CHILDREN'S RIGHTS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Attorney
• Partner
• Head of Westchester Office

Andrea B. Friedman is a named partner at Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law. Friedman joined the Law Offices of Sari M. Friedman, PC, as an associate in 2009, after receiving her J.D. from Hofstra University Law School, and a B.A. from George Washington University. With more than a decade of experience, she has distinguished herself as a leader in the area of matrimonial and family law. She has developed a well-respected reputation for her aggressive attitude humbled by her compassionate disposition. Andrea Friedman focuses her practice on preparation, insight into the law and advocacy for her client. Practicing side-by-side with Sari M Friedman, she handles all areas of matrimonial and family law from inception through trial. Attorney Andrea Friedman won the Long Island Business News Millennial Award, which sets her apart from other young professionals in the millennial generation. She was also recently named to Who's Who as a Top Attorney in North America. She is also a new member of the White Plains Rotary Club and a member of the Board of the Westchester Women's Bar Association. Friedman has emerged as a well-respected attorney. In 2014, Long Island Business News called Friedman "one to watch." In 2017, she was honored to be selected as one of "40 Under 40" in Queens and was named by Super Lawyers as Rising Star in 2018, 2021 and 2022. She often teaches trial skills to students at Hofstra University School of Law. She has also been a guest lecturer at the Marino Institute of Continuing Legal Education, speaking to fellow attorneys on all aspects of matrimonial and family law. In 2018 Andrea received an award from Hofstra Law School as an Emerging Leader at their annual Outstanding Women in law event. Andrea was also selected by Super Lawyers as Rising Star in 2018, 2021 and 2022 and by New York Times, Top Attorneys in Metro New York as Rising Star. She is also the State Director of the WWBA along with being the State Ambassador for WBASNY on behalf of WWBA. Andrea was also named in NY Magazine 2021 women leaders in the law. She was the 2022 recipient of top 10 attorney by American association of Attorney advocates. She was also named 2022 top rated lawyers in New York. Andrea was also the 2022 10 best attorneys recipient by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. She has been listed as the 2022 law firm of the year by American institute of legal professionals.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Attorney
• Partner

Crystal S. Pannell is a partner who obtained her Juris Doctor from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, in 2011. Ms. Pannell was admitted to practice law in the State of New York in January of 2012 and is also admitted in the Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York. While enrolled in Touro Law, Ms. Pannell received two CALI Awards of Excellence in Professional Responsibility and the Family Law Clinic. While in Law School, Ms. Pannell acted as Service Chair for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and was active in the Disaster Relief Network where she performed volunteer legal work for areas impacted by natural disasters. Ms. Pannell continues to be active in her church and judging debates with the New York City Urban Debate League. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Pannell represented Creditors in State Courts throughout New York and Eastern and Southern District Courts. Ms. Pannell has experience in real estate law and social security disability law in addition to her experience in matrimonial law and family law.

Job Titles:

• Attorney
• Senior Associate
• Westchester Divorce & Family Law Attorney

David M. Rubenstein joined Friedman & Friedman, PLLC in March, 2019 as a senior associate attorney. Mr. Rubenstein received his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 2009 and his B.A. from University of Maryland. Prior to joining Friedman & Friedman, PLLC, Mr. Rubenstein had nearly a decade of experience practicing Matrimonial and Family Law at prominent boutique law firms, handling matters involving custody and visitation, paternity, child support, maintenance, equitable distribution, relocation, orders of protection and drafting prenuptial agreements. Mr. Rubenstein has represented clients in all five boroughs, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Attorney
• Member of the New York State Bar Association

Emily C. Prudente is an associate attorney at Friedman & Friedman PLLC. Ms. Prudente focuses her practice on the areas of matrimonial and family law and is a trained mediator. Ms. Prudente earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics from Cornell University, where she was a Presidential Research Scholar, and her Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Ms. Prudente was an associate with prominent boutique matrimonial law firms in Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she handled complex, high-asset family law litigation and divorce mediations. Ms. Prudente is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Westchester County Bar Association, Women's Westchester Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, and Fairfield County Bar Association. Ms. Prudente is admitted to both the New York State Bar and Connecticut State Bar.

