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Class notes submitted between September 2025 – Present
1950-1959
Sanford R. Shapiro L’58 passes away
Sanford Robert Shapiro, Esq. passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 12, 2025. He was 92 years old.
Sandy loved the law, and he practiced it with tireless passion for over 65 years. He was a founding partner at Shapiro, Rosenbaum, Liebschutz & Nelson, LLP, concentrating on civil litigation and appeals, and more recently Of Counsel at Boylan Code LLP and at Forsythe, Howe, O’Dwyer, Kalb & Murphy PC.
Sandy was married to the love of his life, Miriam Shapiro, for 63 years. They had 4 children, Heller An (Daniel Neal), Evan (Steve Count), Douglas T. (Melanie Holcomb), and Orrin T. (deceased). Sandy loved and was beloved by his 7 grandchildren, Amelia Holcomb (Evan Palmer), Sophie Shapiro, Ida Holcomb, Eleanor Neal, Alex Neal (Avani Patel) and Isabel and Liel Count. After caring for Miriam until her death in 2022, Sandy was lovingly cared for by aides Temu, Heru, Safiya, and Jana. Click the link below for the full obituary: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/obituaries/pnys1304542
1960-1969
1970-1979
M. David Lacher L’77 completed three years as President of New Rochelle Bar Association
David Lacher L’77 completed three years as President of the New Rochelle (Westchester County) Bar Association on September 10, 2025. He will continue to serve on the Board and Executive Committee of the Association in the capacity of Immediate Past President. He also will continue to administer the Association’s New York State Bar-recognized Lawyer in the Classroom program which annually provides four hours of substantive teaching and learning on the US Constitution in every 5th grade classroom in the New Rochelle public schools.
1980-1989
Daniel B. Berman L’82 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Daniel B. Berman L’82 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for2026. Mr. Berman is a partner in the Firm’s Litigation Practice, with more than 40 years of experience litigating cases throughout New York State. His practice is focused on the litigation and resolution of business and professional disputes for clients ranging from global banking institutions to individuals operating local small businesses.
Alan J. Pierce L’84 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Alan J. Pierce L’84 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026 and “Lawyer of the Year” in the Syracuse, New York metropolitan area for Appellate Practice. He is a partner in the Litigation Practice and Leader of the Appellate Practice. He has more than 30 years of litigation experience, concentrating on appellate practice, insurance coverage, defamation and civil and commercial litigation.
Thomas J. Murphy G’74, G’75, L’86 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Thomas J. Murphy has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026. Mr. Murphy is a partner in the Firm’s Litigation, Labor & Employment and Municipal & Public Entities practices.
Timothy P. Murphy L’89 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Timothy P. Murphy has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026 and “Lawyer of the Year” in the Syracuse, New York metropolitan area for Litigation Insurance. Mr. Murphy is the Firm’s Managing Partner and a member of the Executive Committee. He has over 30 years of experience representing clients in product liability, motor vehicle, construction accident, medical malpractice, negligence, premises liability, toxic tort, and commercial cases in State and Federal Court. Mr. Murphy is regularly retained to serve as a mediator in Syracuse and throughout Upstate New York.
1990-1999
John P. Sidd G’91, L’91 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that John P. Sidd G’91, L’91 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026. Mr. Sidd is a partner in the Firm’s Corporate and Real Estate Practices. Mr. Sidd concentrates his practice on business law, commercial real estate, and economic development matters.
John G. Powers G’96, L’96 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that John G. Powers G’96, L’96 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026 and “Lawyer of the Year” in the Syracuse, New York metropolitan area for Product Liability Litigation. Mr. Powers is a partner in the Litigation Department and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He routinely appears in federal and state courts, as well as arbitration, on complicated civil matters to advocate for the interests and causes of his clients, which include municipalities, business corporations, universities and individuals.
Laura H. Harshbarger L’97 recognized in the 2025 New York Super Lawyers Upstate Edition
Bond, Schoeneck & King is pleased to announce that Laura H. Harshbarger L’97, chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment practice, has been recognized in the 2025 New York Super Lawyers Upstate Edition in the category of Top 25 Women.
