RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP (the “Firm”) has announced that Christina Russo has joined the Firm as Associate Attorney.  Ms. Russo concentrates her practice in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Russo practiced in Suffolk County exclusively in the areas of Elder Law, Wills, Trusts and Estates.

Ms. Russo is admitted to practice in New York State. Ms. Russo is also a Member of the New York State Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association.

Ms. Russo earned her Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University and her Juris Doctor from Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro College.

While practicing law, Ms. Russo furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.) from Boston University School of Law with a concentration in Estate Planning.

In addition, Ms. Russo is actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, serving on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Chapter, while being a member of the Alzheimer’s Association Legal Industry Leadership Council as well as a member of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Nationwide Advisory Council. Ms. Russo is the Co-Chairperson for the Yaphank Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held annually at the Suffolk County Farm.

“I am very happy to join this prestigious Firm and Trust and Estate Group,” Ms. Russo said. “I am very excited about the direction the Firm’s Trust and Estate Group is headed in and I am happy to be a part of it. Also, the Firm’s continued involvement within the community is important and I look forward to aiding in any way I can.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Russo to our team. Her experience, knowledge, and professionalism will be a benefit to any client whom she assists,” said Bernadette E. Tuthill, Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP.

For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631)727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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*Photo of Ms. Russo is attached.

About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP (the “Firm”) announced that Zachary Mike joined the Firm as Associate Attorney.  He concentrates his practice in Business and Corporate Law.

“I am very excited to join this prestigious Firm and its growing Corporate Group,” Mr. Mike said. “I’m looking forward to working with such a skilled and knowledgeable group of attorneys in order to achieve our clients’ business needs and provide them value.”

Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Mike was an associate at a New York law firm where he specialized in complex corporate and M&A matters, including buy-side and sell-side transactions, financings, and restructurings.

Mr. Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts from Binghamton University and his Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Mr. Mike is admitted to practice in New York State.

While in law school, Mr. Mike served as an editor of the Journal of International Business and Law, a student tax attorney at Hofstra Law’s Federal Low Income Tax Clinic, and a legal intern for the New York State Homes and Community Renewal: Fair and Equitable Housing Office.

“Zach is a wonderful addition to our Corporate Group and his experience in M&A and general corporate transactions of all shapes and sizes enhances our ability to advise and serve our clients,” said Scott Handwerker, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Corporate Group.

For more information on the Firm call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — The law firm of Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP has announced that Jesse Frost has joined the Firm as Associate Attorney. He concentrates his practice in trusts and estates, counseling individuals and their families throughout the process of estate planning and estate administration.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Frost was an associate at a New York law firm where he specialized in the  areas of estate and tax planning and estate administration.

He is admitted to practice in New York State. He is also a Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association.

Mr. Frost earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stony Brook University and a Juris Doctor from Maurice  A. Deane School of Law.

While in law school, Mr. Frost served as a Notes Editor for the Journal of International Business and Law,  a judicial intern for the Honorable James M. Wicks in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a Student Practitioner for the Federal Tax Clinical Practicum at Hofstra University.

“I am thrilled to join the esteemed Estates and Trusts team at the Firm,” Mr. Frost said. “I look forward to  working alongside such a talented and experienced group to meet our clients’ increasingly complex  needs.”

“We’re very pleased that Jesse has joined our Firm,” said Jay Quartararo, Senior Partner, Twomey,  Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP. “He is a wonderful addition to our Estates and Trusts  Department. He clearly will further enhance our ability to advise and serve our clients.”

For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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*Photo of Mr. Frost is attached.

About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s  practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP has announced that Marina M. Martielli has joined the Firm as Special Counsel. She concentrates her practice in civil litigation, land use and zoning, divorce and family law, real estate and estate litigation.

Ms. Martielli has experience in a wide variety of general civil litigation, transactions and appeals. Her practice includes contracts, real estate transactions and litigation, matrimonial actions and Family Court matters and Surrogate’s Court practice.

She is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts, Southern and Eastern Districts. She is also a Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association.

Ms. Martielli earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) from Long Island University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland.

“I am pleased to become a part of this wonderful Firm,” Ms. Martielli said. “I look forward to making a contribution to the Firm, whether it’s navigating family law or real estate matters or litigation as the matter requires.”

