Humes & Wagner, LLP
Broad experience in municipal, zoning, planning, preservation easement and environmental law through its municipal clients, provides H&W with unique ability to represent its non-municipal clients in these same areas.
Humes & Wagner, LLP
Broad experience in municipal, zoning, planning, preservation easement and environmental law through its municipal clients, provides H&W with unique ability to represent its non-municipal clients in these same areas.
The law firm of Humes & Wagner, LLP ("H&W") was founded in 1962 by the Hon. John P. Humes (U.S. Ambassador to Austria 1970-1975) and Colton P. Wagner. Since that date, H&W has served the community in which it is located and beyond, representing individuals, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and numerous incorporated Villages on the North Shore of Long Island, both as general and special counsel. For its individual clients, H&W has provided legal services in the area of real estate, zoning, personal law, trusts, wills, estate planning, estate administration, surrogate court practice, and litigation relating to these areas. For its municipal clients, H&W has provided a wide array of legal services in all areas of local government. The firm's broad experience in municipal, zoning, planning, preservation easement and environmental law through its municipal clients, provides H&W with a unique ability to represent its non-municipal clients in these same areas as applicants, homeowners and business people. The firm also has a significant corporate or business practice. The firm is currently retained as attorneys for the Incorporated Villages of Centre Island, Cove Neck, Lattingtown, Lloyd Harbor, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Oyster Bay Cove, Plandome, Roslyn Harbor and Upper Brookville.
Main Office
147 Forest Avenue, P.O. BOX 546
Locust Valley, NY 11560
516-676-4600
H&W is experienced and skilled in aiding its clients to develop an estate plan designed to achieve the client's personal objectives and to minimize taxes.
H&W will review and analyze property interests, paying special attention to coordinating disposition of non-probate assets, such as retirement plan benefits, life insurance, and jointly owned property, with disposition of property passing by Will. We can implement the estate plan by wills, lifetime trusts, gift programs, transfers of title, insurance, charitable dispositions, antenuptial and postnuptial agreements, buy/sell arrangements, or other methods.
Partner
Peter M. Weiler is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on September 16, 1938. He received a B.A. from St. Vincent College in 1960 and a J.D. from Fordham University in 1963. He was President of the Fordham University Student Bar Association from 1962 to 1963. He was also a government special agent for the FBI from 1963 to 1966. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1966. In 1980, he was admitted to the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Committees, and also a member of the New York State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, and Litigation.
Fordham University
Juris Doctorate, 1963
Partner
Peter M. Weiler is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on September 16, 1938. He received a B.A. from St. Vincent College in 1960 and a J.D. from Fordham University in 1963. He was President of the Fordham University Student Bar Association from 1962 to 1963. He was also a government special agent for the FBI from 1963 to 1966. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1966. In 1980, he was admitted to the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Committees, and also a member of the New York State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, and Litigation.
Fordham University Juris Doctorate, 1963
Partner
Peter P. MacKinnon is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on May 31, 1948. In 1970, he received a B.S. from Clarkson College of Technology, and in 1974 he received a J.D. from St. John's University. In 1974, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, in 1980 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, in 1981 he was admitted to the Virginia State Bar and the Supreme Court of Virginia, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the general corporate counsel to the American Red Cross Nassau County Chapter. He is member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate, Computer and Municipal Law Committees, and a member of the New York State Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Sections. He is also a member of the Virginia State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, Zoning, Planning, Wills and Estates.
St. John's University
Juris Doctorate, 1974
Partner
Peter P. MacKinnon is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on May 31, 1948. In 1970, he received a B.S. from Clarkson College of Technology, and in 1974 he received a J.D. from St. John's University. In 1974, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, in 1980 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, in 1981 he was admitted to the Virginia State Bar and the Supreme Court of Virginia, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the general corporate counsel to the American Red Cross Nassau County Chapter. He is member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate, Computer and Municipal Law Committees, and a member of the New York State Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Sections. He is also a member of the Virginia State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, Zoning, Planning, Wills and Estates.
