BERKMAN BOTTGER NEWMAN & SCHEIN - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Partner & Co - Chair of the Mediation & Collaborative Law Practice

Abby P. Rosmarin is a partner with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP. She concentrates her practice on alternative dispute resolution. An attorney and a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Abby draws on her training and experience in law, conflict resolution and mental health to mediate a wide range of family disputes, including divorce, separation, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, custody, parenting conflict, parent/child, trusts and estates, elder care, as well as those arising in the context of family-owned businesses. She is a New York State Certified Guardian for Alleged Incapacitated Persons, trained in special education mediation and understands the particular issues involving those with special needs.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Alexa Bakhash Associate

Alexa joined Berkman Bottger Newman and Schein LLP in 2023. Prior to joining the firm, Alexa was an associate at another prestigious New York matrimonial law firm and has also practiced in the area of real estate law, granting her valuable experience in divorces that include real property. Alexa's practice focuses on all aspects of matrimonial and family law matters, including negotiation, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. Alexa received a B.A. in psychology from Syracuse University, where she also minored in Child and Family Studies. At Cardozo School of Law, Alexa was a Staff Editor of the Cardozo Journal of Law & Gender, as well as an Articles Editor of the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice. She is passionate about helping children and families, and her academic background provides her with unique insight into family dynamics and child welfare.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Vice President of the Nassau County Women 's Bar Association

Allyson D. Burger is a partner at the firm. Ms. Burger's practice is dedicated to family and matrimonial law. Prior to joining Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, Ms. Burger worked for several well-known boutique matrimonial firms in Manhattan and on Long Island assisting in all aspects of matrimonial and family law including high net worth cases, domestic violence, and contested custody matters including non-biological parent standing. She is a member of several bar associations on the national, state, and local levels and is active in the Anti-Defamation League. Ms. Burger graduated cum laude from Lehigh University before obtaining her J.D. from Cardozo School of Law, where she concentrated in Family and Matrimonial Law and General Litigation. While at Cardozo, M. Burger also participated in the Family Court Clinic with a placement at Lawyers for Children. She was a member of Cardozo Advocates for Battered Women. Ms. Burger was included in the ‘Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch' from 2021 to present and has been selected as a New York Metro Area Super Lawyers 'Rising Star' in Family Law each year from 2014 to 2020. She was selected among the ‘Top Women in Law' by Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in 2016. Ms. Burger is the incumbent Vice President of the Nassau County Women's Bar Association and have served on their Executive Board for the last four years. She was honored by the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York as the "Rising Star" of the Nassau Chapter for the year 2020. She is an Associate of both the New York Family Law American Inn of Court and Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court. Ms. Burger previously served as Chair of the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division's Children and the Law Committee and Family Law Committee and was selected to serve on the American Bar Association's Children and the Law Task Force. She has presented and lectured before the Nassau County Bar Association's Matrimonial Law Committee, the New York Family Law American Inn of Court and the Nassau County Bar Association's Nassau Academy of Law. She is a published writer in the arena of Matrimonial Law, with her articles having appeared in the New York State Bar Association's Family Law Review, the NYSBA General Practice Section's 'One on One' newsletter, and American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division Committee on Children and the Law quarterly newsletters. Ms. Burger has authored materials and moderated panel discussions at nationwide conferences for the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division. She attended the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Associate Institute in Chicago for 2015. Ms. Burger stands out among her peers as a zealous advocate driven by compassion for her clients. She works closely with her clients to develop a negotiation or litigation strategy befitting of their unique circumstances. Ms. Burger remains a strong advocate for equal justice for all across gender, religious, racial, and ethnic divides.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Allyson Weinberg Associate

Allyson Weinberg joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein as an associate in 2020. Ms. Weinberg received her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. Prior to joining BBNS, Ms. Weinberg served as the Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Theresa E. Mullen in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Division, where she worked primarily on divorce proceedings and child custody matters. Her experience working directly in the divorce and family court system has provided her with valuable insights into the judicial system, and how to best advocate for her own clients in the courtroom. Ms. Weinberg has also interned with a boutique matrimonial law firm and served as a summer associate with a real estate law firm in New York City. During law school, Ms. Weinberg served as a Legal Writing Teaching Assistant, was a Staff Editor for the Cardozo Arts and Entertainment Law Journal, externed with the Bronx Defenders in their Family Defense practice, and volunteered with the Courtroom Advocates Project, where she represented victims of domestic violence.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Andrea Berkowitz Partner

