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Biographies:
"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
"When I hired Ms. Berke to represent my son, his license was suspended because he had 15 outstanding traffic tickets pending in different courts. All of the tickets were resolved quickly and with our complete satisfaction. He has one more fine to pay on a reduced charge and will then be getting his license back. I really can't believe he will be driving again in no time. What a testament to her office."
Alice K. Berke, Esq.
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. P.C. Ms. Berke is admitted to the New York State Bar and the United States
District Court Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York.
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Alice K. Berke, Esq. has been the recipient of the following prestigious professional awards
and commendations:
*2008 Continuing Legal Education Lecturer, Lorman Education Services
*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
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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.
"Thank you very much for taking our case. I was very pleased with your professionalism , and your courtroom banter . I have full confidence in your ability as legal council for Sandy and myself . I know you have the necessary skills and knowledge to represent us to the utmost extent the law allows . And I truly do feel that you care about your clients with genuine sincerity . I believe that I couldn't have chosen or found a better lawyer to represent us . I know you will continue to represent us with our best interests at heart , and you will fight for us to the fullest extent possible . I want you to know that we will not let you or your firm down. Thanks again Billy!"
Sincerely Bob & Sandy Diffee"
"William Codd represented me in my family law matter this year. He is an exceptional attorney who showed compassion and understanding during a very stressful time in my life. When my case went to trial, Mr. Codd’s performance in the court room was remarkable. He made sure that my interests were protected and he presented the court with a clear and effective presentation of the facts. The entire time, Mr. Codd never lost sight of what was in my child’s best interest. Mr. Codd’s experience and knowledge of the law allowed him offer valuable information needed to give a unique perspective and ability to handle my case".
Tara E.
William C. Codd, Esq.
William C. Codd joins the firm after practicing in New York City and Dallas, Texas. After serving as an Administrative Law Judge for the New York City Board of Education while practicing in a family and personal litigation firm, he was recruited by The Beckham Group, one of the premier Commercial Litigation firms in Dallas. Mr. Codd practiced in the federal courts of both the Northern and Eastern Districts in Texas.
Prior to attending law school at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Mr. Codd had an illustrious career in New York politics. While he preferred to operate from behind the scenes where he managed dozens of political campaigns, The Staten Island Advance called Mr. Codd “one of Staten Island’s outstanding young people” and “the most exiting development in Staten Island politics in a long time.”
William C. Codd is most proud of conceiving of and helping to launch the world renowned Tunnel to Towers Run (tunneltotowersrun.org). The run takes place every September in honor of Billy’s best friend, fallen New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Stephen perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, leaving behind his wife and five children. The race raises money for the Let Us Do Good Foundation, which benefits burn centers and orphaned children throughout New York City.
Mr. Codd’s career has developed one special client at a time. His approach to the practice of law is one of compassion, integrity, and aggressive representation. His current areas of practice are commercial litigation, family law, personal injury, home foreclosure defense, and immigration. Billy (as he is known to most clients) recently returned to his home state of New York to live closer to family and friends. He is active in the St. Helen’s Church of Schenectady Social Justice Committee. He lives in Niskayuna with his wife of 17 years, Maureen, and their four children – Caroline, Grace, Brendan, and William.
Admitted
• New York
• Northern District of Texas
• Eastern District of Texas
Member
• New York State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
Community Involvement Founder
• Let Us Do Good Foundation Tunneltotowersrun.org
• Greenbelt Foundation of New York
• St. Helen's Social Justice Committee
M. Mark O’Higgins, Esq.
M. Mark O'Higgins, Esq. is admitted to practice law in New York and Massachusetts. A graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, Mark returned from Boston to his Albany roots. After spending most of his career with large companies like Forrester Research and Goldman Sachs, Mark is excited to bring his business experience to a smaller, more dynamic environment.
In his free time Mark enjoys reading, yoga, comedy and sports.
Renee Belanger, Legal Assistant
Ms. Belanger received her undergraduate degree in Law and Society from The Sage Colleges. She is currently continuing her education with her Masters in Forensic Mental Health from Sage Graduate School. Once she has completed her degree she plans to attend Albany Law School to obtain her Juris Doctor. Though Ms. Belanger is intrigued by all areas of the law, family law, contract law and animal rights interest her the most.
Ms. Belanger is very passionate about animals, and has a few of her own. She is an avid writer and likes to fill her free time with books, friends and the outdoors. Ms. Belanger has many interests, but helping the firm’s clients find justice is her top priority.
Erica Belanger, Receptionist
Barbara Sanchez, Parelegal Intern
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
Robert G.Berke, Esq., Of Counsel, for immigration issues
Andrew J. Salem, PhD, Consultant, for science, chemical and technology issues
Joseph L. Kay, Esq., Of Counsel, for trust, estate and probate issues
IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY
WHO IS COMPETENT,
TRUSTWORTHY AND AFFORDABLE!
