Home: Biographies

Biographies:

Alice K. Berke, Esq

"Alice is one of the most aggressive and effective attorneys I've ever met.  We had our first face off in a Watervliet courtroom five years ago, and it's one I won't forget.  She is unafraid to request or make any demands for her client and I respect her for that."

David M. Freedman
Assistant District Attorney
and colleague

Alice K. Berke graduated from an accelerated program at St. John's University School of Law in Jamaica, Queens in 1986 and began practicing law at the young age of 22. She worked for the New York City Department of Investigation, investigating and assisting in the prosecution of fraud and corruption in New York City government before discovering her love of private practice. Since 1989 she has owned and operated the Law Offices of Alice K. Berke. Ms. Berke is admitted to the New York State Bar and the United States District Court Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York.

 

Alice K. Berke, Esq. has been the recipient of the following prestigious professional awards and commendations: *2007 Continuing Legal Education Lecturer, Sterling Education Services, Inc. *2002 Capital District Business Review "40 Under Forty" Award for making a difference in business and the community *1994 Albany Council on Business Development "Entrepreneurial Spirit" Award (1st ever) Member *1991 Cazenovia College "Distinguished Young Alumni" Award for success and accomplishment in a young career

In addition to practicing law, Ms. Berke is a commercial and residential real estate investor and has assisted in the development of barrier-free housing. She is an Advisory Board member of the Capital District Association of Rental Property Owners ("CDARPO"). Her "Alice in Legaland" question and answer column provides legal advice to landlords and is a regular feature in the organization's newsletter. She has also dispensed legal advice under the same name on WGNA and provided legal commentaries on high profile trials for WROW.

Throughout her career, Alice K. Berke has been active in community and civic affairs, serving on the Boards of Directors of health, criminal rehabilitation and real estate organizations; and testifying for legislative committees promoting health care reform. In 1995, she completed the "Citizen's Police Academy" program. Ms. Berke has taught a large variety of legal subjects at colleges and at public and private events, to lay persons, undergraduates, graduate students and attorneys.  She has also received a number of selected judicial appointments to act on behalf of Judges.

As a licensed Fresh Air Fund, and Albany County Foster and Adoptive Parent, Ms. Berke has experienced the Family Court as a litigant as well as an attorney.  Alice spends her free time enjoying activities with her two young children and writing poetry.  In the year 2000, she won second place in "The Haiku Challenge" a national poetry contest sponsored by Pacific Echo champagne.  The Judges included Michael Stipe of the REM musical group.  The three line poem was written when her infant son laughed his first laugh:

joy of your laughter
echoes through me all day long
like champagne showers.

Frederick P. Korkosz, Esq.

"Fred was always available and willing to go out of his way to help. He was always focused and consistently processed our requests promptly and cheerfully… he had a way of making us feel as though we were his “only client” regardless of how busy he really was."

"In terms of legal skills, Fred’s extensive experience with immigration and citizenship issues enabled him to process immigration applications with consistent accuracy and timeliness... the turnaround time for our H1 approvals was second to none."

Maria Loman
Former Office Manager
GCOM Software, Inc.

"Fred Korkosz is a professional practitioner with intricate knowledge of immigration law, He has exceptional articulation and problem solving skills for presenting and resolving complex immigration cases with ease and confidence."

"He is also a musician with a great sense of humor."

S Kapalli and V Kapalli
Knowledgebuilders Inc.

Frederick P. Korkosz is know affectionately to many of his clients as "Mr. Fred".  He graduated from Western New England College School of Law, in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1987.  After admission to the Bar, Mr. Korkosz was employed with prominent immigration law firms until establishing his own general practice law firm in 1991.  In February, 2003, he joined the Law Offices of Alice K. Berke.  Mr. Korkosz is admitted to practice in the New York State Bar, the United States District Court, Northern District of New York and the United States Court of Appeals, 2nd, 6th and 7th Circuits.  He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Frederick P. Korkosz has been the recognized by the legal community for the following accomplishments: *2007 Continuing Legal Education Lecturer, New York State Bar Association, Sterling Education Services, Inc. and others *2005 Nominating Committee, Upstate New York Chapter, American Immigration Lawyers Association *2000 Contributing Author, New York State Bar Association Handbook on Limited Liability Corporations *2000 "Distinguished Service" Award, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York

Mr. Korkosz has been a member of the Board of Advisors of Regional Christian Affiliated Ministries and the Board of Ephesian House.  He has frequently appeared on local television and radio shows to provide legal and political commentary.  Fred Korkosz is the epitome of what the legal profession calls a "lawyers' lawyer", with other attorneys calling him daily for his sage advice in immigration law and other areas.  He has been teaching law courses to other attorneys in those same subjects since the year 2000.

Musically talented, Mr. Korkosz plays keyboard, bass and lead guitar in several local bands.  In his office, Mr. Korkosz displays his treasured collection of antique model trains.  Over the years, this collection serves to remind us and all who view it of "The Little Engine That Could", inspiring confidence in the great abilities of a small, but stronghearted firm.

Jonathan R. Pearson, Esq.

"They know that without you (Jonathan) they would not have won the case. Gina also said that the school teacher, principal, psychologist, etc involved in the case were very impressed with you."

Bernadette Connolly
Attorney

Jonathan R. Pearson graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law, in Santa Clara, California in 2006, with Honors. Subsequent to graduating with his B.A. from The University of Minnesota, he attended China University of Political Science & Law. Mr. Pearson practices immigration and other areas of law. He has made compassion, integrity and competence the founding principles of his career. This is demonstrated by his empathy for, devotion to and forthrightness with his clients. His competence is demonstrated by the superior research and writing skills that result in expertly crafted legal briefs.

Jonathan R. Pearson has received the following academic recognitions: *Emery Scholarship for three academic years of law school *Law Faculty Scholarship, May 2006 *Certificate of Excellence in Legal Research & Writing *Performed intensive survey of the law of the People’s Republic of China

This attorney’s unique research abilities allow him to anticipate and skillfully address unexpected situations that may arise during the course of his representation. Jonathan clearly relishes, and often succeeds at, uphill battles. His pen is truly his sword, used to protect and defend the rights of his clients.

Barbara J. Murphy and Kyle E. Mesiti

This first rate tag team of legal assistants splits the forty hour work week.  Each has a great deal of experience in the intake of new clients, traffic matters, and the maintenance of the existing files.  These two staff members are the glue that holds our office together and serve as effective liaisons between us and our clients.  Upon entering our office, one of their two faces will most likely be the first friendly face you see.  If you have a scheduled appointment, your arrival will be announced to the appropriate attorney.  If not, you will be assisted in making one.  In the meantime, you will almost certainly find you have something in common with either Barb or Kyle who are both deeply rooted in and connected to the Capital District.

Of Counsel to Us

Sidney W. Berke, Esq., Of Counsel, Retired Director of Administration Adjudication for the Department of Motor Vehicles Of New York State

Joseph L. Kay, Esq., Of Counsel, for trust, estate and probate issues

Andrew J. Salem, PhD, Consultant, for science, chemical and technology issues

IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY
WHO IS COMPETENT,
TRUSTWORTHY AND AFFORDABLE!