Andrea B. Berkowitz is a partner of the firm. Ms. Berkowitz's practice consists of litigation and collaborative law. Since 2004, Ms. Berkowitz has been representing individuals throughout Long Island, New York City and Westchester County in a wide range of family and matrimonial law matters, including, equitable distribution and custody disputes, spousal and child support, paternity, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Ms. Berkowitz is highly regarded as a compassionate and zealous advocate who takes the time to help each client develop legal strategies custom tailored to achieve their individual goals. Ms. Berkowitz believes that a client's best interests, both emotionally and financially, are often served by staying out of the courtroom. Ms. Berkowitz prides herself on her creative and compassionate approach to negotiating divorces, allowing clients to avoid the emotional and financial costs of litigation. However, when settlement is not possible, she is a formidable courtroom advocate and litigator. Before devoting her practice to matrimonial and family law, Ms. Berkowitz was a Special Assistant Corporation Counsel for the New York City Administration for Children's Services. Her experience in this role provided her with unique and valuable insights into the safety, welfare, and best interests of children, and how the law approaches children and families in crisis. Ms. Berkowitz has been recognized in the legal industry for her excellence in family law by earning acclaim in the New York Metro Super Lawyers Edition. Ms. Berkowitz is a member of the Matrimonial Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association and the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. She received her B.A. from Arizona State University and her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law, where she served as an associate editor of the Hofstra Law Review.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Ariella Deutsch Partner

Ariella Deutsch practices all areas of matrimonial and family law matters, including custody disputes, financial litigation, post-judgment proceedings, and the negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Ariella joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP in 2020. Prior to joining BBNS, she practiced at another prominent New York City matrimonial law firm. Her entire legal career has been devoted to the practice of family law. In addition to being a tenacious advocate, Ariella is a thoughtful and collaborative advisor to her clients. Accustomed to representing clients in high conflict situations, she emphasizes aligning legal strategy with big-picture interests that often include minimizing the emotional and financial toll of divorce. She prides herself on educating her clients so that they can articulate their ultimate goals, and accomplish them in the most straightforward way possible. Ariella's background in mediation and collaborative law informs her approach to her litigated and negotiated matters. While attending law school at Fordham University School of Law, she interned in Queens Legal Services' Family and Divorce Mediation Project and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York's Mediation Unit and participated in Fordham's Mediation Clinic. Since her admission to the bar, Ariella has also been trained in collaborative law by the New York Association of Collaborative Law Professionals. Education Graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College at Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science and Human Rights, 2009. Fordham University School of Law, 2013

Job Titles:

• Founding Partner
• Barry Berkman Founding Partner

A founding partner of Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP, Barry Berkman received his B.A. degree from Harvard College and his law degree from Stanford University. Specializing in matrimonial law and mediation, he has guided many of his clients to successful, highly satisfactory out-of-court resolutions through the collaborative law process or mediation. He has served on the American Bar Association Task Force on Standards of Practice for Divorce Mediation and has been a member of the Matrimonial Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. Mr. Berkman also serves as a Mediator on the New York County Supreme Court's Roster of Matrimonial Mediators. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Family and Divorce Mediation Counsel of Greater New York, and is a co-founder of the New York Collaborative Law Group. Mr. Berkman has taught matrimonial law as an adjunct professor at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and Fordham Law School and teaches mediation at the Center for Mediation in Law. He has made numerous CLE presentations on behalf of the New York, Westchester and Nassau County Bar Associations, as well as the American Bar Association. These activities and his reputation for ethical standards and professional ability among his fellow lawyers have earned him the highest rating, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated SM by Martindale-Hubbell®. Similarly, Mr. Berkman has been selected by his peers for listing in The Best Lawyers in America 2010-2022 edition and in New York Super Lawyers in 2009-2022. Mr. Berkman also spoke about collaborative law on National Public Radio's "This American Life."

