’82 has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024. Mr. Berman is a partner in the Litigation Department and has more than 40 years of experience litigating cases throughout New York. His practice is focused on the litigation and resolution of business and professional disputes for clients ranging from global banking institutions to individuals operating local small businesses.
Alan J. Pierce L’84 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Alan J. Pierce L’84 has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024. Mr. Pierce is a Partner in the Litigation Practice and Leader of the Appellate Practice. He has more than 30 years of litigation experience, concentrating on appellate practice, insurance coverage, defamation and civil and commercial litigation.
Christine A. Amalfe L’85 elected President of NJSBA
Christine A. Amalfe L’85 will be installed as president of the New Jersey State Bar Association for a one-year term at the organizations annual meeting and convention in May 2025. Ms. Amalfe is included on the Best Lawyers®, Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, and New Jersey Super Lawyers lists in various employment categories. Ms. Amalfe is Chair of the Employment & Labor Law Group at Gibbons. As Chair, Ms. Amalfe manages lawyers across four of eight Gibbons offices, overseeing legal, administrative, and business development functions for one of the firm’s most active business units, with clients among the world’s best-known companies representing industries critical to the local, state, and regional economies.
In addition, Ms. Amalfe is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and serves as Human Resources General Counsel for Gibbons, and she is a co-founder of the internationally recognized Gibbons Women’s Initiative.
Eric D. Buetens L’86 receives award
The Indianapolis Bar Association presented Eric Buetens, L’86, with the President’s Award for Service to the Profession on 11/20/2024, in recognition of his pro bono service.
Todd E. Briggs L’88 elected Probate Court Judge
Todd E. Briggs L’88 has been elected as a Wayne County Probate Court Judge. Wayne County, Michigan, has close to 1.8 million residents with the City of Detroit as the county seat. The term is for six years. He will take the bench January 1, 2025. Briggs was born in Jackson, MI. He graduated from Jackson Parkside High School. Briggs earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1985 and a law degree from Syracuse University, College of Law in 1988. His career experience includes working as an attorney at law. He is currently Partner at BriggsColegrove, P.C.
Timothy P. Murphy L’89 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Timothy P. Murphy L’89 has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024. Mr. Murphy is the Firm’s Managing Partner. He has over 30 years of experience representing clients in product liability, motor vehicle, construction accident, medical malpractice, negligence, premises liability, toxic tort, and commercial cases in state and federal court.
1990-1999
Colonel James H. Kennedy III L’96 announced as dean for New England Law | Boston
The Board of Trustees of New England Law | Boston has selected Colonel James H. Kennedy III L’96 to lead the institution as its next dean. Effective at the start of the spring semester in 2025, Colonel Kennedy will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and dean, after having served as the Commandant of the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School (AFJAGS) at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
Colonel Kennedy was born in Taunton, Mass., and earned his BA in Political Science at Boston College. He received his JD from Syracuse University College of Law in 1996 before beginning active duty in February 1997. He is a member of the California State Bar and is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
See the full announcement here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-england-law–boston-announces-new-dean-for-2025-302309503.html
Michael J. Marino L’96 Joins Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp’s Labor and Employment Practice
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (MSK) continues to add to its roster of entertainment industry players with the addition of Mike Marino as a partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment practice in Los Angeles. Marino joins MSK from Warner Bros. Discovery, where he served most recently as Senior Vice President, Legal, Employment, overseeing all employment law-related matters for the company’s studio production business units.
Marino earned his B.S. in Industrial & Labor Relations from Cornell University and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.
John G. Powers G’96, L’96 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that John G. Powers G’96, L’96 has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024. Mr. Powers is a Partner in the Litigation Practice and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee
2000-2010
Mary C. King L’04 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Mary C. King L’04 has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers” for 2024. Ms. King is a partner in the Trusts & Estates, Elder Law & Special Needs, and Family Business Succession Planning Practices. She focuses her New York and Florida practices in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, estate and gift taxation, elder law, guardianships, and special needs planning, entity formation, and buy/sell and cross-purchase agreements. Ms. King is also the Chair of the Firm’s Business Development Committee.