St. John's University Juris Doctorate, 1974
Partner
John Ritter, Jr. is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on April 12, 1949. He received a B.A. from Columbia University in 1980 and a J.D. from New York Law School in 1983. In 1984, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. He served as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney from 1983 to 1985, and a Nassau County Planning Commissioner from 1995 to 1998. During his term on the Planning Commission the first Master Plan for the future growth and development of Nassau County was written and adopted. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association serving on the the Committees for Municipal Law and Environmental Law, and a member of the New York State Bar Association serving in the Municipal Law Section. His practice areas include Local Government and Land Use Law; Real Estate and Environmental Law; and related litigation.
New York Law School
Juris Doctorate, 1983
Partner
John Ritter, Jr. is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on April 12, 1949. He received a B.A. from Columbia University in 1980 and a J.D. from New York Law School in 1983. In 1984, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. He served as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney from 1983 to 1985, and a Nassau County Planning Commissioner from 1995 to 1998. During his term on the Planning Commission the first Master Plan for the future growth and development of Nassau County was written and adopted. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association serving on the the Committees for Municipal Law and Environmental Law, and a member of the New York State Bar Association serving in the Municipal Law Section. His practice areas include Local Government and Land Use Law; Real Estate and Environmental Law; and related litigation.
New York Law School Juris Doctorate, 1983
Partner
H. Brooks Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on May 28, 1954. He received a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1976, a J.D. from Hofstra University in 1980, and an L.L.M. in taxation from New York University in 1982. In 1981, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. He is currently a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Nassau County Bar Association (Surrogate's Court and Estates and Trusts Committees), and the New York State Bar Association (Trusts and Estates Section). His practice areas include Trusts and Estates, Taxation, and Real Estate.
Hofstra University
Juris Doctorate, 1980
Partner
H. Brooks Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on May 28, 1954. He received a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1976, a J.D. from Hofstra University in 1980, and an L.L.M. in taxation from New York University in 1982. In 1981, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. He is currently a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Nassau County Bar Association (Surrogate's Court and Estates and Trusts Committees), and the New York State Bar Association (Trusts and Estates Section). His practice areas include Trusts and Estates, Taxation, and Real Estate.
Hofstra University Juris Doctorate, 1980
Partner
Beverly J. Bell is member of the firm concentrating in estate planning and administration and real estate. Her practice includes estate planning, probate and administration of estates and trusts, pre and post-death counseling concerning estate matters and representation of clients in real estate transactions. Ms. Bell is a frequent lecturer to various and varied groups concerning estate planning and real estate. She co-hosted a radio show with Dennis Haber on WGBB, The American Dream Hour, a forum on legal and social concerns. She has served as past President of the Council for the Arts on the North Shore and Moderator for three years of the Board of Trustees for New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Currently, she is Chairperson for the Strategic Planning Commission of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She is a co-founder of Ballet New York, Inc., a professional ballet company on Long Island and has served as a Board member of the H-Andy Fund, Parish Resource Center of Long Island West and numerous other charities and community organizations. Ms. Bell received her B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 1973, her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1976, her M.Div., summa cum laude, from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1993, and is a S.T.M. degree candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York City concentrating in systematic theology and ethics. She received the Citation by the Dean for Special Service from Hofstra University School of Law. In 1998, she received the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Award for the top women business owners of Long Island. She was further honored with the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award given by the Hofstra University Alumni Association in 1999. She is listed in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who of American Women among other listings. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
Hofstra University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1976
Partner
Beverly J. Bell is member of the firm concentrating in estate planning and administration and real estate. Her practice includes estate planning, probate and administration of estates and trusts, pre and post-death counseling concerning estate matters and representation of clients in real estate transactions. Ms. Bell is a frequent lecturer to various and varied groups concerning estate planning and real estate. She co-hosted a radio show with Dennis Haber on WGBB, The American Dream Hour, a forum on legal and social concerns. She has served as past President of the Council for the Arts on the North Shore and Moderator for three years of the Board of Trustees for New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Currently, she is Chairperson for the Strategic Planning Commission of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She is a co-founder of Ballet New York, Inc., a professional ballet company on Long Island and has served as a Board member of the H-Andy Fund, Parish Resource Center of Long Island West and numerous other charities and community organizations. Ms. Bell received her B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 1973, her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1976, her M.Div., summa cum laude, from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1993, and is a S.T.M. degree candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York City concentrating in systematic theology and ethics. She received the Citation by the Dean for Special Service from Hofstra University School of Law. In 1998, she received the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Award for the top women business owners of Long Island. She was further honored with the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award given by the Hofstra University Alumni Association in 1999. She is listed in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who of American Women among other listings. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
Hofstra University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 1976
Partner
Shannon T. Ackerly is a partner of the firm, born in Plainview, New York, on May 23, 1975. She received her B.A. in 1997 from SUNY New Paltz, and her J.D. from New England School of Law in 2000. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2001. She is a member of the Nassau County and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
New England School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2000
Partner
Shannon T. Ackerly is a partner of the firm, born in Plainview, New York, on May 23, 1975. She received her B.A. in 1997 from SUNY New Paltz, and her J.D. from New England School of Law in 2000. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2001. She is a member of the Nassau County and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
New England School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2000
Partner
Brian A. Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York.