Job Titles:

• Partner

Brittany Mangan is a partner with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP, practicing primarily in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Ms. Mangan has an extensive history litigating divorce and family law cases throughout Long Island. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Mangan served as a partner with a prominent Long Island matrimonial family law firm. She has a deep understanding of the dynamics unique to divorce courts in Suffolk and Nassau counties, and has years of experience presenting cases to the judges of these courts. Ms. Mangan has a true passion for family law, and has dedicated her career to helping individuals through difficult times. She is committed to treating all of her clients with dignity and respect, and is above all else, honest with her clients about results and expectations. Ms. Mangan approaches her cases with one thought in mind - how is she able to achieve the best results for a client, while minimizing the emotional, financial, and temporal costs often inherent in divorce. She is a skilled negotiator who is also competitive in the courtroom, and she is not afraid of taking a case to trial if settlement proves impossible. Ms. Mangan is also well-practiced in appellate litigation, and has argued before the Second Department, Appellate Division, concerning matrimonial and family law issues. During her time as a member of the Assigned Defenders on the Suffolk County Family Court Panel, Ms. Mangan expanded her knowledge and experience of all levels of the Family Court system. Ms. Mangan has been named a New York Metro Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for five years. She has been named to multiple "Under 40" lists for prominent matrimonial attorneys, and received a 10 Best in Client Satisfaction award from the American Institute of Family Attorneys. Ms. Mangan previously served as Co-Chair of the Suffolk County Bar Association's Member Benefits and Services Committee, and was elected to serve as an Officer of the Suffolk County Academy of Law. Ms. Mangan has presented Continuing Legal Education classes on points of evidence and on matrimonial law, and her writings on family law issues have been featured in The Suffolk Lawyer newspaper. As a law student, Ms. Mangan was a Samuel and Fannie Glickstein Fellow, awarded to a select few for a commitment to serving the public interest in law.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Member of the Westchester County

Dina S. Kaplan is a partner with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, and she serves clients throughout Westchester County and the surrounding areas. A highly rated attorney with more than 25 years of legal experience, Ms. Kaplan provides the personalized, compassionate representation her clients need as they work to resolve their conflicts and reach agreements with their partner or spouse regarding sensitive issues relating to child custody, domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse allegations as well as all financial aspects of marital dissolution. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Ms. Kaplan attended Brooklyn Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor. The New York State Bar Association admitted her to practice in 1996, and in 1995, she was also admitted to practice in Connecticut. Throughout the course of her career, Ms. Kaplan has earned a reputation as an attorney who genuinely cares about her clients' needs by helping them achieve favorable outcomes no matter how complex the issues are. From this high level of commitment to her clients coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience in family law, Ms. Kaplan has earned numerous awards and honors. She has become widely recognized as a leader in her field. A consummate professional, Ms. Kaplan is a member of the Westchester County and New York State bar associations, the New York Women's Bar Association, and the Association of the State of New York. She also supports her local community through her pro bono work. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers for eight years and counting and has attended and completed the Houston Family Law Trial Institute.

Job Titles:

• Partner

Ellen Werfel Martineau is a partner at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP. Ms. Werfel Martineau is an experienced, tenacious and compassionate family law attorney. Prior to joining BBNS, she was an attorney with a prominent New York City Firm where she specialized in corporate reorganizations, commercial litigation and high net worth divorce cases. Since 2009, Ms. Werfel Martineau's practice has been exclusively focused on matrimonial and family law in Westchester and the surrounding counties (Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and Orange) and New York City. Ms. Werfel Martineau has been honored as a Super Lawyer from 2014 -2022 and as a Top Women Attorney in Metro New York and Westchester. Ms. Werfel Martineau is a seasoned litigator and appellate attorney with a solid reputation for integrity, intellect and responsiveness. Ms. Werfel Martineau knows that there is no "right" way to divorce and is sensitive to her clients' emotional needs while helping them clarify their goals and emerge from the process with the groundwork laid for a stable, successful and happier future. Ms. Werfel Martineau is formally trained in the collaborative process, mediation and arbitration. She strongly believes that parties are better suited than courts to resolve their issues, particularly those involving children, but knows that it is not always possible. Her years of experience as a litigator enable her to fight for her clients' rights and protect them from being taken advantage of financially or emotionally. She is a true partner who endeavors to assist her clients and their family to move forward in a constructive and meaningful way.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Emma Brown Associate

Emma graduated from New York Law School. As a law student, she participated in the school's Mediation Clinic and interned with a boutique matrimonial law firm in New York City, as well as a New York State Supreme Court judge. Prior to joining BBNS, Emma volunteered for the Center for Battered Women's Legal Services at Sanctuary for Families. Education Fordham University, B.A. New York Law School, J.D.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Partner & Head of Litigation