Joseph T. Mancuso ’88, L’97 selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026 and “Lawyer of the Year”
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Joseph T. Mancuso ’88, L’97 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026 and “Lawyer of the Year” in the Syracuse, New York metropolitan area for Banking and Finance Law. Mr. Mancuso is a partner in the Banking & Finance and Corporate Practices. He is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Mr. Mancuso represents clients on matters involving business formations, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, commercial transactions, and other general corporate matters.
Aresh Homayoun L’98 joins Troutman Pepper Locke
Aresh Homayoun L’98 has joined Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group as a partner in the Washington, D.C., office. Homayoun brings more than 20 years of experience in U.S. federal income tax law with a core focus on real estate investment trusts (REITs) structuring, real estate fund formation, and joint ventures.
Homayoun joins Troutman Pepper Locke from Morris, Manning & Martin, where he served as a tax and real estate capital markets partner for nearly a decade. His experience includes managing federal income tax matters for significant transactions for businesses, with a particular emphasis on REITs, Delaware Statutory Trusts, corporate taxation, and flow-through entities. Homayoun represents a diverse array of clients, including public and private REITs, investment sponsors, and institutional investors, guiding them through complex tax landscapes and multibillion-dollar transactions.
2000-2009
Hon. Danielle M. Fogel L’04 to receive award
The Honorable Danielle M. Fogel L’04, New York State Supreme Court Justice, is this year’s Karen DeCrow Honoree. Judge Fogel will receive the award at the CNYWBA’s 43rd annual judicial reception on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.
Mary C. King L’04 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Mary C. King L’04 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026. Ms. King is a partner in the Trusts & Estates, Elder Law & Special Needs, Tax, Corporate, and Family Business Succession Planning Practices. She focuses her New York and Florida practices in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, estate and gift taxation, elder law, guardianships, special needs planning, corporate formations, and acquisitions and sales. Ms. King is also Chair of the Business Development Committee.
Christopher J. Hartman L’09 joins Harris Beach Murtha as Senior Counsel
Harris Beach Murtha announced today that Senior Counsel Christopher J. Hartman L’09 has joined the firm and the Trusts and Estates and Tax practice groups. Christopher, who works in the firm’s Albany office, is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida and works with clients who spend time in both states. He is a Syracuse University College of Law graduate.
Christopher combines his legal and accounting experience to provide Trusts and Estates clients a comprehensive suite of private wealth, estate planning and tax services. His experience with lifetime planning with respect to asset accumulation, estate and gift tax planning and the administration of estates and trusts for high net-worth clients adds to the firm’s deep bench of Trusts and Estates attorneys.
2010-2019
Jaime J. Hunsicker L’11 selected for The Best Lawyers in America for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Jaime J. Hunsicker L’11 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2026. Ms. Hunsicker is a partner in the Elder Law & Special Needs, Tax, Family Business Succession Planning and Trusts & Estates Practices. Ms. Hunsicker counsels and assists clients with a wide range of estate planning matters including wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable asset preservation trusts, supplemental needs trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies and living wills.
Edwin A. Maldonado L’16 joins LIHBA Board of Directors
Edwin Maldonado L’16, an associate at Rivkin Radler, has been elected to the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) Board of Directors, where he will serve a one-year term. He joins a distinguished group of incoming board members, including Hon. Veronica Renta Irwin, Justice of the Nassau County District Court; Cynthia Vargas of Cynthia S. Vargas, Esq.; Margaret Carlo of The Law Office of Margaret Carlo, P.C.; Karin Lemon of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; and Julissa Collado, Principal Law Clerk to the Hon. Natacha Carbajal-Evangelista.
Edwin has been an active member of LIHBA for the past three years. He will play a key role in the management of the association, raising funds for scholarships, sponsoring and facilitating association events/programs, and advancing the goals and mission of the Bar Association.
“I am honored to join the LIHBA Board of Directors and look forward to working alongside a dedicated group of professionals,” Edwin said.
He focuses his practice on insurance fraud defense and no-fault insurance matters. Before joining Rivkin Radler, Edwin served Nassau County as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Vehicular Crimes Bureau of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled all of the phases of criminal prosecution including vehicular homicide investigations, grand jury presentments, pre-trial evidentiary hearings, and trials.
LIHBA is a professional organization founded in 2001 to promote the advancement of Hispanic attorneys and the Hispanic community on Long Island.