While in practice in New York City for seventeen years, Brian obtained extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts around the country. He has successfully litigated, arbitrated and mediated matters involving exposure ranging from minor monetary value to over $1 billion. He has represented large, mid-size and small companies in various industries, such as aviation, admiralty, banking, construction and telecommunications, as well as municipalities in both state and federal court cases. He also has considerable experience representing companies and individuals in business matters.
Brian's insurance practice involves providing counseling and coverage advice to insurance companies, brokers, agents, consultants and policyholders. His broad insurance industry experience includes in product areas such as D&O, E&O, P&C and less traditional areas such as residual value insurance. He also has substantial experience in insurance programs and related regulatory matters, including the formation and regulation of risk purchasing groups.
Brian is a member of the Federal Courts Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, where he current serves as Chairman of the Federal Rules Subcommittee. He previously served as Chairman of the Insurance Law Committee (2008-11). He is a member of the American Bar Association sections of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation and Securities Litigation.
Brian has served on the Village of Muttontown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Site & Architectural Review Board (SARB).
Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. John's University and his Juris Doctor degree at Fordham University School of Law. While at Fordham, he was a senior editor of the Fordham Intellectual Property Law Journal. Brian interned for Judge Kevin T. Duffy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was a clerk for the (then) Counsel to the Queens Borough President's Office, Nicholas G. Garaufis.
Brian is admitted to practice in the state courts of New York and New Jersey and in federal courts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the United States Supreme Court.
Fordham University School of Law
Juris Doctorate,
Partner
Brian A. Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York.
While in practice in New York City for seventeen years, Brian obtained extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts around the country. He has successfully litigated, arbitrated and mediated matters involving exposure ranging from minor monetary value to over $1 billion. He has represented large, mid-size and small companies in various industries, such as aviation, admiralty, banking, construction and telecommunications, as well as municipalities in both state and federal court cases. He also has considerable experience representing companies and individuals in business matters.
Brian's insurance practice involves providing counseling and coverage advice to insurance companies, brokers, agents, consultants and policyholders. His broad insurance industry experience includes in product areas such as D&O, E&O, P&C and less traditional areas such as residual value insurance. He also has substantial experience in insurance programs and related regulatory matters, including the formation and regulation of risk purchasing groups.
Brian is a member of the Federal Courts Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, where he current serves as Chairman of the Federal Rules Subcommittee. He previously served as Chairman of the Insurance Law Committee (2008-11). He is a member of the American Bar Association sections of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation and Securities Litigation.
Brian has served on the Village of Muttontown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Site & Architectural Review Board (SARB).
Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. John's University and his Juris Doctor degree at Fordham University School of Law. While at Fordham, he was a senior editor of the Fordham Intellectual Property Law Journal. Brian interned for Judge Kevin T. Duffy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was a clerk for the (then) Counsel to the Queens Borough President's Office, Nicholas G. Garaufis.
Brian is admitted to practice in the state courts of New York and New Jersey and in federal courts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the United States Supreme Court.
Fordham University School of Law Juris Doctorate,
Associate
Sara E. Masouras is an associate of the firm, born in West Islip, New York, on August 22, 1980. She received a B.A. from Marist College in 2002 and a J.D. from Pace University School of Law in 2005. She was admitted to the Connecticut State Bar in 2006 and the New York State Bar in 2007. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
Pace University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2005
Associate
Sara E. Masouras is an associate of the firm, born in West Islip, New York, on August 22, 1980. She received a B.A. from Marist College in 2002 and a J.D. from Pace University School of Law in 2005. She was admitted to the Connecticut State Bar in 2006 and the New York State Bar in 2007. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
Pace University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2005
Associate
Christopher G. Wagner is an associate of the firm, born in New York, New York on May 26, 1978. He received his B.A. in 2000 from SUNY Cortland, and his J.D. from Touro Law School in 2007. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a staff member for a New York City Councilman. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2008. He is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law and Litigation.