On Episode 60 of the Schein On Podcast, host Evan Schein is joined by best-selling author of the book "Hard Work or Harmony" and trusted Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Kiaundra Jackson! In this episode, we talk all things relationships, marriage, and divorce. We also get Dr. Jackson's thoughts on a few famous relationships quotes and whether she agrees or disagrees. You don't want to miss this one! Evan Schein is a partner with the firm and leads the firm's litigation practice. Mr. Schein joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in 2010 after practicing at another well-known matrimonial law firm. Mr. Schein is an experienced litigator with an ability to find creative solutions to complex issues. This allows Mr. Schein to deliver optimum results for his clients at trial or during settlement negotiations. Mr. Schein prides himself on working closely with his clients to develop litigation and negotiation strategies that fit a client's goals. Whether negotiating a prenuptial agreement for a client or litigating a divorce, Mr. Schein zealously advocates for his clients' interests. Mr. Schein has litigated matrimonial matters in the Supreme and Family Courts of Manhattan, Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Rockland Counties, and has also worked extensively practicing in the courts of Westchester County, where the firm retains an office. Mr. Schein also focuses his practice on representing professional athletes in family law matters. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Schein was a sports agent. He has now blended his two passions of sports and family law to create a unique practice of sports-oriented family law. Mr. Schein's familiarity with athlete contracts and the complex compensation structures, endorsement and marketing deals, and relocation custodial issues for athletes enables him to understand the wide array of issues present in representing clients in the sports and entertainment industries. He frequently works with sports and entertainment agents, prominent trust and estate attorneys, financial advisors, and insurance specialists to protect his client's interests. He is currently teaching at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Mr. Schein has been recognized in the New York Metro Super Lawyers Edition from 2013 to 2022. He sits on the faculty of the New York College of Matrimonial Trial Attorneys, has taught several Continuing Legal Education seminars for various organizations and bar associations in New York and nationally, and has been cited in publications for his work on prominent New York family law cases. He has achieved the top rating of 10 at Avvo, the prominent attorney-ranking database. In 2019, Mr. Schein was selected for inclusion in the Westchester Business Council's prestigious 40 Under 40 list. Mr. Schein is an active member of many organizations and bar associations including the New York State Bar Association (Family Law Section, Sports and Entertainment Law Section and Executive Committee); New York County Bar Association (Family Law Section); New York State Women's Bar Association; American Bar Association (Family Law Section); Westchester County Bar Association.

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• of Counsel
• Partner at Lesnevich & Marzano - Lesnevich, LC

Francesca O'Cathain is Of Counsel to the firm. Francesca is also a partner at Lesnevich & Marzano-Lesnevich, LC. Ms. O'Cathain practices exclusively in the area of matrimonial law. She is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Attorney and practices all areas of family law, including divorce and civil unions, child custody, support, matrimonial, domestic violence and abuse/ neglect. Ms. O'Cathain is a frequent lecturer for the New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and various County Bars.

Job Titles:

• Group Expert Council

Job Titles:

• Senior Associate
• Ian Steinberg Senior Associate
• Senior Associate With Berkman Bottger Newman

A series of articles written by Ian Steinberg in conjunction with an array of other professionals from different industries. The series provides insights into issues from the perspective of each party to a divorce. Each article provides readers with practice tips that are helpful when navigating through the divorce process. Ian Steinberg is a senior associate with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP. His practice focuses on the litigation, mediation, negotiation, and settlement of complex high net worth matrimonial and family law cases. Ian also specializes in negotiating and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Ian has been recognized as a New York Metro Area Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2021 and 2022. His work consists of assisting high net worth individuals navigate issues related to equitable distribution, child support, spousal maintenance, and contested custody matters. Ian's unique blend of skills and experience, including extensive experience with litigation and high-level negotiation, provides him with special insight into the divorce process. Ian is sensitive to his clients' emotional needs while helping them obtain the results to ensure a stable and successful future. Ian is formally trained in mediation and regularly mediates divorce and family law matters. Ian has also been trained in collaborative law and regularly represents clients who wish to engage in such a process. Previously, Ian worked at a New York City real estate firm representing building owners in courts throughout the five boroughs and surrounding areas. Ian also provided counsel for cooperatives and condominiums and represented both landlords and tenants in negotiations of commercial lease agreements. Ian also represented individual and bank clients handling their residential real estate closings. Ian is the author of the article series "Two Sides of the Coin" in which he collaborates with an array of professionals from different industries. The series provides insights into issues from the perspective of each party to a divorce, while recommneding practice tips that are helpful when navigating through the divorce process.

