J&G - Key Persons
Alex has served as a Law Clerk for the U. S. Department of Justice: Environment and Natural Resources Division. He also served as a Land Use Legal Research Assistant at Marjorie Shansky Attorney at Law. Alex joined the Cornell Cooperative Extension Parks & Facilities Committee as a member in 2023.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling, collecting crystals and rocks, and hiking.
Alexander G. Main, Esq. is of counsel practicing land use, municipal, and environmental law.
Cynthia J. Hand is an Associate Attorney concentrating on Wills, Trusts & Estates.
She is admitted to practice law in both New York and Connecticut.
Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where she majored in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, CT where she graduated with a concentration in Federal Taxation.
Cynthia is the current the President of the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties having previously served as President-Elect, Treasurer and Recording Secretary. She is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association and New York Bar Association.
She resides in Goshen where she currently serves as a Village Trustee. Over the past several years, Cynthia has been an active member on various municipal boards including the Town of Goshen Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Environmental Review Board. She served on the Board of Assessment Review for several years and for one year as Chairperson.
Cynthia is a graduate of the Leadership Orange Class of 2023. She was named a 2022 Rising Star by the Junior League of Orange County, Inc. and was the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding New Lawyer Award from WBAOSC.
Outside of work and service to her community, Cynthia enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends.
Cynthia J. Hand is an Associate Attorney practicing business and estate planning areas of law. Cynthia earned here Bachelor of Arts from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 2002 and her J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law, in Hamden, Connecticut in 2006.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- of COUNSEL
- Member of the Orange County Bar Association
Mr. Gubits is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and is a past chairman of the Continuing Legal Education Committee. He is also a past member of the New York State Bar Association's Section on Real Estate and Land Use Control Committees, and a previous member of the Committee on Real Estate Financing and the Committee on Attorney Opinion Letters. He is also a past member of the American Bar Association's Federal Grants Committee, Section of Urban, State and Local Governmental Law. He was on Legal Opinions in Real Estate Transactions Committee of the American Bar Association. Mr. Gubits is a past-president of the UJA/Federation of Rockland County.
David is a graduate of Brown University where he was editor in chief of the Brown Daily Herald and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1966 from the New York University School of Law, where he was a Root Tilden Scholar. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1967 and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Gubits, former Partner and currently of counsel and his primary practice has been devoted to real estate, banking, municipal and corporate law. He has a wealth of experience in the representation of local governments and municipal officials in Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and Putnam counties since 1973 in municipal, bond counsel, land use and environmental matters. He is one of few attorneys that can handle municipal financing.
Don Nichol was a partner experienced in all aspects of local government, having practiced as general counsel and special counsel on behalf, or before, numerous boards and agencies of federal, state, and local government. He now serves in an of counsel capacity. He has been the Attorney for the Town of Tuxedo since 2001, the Village of Kiryas Joel since 1990, and special counsel to the Town of Warwick since January 2000. He has been the Attorney for the Orange County Board of Ethics since 1994. Don is a member of the Orange County and New York State Bar.
Don's primary practice has been devoted to municipal law, environmental, and land use issues since 1982, providing legal expertise the many varying fields of local government practice, including zoning and planning; public works construction, wastewater, public water supply, infrastructure, and MS4 issues; procurement and bidding; environmental review (SEQRA) and permitting; labor relations, elections, and governmental ethics.
Don is also skilled in religious land use and property law. He had incorporated, and provided organizational advice to, numerous churches and other religious organizations.
Don is a graduate of Dartmouth College and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1981 from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1982, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern, Southern and Northern Districts of New York as well as the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Don Nichol is of counsel, experienced in all aspects of local government, having practiced as general counsel and special counsel on behalf, or before, numerous boards and agencies of federal, state, and local government. He now serves in an of counsel capacity.
Elisha earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she minored in management and organization. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Elisha resides in Wallkill.
Elisha L. Rapp is an associate attorney practicing business law.