Touro Law School
Juris Doctorate, 2007
Associate
Christopher G. Wagner is an associate of the firm, born in New York, New York on May 26, 1978. He received his B.A. in 2000 from SUNY Cortland, and his J.D. from Touro Law School in 2007. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a staff member for a New York City Councilman. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2008. He is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law and Litigation.
Touro Law School Juris Doctorate, 2007
Associate
Kiera E. Flynn is an associate of the firm, born in Manhasset, New York, on May 25, 1984. She received a B.S. from Boston College in 2006 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2009. She was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar in 2009 and the New York State Bar in 2010. She is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Estate Planning and Trust and Estate Administration.
Fordham University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2009
Associate
Kiera E. Flynn is an associate of the firm, born in Manhasset, New York, on May 25, 1984. She received a B.S. from Boston College in 2006 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2009. She was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar in 2009 and the New York State Bar in 2010. She is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Estate Planning and Trust and Estate Administration.
Fordham University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2009
Of Counsel
PETER B. COLGROVE is counsel to the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on November 11, 1956. He received a B.S. from the University of Oregon in 1980 and a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1984. In 1985 he was admitted to the New York State Bar, and in 1986 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District. He is currently a member ofthe Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Land Use and Real Estate and Not-for-Profit Law
Vermont Law School
Juris Doctorate, 1984
Of Counsel
PETER B. COLGROVE is counsel to the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on November 11, 1956. He received a B.S. from the University of Oregon in 1980 and a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1984. In 1985 he was admitted to the New York State Bar, and in 1986 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District. He is currently a member ofthe Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Land Use and Real Estate and Not-for-Profit Law
Vermont Law School Juris Doctorate, 1984
The law firm of Humes & Wagner, LLP ("H&W") was founded in 1962 by the Hon. John P. Humes (U.S. Ambassador to Austria 1970-1975) and Colton P. Wagner. Since that date, H&W has served the community in which it is located and beyond, representing individuals, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and numerous incorporated Villages on the North Shore of Long Island, both as general and special counsel. For its individual clients, H&W has provided legal services in the area of real estate, zoning, personal law, trusts, wills, estate planning, estate administration, surrogate court practice, and litigation relating to these areas. For its municipal clients, H&W has provided a wide array of legal services in all areas of local government. The firm's broad experience in municipal, zoning, planning, preservation easement and environmental law through its municipal clients, provides H&W with a unique ability to represent its non-municipal clients in these same areas as applicants, homeowners and business people. The firm also has a significant corporate or business practice. The firm is currently retained as attorneys for the Incorporated Villages of Centre Island, Cove Neck, Lattingtown, Lloyd Harbor, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Oyster Bay Cove, Plandome, Roslyn Harbor and Upper Brookville.
Main Office
147 Forest Avenue, P.O. BOX 546
Locust Valley, NY 11560
516-676-4600
H&W is experienced and skilled in aiding its clients to develop an estate plan designed to achieve the client's personal objectives and to minimize taxes.
H&W will review and analyze property interests, paying special attention to coordinating disposition of non-probate assets, such as retirement plan benefits, life insurance, and jointly owned property, with disposition of property passing by Will. We can implement the estate plan by wills, lifetime trusts, gift programs, transfers of title, insurance, charitable dispositions, antenuptial and postnuptial agreements, buy/sell arrangements, or other methods.
Partner
Peter M. Weiler is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on September 16, 1938. He received a B.A. from St. Vincent College in 1960 and a J.D. from Fordham University in 1963. He was President of the Fordham University Student Bar Association from 1962 to 1963. He was also a government special agent for the FBI from 1963 to 1966. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1966. In 1980, he was admitted to the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Committees, and also a member of the New York State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, and Litigation.