Michelle T. Perrin-Steinberg L’05 authors and publishes book
Michelle Trong Perrin-Steinberg L’05, a 20 year seasoned lawyer, has authored and published a book called Kindly, Michelle that seeks to assist law students, early career lawyers, and others with inspiration and encouragement on their journey. In the book, Michelle details her path to Chief Legal Counsel at a global technology company, explaining how she grew up differently and fell into export control and sanctions regulatory compliance. Through family stories (including stories from her father, Michael T. Perrin, Syracuse University, MPA, 2005) and practical advice, Michelle explains that uncovering one’s values is key. Her book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other booksellers.
Kimberly C. Lau ’03, L’06 joins Offit Kurman
Offit Kurman is pleased to announce the arrival of education lawyer and litigator Kimberly C. Lau ’03, L’06, who has joined the firm as a principal and chair of the Title IX and Education Practice Group in the firm’s New York City office. Kimberly brings extensive experience in Title IX, special education, defamation, First Amendment, due process and civil rights litigation.
“Joining Offit Kurman allows me to support my national practice and continue my work advocating for fairness and due process in student and faculty disciplinary matters,” said Kimberly. “This is an exciting opportunity to further expand the reach of my Title IX and education law practice while collaborating with a dynamic team of attorneys dedicated to achieving meaningful outcomes for our clients.”
Kimberly’s practice includes representation in over 300 student disciplinary proceedings at colleges and universities nationwide, addressing issues such as academic dishonesty, harassment, sexual misconduct, and gender discrimination. She provides strategic counsel to both complainants and accused students, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the disciplinary process.
Her achievements comprise numerous successes both in and out of the courtroom, including a high-profile case against Columbia University where she obtained a favorable settlement for her client and the release of his diploma. Kimberly also secured a landmark $5.3 million jury verdict in a defamation case involving a falsely accused Clemson University student. She regularly teaches continuing legal education programs on Title IX litigation and enforcement and has authored numerous articles on campus sexual assault policies and federal privacy statutes.
In addition to her vast campus and litigation experience, Kimberly has appeared on major national news outlets, including CNN and ABC’s Nightline, and her work has been featured in prominent media such as The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The New York Times and The Daily Beast.
2010-2020
Erin S. Skinner L’12 elected NYS Supreme Court Justice
Erin S. Skinner L’12, was the Senior Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Mark Montour. The Rochester native and Syracuse University College of Law graduate was elected to serve a 14-year term in an 8-county District that includes Yates, Steuben, Seneca, Ontario, and Cayuga counties. Erin has served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, and has clerked for the highest court in New York State, the Court of Appeals.
Marysia W. Mullen L’13 promoted to Counsel
Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that Marysia W. Mullen L’13 has been promoted to Counsel effective January 1, 2025. Marysia Mullen (Washington, D.C.) is a member of the Executive Compensation, Employment & Benefits Practice and Tax Department. She advises public and private companies on a range of executive compensation and employee benefit matters, including executive employment, separation and retention arrangements, and the design and implementation of equity-based and other incentive compensation plans. She earned her JD from Syracuse University College of Law in 2013.
Shane P. Simon L’13 elected to partnership
Saul Ewing LLP is pleased to announce that Shane P. Simon L’13, a member of the firm’s Litigation Department, representing clients from a variety of industries, including higher education, energy, public utilities, insurance, and health care in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate level, has been elected to partnership at the firm.
Staci Dennis-Taylor L’14 elected Syracuse City Court Judge
Staci Dennis-Taylor L’14 has won a seat on the Syracuse City Court as a judge. Dennis-Taylor, who lives on Syracuse’s South Side, will be taking the bench for the first time in her career.
Dennis-Taylor, who graduated from Le Moyne College and Syracuse University Law School, said that she has always wanted to be a judge. She started her career at New Justice Conflict Resolution Services before becoming a prosecutor at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
She has practiced law for a decade and wants the opportunity to work with people to keep them out of the legal system. She said she was drawn to city court because it is the first court that someone interacts with when they are charged with a crime in Syracuse.