Gary is a former Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Orange in Middletown, teaching Music Business.
Gary is from Rego Park, Queens, New York, and moved to Orange County with his family in 2002.
Gary received the 2024 Karen Minogue Award for Distinguished Service by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan during their Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Reception on February 8, 2024.
Mr. Schuster is a Partner at the firm. His varied practice includes formation, transactions and counseling for corporations, LLCs, partnerships and nonprofits; purchases and sales of businesses; commercial and residential real estate transactions and leasing; franchising; estate planning, administration and litigation; guardianship proceedings; and media, copyright and trademark.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- Counsel at J & G Law
- Member of the Orange County
Mr. Lithco is a member of the Orange County, New York State and American Bar Associations and is a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards in Land Use Law and Property Law. He served with the U.S. Army, and was also a member of the United States Foreign Service, serving as Vice-Consul, U.S. Embassy to the Philippines.
Mr. Lithco is former Partner and currently of counsel at J&G Law, LLP. Since joining the firm in 1989, George has represented private clients before municipal planning and zoning boards of appeal, as well as state and county regulatory agencies. He has also served as counsel to municipal planning boards and zoning boards of appeal in communities represented by the firm.
Mr. Protter is of counsel and leads the firm's Guardianship practice areas, in addition to practicing municipal law and general litigation law.
Mr. Protter is a seasoned negotiator, having represented management in labor negotiations for many years. He brings those same skills to his commercial clients' benefit in dispute resolution and deal-making
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- Member of the New York State Bar Association
Mr. Gailey is a member of the New York State Bar Association. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1984, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of New York, Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court. A graduate of Haverford College, Ben received his Juris Doctor degree in 1983 from New York University School of Law.
A partner in J&G Law, LLP, Mr. Gailey has been representing local governments and municipal officials in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties since 1988. He has been the Attorney for the Town of Blooming Grove since 1991, the Village of Washingtonville since 1992, the Village of Highland Falls since 1992, and the Town of Crawford since 2000.
Jessica M. Mahoney is a Partner concentrating in residential and commercial real estate law. Jessica has been practicing law in Orange County, New York for nearly ten years.
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in 2011 from Berkeley College in New York, New York. She earned her Juris Doctorate in 2014 from Albany Law School in Albany, New York. She has been in solo practice since 2017 until joining J&G Law in 2022. Jessica is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, and the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2015. Jessica has dedicated many years to volunteering for several organizations, including as a Peer Mentor at Berkeley College, Media Intern for Hudson Valley Council, the Boy Scouts of America in Newburgh, a Cadet Executive Officer for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) in Slate Hill, and as a Police Officer Cadet Corps Commander for the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Goshen.
Jessica joined the board of Inspire in September 2023. Jessica is a recipient of an Orange County Rising Star as presented by the Junior League of Orange County, New York, Inc. in November 2023.
Jessica enjoys her time with her family, cooking and baking.
Jessica M. Mahoney is a Partner concentrating in residential and commercial real estate law. Jessica has been practicing law in Orange County, New York for nearly eight years.
Mr. Cappello is a partner and has been with the firm since 1988. His primary areas of practice are land use and municipal law. Mr. Cappello represents private developers in multi-phase and large-scale commercial, residential, educational, and mixed-use land use applications. He serves as attorney for planning boards and zoning boards of appeals throughout the Hudson Valley. John is the lead partner in J&G Law' "Green Team," which focuses on advising a wide array of clients (municipalities, developers, manufacturers and businesses both small and large) on the opportunities available in this emerging field of law. John has made several presentations on a variety of zoning and land use issues throughout the state, focusing on providing diverse and equitable housing opportunities, encouraging sustainable development, navigating the land use approval process, and promoting and regulating solar energy and other alternative energy systems.
Mr. Cappello is a partner with the firm and his primary areas of practice have been land use and municipal law since 1988. Mr. Cappello has represented private developers in multi-phase and large-scale commercial, residential, educational and mixed-use land use applications. He has also served as attorney for planning boards and zoning boards of appeals throughout Orange and Ulster counties.
