Press ReleaseContinuing to execute on the firm’s strategic growth plans, New York-based Farrell Fritz has added nine lawyers in the first half of 2024. Additions include a partner in the fast-growing Trusts & Estates practice, as well as four counsel and four associates across the diverse regional practice.
“Adding high caliber attorneys across a range of practice groups reflects our commitment to Farrell Fritz’s growth plans as a firm,” said Robert C. Creighton, the firm’s managing partner. “As we continue to build the firm as a resource for middle market companies, their founders, and wealthy families, bringing top entrepreneurial talent to the firm is a priority as we look to the future.”
Ira W. Zlotnick joined the firm as a Partner in the Trusts & Estates practice group, based in the New York City office.
Maria Lianos Johnson (Estate Litigation – Uniondale), Adam P. Margulies (Tax – Uniondale), and Kira L. Polner (Trusts & Estates – Uniondale) all joined the firm as Counsel. John C. Stellakis (Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate – Hauppauge), rejoined the firm as Counsel.
Mehreen Ahmed (Corporate, ECVC – Uniondale), Christina R. Kort (Corporate – Uniondale) and A.J. Swartwood (Corporate, ECVC – New York City) all joined the firm as Associates. Viktoriya Liberchuk (Commercial Litigation, Business Divorce – Uniondale) also rejoined the firm as an Associate.
Ira W. Zlotnick is a partner in the trusts and estates group, advising high-net-worth individuals and families on all aspects of estate planning, asset protection, and estate and trust administration. Prior to joining the firm, Ira was a partner in a New York City-based middle market law firm.
Maria Lianos Johnson is an accomplished trusts and estates attorney with extensive experience in estate administration, litigation, and planning. Maria handles contested wills, contested accounting, probate and administration proceedings, settlement matters, and is also qualified to serve as Guardian Ad Litem in Surrogate’s Court proceedings. Prior to joining the firm, Maria practiced at a boutique T&E law firm.
Adam P. Margulies brings significant tax law experience advising clients on domestic and international tax matters. He specializes in corporate and partnership taxation, including tax planning, research, advisory services, transaction structuring, tax diligence, restructurings, and modeling. Adam has significant experience conducting both buy- and sell-side tax due diligence. Working alongside clients and their advisors, Adam helps to effectively structure deals to mitigate tax risks and ensure post-deal integration, reporting and compliance. Prior to joining the firm, Adam practiced in New York City at a Big Four accounting, tax and consulting firm.
Kira L. Polner, a trusts and estates attorney, concentrates her practice in estate and trust administration and estate planning. Kira administers estates of all values, including many with assets exceeding $100 million. During the estate administration process, Kira works with Executors, Trustees and financial advisors to marshal decedents’ assets and prepare and file estate tax returns, all while maximizing tax benefits to the estate and minimizing estate taxes. Prior to joining the firm, Kira was Counsel at a New York City based middle market firm.
John C. Stellakis is an experienced land use attorney handling zoning applications, municipal matters, litigation, and environmental cases, as well as commercial and residential real estate transactions. John works closely with owners, applicants, engineers, and architects to prepare, coordinate, and present entitlement applications, and navigates complex environmental review frameworks. He counsels municipalities in drafting, enacting, implementing, and applying local laws, hearing and considering applications, and complying with other applicable laws and regulations. Prior to rejoining the firm, John practiced at a middle market regional law firm.
Mehreen Ahmed is a corporate lawyer representing middle market companies in mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions both domestically and internationally. Her experience includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating corporate agreements involving mergers and acquisitions, stock purchases, confidentiality, business operations, shareholder consent, and more. Mehreen also facilitates private equity deals by handling due diligence, documentation, and communication to ensure clients experience smooth transactions. Prior to joining the firm, Mehreen was a corporate associate in the New York City office of a global law firm.
Christina Kort is a first-year associate at the firm, supporting the firm’s representation of both public and private companies. Christina supports firm clients across all aspects of their businesses, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions and corporate governance matters. She plays a vital role in the due diligence process of prominent transactions, conducts research into relevant laws and regulations, and prepares corporate governance documents.
Viktoriya Liberchuk is returning to Farrell Fritz as an associate in the firm’s commercial litigation practice group. She is a commercial litigator who represents individuals and businesses in state and federal court, Viktoriya’s practice also involves litigating commercial insurance coverage matters, as well as business divorce cases. Prior to rejoining the firm, Viktoriya worked at a New York-area boutique litigation firm.
A.J. Swartwood is a corporate attorney representing middle-market companies in mergers and acquisitions, buyouts, public and private securities offerings, and general corporate and securities law matters. He has worked on financial transactions both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining the firm, A.J. was a corporate associate in both the New York City office of a large global law firm and a large regional law firm.
Farrell Fritz is a regional middle market law firm with offices in New York City, Albany, and Long Island.
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