Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP, a regional law firm based in Orange County has announced the opening of an office in Monticello. The official start of their presence was January 19th in offices located at 540 Broadway.

The law firm started June 1, 1963 by Senior Partner, Gerald N. Jacobowitz now has eighteen attorneys and a support staff of 26 paralegals, assistants and secretarial staff. Managing Partner, Howard Protter, stated "We have evaluated the opportunities in Sullivan County and based on our existing clientele within the County and the optimistic prospects for the future, we believe committing resources of the firm to this new office is well justified." Senior Partner Gerald N. Jacobowitz expressed his confidence in Sullivan County's future, pointing to the many exciting development projects and activities which are taking place. "I have very fond memories of Sullivan County as a center for all types of charitable, sports and public service activities during the 1950's - 70's. Having been born in Ellenville, New York, where my father was born, there has been a historical and sentimental link to the Borscht belt which centered in Sullivan County. We see good times ahead for Sullivan County again and believe we can contribute to that effort."

Established in 1963 the law firm practices in wide areas of the law, divided into five teams with crossovers of attorneys who have multiple areas of interest. The firm prides itself in being able to provide a full range of legal services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profits and municipalities. The firm has achieved a significant reputation in areas of litigation including employment law, civil rights, personal injury, Federal Court practice and commercial disputes. The firm is very well regarded for its municipal law expertise by its representation of more than twenty municipalities in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Dutchess Counties.

"We are pleased to have our firm resources closer to our Sullivan County clients" stated Larry Wolinsky partner in charge of land use and environmental law for the firm. "We have appreciated working with land developments on the boards of various municipalities. The opportunities for Sullivan County have been substantially improved as a result of the focus of capital in the last few years."

"We see opportunities to provide our extensive land use and development experience to help improve and protect the scenic, recreation, tourist and quality of life assets of the community," he added. "Our firm has substantial depth in areas of taxation, asset protection, estate and business planning that will be available to service the business community, said Mark A. Krohn, the tax law partner in the firm who has a residence at Smallwood." "Despite promises over the years that the tax laws would be simplified, they are more complicated than ever. However, that also means there are legal opportunities for benefits for the well-planned business, protection and estate plans."

Robert E. DiNardo, partner in charge of litigation services sees the dual location of offices as an important service opportunity. "With the opportunity for Federal Court litigation in White Plains and debt-creditor matters in Poughkeepsie, we can provide aid and assistance to Sullivan County attorneys who represent clients with matters properly venued in those courts. We have a direct electronic link up with the bankruptcy court for filing and docket control purposes which really facilitates prompt and efficient filings and case administration" he explained. Senior partner Gerald Jacobowitz in explaining the reason for coming to Sullivan County said: "all of the marketing gurus say that the need to service existing clients is an important reason to consider extending a firm's law office location. We have been pleased over recent years to increase our clientele that is based or doing business in Sullivan County. We feel an obligation to undertake having an office that will support and expand that existing connection. Since partner, Donald Nichol resides at Wolf Lake as does senior paralegal, Penny Thelman and paralegal Ada Cole resides at Hurleyville, the firm already has a familiar presence in the County.

All in all we think the reasons and timing have come together. The firm has an internet web site the public is invited to visit at www.jacobowitz.com and can be reached by calling 845-791-1765.