Fordham University
Juris Doctorate, 1963
Partner
Peter M. Weiler is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on September 16, 1938. He received a B.A. from St. Vincent College in 1960 and a J.D. from Fordham University in 1963. He was President of the Fordham University Student Bar Association from 1962 to 1963. He was also a government special agent for the FBI from 1963 to 1966. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1966. In 1980, he was admitted to the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Committees, and also a member of the New York State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, and Litigation.
Fordham University Juris Doctorate, 1963
Partner
Peter P. MacKinnon is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on May 31, 1948. In 1970, he received a B.S. from Clarkson College of Technology, and in 1974 he received a J.D. from St. John's University. In 1974, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, in 1980 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, in 1981 he was admitted to the Virginia State Bar and the Supreme Court of Virginia, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the general corporate counsel to the American Red Cross Nassau County Chapter. He is member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate, Computer and Municipal Law Committees, and a member of the New York State Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Sections. He is also a member of the Virginia State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, Zoning, Planning, Wills and Estates.
St. John's University
Juris Doctorate, 1974
Partner
Peter P. MacKinnon is a member of the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on May 31, 1948. In 1970, he received a B.S. from Clarkson College of Technology, and in 1974 he received a J.D. from St. John's University. In 1974, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, in 1980 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, in 1981 he was admitted to the Virginia State Bar and the Supreme Court of Virginia, and in 1988 he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the general corporate counsel to the American Red Cross Nassau County Chapter. He is member of the Nassau County Bar Association in the Real Estate, Computer and Municipal Law Committees, and a member of the New York State Bar Association in the Real Estate and Municipal Law Sections. He is also a member of the Virginia State Bar Association. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Real Estate, Zoning, Planning, Wills and Estates.
St. John's University Juris Doctorate, 1974
Partner
John Ritter, Jr. is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on April 12, 1949. He received a B.A. from Columbia University in 1980 and a J.D. from New York Law School in 1983. In 1984, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. He served as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney from 1983 to 1985, and a Nassau County Planning Commissioner from 1995 to 1998. During his term on the Planning Commission the first Master Plan for the future growth and development of Nassau County was written and adopted. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association serving on the the Committees for Municipal Law and Environmental Law, and a member of the New York State Bar Association serving in the Municipal Law Section. His practice areas include Local Government and Land Use Law; Real Estate and Environmental Law; and related litigation.
New York Law School
Juris Doctorate, 1983
Partner
John Ritter, Jr. is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on April 12, 1949. He received a B.A. from Columbia University in 1980 and a J.D. from New York Law School in 1983. In 1984, he was admitted to the New York State Bar, U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. He served as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney from 1983 to 1985, and a Nassau County Planning Commissioner from 1995 to 1998. During his term on the Planning Commission the first Master Plan for the future growth and development of Nassau County was written and adopted. He is currently a member of the Nassau County Bar Association serving on the the Committees for Municipal Law and Environmental Law, and a member of the New York State Bar Association serving in the Municipal Law Section. His practice areas include Local Government and Land Use Law; Real Estate and Environmental Law; and related litigation.
New York Law School Juris Doctorate, 1983
Partner
H. Brooks Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on May 28, 1954. He received a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1976, a J.D. from Hofstra University in 1980, and an L.L.M. in taxation from New York University in 1982. In 1981, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. He is currently a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Nassau County Bar Association (Surrogate's Court and Estates and Trusts Committees), and the New York State Bar Association (Trusts and Estates Section). His practice areas include Trusts and Estates, Taxation, and Real Estate.
Hofstra University
Juris Doctorate, 1980
Partner
H. Brooks Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York, on May 28, 1954. He received a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1976, a J.D. from Hofstra University in 1980, and an L.L.M. in taxation from New York University in 1982. In 1981, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. He is currently a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Nassau County Bar Association (Surrogate's Court and Estates and Trusts Committees), and the New York State Bar Association (Trusts and Estates Section). His practice areas include Trusts and Estates, Taxation, and Real Estate.
