Law News Articles
Ballston Spa’s Donnellan Law welcomes new leader, with same dedication to putting clients first
(Ad) Attorney Sarah Wood moves to take the helm of Donnellan Law, PLLC from her mentor, Teresa Donnellan. Founded by Donnellan in 1997, the family law firm has helped many families navigate the bumpy road of divorce and family strife. “We have earned a great reputation with our colleagues and clients, and we intend to continue to maintain this reputation in the future,” Wood said.
Donnellan, a graduate of Albany Law School, commenced her law practice concentrating on the areas of family and matrimonial law nearly 30 years ago. Throughout the course of her career, Donnellan has mentored many attorneys. “Terry has created an incredible legacy,” Wood said. “Some of the people Terry has influenced have become Judges, Court Attorneys and hold other significant roles within the legal profession, in addition to our family law bar.”
“She’s really helped shape our community with everything she’s done since she’s been in practice,” Wood added.
Attorney John Kraigenow, acknowledged Donnellan’s impact on his career. “I had the opportunity to work with Terry Donnellan for several years earlier in my career. Terry was as gifted a teacher as she is an attorney. I learned invaluable lawyering skills from Terry. However, more importantly for me, Terry helped provide me with a different perspective as relates to the practice of family law. That perspective included the representation of children, which forever changed the course of my career, for which I could not be happier or more grateful to Terry. As she begins the next chapter of her life with her well-deserved retirement, Terry does so after having spent decades positively impacting the careers of numerous attorneys and the lives of numerous clients. Thank you, Terry and congratulations!”
Former Family Court Judge, Paul Pelagalli has worked with Donnellan for many years. “I have known Teresa Donnellan as a fellow attorney and as a Judge presiding over cases that she tried as an attorney and as an attorney for the child. Terry was a consummate professional, as well as a wonderful and compassionate person. She has clearly earned her retirement to be with her family. She will be missed in Court while she is cherished by her family.”
When asked about what this firm has meant to her, Donnellan said, “I’ve created a legacy. Donnellan Law is a business that can be passed on to the people that I’ve mentored and will be around to continue our shared vision of a woman owned and operated business that cares about helping our clients. Donnellan Law allows our attorneys to have both career and family without having to choose between the two.”
Wood said the transition in leadership has taken place in January. Wood is joined at firm with partners Katherine L. Mastaitis as well as Associate Attorney Caitlin Curtin.
Another aspect of Donnellan Law is that it is an all-women staffed practice, which offers a unique perspective for family law clients.
The attorneys at Donnellan Law know that divorce is a unique and individual experience and that although it is common, every divorce is different. The attorneys at Donnellan Law work with their clients to build a personal “legal roadmap,” which is specifically designed to address the client’s individual circumstances.
Wood also said that it is important to set clients up with realistic expectations of the possible outcomes versus just telling them what they want to hear. “Clients need to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. To do anything different is not fair to the client and it sets the family up for failure,” Wood said.
Wood said the firm mantra is to always put the client first. “I’m proud to continue the mindset of client-first advocacy. That is how law should be practiced,” she said.
Wood joined the firm in January 2013. Prior to practicing family law, her practice areas included personal injury work. Wood said in previous roles, it wasn’t always as clear as to whether she was helping people as it is in the practice of family law.
“With family law, there is an immediate issue that sometimes requires an immediate response and once relief is obtained, there is an immediate impact on the family unit. It is really amazing to be a part of that change for a family,” Wood said.
Wood credited her team at Donnellan Law for their contribution to the success of the firm. “Our office does a great job supporting one another. From staff to attorneys, we have a team mentality that inspires everyone to do their best. I truly feel honored to be a part of such a great work environment.”
Wood said that she intends to continue leading Donnellan Law with the vision that Teresa Donnellan founded the firm with.
“We want to still continue to represent our clients to the best of our abilities and to efficiently and effectively help them resolve their issues,” Wood said.