“We are proud to welcome Marina to the Firm,” said John Shea, Senior Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP. “With her diversified experience and knowledge in litigation, divorce and family law, real estate and estate litigation, she will be an integral part of this Firm as we continue to grow our practice.”

For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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* Photo of Ms. Martielli is attached.

About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

Previously Served as Summer Associate in the Firm’s Trusts & Estates Department While Attending Law School

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP has announced that May Theobalt has joined the Firm as an Associate. Ms. Theobalt concentrates her practice in estate planning, probate and trust administration.

Ms. Theobalt previously worked at Twomey Latham as a Summer Associate with the Firm’s Trusts and Estates department while attending law school. In addition, she interned at two other general practice law firms where she gained experience in multiple practice areas, including litigation, real estate and commercial disputes.

She is admitted to practice in New York and is a Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.

Ms. Theobalt earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University. She also completed a Master of Science in Marketing Management at the University of Westminster in London, United Kingdom. She graduated cum laude from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University with Dean’s List honors.

“I am honored to join Twomey Latham,” Ms. Theobalt said. “I look to contribute to the Firm’s success and further develop its estate planning, probate and trust administration departments.”

“We’re very pleased that May has joined our Firm,” said John F. Shea, Senior Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP. “May is a wonderful addition to our Trusts and Estates Department.  She clearly will further enhance our ability to advise and serve our clients.”

For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP has announced that Martha F. Reichert has been elevated to the role of Partner with the Firm. She joined the Firm in 2020 as an Associate.

In addition to being Partner, Ms. Reichert is Co-Chair of the Firm’s Land Use and Zoning Group.  She has extensive experience in handling complex commercial and residential land use, zoning, environmental, and real estate matters on the North and South Forks.  She also handles civil litigation related to her practice area, including Article 78 challenges to administrative decisions and real property proceedings involving title, adverse possession and easement issues.

Prior to joining Twomey Latham, Ms. Reichert served as an Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Southampton, where she was Counsel to the Conservation Board and the Town Trustees.  Ms. Reichert is a Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association and the Vice President of the Montauk Historical Society.  She earned her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School and her Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) from Hunter College.

“I am honored to be made a Partner with the Firm,” Ms. Reichert said. “My new position will allow me to further develop the Firm’s zoning and land use practice.”

“We congratulate Martha on her Partnership with the Firm,” said John F. Shea, Senior Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP. “Because of her extensive experience and knowledge, she provides our clients with outstanding counsel and representation. She is a wonderful addition to our Partnership.”

For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — Changes to the Town of East Hampton’s town code regarding certificates of occupancy (CO) went to effect on January 1, 2024. The updated town code requires that an updated CO be obtained before the property is transferred to the seller.

 

While that may seem easy enough, there are still questions as to who is responsible for obtaining the CO, how long will it take to get one and when should the CO be produced during the real estate transaction. Christopher D. Kelley, Senior Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP, says all these issues need to be resolved before the transaction can take place.

 

“Even prior to the enactment of the various code provisions requiring an updated CO upon transfer, most South Fork law practitioners made it a habit of requesting, as a purchaser’s attorney, that the seller provide at, or prior to, closing an updated CO as part of the contract,” Mr. Kelley says. “The typical contract provision that requires an updated CO simultaneously requires the purchaser to provide and pay for an updated survey with which to obtain the updated CO.”

 

Mr. Kelley says, although the revised town code does not spell out who is responsible for the costs in updating the CO, the language suggests that responsibility falls on the seller. “This risk can be transferred to the seller by means of a contract provision that requires the seller to provide an updated CO at or prior to closing,” he says.

 

The form contract that is most widely used on eastern Long Island is a provision in the town code that requires the seller to provide a “valid and subsisting” CO covering all structures on the property. “This more often than not is modified by a rider paragraph either inserted by the seller or requested by the purchaser that requires the seller to produce an updated CO,” Mr. Kelley says.

 

He said this is a “best practice” for buyers’ attorneys since it’s considered rare for the seller to modify the property by building accessory units on the property, adding to the main residence or excessive clearing — all of which violate the CO. Other issues in obtaining a CO include finished basements, too many bedrooms inside the house and problems with the pool fence and alarm.