Kara J. Cavallo is a Partner concentrating in the areas of real property tax certiorari, civil appellate practice, and civil litigation. Kara primarily represents taxing jurisdictions and petitioners in tax certiorari proceedings with respect to real property tax exemptions, valuation and assessment. Kara represents assessors, municipalities, and not-for-profit and for-profit entities with respect to a wide array of real property cases including condominiums, apartments, restaurants, golf courses, hemp and cannabis, manufacturing, residential subdivisions, senior care, rehabilitation and treatment centers, and other commercial and industrial properties. She handles cases at both the trial and appellate level involving the valuation of real property, charitable, religious, agricultural, business investment, and other real property tax exemptions, selective assessment, and constitutional issues impacting real property taxation and assessment.
Kara received her Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in 1994 from Arizona State University, with a major in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. Kara received her Juris Doctor degree in 1999 from the University of Arizona, College of Law, where she was an Executive Note Editor for the Arizona Law Review.
Kara was admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of New York in 2002. She clerked for the Honorable James B. Sult at the Arizona Court of Appeals after graduating from law school and practiced as a litigation associate in the Phoenix office of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP before joining J&G in 2004.
Kara currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors of the Children's Rights Society, Inc. and as a Trustee on Vision Hudson Valley's Board of Trustees. Kara previously served on the Board of Directors of the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties ("WBAOSC"), including as its President, and is a member of both WBAOSC and the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. She is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, Real Property Law Section, and the Committee on Condemnation, Certiorari, and Real Estate Taxation. Kara is a subscribing member of the Orange County Assessors Association and an associate member of the New York State Assessors Association and the International Association of Assessing Officers. Kara published her Note while serving on the Arizona Law Review and has lectured at seminars and continuing legal education presentations, including on the topics of appellate practice, not-for-profit governance and compliance, and real property taxation and assessment.
Kara has been selected as a Woman Leader in Law by Martindale-Hubbell in April 2023. Kara was also selected as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers in 2023.
Kara J. Cavallo is a partner concentrating in civil litigation and appellate practice.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- Treasurer and past President of the Women 's Bar Association of Orange
Kelly A. Pressler is a Partner focusing on general civil litigation and complex commercial litigation, including contract litigation, municipal litigation, and trust and estate litigation. She is the head of the litigation department at J&G Law, LLP.
Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, magna cum laude, in 2006 from Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and her Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, in 2009 from Albany Law School in Albany, New York, where she was on the Albany Law Review and winner of the Outstanding Clinical Student Award, Sponsler Teaching Fellow, and Gabrielli Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Competition.
Kelly has served as Treasurer and Past President of the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties, as well as various other positions on that Board since 2015. Kelly also served as an officer of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York for four years. Kelly has served as Leadership Orange Board of Directors since 2019, including serving as past treasurer. She has also served on the Programs Committee and on the Selection Committee. She is a graduate of the Leadership Orange Class of 2018. Kelly served as an Ambassador for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and in 2024 joined the Chamber's Board of Directors.
Kelly was named an Upstate New York Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Kelly has been selected as a Woman Leader in Law by Martindale-Hubbell in April 2023. Kelly is the recipient of the Orange County Rising Star, 2019, and the 2016 Outstanding New Lawyer Award, as presented by the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties.
Kelly A. Pressler is a partner focusing on general civil litigation and complex commercial litigation, including contract litigation, municipal litigation and probate litigation.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Attorney
- Member of the New York Bar Association
Krystle N. Butcher, Esq. is an associate attorney practicing general litigation, landlord tenant, and real estate.
Krystle earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 2008 with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology.
She earned her Juris Doctorate in 2014 from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan with a concentration in Litigation.
During her career, she has concentrated in litigation and real estate.