Hofstra University Juris Doctorate, 1980
Partner
Beverly J. Bell is member of the firm concentrating in estate planning and administration and real estate. Her practice includes estate planning, probate and administration of estates and trusts, pre and post-death counseling concerning estate matters and representation of clients in real estate transactions. Ms. Bell is a frequent lecturer to various and varied groups concerning estate planning and real estate. She co-hosted a radio show with Dennis Haber on WGBB, The American Dream Hour, a forum on legal and social concerns. She has served as past President of the Council for the Arts on the North Shore and Moderator for three years of the Board of Trustees for New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Currently, she is Chairperson for the Strategic Planning Commission of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She is a co-founder of Ballet New York, Inc., a professional ballet company on Long Island and has served as a Board member of the H-Andy Fund, Parish Resource Center of Long Island West and numerous other charities and community organizations. Ms. Bell received her B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 1973, her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1976, her M.Div., summa cum laude, from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1993, and is a S.T.M. degree candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York City concentrating in systematic theology and ethics. She received the Citation by the Dean for Special Service from Hofstra University School of Law. In 1998, she received the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Award for the top women business owners of Long Island. She was further honored with the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award given by the Hofstra University Alumni Association in 1999. She is listed in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who of American Women among other listings. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
Hofstra University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1976
Partner
Beverly J. Bell is member of the firm concentrating in estate planning and administration and real estate. Her practice includes estate planning, probate and administration of estates and trusts, pre and post-death counseling concerning estate matters and representation of clients in real estate transactions. Ms. Bell is a frequent lecturer to various and varied groups concerning estate planning and real estate. She co-hosted a radio show with Dennis Haber on WGBB, The American Dream Hour, a forum on legal and social concerns. She has served as past President of the Council for the Arts on the North Shore and Moderator for three years of the Board of Trustees for New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Currently, she is Chairperson for the Strategic Planning Commission of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She is a co-founder of Ballet New York, Inc., a professional ballet company on Long Island and has served as a Board member of the H-Andy Fund, Parish Resource Center of Long Island West and numerous other charities and community organizations. Ms. Bell received her B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 1973, her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 1976, her M.Div., summa cum laude, from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1993, and is a S.T.M. degree candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York City concentrating in systematic theology and ethics. She received the Citation by the Dean for Special Service from Hofstra University School of Law. In 1998, she received the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Award for the top women business owners of Long Island. She was further honored with the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award given by the Hofstra University Alumni Association in 1999. She is listed in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who of American Women among other listings. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
Hofstra University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 1976
Partner
Shannon T. Ackerly is a partner of the firm, born in Plainview, New York, on May 23, 1975. She received her B.A. in 1997 from SUNY New Paltz, and her J.D. from New England School of Law in 2000. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2001. She is a member of the Nassau County and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
New England School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2000
Partner
Shannon T. Ackerly is a partner of the firm, born in Plainview, New York, on May 23, 1975. She received her B.A. in 1997 from SUNY New Paltz, and her J.D. from New England School of Law in 2000. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2001. She is a member of the Nassau County and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
New England School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2000
Partner
Brian A. Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York.
While in practice in New York City for seventeen years, Brian obtained extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts around the country. He has successfully litigated, arbitrated and mediated matters involving exposure ranging from minor monetary value to over $1 billion. He has represented large, mid-size and small companies in various industries, such as aviation, admiralty, banking, construction and telecommunications, as well as municipalities in both state and federal court cases. He also has considerable experience representing companies and individuals in business matters.
Brian's insurance practice involves providing counseling and coverage advice to insurance companies, brokers, agents, consultants and policyholders. His broad insurance industry experience includes in product areas such as D&O, E&O, P&C and less traditional areas such as residual value insurance. He also has substantial experience in insurance programs and related regulatory matters, including the formation and regulation of risk purchasing groups.
Brian is a member of the Federal Courts Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, where he current serves as Chairman of the Federal Rules Subcommittee. He previously served as Chairman of the Insurance Law Committee (2008-11). He is a member of the American Bar Association sections of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation and Securities Litigation.
Brian has served on the Village of Muttontown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Site & Architectural Review Board (SARB).
Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. John's University and his Juris Doctor degree at Fordham University School of Law. While at Fordham, he was a senior editor of the Fordham Intellectual Property Law Journal. Brian interned for Judge Kevin T. Duffy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was a clerk for the (then) Counsel to the Queens Borough President's Office, Nicholas G. Garaufis.
Brian is admitted to practice in the state courts of New York and New Jersey and in federal courts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the United States Supreme Court.
Fordham University School of Law
Juris Doctorate,
Partner
Brian A. Smith is a member of the firm, born in New York, New York.