Joseph V. Frateschi ’11, L’14 elected partner
Harris Beach Murtha is pleased to announce that Joseph V. Frateschi ’11, L’14 has been elected partner at the firm. Joseph V. Frateschi, a member of Harris Beach Murtha’s Public Finance and Economic Development Practice Group and Municipalities and Local Agencies Industry Team, has extensive experience as a transaction counsel on real property, intellectual property and corporate matters. He also advises municipal agencies and public benefit corporations on a range of issues under New York municipal law.
He serves as bond counsel and issuer counsel on taxable and tax-exempt bond financings undertaken by local issuers. He also serves as special transaction counsel on large projects throughout New York state.
Brian P. Lanciault L’15 elected to partner
Thompson Hine LLP is pleased to announce that Brian P. Lanciault L’15 has been elected to partner in the firm’s New York office. Brian Lanciault, a member of the Business Litigation, Securities & Shareholder Litigation, and White Collar Defense & Investigations groups in New York, focuses on representing businesses and individuals within the financial services sectors. He has extensive experience in securities litigation and compliance, defense of regulatory enforcement matters and complex commercial disputes. Lanciault received his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, and his B.S. from Westfield State University, magna cum laude. He has been selected to the New York Metro Rising Stars list from 2022 to 2024.
Amanda Haasz L’16 elevated to partner
Goldberg Segalla is pleased to announce that Amanda Haasz L’16 hasa been elevated to partner at the firm. Haasz focuses on the defense and counsel of employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in workers’ compensation claims, and is involved in every stage of the process from initial evaluation of a claim through resolution. Before joining Goldberg Segalla, Amanda represented clients in workers’ compensation matters as an attorney with a leading American insurance carrier, regularly appearing in workers’ compensation court for conferences, settlements, trials, and oral arguments.
Lauren Blau L’17 named Partner at Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda, LLP
Lauren G. Blau L’17 has been named Partner at Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda, LLP, the premier law firm in New York City focused on high net worth divorce, family and matrimonial law.
Lauren is passionate about matrimonial and family law and has dedicated her legal training to this field. Lauren graduated from Syracuse University College of Law where she completed a curricular program in Family Law and Social Policy. During which, Lauren was a Student Attorney in the Children’s Rights and Family Law Clinic (2L and 3L) where she represented clients in a variety of Family Court matters. Lauren was also a Student Attorney in the Elder Law Clinic (3L) where she honed her skills in estate planning and today counsels her clients about the importance of estate planning post-divorce.
Lauren is a member of the New York Women’s Bar Association, New York City Bar Association, and New York State Bar Association. Lauren also continues to support her alma mater and is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Syracuse Law Alumni Association.
Prior to joining Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda, Lauren worked at a boutique matrimonial firm in Manhattan that specializes in high asset divorces.
Emily A. Middlebrook L’17 selected as “Upstate New York Super Lawyer – Rising Star” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Emily A. Middlebrook L’17 has been selected as an “Upstate New York Super Lawyer – Rising Star”for 2024. Ms. Middlebrook is an Associate in the Labor & Employment Department. She is a management-side labor and employer lawyer who represents private and public sector employers. She counsels employers on issues such as wage and hour compliance, leave obligations under state and federal law, addressing discrimination and harassment issues in the workplace and compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations.
S. Alexander Berlucchi L’18 selected for “Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Star” for 2024
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Alexander Berlucchi L’18 has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Star”for 2024. Mr. Berlucchi is an associate in the Firm’s corporate and healthcare practices. He focuses on assisting clients with matters related to healthcare law, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and labor law issues.
Christopher R. Clark G’18, L’18 joins Tully Rinckey PLLC
Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce the addition of Christopher Clark, Esq. G’18, L’18 (Clark), as an Associate in the firm’s Albany, N.Y. office. Clark focuses his practice on family and matrimonial law and handles matters including custody, support, family offense, and divorce matters.
Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Clark was a Senior Associate at a New York City law firm where he handled family law cases in courts throughout New York State. In addition to family and matrimonial law, Clark has practiced criminal law, contract law, civil, estate law, and civil rights law.