Krystle is a member of the New York Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and the Westchester Black Bar Association. She is also a licensed real estate broker in New York State. Krystle is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
Outside of work, Krystle enjoys spending time with family and friends and crocheting.
Krystle Butcher is an associate attorney practicing general litigation with a concentration in landlord tenant matters, representing landlords.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Attorney
- Member of the New York State Bar
Lauren has been a member of the New York State Bar since 2018. Lauren belongs to the New York City Bar Association where she is an affiliate of the Foreign and Comparative Law Committee. Along with a committee member, Lauren presented "Big Tech, Regulations of the Internet and Free Speech" as a CLE to the Broome County Bar Association in July of 2021. Lauren is a member of the Orange County Land Trusts Preservation and Stewardship committee. Lauren is enrolled in the Leadership Orange Class of 2023 leadership program.
Lauren Scott is an associate attorney practicing general litigation. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland in 2005, with a major in anthropology and minor in history and international studies. Lauren then attended the American University of Paris where she earned a Master of Arts in International Law and Public Policy in 2011. Lauren earned her Juris Doctor from New York Law School, as an evening division student, in 2017.
Prior to joining J&G Law, Lauren worked for K2 Integrity on a large-scale transaction remediation project for a multinational investment bank. Lauren also worked as a sanctions compliance officer at Societe Generale in New York City from 2018-2020, and as a paralegal, then Forfeiture Coordinator, of the New York County District Attorney's Office from 2012-2015.
Michael Wagner is a Partner concentrating in elder law and estate planning.
Michael received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009 from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, with a major in History.
Michael received his Juris Doctor in 2012 from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
Michael was born and raised in Sullivan County and he is eager to be back in his community.
Michael strives for a transparent approach that values each client and keeps them well-informed about every step of the planning process. He enjoys getting to know clients and their families and helping them design the most effective plans. Michael concentrates in planning for estate taxes, Medicaid divestiture, and estate administration. He has spent his entire legal career practicing elder law and estate planning, designing hundreds of trust-based plans for clients with varying objectives and net worth.
Michael is a graduate from the Leadership Orange Class of 2019, a member of the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties, and a member of the Orange County Bar Association.
Michael is also an experienced instructor of continuing education for attorneys and real estate brokers.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys film, hiking and dogs.
Job Titles:
- MANAGING PARTNER
- Partner
- Managing Partner of J & G Law, LLP
Michele joined the law firm of J&G Law, LLP in 2003 and became partner in 2011. She has served as the Managing Partner since 2015. Michele primarily practices Municipal, Land Use and Environmental Law and has represented local governments and private applicants in zoning, land use and environmental permitting.
Michele was admitted to the New York State Bar in March 2004 and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a concentration in Law and Justice from SUNY Cortland in 2000 and a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law in 2003. While attending law school, she studied at the Faculte de Droit de I'Universite de Nice with the Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is admitted to practice in the Southern and Northern Districts of the State of New York and to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Michele is currently serving as a member of the Access: Supports for Living Foundation Board, Orange County Chamber of Commerce Women MEAN Business Committee, Board of Trustees for the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and as a member of the Business Advisory Council to the Mount Saint Mary College School of Business.
Michele has participated in the Pattern for Progress Fellows Program (Class of 2011), Leadership Orange (Class of 2011), and Leadership Sullivan (Class of 2018) where she served as Vice President. She also previously served on the Board of Trustees for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh and as the Vice President to the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties and delegate to the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. She also served as a Board Member of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Michele received the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award by the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties and the Orange County Rising Star Award in 2009. She was recognized as one of Sullivan County's Business and Professional Women of the Year in 2017 and was inducted into the Leadership Orange Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2019, Michele received the Distinguished Attorney Award from the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties and was recognized as an Outstanding Women in Law by Hofstra University which recognizes and celebrates women who have made meaningful and inspiring contributions to the legal community. In 2020, Michele received the Women In Business award from Hudson Valley Magazine for being one of the most influential executive women in the Hudson Valley and was recognized as a New York Woman Leader in the Law by the New York Law Journal. In 2021, Michele was recognized by Hudson Valley Magazine as a top lawyer in the Hudson Valley and received the ATHENA Leadership Award from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, Michele was recognized as a Top-Rated Woman Leader in Law by Martindale-Hubbell.