Emily A. Middlebrook L’17 selected for The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Emily A. Middlebrook L’17 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for 2026. Ms. Middlebrook is a partner in the Labor & Employment, Municipal & Public Entities, Education and Nonprofit practice areas. Ms. Middlebrook is a management-side labor and employer lawyer who represents private and public sector employers. She counsels employers on issues such as wage and hour compliance, leave obligations under state and federal law, addressing discrimination and harassment issues in the workplace and compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations.
S. Alexander Berlucchi L’18 selected for The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for 2026
Hancock Estabrook, LLP is proud to announce that Alexander Berlucchi L’18 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for 2026. Mr. Berlucchi is an associate in the Firm’s corporate and healthcare practices. He focuses on assisting clients with matters related to healthcare law, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and labor law issues.
Matthew W. Wallace G’19, L’19 recognized as Top 40 Young Lawyers under 40
Matthew W. Wallace G’19, L’19 has been recognized this year as part of the American Bar Association’s 2025 Top 40 Young Lawyers under 40. Wallace is an associate with Clyde & Co. He acts as regulatory, transactional, and commercial counsel to transportation sector clients, including domestic and international airlines, aerospace companies, airport developers, private aviation stakeholders, lenders/lessors, investors, insurers, technology companies, and other aerospace-adjacent organizations. In this role, he also counsels clients on risk mitigation, compliance with regulatory and reporting obligations, emergency management, quality control, and safety programs.
As an experienced investigative attorney and litigator, with dozens of jury trials taken to verdict, Matt advises on internal and external investigations, audits, and major enforcement actions. Known for his strategic and results-driven approach, Matt combines meticulous preparation with a compelling courtroom presence to advocate for clients before state, federal, military, and international courts.
Prior to joining the firm, Matt was a Special Prosecutor for the US Army’s Office of Special Trial Counsel, where he also continues to serve as a Captain in the US Army Reserve. Prior to that, he served as a Summer Associate with a large international airline.
2020-2029
Conor M. Bowers L’21 joins Butzel
TROY, Mich. – Corporate, taxation and estate planning attorney Conor M. Bowers, recently joined Butzel as an associate in the firm’s Troy office.
Bowers is a trusted advisor to businesses and individual clients. He is known for his ability to translate intricate tax rules into practical strategies that help clients achieve their goals – whether that means structuring a sophisticated transaction, business planning, or navigating a high-stakes tax controversy.
Before joining Butzel, Bowers built a well-rounded foundation in law and accounting. He served as a business associate at a Michigan-based business law firm, where he worked extensively on business, taxation, and estate planning matters. He also gained national perspective as a tax consultant with a Big Four accounting firm, advising clients on federal tax issues and credit and incentive programs.
Earlier in his career, Bowers clerked for the Honorable Mark Cimino of the Tax Court of New Jersey, managing state and local tax disputes. With this blend of private practice, accounting, and government experience, Bowers brings clients a 360-degree view of taxation and the practical insight to solve their most pressing challenges.
He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Taxation and Young Lawyers Sections.
Bowers earned an L.L.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University; a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, and a B.S. in Finance from Oakland University.
Dwij A. Patel L’21 joins Sidrane & Schwartz-Sidrane, Perinbasekar & Littman, LLP
Dwij A. Patel L’21 is pleased to announce he has joined Sidrane & Schwartz-Sidrane, Perinbasekar & Littman, LLP as an Associate Attorney. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington. He then earned his J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law, where he served as a student law clerk in the Bankruptcy Law Clinic, as Executive Editor of the Journal of Science and Technology, and as President of the South Asian Law Student Association.
Dwij is a housing court litigator and represents owners in New York State court as well as before various agencies including the DHCR.
Amanda B. Drantch L’23 joins Goldberg Segalla
Goldberg Segalla added Amanda B. Drantch L’23 to the firm’s Employment and Labor practice group in Manhattan.
Drantch counsels and defends employers and management in labor and employment disputes, including claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower issues and wage-and-hour disputes. She supports clients through all phases of litigation, from pre-suit negotiations to final resolution, and draws upon experience in motion practice and courtroom advocacy from her work in insurance defense. While earning her J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law, Drantch gained hands-on experience as a summer associate at an Am Law 200 firm, contributing to employment law and commercial litigation matters.
Joseph D. Creager L’25 joins McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office
Joe Creager L’25 is pleased to share that he has joined the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State’s Attorney.