 

There are other problems in obtaining the CO, Mr. Kelley says. Between municipal staffing issues, scheduling an inspection and determining whether the structure passes inspection, and filling out paperwork, it can take four to six weeks to obtain the certificate. “The best practice for the seller to avoid this delay is to get an updated CO prior to listing the property.”

 

Mr. Kelley concentrates his practice in real estate and land use and zoning. He previously served on the East Hampton Town Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

 

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* Photo of Mr. Kelley is attached.

 

About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP has announced that Jessica Dubowski has joined the Firm as its new Associate. She has extensive experience in real estate, litigation, business, corporate, labor and employment law.

Prior to joining the Firm, Jessica was an Associate with Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, where she represented clients in a wide range of complex commercial disputes and government contract matters spanning the real estate and construction, financial and consulting industries. Her prior experience includes litigation and business consultation for small businesses, real estate associations, residential and commercial tenants and landlords in leasing and landlord-tenant matters, as well as litigation on behalf of homeowners in construction and development disputes.

Jessica also has a broad range of experience in the real estate sector, having worked as an Affiliated Real Estate Broker with Saunders & Associates and founded East Landing Development LLC, a real estate investment and development company, in Hampton Bays. She is currently working on the historic renovation of 11 Shinnecock Road in Hampton Bays.

She has served as a Clinic Student in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York and as a Judicial Intern with the Kings County Criminal Court. She has also prepared amicus curiae briefs for both the United States Supreme Court and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Jessica earned her Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law and is an active member of the New York City Bar Association. Prior to law school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University at Albany.

“I am excited to bring my unique experience as both a litigator and real estate broker and developer to Twomey Latham,” Jessica said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the real estate, employment and corporate departments to handle our clients’ business matters.”

“We are proud to welcome Jessica to the Firm,” said John F. Shea, Senior Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP. “She brings a great amount of knowledge and experience in real estate litigation, business, corporate, labor and employment law, which will truly make her an asset to the Firm.”

For more information, call Twomey Latham’s Riverhead office to schedule a consultation at (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

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(Photo by Alexandra Saland)

About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK — Christopher D. Kelley, Senior Partner, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP, has formed a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for local high school students preparing to go to college.

Mr. Kelley launched the East Hampton Level Playing Field Foundation (EHLPFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping rising juniors and seniors at East Hampton High School (EHHS) who need financial assistance for college counseling and standardized test preparation. EHLPFF also provides mentoring for students and advice for parents about the college application process and covers the costs of college visits.

Mr. Kelley, EHLPFF’s President and Founder, helped form the group after reading an article on two 2018 East Hampton graduates, Valedictorian Alexander “Nick” Sigua Pintado and Salutatorian Jonathan Gomez Barrientos, both of whom were immigrants whose families had very limited means.

“In the article, one of the students noted he was unable to pay for ACT/SAT coaching,” he said. “It occurred to us that, while we lavish so much scholarship money on graduating seniors to help defray college costs, there should be a role for assisting income-qualified students leading up to senior year, possibly beginning in sophomore year, to get into college.”

In August, EHLPFF awarded its first scholarships in the amounts of $3,000 to $10,000 to five EHHS rising juniors and seniors: Daniela Chavez, Judah D’Andrea, Rose Pillco, Jocelyn Prieto and Raymond Siguencia. “We wish to congratulate these students on being the first recipients of the EHLPFF scholarships,” Mr. Kelly said. “This will provide the needed financial assistance to those students looking to get into top-tier colleges.”

Donations may be sent to EHLPFF, 727 Accabonac Road, East Hampton, NY 11937. For students who wish to apply for a scholarship, or for more information, visit https://ehlpff.org. For more information on Twomey Latham, call (631) 727-2180 or visit www.suffolklaw.com.

 

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* Photo of Mr. Kelley is attached.

 

About Twomey Latham

Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP is a full-service law firm with five offices across Long Island. The firm’s practice areas include Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Insurance, Banking, Commercial Litigation, Taxation, Trademark and Copyright, Environmental Law, Real Estate Development and Transactions, Construction, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Personal Injury, Arts and Entertainment, Wills Trusts and Estates, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, and Not-For-Profit Law.