While in practice in New York City for seventeen years, Brian obtained extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts around the country. He has successfully litigated, arbitrated and mediated matters involving exposure ranging from minor monetary value to over $1 billion. He has represented large, mid-size and small companies in various industries, such as aviation, admiralty, banking, construction and telecommunications, as well as municipalities in both state and federal court cases. He also has considerable experience representing companies and individuals in business matters.
Brian's insurance practice involves providing counseling and coverage advice to insurance companies, brokers, agents, consultants and policyholders. His broad insurance industry experience includes in product areas such as D&O, E&O, P&C and less traditional areas such as residual value insurance. He also has substantial experience in insurance programs and related regulatory matters, including the formation and regulation of risk purchasing groups.
Brian is a member of the Federal Courts Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, where he current serves as Chairman of the Federal Rules Subcommittee. He previously served as Chairman of the Insurance Law Committee (2008-11). He is a member of the American Bar Association sections of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation and Securities Litigation.
Brian has served on the Village of Muttontown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Site & Architectural Review Board (SARB).
Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. John's University and his Juris Doctor degree at Fordham University School of Law. While at Fordham, he was a senior editor of the Fordham Intellectual Property Law Journal. Brian interned for Judge Kevin T. Duffy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was a clerk for the (then) Counsel to the Queens Borough President's Office, Nicholas G. Garaufis.
Brian is admitted to practice in the state courts of New York and New Jersey and in federal courts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the United States Supreme Court.
Fordham University School of Law Juris Doctorate,
Associate
Sara E. Masouras is an associate of the firm, born in West Islip, New York, on August 22, 1980. She received a B.A. from Marist College in 2002 and a J.D. from Pace University School of Law in 2005. She was admitted to the Connecticut State Bar in 2006 and the New York State Bar in 2007. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
Pace University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2005
Associate
Sara E. Masouras is an associate of the firm, born in West Islip, New York, on August 22, 1980. She received a B.A. from Marist College in 2002 and a J.D. from Pace University School of Law in 2005. She was admitted to the Connecticut State Bar in 2006 and the New York State Bar in 2007. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Her practice areas include Trusts and Estates and Real Estate.
Pace University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2005
Associate
Christopher G. Wagner is an associate of the firm, born in New York, New York on May 26, 1978. He received his B.A. in 2000 from SUNY Cortland, and his J.D. from Touro Law School in 2007. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a staff member for a New York City Councilman. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2008. He is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law and Litigation.
Touro Law School
Juris Doctorate, 2007
Associate
Christopher G. Wagner is an associate of the firm, born in New York, New York on May 26, 1978. He received his B.A. in 2000 from SUNY Cortland, and his J.D. from Touro Law School in 2007. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a staff member for a New York City Councilman. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2008. He is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law and Litigation.
Touro Law School Juris Doctorate, 2007
Associate
Kiera E. Flynn is an associate of the firm, born in Manhasset, New York, on May 25, 1984. She received a B.S. from Boston College in 2006 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2009. She was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar in 2009 and the New York State Bar in 2010. She is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Estate Planning and Trust and Estate Administration.
Fordham University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2009
Associate
Kiera E. Flynn is an associate of the firm, born in Manhasset, New York, on May 25, 1984. She received a B.S. from Boston College in 2006 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 2009. She was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar in 2009 and the New York State Bar in 2010. She is a member of the Nassau County, New York State, and American Bar Associations. Her practice areas include Estate Planning and Trust and Estate Administration.
Fordham University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2009
Of Counsel
PETER B. COLGROVE is counsel to the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on November 11, 1956. He received a B.S. from the University of Oregon in 1980 and a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1984. In 1985 he was admitted to the New York State Bar, and in 1986 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District. He is currently a member ofthe Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Land Use and Real Estate and Not-for-Profit Law
Vermont Law School
Juris Doctorate, 1984
Of Counsel
PETER B. COLGROVE is counsel to the firm, born in Glen Cove, New York, on November 11, 1956. He received a B.S. from the University of Oregon in 1980 and a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1984. In 1985 he was admitted to the New York State Bar, and in 1986 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District. He is currently a member ofthe Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations. His practice areas include Municipal Law, Land Use and Real Estate and Not-for-Profit Law
Vermont Law School Juris Doctorate, 1984
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