Job Titles:

• Managing Partner
• Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law
• Jacqueline Newman Managing Partner

Jacqueline Newman joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in 1998 and is now the managing partner of the firm. Ms. Newman's practice consists of litigation, collaborative law, and mediation. She specializes in complex high net worth matrimonial cases and also in negotiating prenuptial agreements. Ms. Newman is the author of the book, "The New Rules of Divorce: Twelve Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health and Happiness" which was published by Simon & Schuster in January 2020. She has appeared as an expert commentator on various television and radio shows and has been quoted as an expert in numerous publications, including Fox's Business, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, The New York Times, Woman's Day, Glamour, the New York Post, Reuters.com, Crain's New York Business, U.S. News and World Report, Business Insider, Time.com, USA Today, Yahoo Parenting, Woman's Day, CNBC.com and The Huffington Post. Ms. Newman is an adjunct professor at Cardozo School of Law, teaching Divorce Processes. She previously taught Family Law Practice with Barry Berkman at Fordham University School of Law. Ms. Newman has taught the Collaborative Family Law class for The NY Association of Collaborative Professionals and the Center for Mediation in Law, as well as the Introduction of Matrimonial Law for Collaborative Divorce Professionals for the New York State Unified Court System. She was also a Lexis Nexis Practice Adviser and drafted practice guides for matrimonial law. Ms. Newman received a certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School Online in 2021. These activities and her reputation for ethical standards and professional ability among her fellow lawyers have earned her the highest rating, AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell. From 2019 on, Ms. Newman has been selected as a Family/Matrimonial attorney serving high net-worth clients in New York by Chambers and Partners, a highly respected international lawyer research company. Ms. Newman is honored to be selected for inclusion in Thompson Reuters New York-Metro Super Lawyers Top 50 Women Attorneys since 2013, and Best Lawyers in America since 2016. In 2022, Ms. Newman was chosen by Super Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in New York City.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Jessica Dahan Partner

Jessica Dahan joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in 2018. Her practice is focused on contested matrimonial and family law matters, including all aspects of financial litigation, custody disputes, and post-judgment proceedings. Ms. Dahan received her B.A from George Washington University and her J.D. from Boston University School of Law. Prior to joining BBNS, Ms. Dahan worked at a boutique law firm in New York City, where she exclusively represented clients in matrimonial law matters. Ms. Dahan has also served as an associate with a boutique matrimonial and criminal law firm in Boston, Massachusetts. During law school, Ms. Dahan was a Note Editor on the Public Interest Law Journal, and was a Student Attorney in the Criminal Defenders Clinic, where she successfully petitioned the Supreme Judicial Court to allow an interlocutory appeal to the Appeals Court.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of the Pre - Marriage Mediation Law Practice
• Partner & Co - Chair of the Mediation & Collaborative Law Practice