Ms. Babcock is Managing Partner of the firm. Michele joined J&G Law, LLP in 2003, and became a Partner in 2011. Michele has represented local governments, municipal officials and private applicants in zoning, land use and environmental permitting and in litigation.
Michele P. Ellerin is a Partner concentrating in matrimonial and family law. Michele has an unmatched reputation in Orange and Ulster counties as a first-rate attorney who serves her clients with the highest level of passion and professionalism. Michele has been practicing law for over thirty years.
Michele earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1979 from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. She earned her Juris Doctorate in 1982 from the University of Toledo College of Law in Toledo, Ohio, after spending her final year at Albany Law School. She established her private practice in 1986 in Orange County, New York, and has devoted over thirty years to serving clients in the matrimonial and family law areas. She has served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President for the Orange County Bar Association, and for the past nineteen years, she has served on the organization's Board of Directors. Michele is a member of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, a member of the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties, where she previously served as President, and is also a member of the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. She is a member of the New York Trial Lawyers Association and the Orange County Bar Association. Michele was on the Sara Wells Girl Scout Board and was a past Vice President. Michele was also a Board of Director and Trustee for Temple Sinai in Middletown, New York. She received a Woman of Achievement Award.
Michele P. Ellerin is a Partner concentrating in matrimonial and family law. Michele has a powerful reputation in Orange, Ulster, Putnam and Dutchess counties as a first-rate attorney who serves her clients with the highest level of passion and professionalism. Michele has been practicing law for over thirty years.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Attorney
- Member of the New York Bar Association
Rachel J. Rosenwasser is an associate attorney practicing residential and commercial real estate with a sharp focus on New York law, rules and regulations. Rachel analyzes complex legal issues pertaining to real estate law, devising strategies for her clients.
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, cum laude, from the University of Rhode Island in 2009 where she was active with Alpha Kappa Delta, Sociology Honor Society, and a Division I Softball Athlete.
Rachel earned her Juris Doctorate in 2013 from Albany Law School with a concentration in Real Estate and Entertainment Law.
Rachel is certified as a New York State Licensed Mediator, Licensed Attorney, and Licensed Associate Broker.
Prior to joining the firm of J&G Law, Rachel worked for regional law firms and served as a legal intern for the Legal Aid Society of Orange County.
Rachel has been a member of the New York Bar Association since 2014. In 2023, Rachel recevied an AV Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Rachel serves as Chair of the Governance Committee for the Business Council of Greater Montgomery. Rachel graduated from the Patterns Fellows Program, Class of 2023.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys hiking and exploring new restaurants and dining experiences. Rachel resides in Campbell Hall.
Job Titles:
- ASSOCIATE
- Attorney
- Member of the Women 's Bar Association of Orange
Rebecca Johnson is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law including child custody, child support, family offense, and appellate practice.
Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Stony Brook University Honors College in Stony Brook, New York in 2012.
Rebecca earned her Juris Doctorate in 2015 from Boston University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts.
Prior to joining the firm of J&G Law, Rebecca worked for regional law firms and Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.
Rebecca has been a member of the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties since 2018 and she currently serves as Immediate Past President. She is also a prior member of the fundraising committee of Safe Homes of Orange County. Rebecca is a graduate of the Leadership Orange Class of 2018.
Rebecca is the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding New Lawyer Award from the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys hiking, reading and cooking. Rebecca lives in Pine Bush with her husband, son, dog and cat.
Rebecca Johnson is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law including child custody, child support, family offense, guardianship proceedings, and appellate practice.
Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Stony Brook University Honors College in Stony Brook, New York in 2012.