Job Titles:

• Attorney
• Partner
• Senior Associate

Jennifer Moran is a partner with the firm concentrating on matrimonial and family law. Ms. Moran earned her Juris Doctorate, with Summa cum laude distinction, at Hofstra University School of Law and her B.A. from Hofstra University, with summa cum laude distinction, in an accelerated

Job Titles:

• Attorney
• Partner
• Senior Associate

Laraib Butt is a partner with the firm concentrating on matrimonial and family law. Laraib earned her Juris Doctorate at Hofstra University School of Law and her B.S. in Legal Studies and Philosophy from St. John's University. Prior to joining Friedman and Friedman, Laraib gained knowledge of matrimonial and family law from the perspective of the judicial system while working as an intern for the Hon. Richard Hoffmann, presiding in Suffolk Family Court and the Hon. Stacy D. Bennett, presiding in Nassau Supreme Court, Matrimonial Center. She has also gained experience from her work in private practice in several boutique law firms focusing on matrimonial and family law. Laraib also has had experience in Immigration law where she represented clients in individual hearings before the Immigration Court and the Asylum Office.

Job Titles:

• Attorney
• Partner
• General Counsel for the Fathers' Rights Association of NYS
• Senior Partner Long Island

Sari M. Friedman has numerous accolades that set her apart, such as the memberships she holds listed below Attorney Sari Friedman has received the New York Metro Super Lawyers® - Top 5% of Attorneys in the Region, which is a great accomplishment and sets her apart from other attorneys in her area. She has also been awarded with the Long Island Power Women in Business, displaying her unique abilities as a woman in the professional world. Additionally, SmartCEO Magazine has honored Sari Friedman with the 2016 New York Family Busienss Award. This award was given to the firm as a result of their continued focus on the family in their legal practice. Sari M. Friedman is a North Shore attorney, mother of two, with more than 35 years of experience in law. She uses her background of experience and her personal commitment to families to help each client she represents. She has even written and published many articles on matrimonial and family law issues, lectures frequently, and has been interviewed on radio and television on matters concerning divorce, custody, visitation and child support. She has helped defend the rights of both mothers and fathers during divorce, custody disputes, and other matrimonial issues. After 20 years in the New York Metro area, Sari M. Friedman, has now gone high tech. By utilizing the web, Friedman can reach out to help greater numbers of people and families in crisis. Sari believes that a family can and should be a loving environment for children. Sari Friedman is a matrimonial and family law attorney with over 35 years of experience. A mother of two, Sari understands the importance of family and protecting the rights of children. From her office in Long Island, Sari and her team are dedicated to helping families with legal matters including Divorce, Alimony/ Maintenance, Fathers' Rights, Grandparents' Rights, Postnuptial, Prenuptial, Same-Sex Marriage, Separation Agreements, Child Custody, Child Support and Visitation. Sari provides one-on-one attention that allows for a personalized legal plan. "As every family is unique, a cookie-cutter legal approach is not effective," Sari said. Attorney Sari Friedman has received many recognitions that distinguish her among other attorneys. She has been awarded the Long Island Power Women in Business award. Another award that the firm is proud to receive is the 2016 New York Family Business Award from SmartCEO Magazine. Sari is General Counsel for the Fathers' Rights Association of NYS and Long Island. Sari was recently named to New York's Legal Leaders Top Rated Lawyers in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020 a distinction only given to those attorneys in Long Island who have achieved the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. Attorney Sari Friedman has been selected for membership as one of the "10 Best" Attorneys for New York by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. The rating system used for this honor is based upon client satisfaction in the legal services she provides. In addition, she has the following accolades: Received the 2022 Top Lawyers of New York Metro Award Named the 2020 Top Attorney Award Winner from Attorney.com Named a 2020 Top Lawyer from Top 100 Registry Inc. Received the 2017- 2018 Hofstra University School of Law Women's Leaders in Law Award Invited to join the National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers (Matrimonial & Family Law) Received the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyer, a distinction given to only 5% of attorneys within New York State Received the 2012 Leadership in Law Award by Long Island Business News Received the 2016-2020 Leadership in Law Award by New York's Women's Leaders in the Law Listed in Who's Who in American Law Recognized as one of the Premier 100 Trial Attorneys in New York State for the year 2015 by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys Recently named to Who's Who as a Top Attorney in North America. Honoree, National Association of Women Business Owners Named to Rue's Ratings Best Attorneys of America list 2018-2023 Lawyers of Distinction Sari lectures about matrimonial law at Marino Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminars and has published articles on family law matters.