Jessica L. Toelstedt joined the predecessor firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd, LLP (now Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP) in 2012 and was named partner in 2016. Ms. Toelstedt's practice focuses on mediation, collaborative law and litigation. Ms. Toelstedt also specializes in drafting Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements and has significant experience working with high-net-worth individuals. Ms. Toelstedt was exposed to matrimonial law at an early age when as a young teen her own parents were divorced. Having dealt with a parent that had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, Ms. Toelstedt learned firsthand the importance of representing a client going through what may be one of the most difficult times in their lives and the lives of their children. Ms. Toelstedt began her career focusing on litigating matrimonial matters and since then has appeared regularly in Supreme and Family Courts throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Ms. Toelstedt has also handled appellate matters and argued the landmark case Fields v. Fields in the Appellate Division of the First Department. After having spent nearly the first half of her career litigating matrimonial matters, Ms. Toelstedt expanded her practice to include process choices that can address family matters outside of court, without litigation. Ms. Toelstedt has been trained as a mediator by The Center for Understanding in Conflict and regularly mediates all matters related to marriage and family law. Ms. Toelstedt is the Chair of the Pre-Marriage Mediation Law Practice within the firm and is now offering couples this new and invaluable service. Pre-Marriage Mediation offers couples a supportive environment where they can discuss what type of financial partnership they envision having as a married couple and how that "vision" may or may not differ from what New York Law says would happen in the event a divorce or death. For example, a fiancé(e) who accumulated a great deal of wealth before marriage may realize that they need a prenuptial agreement to ensure that premarital assets are protected. In other situations, the couple may be wondering what happens if they receive a gift from family to purchase a home or inherit a property where they plan to reside as a family. If the couple has answers to these types of questions before their marriage, they can plan appropriately so that in the unfortunate event of death or divorce, the outcome will be the result of careful and thoughtful consideration. Given the trend of marrying a bit later in life, it is even more important in today's world for couples entering into a marriage to understand the impact of their legal union. We are offering couples the opportunity to combine the concept of premarital counseling with mediation, providing couples a forum in which they can learn about how New York law will impact them financially as a married couple. Ms. Toelstedt also mediates prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, separations, divorces, post-divorce/separation issues, custody, child support matters and agreements for unmarried partners that may have accumulated assets together or wish to sign confidentiality agreements to prevent sensitive matters from becoming public. Ms. Toelstedt also offers her clients services as a consulting attorney, for when they are pursuing the mediation process with an outside mediator. Ms. Toelstedt has been trained in collaborative law by The New York Association of Collaborative Law Professionals and regularly represents clients who wish to obtain a divorce or separation using the Collaborative Law Process, utilizing a formal participation agreement. Sometimes clients do not feel that they are a good fit for mediation or the Collaborative Law Process, and in those instances, Ms. Toelstedt will provide direct representation to her clients with the goal of reaching a resolution outside of court. In addition, Ms. Toelstedt focuses on drafting Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements and specializes in negotiating and drafting such agreements for high net worth individuals. Pre- and Postnuptial agreements can be reached through the process of mediation, with Ms. Toelstedt either acting as the mediator or the consulting attorney. Other times, Ms. Toelstedt provides direct representation to clients looking to protect their interests prior to or after marriage. Ms. Toelstedt understands that the negotiation and drafting of these agreements requires a more measured, cooperative approach, as the parties involved are either entering or maintaining what will hopefully be a long-lasting and happy marital relationship. Ms. Toelstedt's reputation for high ethical standards and professional ability among her fellow attorneys has earned her the highest peer rating, AV Preeminent, from Martindale-Hubbell, which has also named her a "Gold Client Champion" from 2017 to present. Ms. Toelstedt was voted a New York Family Law Rising Star by her peers from 2014 through 2016 and as a New York Family Law Super Lawyer by her peers from 2017 to present. Ms. Toelstedt also serves as a Mediator on the Court Roster of Matrimonial Mediators for the Supreme Court of New York in New York, Kings and Richmond County and is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York. Ms. Toelstedt resides on Long Island with her husband and two children.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Joanna Ross Associate

Joanna Ross is an associate at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP. Joanna is a graduate of Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Joanna joins the firm with knowledge of both family law and dispute resolution, including mediation, negotiation, and litigation support. At Cardozo, Joanna concentrated in Family and Children's Law, and earned a Certificate in Dispute Resolution. She also served as a Senior Editor on the nationally ranked Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society and was involved in the Divorce Mediation Clinic and Restorative Justice Prison Project. Prior to joining BBNS, Joanna interned with a matrimonial law firm and a civil defense litigation firm in Manhattan. Joanna also served as a Head Intern in the New York State Supreme Court Mediation Non-Jury Office.

Job Titles:

• of Counsel
• John Teufel of Counsel

John Teufel joined Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in January of 2015 and is currently Of Counsel with the firm focusing on appellate work. John received his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School, where he focused on family law. John has served as a fellow for Justice Deborah Kaplan in the Matrimonial Part of the state Supreme Court, and as an intern for the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York. While in law school, John authored several case studies published in the national journal Lesbian and Gay Law Notes, as well as a thesis studying issues unique to same-sex divorces across state lines. John practices primarily in the field of divorce and family law appeals. When a trial court issues a wrong, biased, or problematic decision, John works with his clients to prepare the case's record for the appellate judges, and craft strong, persuasive briefs that clearly and succinctly point out all the issues with the decision, and why it must be overturned or modified. John also handles appellate defense, ensuring that clients who received a favorable decision by a lower court see that decision upheld and enforced. John is well versed in oral argument and is comfortable in the high-pressure environment of oral argument before the Appellate Division panels. His background in writing and excellent research skills make appellate practice a natural fit for him, and he takes pride in ensuring his clients receive the best, most creative representation possible in the upper courts of New York State. John has also been retained in connection with several actions involving international issues in divorce, including issues concerning jurisdiction, and the enforcement of prenuptial agreements across state and national lines. John is also a freelance writer whose work on family law issues has been featured in the New York Law Journal, the Gotham Gazette, and the New York Daily News. He has taught a continuing legal education seminar on special issues in divorcing wealthy clients and has testified before the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York Courts on the importance of ensuring remote court options to increase access to justice. He recently taught a continuing legal education class on motion practice in divorce cases for the New York County Lawyers Association. He has also served as a Director for the non-profit Safe Sisters Circle, which aids victims of domestic violence, and is an active member of the National Lawyers Guild. He has been named a Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for the last five years.