“We are thrilled to have Clark join our firm,” said Allen Shoikhetbrod, Managing Partner of the Albany office. “His skillset will be a valuable asset to our family and matrimonial law clients as well as to the team here at Tully Rinckey.”
Clark is also a trained oral advocate and has tried bench and jury trials in criminal and family courts. He also obtained a master’s degree in public administration and previously worked as a Mediation Manager for the City of Dallas’ Office of Community Police Oversight, where he worked on administrative complaints against the Dallas Police Department.
Katie E. Hyma, Ph.D. L’19 promoted to principal
Fish & Richardson P.C. is pleased to announce that Katie Hyma L’19 has been promoted to principal, effective January 1, 2025. Below is an overview of the accomplished alum:
Katie E. Hyma, Ph.D., focuses her practice on post-grant and patent counseling, advising on a broad range of technologies with a focus on biotechnology, molecular biology, and therapeutics.
2020-2024
Ryan P. Thompson L’21 joins Goldberg Segalla’s Manhattan office
Goldberg Segalla added Ryan P. Thompson L’21 to the firm’s Management and Professional Liability practice group in Manhattan.
Thompson concentrates his practice on professional liability matters, counseling and defending businesses, corporate officers, health care practitioners, and a variety of other professionals in matters alleging errors and omissions. He has represented physicians, healthcare facilities, public entities and medical providers in medical malpractice claims, leading comprehensive discovery processes, developing legal analysis and defense strategy, and representing clients at court conferences.
Before joining private practice, Thompson served as assistant district attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, where he was appointed one of two specialists to lead cases involving motor vehicles, including matters of vehicle theft, serious physical injuries related to motor vehicle accidents, and individuals driving while intoxicated. While attending law school, he served as a legal extern for the Hon. Therese Wiley Dancks of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, where he conducted legal research on complex matters, preparing briefs and memoranda.
Thompson earned his B.S. from Pennsylvania State University and his J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law.
Tiffany M. Love L’22 joins Adams and Reese
Adams and Reese is pleased to announce the hiring of Tiffany M. Love L’22 as a member of the Labor and Employment Team and to the national law firm’s Tampa office. Tiffany will assist the group’s attorneys on all legal issues impacting businesses, including various areas of employer-employee relationships and counseling clients on federal, state, and local employment laws pertaining to their operations.
In addition to labor and employment law, Tiffany is experienced in real estate, trusts and estates, estate planning, probate administration, and across various areas of litigation.
Tiffany is an active member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Hillsborough County Chapter. She is an alumni association board member at her alma mater Syracuse University College of Law (J.D., 2022, cum laude). While in law school, Tiffany served as a civilian legal assistance paralegal for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Tiffany earned her B.A. in English from the University of Maryland University College. Following her undergraduate degree in English, she was a teacher in Misawa, Japan.
Gabriela Groman L’23 joins Hancock Estabrook as Associate in the Firm’s Litigation Department
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is pleased to announce that Gabriela C. Groman has joined the Firm’s Litigation Department.
Ms. Groman focuses her practice in the areas of commercial litigation, personal injury defense, and professional and products liability defense.
She is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law where she was a member of the Journal of Science and Technology, Cold Case Justice Initiative, Black Law Student Association, and Advocacy Honors Society Mock Trial Team.
Ms. Groman is a coach for the Syracuse University College of Law Trial Team.
She is admitted to practice in New York State.
Ella K. Dershowitz L’24 starring off-Broadway play
Ella Dershowitz L’24 is currently starring in Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, an off-Broadway play set in 1933 Berlin that tells the true story of one of history’s most profound thinkers, Hannah Arendt.
Marisa Maroney L’24 admitted to NYS Bar
Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce that recent hire Marissa Maroney L’24was officially admitted to the New York State Bar, joining the firm’s growing team of attorneys.
Maroney is an Associate and will focus primarily on Matrimonial and Family Law matters.
Maroney received her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law where she served as a Student Attorney at the Criminal Defense Clinic and worked as Law Clerk for a local law firm. She excelled in International Human Rights & Disability Law throughout her studies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Elmira College. Maroney joined the firm in September 2024.