Services offered
Donnellan Law offers the following legal services:
- Collaborative Divorce
- Divorce Litigation
- Family Court disputes, including custody, child support and family offenses
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Mediation
- Legal Separation and Separation Agreements
Client feedback
“I’m glad that I found this law firm. Sarah and her team were amazing in helping us work through a complicated process. They were communicative, professional, knowledgeable, and fast. I would happily work with them again,” said Michael Wilk.
“I had a great experience with everyone I was in touch with at the firm. I had reached out to Sarah Wood to represent me during my divorce based on a recommendation from a friend. I will pass on that recommendation to anybody needing representation for their own divorce. Sarah is wonderful! She is so knowledgeable, kind, compassionate, easy to talk to and looks out for your best interest every step of the way,” said Heather C.
Donnellan Law is located at 658 Malta Avenue, Ballston Spa, New York. For more information, visit https://www.dlawfirmny.com/ or call 518-602-3820.
Senior Litigation Associate, Katherine L. Mastaitis, Esq., Lends Experience To Mock Trial
Katherine L. Mastaitis, Senior Litigation Associate at DONNELLAN LAW, PLLC recently participated as the Attorney for the Child during a Continuing Legal Education simulated trial presented by the New York State Bar Association. This program will be available online through the New York State Bar Association as a practical guide for other attorneys.
Attorney Mastaitis has extensive experience representing children since commencing her legal career with Children’s Services Legal Division in the Bronx in 2005. Prior to joining DONNELLAN LAW, PLLC, Attorney Mastaitis was an attorney at Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. She currently serves as an Attorney for the Child in Saratoga and Warren Counties.
Attorney Mastaitis practices family and matrimonial law and represents her clients zealously both in and out of the courtroom. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Saratoga County Bar Association, and also serves on the Board of Directors at the Capital District Child Care Council.
DONNELLAN LAW, PLLC. is a full service matrimonial and family law firm located in Ballston Spa, New York. The attorneys at DONNELLAN LAW, PLLC. are well equipped to answer all of your matrimonial and family law related questions. For a confidential consultation, please call 518-602-3820
Sarah Wood Named Director Of Marketing For Collaborative Divorce Group
Attorney Sarah I. Wood of Donnellan Law, PLLC has been elected as the director of marketing for the Collaborative Divorce Association of the Capital District. In her role, she will promote awareness of the organization as well as the process of collaborative divorce.
Collaborative divorce is a form of “alternative dispute resolution” whereby couples agree to resolve their divorce matter outside of court. There is no trial and the couple works with a team of professionals to plan their divorce. Each party must retain a collaboratively trained attorney to represent them. In addition, one or two mental health professionals are retained to act as a coach to the parties as well as a financial neutral to resolve the financial aspects of the marriage.
Together, the team meets and problem solves all issues of the divorce allowing the parties to decide every aspect in their divorce. Each family is unique and no one family does things exactly like another.
Wood is collaboratively trained and able to represent couples seeking to use this form of alternative dispute resolution.
Kathleen A. Nielson, Esq. Inducted As President Of Adirondack Women’s Bar Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The matrimonial and family law firm of Donnellan Law, PLLC is pleased to announce that Kathleen A. Nielson, Esq. has been inducted as President of the Adirondack Women’s Bar Association. She previously served as AWBA Vice President. Attorney Nielson is an Associate Attorney with Donnellan Law, PLLC.
Attorney Nielson graduated from Albany Law School in May 2014 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in January, 2015. Ms. Nielson has worked for Donnellan Law, PLLC since March 2013 when she began as a Law Clerk. While at Albany Law School, she had the opportunity to intern at the Seneca County Courthouse and the Office of Children and Family Services in the Childcare Bureau. Ms. Nielson received her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Political Science from Syracuse University in 2011.
Attorney Nielson practices family and matrimonial law and is also a member of the New York State Bar Association.
Donnellan Law, PLLC is a full service matrimonial and family law firm located in Ballston Spa, New York. The attorneys at Donnellan Law, PLLC are well equipped to answer all of your matrimonial and family law related questions. For a confidential initial consultation, please call 518-602-3820