Job Titles:

• Partner

Joshua L. Rieger is a partner with the firm. Mr. Rieger is a litigator who exclusively practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law. He handles all aspects of matrimonial litigation, from simple uncontested divorces to highly litigated complex custody and financial matters. Mr. Rieger is also a mediator. Mr. Rieger prides himself on representing his clients with a practical, day-to-day dignity that can often be lacking, particularly in the practice of matrimonial law. He is a hands-on lawyer, equally adept at courtroom advocacy and guiding clients through the often emotional divorce process. While in law school, Mr. Rieger served as a member of the Family Court Review and assisted Professor Andrew Schepard in the drafting of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act. Immediately following graduation, he assisted the Honorable Timothy S. Driscoll in updating New York State Practice Series Commercial Litigation New York State Courts. Thereafter, from 2010 to 2012, Mr. Rieger worked as an associate at Harmon Linder & Rogowsky, a personal injury law firm in downtown Manhattan, where he first learned trial skills. Before joining Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, Mr. Rieger was a partner with the prominent Long Island matrimonial firm of Rieger, LLP, along with his father Kieth, who is now also a partner with the firm. Mr. Rieger is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association and its Matrimonial Law Committee and Young Lawyers Committee. He is also a member of the New York State Bar Association and its Family Law Section. Mr. Rieger is also heavily involved in pro bono activities, and has contributed his legal and fundraising skills to the Safe Center LI, which aids victims of domestic violence, and the Long Island Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Kali joined Berkman Bottger Newman and Schein LLP in 2023. Kali has extensive experience in the Long Island family law world. Prior to joining the firm, Kali worked as an associate at a matrimonial law firm in Huntington, New York, focusing exclusively on complex divorce and family court matters. Throughout law school, Kali also interned at a matrimonial and family law firm based in Long Island, New York. Kali participated in the Nassau County Summer 2020 Judicial Internship program, working directly for a Matrimonial Judge, where she researched complex divorce issues and gained valuable experience in the realm of family law. Kali was a Junior Editor of the Family Law Quarterly, where she wrote an article focusing on the impact of different custody arrangements on early childhood development. Kali graduated from Fairfield University in 2018 with a degree in Psychology and graduated cum laude from New York Law School in 2022.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Partner
• Kelly Kotliar Partner

Appearing regularly in both the Family Court and Supreme Court of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, Kelly's practice focuses primarily on litigation involving all aspects of matrimonial and family law. Borrowing from the skills that she has gained from training and experience in mediation and collaborative law, Kelly prides herself on settling even the most contentious and complex cases. Even after a case is in court, Kelly works diligently to pursue a settlement that benefits her client while simultaneously preparing for a trial if need be. Recognizing that each client's needs and goals are different, Kelly tailors her approach to the specific circumstances of her client's cases. Drawing upon her experience in litigation, mediation and collaborative law, Kelly is able to strategically analyze each case in order to craft the most advantageous and durable settlement for her clients. Kelly's clients will attest to her ability to think outside of the box in order to offer creative solutions to complex and unique situations and to achieve the best results possible in light of the circumstances. Kelly's practice also focuses on negotiating and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements of varying levels of complexity. Kelly became a partner to the firm in 2022 and previous to that Kelly has been an associate at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP since 2012. From 2011 to 2012, while attending law school at St. John's University School of Law, she was a law clerk with the firm. Prior to that, Kelly was a summer intern for the Honorable Deborah A. Kaplan of the Matrimonial Part of New York County Supreme Court. While at St. John's, she was President of the Family Law Society and Editor-in-Chief of the New York Litigator Law Journal.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Kieth Rieger Partner

Mr. Rieger has focused in the area of matrimonial law for more than four decades. His practice includes the negotiation and litigation of complex matrimonial and family law matters. Throughout his career, Mr. Rieger has handled a number of challenging and complex matters, including significant equitable distribution and interstate custody trials. Mr. Rieger even set legal precedent in a landmark custody case involving the rights of a non-biological father. As an authority in his field, Mr. Rieger regularly speaks to attorneys in continuing legal education programs. He is a past Dean of the Nassau Academy of Law and served on the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board. He has also held leadership positions in the New York State Bar Association's Family Law Section, New York Family Law American Inn of Court, and the Nassau County Bar Association, and he is a longtime member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Mr. Rieger's writing on family law topics has been published in the Family Law Review, Strategies for Family Law in New York, and The Nassau Lawyer. He has lectured on family law issues at the New York State Bar Association, the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations, and the New York State Judicial Institute Seminars for Supreme Court Justices, Family Court Judges and Court Attorneys; and has taught at Hofstra University School of Law. He has been named to Super Lawyers, and was named the Family Law Long Island Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in 2020.

Job Titles:

• of Counsel
• Marc Fleisher of Counsel

Marc Fleisher specializes in helping clients achieve divorce settlements without court intervention, primarily as a divorce mediator, negotiator, and collaborative divorce practitioner. He also assists clients in negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and settling matters involving custody and child support. Marc began his career as a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison. He went to the elite Career Criminal bureau at the Manhattan District Attorney's office, and then joined the faculty at Brooklyn Law School before becoming a divorce and family mediator in 1994. Marc co-founded the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals in 1999, which introduced Collaborative Practice to the Greater New York area. He was a charter member of its board and is currently, along with Barry Berkman, a member of its two-person Advisory Committee. Marc taught the first course in Collaborative Practice at a New York City law school, and has trained divorce mediators since 1996 as an adjunct professor at the Ackerman Institute for the Family and Brooklyn Law School. He has also taught divorce mediation at the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and as a Visiting Professor at the Cardozo School of Law.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association
• Michael Daab Partner

Michael Daab is a partner with the firm. He has been practicing exclusively in the Matrimonial and Family Law fields throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester and Rockland Counties since 1998. He has litigated divorce and family law matters from inception through trial, and has an extensive background in appellate practice. He was previously counsel to the matrimonial law firm of Gassman Baiamonte Gruner, P.C., and a partner in the matrimonial firm of Potruch & Daab, LLC. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra University School of Law. Mr. Daab is a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section, and served as its Tenth Judicial District Representative, Co-Chair of the Fellowship/Scholarship Committee, and Co-Chair of CLE Committee. He has lectured for the NYSBA on numerous legal issues, including pre-trial discovery, trial techniques, and ethics, and has participated in the development and presentation of the NYSBA Family Law Section's mock trial and litigation programs on custody, finances, orders of protection, depositions, and child support. He has also prepared and presented legal programs presented programs before the New York Family Law American Inn of Court, of which he has achieved the member status of "Master." He served as a panel member for Nassau County Matrimonial Supreme Court Mediation Program and is trained in mediation and Collaborative Law. He is also a member of the Matrimonial Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Litigation Partner

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Job Titles:

• Associate
• Samantha Cooper Associate

Samantha joined Berkman Bottger Newman and Schein LLP in May of 2018. Her practice focuses on all areas of matrimonial and family law matters, including the negotiation and litigation of custody disputes, financial matters, post-judgment proceedings, and the negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Samantha received her B.A. from Tulane University and her Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she graduated with a concentration in family and children's law and competed in a series of negotiation competitions as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition Honor Society.

Job Titles:

• American Inn of Court, Associate

Job Titles:

• of Counsel
• Retired

Walter F. Bottger is now retired. Before forming Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP, Walter F. Bottger practiced law with several large, nationally renowned law firms as a litigator. For the years of 1972 through 1977, he was an anti-corruption prosecutor with the New York State Special Prosecutor's Office. He now has more than 20 years' experience in matrimonial law, and has practiced in all trial and appellate courts in the New York Metropolitan Area. He has litigated and tried many cases in Supreme and Family courts. He has prepared and argued several appeals in both local Appellate Divisions and before the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals.